Buffet City stands as a beloved culinary landmark in Clive, Iowa, where the essence of authentic Chinese cuisine meets the comfort of American favorites in an all-you-can-eat buffet format. Located at 8801 University Avenue, this family-owned establishment has been serving the community since its inception, drawing in diners from near and far with its commitment to freshness, variety, and exceptional value. Founded on the principles of hospitality and quality, Buffet City transforms every meal into a vibrant celebration of flavors, making it a go-to spot for families, friends, and food enthusiasts alike. At the heart of Buffet City's appeal lies its expansive buffet, boasting over 150 meticulously prepared items that rotate daily to ensure a dynamic dining experience. Guests can indulge in a wide array of seafood delights, such as succulent crab legs, tender scallops, fresh mussels, and even lobster on select days, all sourced for their peak freshness. The menu extends to classic Chinese stir-fries, including crowd-pleasers like General Tso's Chicken with its crispy exterior and tangy sauce, Mongolian Beef infused with bold spices, and Kung Pao Shrimp that delivers a perfect balance of heat and crunch. For those preferring milder options, dishes like Moo Goo Gai Pan—featuring sliced chicken with mushrooms and crisp vegetables—or Sweet and Sour Pork offer comforting familiarity.

Appetizers
A selection of fried and rolled starters, often served in multiples.
- Egg Roll: $1.50–$2.50 (vegetable or meat-filled).
- Shrimp Roll: Crispy roll with shrimp.
- Spring Roll (2): Vegetarian option, $1.50–$3.00.
- Butterfly Shrimp (10): Fried shrimp.
- Crab Rangoon (4): Cream cheese-filled wontons, $4.99–$5.99.
- Plain Cream Cheese Wontons: $5.99.
- Fried Chicken Wings (8): $5.99.
- Fried Meat Wontons (8): $5.99.
- Fried Dumplings (8): Pan-fried pork or vegetable dumplings.
- Teriyaki Chicken on a Stick (6): Fresh and flavorful, noted for being soft and tasty.
- Fried Pot Stickers: Fresh and soft (no dipping sauce needed in some reviews).

Soups
Hearty broth-based options, served with crispy noodles or rice.
- Common items include Hot & Sour Soup, Egg Drop Soup, Wonton Soup, and Chicken Noodle Soup (prices around $2.50–$6.00 for small/large).

Fried Rice
Stir-fried rice dishes with proteins and vegetables.
- Chicken Fried Rice: $10.95.
- Beef Fried Rice: $11.95.
- Shrimp Fried Rice: $11.95.
- Roast Pork Fried Rice: $11.95.
- Combination Fried Rice (house special with multiple proteins): $12.95.

Lo Mein
Soft egg noodle dishes stir-fried with proteins and veggies.
- Chicken Lo Mein: $10.95.
- Beef Lo Mein: $11.95.
- Shrimp Lo Mein: $11.95.
- Roast Pork Lo Mein: $11.95.
- Combination Lo Mein (mixed meats and seafood): $12.95.
- Vegetable Lo Mein: Vegetarian option, around $10.00.

Mei Fun (Rice Noodles)
Thin rice noodle stir-fries, similar to Lo Mein but lighter.
- Options include Chicken, Beef, Shrimp, Pork, Vegetable, and Singapore Mei Fun (curry-flavored, spicy): Prices $10.95–$12.95.

Egg Foo Young
Omelet-style patties with gravy, served with white rice (typically 4 patties).
- Chicken, Beef, Shrimp, Pork, or Vegetable: $11.95–$12.95.
- Combination: $13.95.

Sweet & Sour Dishes
Breaded and fried proteins with sweet & sour sauce on the side, served with rice.
- Sweet & Sour Chicken: Popular item, $11.95.
- Sweet & Sour Shrimp: $12.95.

Chicken Dishes
Variety of stir-fried or sauced chicken entrees, served with rice.
- Examples: General Tso's Chicken (spicy, crispy), Sesame Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken (spicy with peanuts), Hunan Chicken, Moo Goo Gai Pan (mushrooms and veggies).
- Prices: $11.95–$13.95.

Beef Dishes
Beef stir-fries with bold flavors, served with rice.
- Examples: Beef with Broccoli, Pepper Steak, Mongolian Beef (spicy), Szechuan Beef.
- Prices: $12.95–$14.95.

Seafood Dishes
Shrimp and other seafood options, often spicy or sauced.
- Examples: Shrimp with Lobster Sauce, Hunan Shrimp, Kung Pao Shrimp, Spicy Mussels (noted as delightful in reviews).
- Prices: $12.95–$15.95.
- Buffet highlights: Crab legs, lobster, scallops, mussels, fish, and shrimp varieties.

Vegetable Dishes
Healthier, meat-free options, served with rice.
- Examples: Mixed Vegetables, Broccoli with Garlic Sauce, Sautéed Mushrooms.
- Prices: $9.95–$11.95.

Chef's Specials / House Specialties
Unique or combo dishes.
- Examples: Happy Family (mixed seafood and meats), Four Seasons (chicken, beef, pork, shrimp), Seafood Delight.
- Prices: $13.95–$16.95.

Lunch Specials
Affordable combos available during lunch hours (typically 11 AM–3 PM), served with fried rice or lo mein and an appetizer (e.g., egg roll or soup).
- Examples: General Tso's Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Beef with Broccoli, Sweet & Sour Chicken.
- Prices: $7.95–$9.95 (includes side).

Dinner Specials
Larger portions or combos for evening, similar to lunch but with more options.
- Examples: Same as lunch specials but priced higher, around $10.95–$12.95.

Desserts
Limited options, often buffet-style.
- Examples: Fresh fruits, cakes, ice cream, or cookies (not always detailed in à la carte menus; more prominent in buffet reviews).

Menu