A few minutes can change the whole meal at one Minneapolis buffet. Show up at 2:50 in the afternoon, and you pay the dinner price.
Yet many diners say that small cost is worth it, because dinner is when fresh crab legs, crawfish, and mussels hit the line. For Minnesota seafood fans who don’t want to drive to the coast, this spot on a busy city street offers a shell-cracking plan for the evening.
Add a sushi bar, a build-your-own hibachi grill, and a long row of Chinese favorites, and the plate fills up fast. Keep reading to learn when to arrive, what it costs, and how to get the most from every trip to the seafood trays.
A Buffet Address on East Lake Street
Some of the city’s best surprises hide behind plain storefronts. Hibachi Buffet sits at 111 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408, in the United States, along one of the busiest corridors in south Minneapolis.
The restaurant is listed as a Chinese restaurant, but the menu reaches further than that. It serves Chinese and Japanese fare, plus sushi and made-to-order hibachi grill options, all under one all-you-can-eat setup.
Lake Street is a working, everyday kind of road. The building does not try to look fancy from the outside, and longtime fans suggest not judging the meal by the exterior.
A few diners mention that the location can be a little confusing to reach the first time. Planning the route ahead helps, especially for anyone new to this stretch of Lake Street.
Once inside, the focus shifts fully to the food. That is where the real story begins, starting with the meal that draws seafood lovers from across the metro.
The Dinner Switch at 2:45
Timing is the secret handshake here. Lunch runs from opening until 3 PM, but guests need to arrive before about 2:45 to get the lunch price.
Arrive just a few minutes later, and the register rings up dinner instead. Some guests have learned this the hard way, showing up at 2:50 and paying the evening rate.
The good news is that the switch comes with a reward. When dinner starts, the kitchen begins putting out freshly cooked crab legs, crawfish, and mussels.
For seafood fans, that means the late lunch slip-up can turn into a lucky break. Paying a bit more opens the door to the shellfish that gives this buffet its reputation.
The smart move depends on the goal. Budget diners should aim early, and seafood chasers should plan for the dinner window and let the clock work in their favor.
Snow Crab, Crawfish, and Mussels on the Line
Crab legs at a Chinese buffet are not a given. Some regulars say this is the only Chinese buffet they know that offers snow crab legs, which explains the steady buzz around the dinner line.
Crawfish and mussels join the crab during the evening hours. The mussels in particular earn praise for their size, along with the shrimp, from diners who have tried many buffets across the country.
There is a catch, and it is worth knowing before filling a plate. Crab legs have been limited to a set number per person per trip, and refills can take a while when the tray runs empty.
Patience pays off at this station. Heading to the crab early in the dinner service, then circling back when a fresh batch arrives, tends to work best.
One small tip for vinegar fans is to manage expectations. Staff have said they do not carry it, so plan to enjoy the shellfish with what the line offers.
Sushi Bar Bragging Rights
Ask what people talk about most, and the answer is not the crab. Sushi tops the list, and the sushi bar has a strong following among buffet regulars.
Many diners call it the best sushi they have found at any buffet. Quality and variety both come up again and again, with plenty of rolls to choose from.
Favorites include shrimp teriyaki sushi and a cheese crab item that fans single out by name. The rolls rotate, so a second lap may bring something new.
The people behind the counter matter too. The sushi makers are described as very friendly, and they help make the visit feel more personal than a typical self-serve line.
For seafood lovers, the sushi bar adds another layer to the evening. Pair a few rolls with crab and mussels, and the plate starts to look like a small coastal tour, no plane ticket required.
Build-Your-Own Hibachi Grill
The restaurant’s name points straight to one station. The hibachi grill lets guests build their own plate and have it cooked to order.
Fans of this station love the custom approach. Choosing ingredients and getting a fresh, made-for-you plate feels different from grabbing food that has been sitting in a tray.
Some limits apply, so it helps to know the rules. Guests have been held to one scoop of beef and one egg per person at the grill.
That policy has frustrated a few diners who came mainly for hibachi. Others treat it as one part of a bigger meal rather than the main event.
The best plan is to build a smart plate. Pick the ingredients that matter most, then fill the rest of the evening with seafood, sushi, and the Chinese favorites waiting nearby.
Beyond the Shellfish: Chinese Favorites
Not everyone at the table wants crab. Thankfully, the hot line covers plenty of classic Chinese buffet choices.
Orange chicken and lo mein are frequent picks. Cream cheese wontons and chicken wings also get regular attention from hungry crowds.
Honey walnut shrimp is a standout. Some diners point out that most Chinese buffets do not carry it, which makes it a nice bonus here.
Shrimp shows up in several styles, and there is fish too. Chicken also appears in a few different preparations, so picky eaters still have options.
An American section with pizza and fries rounds things out for kids. Most agree it is not the star of the room, and the Chinese dishes are where the kitchen shines.
Opinions on freshness do vary. Many praise the fresh, rotating food and well-stocked trays, while others have found some items under-warmed, so checking each dish is a sensible habit.
Friendly Faces and Group-Ready Tables
Good hosts can rescue a late meal. The front register attendant gets frequent shout-outs for being polite, professional, and kind.
Near closing time, staff have gone back to the kitchen to bring out more food for late arrivals. They have also told guests to take their time rather than rush.
Servers are described as attentive, with drinks refilled regularly. Tables and restrooms get praise for being clean, and the dining room is nicely decorated after interior updates.
Large groups are welcome too. Office holiday parties and birthday gatherings have been hosted here with friendly, accommodating service.
Not every experience is perfect, though. A few diners have felt staff hovered too much near tables, so comfort levels may differ.
Window seats offer a nice view of the street outside. It is a simple, easygoing setting for families, coworkers, and seafood fans alike.
Hours, Prices, and a Seafood Game Plan
Planning ahead makes the crab chase easier. The buffet opens at 11 AM every day of the week.
Sunday through Thursday, doors close at 9 PM. On Friday and Saturday, the evening stretches until 10 PM, giving weekend diners an extra hour.
Recent prices have been around 24 to 25 dollars for adults and about 14 dollars for kids. Many diners call that relatively affordable for the amount of choice.
Takeout is sold by weight. Some guests suggest watching the scale price at checkout to make sure the total matches what is posted.
For a quieter, fresher start, some fans like arriving right at 11. Seafood lovers should instead aim for dinner after 2:45, when the shellfish appears.
The verdict is simple. With crab legs, crawfish, mussels, a well-loved sushi bar, and a solid 4.1-star standing across more than 2,300 opinions, this Lake Street buffet makes a fun evening stop for Minnesota seafood fans willing to time it right.
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