Some of the BEST Chinese Buffets on Long Island

There must be someone new in the kitchen at DJ’s International Buffet in Garden City. After a considerable absence, we returned to DJ’s to find a much expanded and higher quality menu.  DJ’s was always a go for a quick Chinese buffet pick-me up. But it was not in the league of East Buffet or Harvest in Little Neck. Perhaps the closing of East (now relaunched as Best Buffet) motivated DJ’s to improve their offerings. Prime rib at any buffet is an iffy thing, but at DJ’s, they have a whole side of prime rib, well-prepared and very, very tasty. The prime rib alone is worth the price of the meal.  Pass on the duck, two visits have showcased a dry looking bird….Move a few steps to the left and load up on delicious lamb chops, shrimp and crab, Korean short ribs. All expertly prepared on the grill. Sushi lovers won’t have to go too far, DJ’s offers an impressive selection of sushi as well as noodles, dumplings and other goodies in the dim sum section.  On to the main arena…It’s worth it to spend the few extra bucks and go on the weekends, they have delicious lobster, cut up and ready to devour. I’m addicted to the sweet and filling coconut chicken, the teriyaki chicken, the General Tso’s. They have expanded to include nearly a dozen chicken dishes and all are tasty, tender and expertly prepared. Ribs are a good mix, try the big meaty ribs or the spare ribs. And don’t miss out on the pork bellies, something you won’t find everywhere.  Shrimp, shrimp and more shrimp…three or four different styles and plenty to go around.  Crabs legs, crabmeat, sea bass and other seafood selections are artfully displayed and even more artfully devoured.  Dessert is one big step up from most Chinese buffets. The tarts are tasty, the Italian rainbow cookies are good and the fruit carousel is loaded with melons, jello, pineapple, flan and much more. The ice cream selection, although Hershey’s, is fairly decent, especially since they have flavors like Chocolate Chocolate Chip.  Most important, the chafing dishes are continually replaced so the food never looks run down or dry. I saw one worker put in a new order of chicken, and actually remove the dried out leftovers, rather than mix them in with the new offerings.  Dinner is $16.95 Monday thru Thursday, $23.95 on weekends. They also have a breakfast buffet which I haven’t tried it in a while but included the usual suspects of eggs, bacon, sausage. Perhaps the revamped menu has hit breakfast as well. DJ’s International Buffet is located at 1100 Stewart Avenue in Garden City; call them at (516) 227-2427.  Oh, and there is disco every weekend in the large lounge.

Dynasty Buffet

Gateway Plaza Mall, Patchogue