Lunch on Cedar Avenue in Apple Valley is a busy, everyday kind of meal. Then evening arrives, and one buffet quietly changes the game by rolling out crab legs and extra seafood.
That small switch turns a regular plate of fried rice into something that feels like a special night out. Families plan birthdays around it, and office workers who stop in at noon start eyeing the dinner hours instead.
The place has served the south metro for around two decades, and some people have been coming back for nearly that long. It also has a hibachi grill, a long sushi lineup, soft serve, and even a small koi pond by the front door.
Timing matters here more than most diners expect. Keep reading to learn when to show up, what to grab first, and how to get the most out of every trip.
A Strip Mall Address With a Big Appetite
Super World Buffet sits at 15050 Cedar Ave #111, Apple Valley, MN 55124, in the south metro of the Twin Cities. It is tucked into a strip mall, so it is easy to drive past without noticing it.
That would be a mistake for anyone hungry for a big spread. The restaurant is an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet with sushi, a salad bar, and plenty more.
Inside, the layout is modern and airy. The dining room is large, so finding a table is rarely a struggle.
A big parking lot sits right outside the door. That makes it a simple stop for families, coworkers, and anyone running errands along Cedar Avenue.
The menu leans toward Americanized Chinese favorites. Think egg rolls, orange chicken, fried rice, and beef and broccoli, plus a few surprises along the way.
Takeout is also available, and there is a separate menu for ordering. Regulars mention catering for parties as another option worth asking about.
So the address may look ordinary from the road, but what waits inside is anything but a quick snack stop.
Two Decades on Cedar Avenue
Loyalty runs deep at this buffet. Some families have been coming here for about 20 years, which says a lot in a world where restaurants come and go quickly.
Others return after a long break and find things much as they left them. One returning diner came back after 12 or 13 years and found the flavors held up just as well as before.
A local business owner with an office down the road stops in often. He even tells new homeowners in the area about it, which is about as local as a recommendation gets.
That kind of word of mouth keeps the dining room busy. It is a place people bring out-of-town guests, kids, and clients.
Of course, a long history also means opinions are mixed. With more than 1,300 Google ratings averaging 3.8 stars, the buffet has both big fans and some tough critics.
Still, staying power is its own kind of compliment. A restaurant does not stick around this long in a busy suburb without doing something right for a lot of people.
Crab Legs After Dark
Here is the main event. On evenings and weekends, the buffet expands to include crab legs and other seafood.
Lunch is a solid meal on its own, but dinner is when seafood fans really show up. The crab is the reason many people time their visit for later in the day.
Supper service starts around 4 pm. That is the sweet spot for anyone who wants the freshest selection and full trays.
Crawfish has also appeared on the line. Shrimp and salmon round out the seafood options, and walnut shrimp is a familiar favorite.
One family celebrated a birthday here and came away fans of the seafood in particular. For a group, that evening spread makes the meal feel more like an event.
A friendly tip: plan to eat early in the dinner window rather than late. The crab tends to move fast, and getting there near the start gives the best shot at a full plate.
Consider it a shell-ebration worth scheduling around.
The Sushi Counter Everyone Talks About
Sushi gets mentioned more than any other topic tied to this restaurant. Over 100 comments bring it up, which makes it a clear crowd magnet.
The selection is often described as above average for buffet sushi. There is a dedicated sushi area with a staff member preparing rolls.
Some fans call the sushi the top thing to try. Others note the lineup is well stocked on both weekdays and weekends.
A small quirk: little dipping cups for soy sauce have not always been out. Bringing that up with staff, or using a small plate, solves the problem.
Late evening is a different story. Trays can thin out near closing, and fresh rolls may slow down as the night winds down.
The takeaway is simple. Sushi fans will do best arriving earlier, when the counter is in full swing and the variety is at its peak.
Your Plate, Your Rules at the Hibachi Grill
Not everything here waits under a heat lamp. The hibachi grill lets diners build a custom plate and have it cooked fresh.
The process is easy. Pick vegetables, choose rice or noodles, then add meat or fish.
Hand it over, and the cook prepares it to order. It is a nice change of pace from scooping out of trays.
A Mongolian grill style setup gets mentioned too, giving the same build-your-own fun. Kids tend to like choosing their own ingredients.
The grill also helps anyone with picky eaters in the group. Plain noodles and chicken are just as welcome as a loaded veggie mix.
For the best results, visit during busier hours when the grill is active. A made-to-order plate between seafood rounds is a smart way to pace the meal.
Classics Lining the Hot Bars
Lo mein fans, take note. Some regulars call it among the best in the city.
The hot bars cover the classics well. Chicken and broccoli, fried rice, egg rolls, General Tso’s chicken, and orange chicken all make appearances.
Soups are a strong point too. Egg drop soup and hot and sour soup both earn praise.
Egg foo young has its own fan club. One diner called it out of this world.
Cream cheese wontons pop up often in conversation. There is also roasted chicken, green beans, mushrooms, breaded chicken, and even pizza for less adventurous eaters.
Duck appears on the line as well. Like many hot items, it does best when fresh trays have just come out.
The variety means nobody leaves without finding something familiar.
Soft Serve and the Sweet Finish
Save room. The dessert section is a big reason kids get excited about this place.
Soft serve ice cream is the star. Fans call it incredible, and it is a fun build-it-yourself finale.
Beyond that, there is jello, pudding, and cookies. A spread of fresh fruit adds a lighter option.
The salad bar sits nearby for anyone who wants greens before the main event. It helps balance out a plate of fried favorites.
Fruit freshness can vary on slower days, so a quick look before loading up is wise.
Ending with a cone after a round of crab legs feels like a proper reward. It is the cherry on top of a very full evening.
A Koi Pond Welcome and Cool Lights
First impressions start right at the door. A small koi pond water feature greets guests as they walk in.
Some call it stunning, and kids often stop to look before heading to their table. It gives the entrance a calm, welcoming feel.
Inside, the space is big and open. Cool lights and good music give the room some personality.
Many describe the atmosphere as relaxing. It is non-pretentious, which suits a casual family dinner.
The layout can confuse first-timers, though. Plain white rice and chopsticks are not always where people expect.
A quick lap around the stations before grabbing a plate saves time. After one visit, the layout clicks into place.
Who Feels Right at Home Here
Big groups do well here. The large dining area means tables open up quickly, even on busy days.
Families with kids are a natural fit. Picky eaters can grab pizza or plain noodles while adults head to the seafood.
Birthday dinners show up often. The evening spread makes it a budget-friendly way to celebrate.
Lunch-hour workers along Cedar Avenue also make it a regular stop. Service at midday is often described as friendly and quick, with servers handling drinks and clearing plates promptly.
Diners hoping for a long, slow hangout should know the staff may bring the check fairly early. Turnover is part of the buffet rhythm.
Experiences with cleanliness and food freshness do vary from visit to visit. Many praise clean restrooms and tidy tables, while others have caught a slower day.
It works best for people who like options and casual comfort.
Hours, Costs, and Smart Timing
Mark Tuesday on the calendar as a day off. The buffet is closed every Tuesday.
On Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, doors open at 11 am and close at 9 pm. Friday and Saturday run a bit later, from 11 am to 9:30 pm.
Lunch runs earlier in the day, and dinner service with crab legs starts around 4 pm. Weekends also bring the expanded seafood.
Prices have been around $18.99 per person for a meal, and drinks are not included. A family of three spent about $60 on one evening trip.
Guests pay after they eat, which keeps things simple. Tipping is a personal choice, though servers do refill drinks and clear plates.
The best advice is timing. Arrive near the start of dinner, and avoid showing up after about 7:45 pm, when trays can run low before closing.
The Verdict on a Crab Night Out
So, is the evening crab run worth it? For seafood fans who time it right, it can be a very good deal.
The appeal is the mix. Crab legs, sushi, a hibachi grill, classic hot dishes, and soft serve all sit under one roof.
It is not flawless. Freshness can slip late in the evening, and some days run better than others.
Still, many people keep coming back year after year. Friendly service, a big dining room, and that koi pond welcome make it feel familiar.
Go early in the dinner window, scout the stations first, and save room for dessert. Those small moves make a big difference.
For a south metro family looking for a casual seafood night, this Apple Valley buffet is worth a spot on the weekend plan. Just do not show up on a Tuesday.
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