Some people drive an hour for a concert or a ball game. In Woodbury, a lot of people drive that far for dinner, and they come home talking about lobster, crab legs, and a crepe made just for them.
This east metro spot is a buffet, but it does not act like the tired steam-table kind you might remember from childhood. It leans hard into seafood, adds a sushi bar, a hibachi grill, a noodle station, and a dessert corner big enough to need its own map.
Drinks like boba tea are part of the deal, and there is no tipping at the end. Food-focused day-trippers, keep reading to learn when to go, what it costs, and how to beat the line.
A Woodbury Address Worth the Mileage
Every great road trip needs a destination pin, and this one lands at Feast Buffet & Banquet, 1690 Woodlane Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125, in the United States.
Woodbury sits on the east side of the Twin Cities metro in Minnesota. That makes the trip easy for anyone coming from St. Paul, Minneapolis, or the western Wisconsin border.
The restaurant is listed as a buffet, but the name hints at a second job. It also works as a banquet hall, built for parties and big gatherings, including weddings.
Some guests describe it as the biggest Asian restaurant and banquet in the Minnesota area. Whether or not you measure it with a tape, the scale is part of the appeal.
Diners have mentioned driving a full hour to get here and calling the trip well worth it. For food-focused day-trippers, that kind of payoff is exactly the point.
The parking lot is big and free, with easy access from the main road. No circling the block, no meter math, just park and head inside.
So the address is set, the lot is ready, and the plates are waiting. The real question is what exactly sits on the other side of the doors.
The Newcomer That Shook Up Buffet Expectations
Not long ago, this place was the new kid in town, and word spread fast. Many locals held off at first because they heard the wait was long no matter when they showed up.
The goal from the start was clear. The team has said it wants to offer a buffet experience that is a step above the traditional buffet.
That idea shows up across the menu. Alongside familiar items, the restaurant highlights teppanyaki stations, stir-fried lobster, Cajun seafood, fresh oysters, and an open sushi and sashimi station.
Plenty of diners agree it is not a typical buffet. Several call the food quality well above the average Asian buffet.
Not every opinion is a rave, and that is fair. A few seasoned buffet fans feel some basics, like fried rice and simple soups, could use more attention.
Still, the overall picture leans positive. Many people who came in curious left planning a second visit, and some are already on visit number two or three.
A restaurant that sparks this much talk usually has something going on. Next up is the part that gets the most attention of all, the seafood.
Lobster, Crab, and a Seafood Parade
Lobster is the headliner, and the buzz backs it up. It is one of the most talked-about items here, served in more than one style.
Guests mention fried lobster, stir-fried lobster, and lobster tail. Teppanyaki lobster also shows up in the lineup.
The crab legs draw a crowd too. Then the list keeps going with crayfish, steamed oysters, snails, clams, shrimp, and several types of squid.
Styles range from Cajun to Chinese, so the same trip can cover very different moods. A steamed fish dish also gets praise for tasting fresh.
Many diners call it a seafood lover’s dream. That description fits a buffet where shellfish takes up so much of the floor plan.
One honest note helps set expectations. If your plate is mostly rice and noodles, the higher price may not feel like the best value.
For anyone who wants their money’s worth in seafood, though, the math tends to work out. The ocean theme does not stop at the hot trays, either, as the sushi counter proves.
Sushi Counter Bragging Rights
Sushi gets mentioned more than any other item here, which says a lot in a room full of lobster.
The sushi and sashimi station is open, so guests can see the counter in action. People often call the selection extensive and the pieces fresh and good-looking.
One small detail keeps coming up among sushi fans. The wasabi appears to be the genuine kind, which is not something every buffet bothers with.
Timing matters for the best spread. Groups who arrived right at opening say the sushi selection was at its peak.
Sashimi joins the rolls, giving purists something to aim for. It also fits the larger seafood focus without feeling like an afterthought.
Some guests point out that sushi shows up at many buffets in the area. The difference here seems to be the quantity, the variety, and how fresh it looks on the tray.
Grab a plate, fill it once, then come back for round two. After that, it is time to see what the cooks are firing up on the grill.
Grills, Noodles, and Made-to-Order Stations
Standing still is optional at a buffet with this many cooking stations. Several areas prepare food fresh, so the meal can feel more like a food hall tour.
The hibachi grill is a regular favorite. For some diners, the Mongolian barbecue ended up being the top pick of the entire visit.
Noodle fans have options too. A pho and ramen bar serves made-to-order bowls, which makes a nice break between seafood plates.
Dim sum also appears, earning praise from people who enjoy small bites. Crispy wings round out the list for anyone who wants something familiar.
These stations do create lines at times. One guest wondered why everyone waits, but for made-to-order food, a short line is part of the trade.
The mix is broad, touching Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cooking all under one roof. That range is one reason people say they never got to try everything.
A smart plan is to scout the room first, then pick your stations. Meat lovers, there is more ahead for you.
Short Ribs, Frog Legs, and Other Surprises
Seafood may lead the parade, but the land-based dishes have their own fan club.
The marinated short ribs, also called galbi, get frequent mentions for being tender. Steak and prime rib appear as well, though prime rib slices are cut thin.
Frog legs are another conversation starter. They show up often enough in chatter to earn a spot on many must-try lists.
Braised pork belly surprised at least one diner, who did not expect a full tray of it. A soup called Buddha Jumps Over the Wall also pops up for the adventurous.
These items fit the restaurant’s style. It mixes classic buffet fare with dishes you rarely see at a typical spot.
Many people call the place a dream for diners who like trying new things. There is still something for everyone, so picky eaters will not leave empty-handed.
Save some room, though, because the sweetest part of the trip is still waiting on the other side of the room.
A Dessert Corner That Steals the Show
Plenty of people walk in for lobster and walk out talking about dessert. The sweet section here is bigger than most buffets, and many call it the standout.
Crepes are made to order with different toppings, and someone is stationed there to make them. One first-timer still regrets skipping it.
Cotton candy is spun fresh, which makes kids very happy. Mochi donuts, shaved ice, and pastries keep the list going.
Fresh fruit is a big deal here too. Guests have spotted dragonfruit, black cherries, and blackberries among the options.
The fruit focus gives lighter eaters a smart finish. It also balances out a plate stacked with fried lobster.
Not every sweet item wins every heart. The cotton candy, for example, is more about fun than flavor for some.
Still, a dessert area this busy is a treat for families and grown-up sweet tooths alike. And there is one more station that keeps cups full all evening.
Boba Tea Without the Extra Charge
Here is a perk that surprises first-timers. Drinks are included in the price, and that includes boba tea.
The self-serve drink station offers unlimited sweet drinks. Choices include boba tea, Thai tea, soy milk, fountain soda, and some canned Asian beverages.
Coffee and tea are available too. That gives everyone in the group something to sip between plates.
Many guests say this station sets the buffet apart from others. It turns a simple refill into a small treat.
One picky note comes up now and then. The boba is the popping kind, and some fans wish regular boba were offered as well.
Free drinks also help the overall value. A family of four can skip separate beverage charges entirely.
Fill a cup, find your table, and settle in. The room itself is worth a closer look.
Booths, Bright Spaces, and a Vegas-Style Room
Forget the cramped buffet rooms of the past. The dining area here is modern, open, and roomy.
Some guests say the seating reminds them of Las Vegas buffets. The booths get special praise for comfort.
The decor is often called top notch, even by people who had mixed feelings about the food. It gives the meal a dressier feel without being stuffy.
Cleanliness is one of the biggest compliments. Guests notice staff cleaning often, and the restrooms get good marks too.
The space suits many kinds of groups. Families, friends, and couples all fit in, and the banquet side handles bigger celebrations.
It can still feel busy, even with plenty of space. On a lively night, expect a crowd that matches the room’s size.
A nice room is only part of the experience, of course. The people working the floor shape the night just as much.
The No-Tip Policy and the Staff Behind It
Few things feel better at the end of a big meal than skipping the tip math. This restaurant runs a tip-free policy, so the price you see is the final price before tax.
Many diners say that effectively lowers the cost by about 20 percent. It is one of the most loved parts of the visit.
Servers stay busy clearing finished plates. Many guests describe them as friendly, attentive, and helpful.
A welcoming host and a professional manager also get mentions. Some say the service was among the best they have had in a while.
To be fair, not every visit goes perfectly. A few people felt staff seemed rushed or less than warm, and management has said it uses that feedback for training.
A 10 percent military and veteran discount has also been applied for some guests. That is a nice bonus worth asking about.
Good to know before you go, right? Speaking of which, here is what the visit will cost.
Hours, Prices, and a Line-Beating Strategy
A little planning goes a long way here. Weekday hours run from 3 to 9:30 PM Monday through Thursday, and Friday stays open until 10 PM.
Saturday runs from noon to 10 PM. Sunday opens at noon and closes at 9:30 PM.
Adult prices start around $36, with many guests paying somewhere between $35 and $40. Kids are priced by age, starting around $19.
There is a two-hour dining limit. Most people find that plenty of time.
Weekends can bring long lines. Weekday visits, including Monday and Friday evenings, are sometimes calmer, though a busy night is never impossible.
The best tip is simple. Arrive a little before opening, because doors sometimes open early and the food selection is at its best.
A 3 PM Saturday arrival has also worked well for some families. Time it right, and the only waiting you do is deciding what to grab first.
The Road Trip Verdict
So, is it worth the drive across the state? For seafood fans and food-focused day-trippers, the answer leans strongly toward yes.
The draw is the range. Lobster, crab legs, a big sushi counter, hibachi, noodles, and a huge dessert corner all share one ticket.
Boba tea and other drinks come included. The no-tip policy keeps the final bill simple.
It is pricier than a basic buffet, and a few classic dishes could be stronger. If rice and noodles are all you want, a cheaper spot may suit you better.
For everyone else, it is a fun, clean, and modern stop that feels like an event. Many guests leave planning their next round before they reach the car.
Bring an empty stomach, a flexible plan, and maybe a friend who likes to share. The plates are endless, and the road to Woodbury is shorter than it looks.
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