Serious Eats
How-To: Eat All You Can Eat
Somewhere in cartoonland, Homer Simpson guffaws heartily at the fact that this information is not common knowledge and has to be compiled online. But for the rest of us, here's a guide to getting the most out of an all-you-can-eat buffet. Rules 1 and 2 (there are nine total):
Rule #1: Do a Lap Before you Commit. This one is obvious, but there's nothing worse than getting to the end of the buffet line, and having to balance a nice piece of Fillet Mignon on top of a pile of iceberg lettuce and industrial ranch dressing. Don't feel awkward about cruising the entire layout before you pick up a plate.
Rule #2: Focus on the Expensive Stuff. That's one of the beauties of the buffet, right? It's the same price if you eat only bread or only meat. Have another steak. Try some fish. If you don't eat meat, hover around the cheese or the sweets. Don't be shy.