Old Time Buffet in Oklahoma City: Chinese-American Buffet with Lunch Pricing Under $10

Old Time Buffet is a Chinese-American lunch and dinner buffet on the south side of Oklahoma City, serving cooked-to-order dishes alongside a heated line of standards like fried rice, lo mein, and egg rolls. It operates as a traditional all-you-can-eat model with table service, aimed at families and office groups seeking quick, affordable meals rather than high-end cooking.

What Old Time Buffet Actually Is

Old Time Buffet runs a straightforward format: diners order drinks at the counter, then access an open buffet line stocked with hot entrées, fried items, and prepared sides. The kitchen also handles custom orders for dishes not on the main line. The operation is modest in scale, with modest dining room seating and no separate private space, making it a neighborhood spot rather than a destination venue. It sits in the middle tier of Oklahoma City's Chinese buffet options, offering standard Americanized Chinese cooking without upscale presentation or house specialties that define higher-end Chinese restaurants.

Menu and Pricing

Lunch buffet pricing sits under $10 per person (typically around $8–$9), while dinner buffet rates run higher, usually in the $11–$13 range. Prices fluctuate seasonally and should be confirmed by calling ahead. The buffet line includes fried chicken wings, egg rolls, spring rolls, fried rice (white and fried), lo mein, General Tso's chicken, sweet and sour pork, broccoli beef, and rotating hot items. Sushi is not offered. Beverages are ordered separately at the counter and cost extra. The kitchen accepts requests for off-menu or modified dishes if ingredients permit. Children under a certain age (confirm current policy) may eat at reduced rates or free, depending on the day and promotion.

How Old Time Buffet Compares to Other Oklahoma City Buffets

Old Time Buffet's lunch pricing undercuts most full-service Chinese buffets in Oklahoma City. Panda Express offers lower prices but limits you to counter ordering with no buffet line and significantly smaller portions. Dragon Star, another buffet option on the north side, prices similarly but draws crowds during lunch hours and offers a wider sushi selection if that matters to your group. If you want a sit-down buffet experience at a rock-bottom price, Old Time Buffet is the faster, quieter choice during off-peak hours. If sushi or specialty Sichuan dishes are your priority, look elsewhere.

Who This Place Suits and Who It Does Not

Old Time Buffet works best for families with young children eating during lunch, office groups on a budget, and anyone craving casual fried Chinese-American food without ceremony. It does not suit vegetarians well (the vegetable options are limited and often cooked with meat stock or mixed in shared woks). It is not appropriate for dietary restrictions beyond standard allergies; cross-contamination is likely given the buffet format and shared cooking surfaces. Those seeking authentic Chinese regional cuisine or gluten-free options should dine elsewhere.

What the First Visit Involves

Walk in, give your party size to the host, and you'll be seated. A server brings water and menus showing drink options. Order beverages at the counter or flag down your server. Get up and load your plate from the buffet line as many times as you want. Pace yourself; portions are generous. Most first-timers spend 45 minutes to an hour at the table. Expect a casual, unrushed environment with other families and groups at neighboring tables. Cash and card are accepted, though payment practices can vary; ask at the counter.

Hours, Parking, and Logistics

Old Time Buffet operates for lunch and dinner daily, typically opening at 11 a.m. or noon and closing by 9 or 10 p.m.; verify current hours by phone before visiting, as these shift seasonally. Parking is available in a shared lot or directly in front, usually with no shortage. The location is accessible by car but not walkable from most neighborhoods. Public transit connections are limited. The dining room accommodates groups up to around 12 without reservation, though calling ahead for larger parties is courteous. Carryout is available; bags are packed quickly.

Old Time Buffet fills a specific need in Oklahoma City's casual dining landscape: cheap, fast, eat-as-much-as-you-want lunch in a no-fuss setting. For that use case, it delivers reliably.