Millennium Buffet in Columbia: All-You-Can-Eat Asian Cuisine

What Millennium Buffet offers and where to find it

Millennium Buffet is an all-you-can-eat Asian restaurant in Columbia that serves Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes from a hot line and sushi bar. The buffet model means you pay one price at the door, fill your plate as many times as you want, and eat in the dining room. The restaurant is located on Devine Street in the Five Points area, a neighborhood known for independent restaurants and shops within walking distance of the University of South Carolina campus.

The buffet includes cooked items like fried rice, lo mein, General Tso's chicken, and beef and broccoli, plus a sushi selection that changes based on availability. Diners can also order from the menu if they want something not on the buffet line. The space is casual and family-friendly, with large tables suited to groups and a straightforward ordering process.

Key Takeaways

• Millennium Buffet charges one flat price for unlimited food from the hot line and sushi bar, with no time limit on how long you stay.
• The restaurant sits on Devine Street in Five Points, a central Columbia neighborhood accessible by car or on foot from nearby residential areas.
• The buffet rotates items seasonally and based on ingredient availability, so the sushi selection and some hot dishes vary week to week.
• You can order off-menu if you want something specific, and the kitchen will prepare it while you eat from the buffet.

Buffet line layout and what to expect on your first visit

When you arrive, you pay at the front counter and are seated at a table. The buffet line runs along one side of the dining room, organized into sections: appetizers and sides first, then hot entrées, and finally the sushi bar at the end. You grab a plate and move through at your own pace. Unlike some buffets, there is no server standing over you or pressure to finish quickly—you can return to the line as many times as you want during your meal.

The sushi bar is staffed, so you can ask the sushi chef to make a roll or nigiri to order if you see something you like. The hot line includes both vegetarian options (vegetable fried rice, edamame, spring rolls) and meat dishes, so there is something for different diets. Drinks are typically self-serve or ordered separately, depending on the day.

Pricing and what it covers

Millennium Buffet charges by the person, with the price varying slightly between lunch and dinner service. Lunch is usually less expensive than dinner. The price covers all the food you can eat from the buffet and sushi bar; beverages and any off-menu orders are typically separate charges. Children under a certain age (usually around 5 or 6) may eat free or at a reduced rate, though you should call ahead to confirm the current policy.

The restaurant accepts cash and card payment. If you are planning to bring a large group, calling ahead to let them know can help the kitchen prepare and ensure they have enough seating available.

Hours, location, and how to get there

Millennium Buffet is located on Devine Street in the Five Points neighborhood of Columbia, a short drive from downtown and the University of South Carolina. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary by day of the week. It is best to call or check their current hours before you go, since restaurant schedules can change seasonally or for special events.

Parking is available on the street or in nearby lots. Five Points is also walkable if you live or work nearby, and the area has other restaurants and shops within a few blocks. Public transit options in Columbia are limited, so driving or rideshare is the most reliable way to reach the restaurant.

What makes Millennium Buffet different from other buffets in the area

Millennium Buffet's main draw is the combination of a hot buffet line and an on-site sushi bar, which not all buffets in Columbia offer. The sushi bar means you can get fresh rolls made to order rather than pre-made options sitting under heat lamps. The restaurant also leans toward a mix of Chinese and Thai flavors rather than focusing on one cuisine, so the menu appeals to people with different tastes.

The Five Points location also matters: it is in a neighborhood with foot traffic and a younger demographic, so the atmosphere tends to be more casual and social than some buffets in other parts of the city. The restaurant has been a fixture in Five Points for years, which means regulars know what to expect and the kitchen has refined its recipes over time.

Tips for getting the most out of your visit

Start with lighter items and work your way to heavier dishes so you do not fill up too quickly. The sushi bar is often less crowded early in your meal, so consider going there first if you have a specific roll in mind. If you are unsure what something is, ask the staff—they can explain dishes and point you toward popular items.

Bring cash if possible, as some buffets offer small discounts for cash payment. If you are going during peak hours (lunch around noon or dinner around 6 p.m.), expect a short wait for a table, especially on weekends. Going on a weekday afternoon or early evening can mean shorter lines and a more relaxed meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

Millennium Buffet typically operates on a first-come, first-served basis, but calling ahead with a large group is a good idea so the kitchen can prepare. For small groups of two to four people, you usually just walk in and wait for a table if needed.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes. The buffet includes vegetable fried rice, spring rolls, edamame, and vegetable lo mein. The sushi bar can also make vegetable rolls. Let staff know about dietary restrictions and they can point you toward options.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

Most buffets do not allow outside food or alcohol. Millennium Buffet follows standard buffet policy, so outside items are not permitted. You can order beverages and dessert from the restaurant.

What if I do not like something on the buffet?

You can order off-menu items, though there may be an additional charge. Ask your server what is available, and the kitchen will prepare it while you eat. This is useful if you have a specific craving or dietary need not covered by the buffet line.

Is the sushi fresh?

The sushi is made fresh on-site by the sushi chef. If you want something specific, ordering it directly from the bar ensures it is made to order rather than sitting out. The restaurant sources ingredients regularly, so availability changes based on what is in stock.