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Mr. Hibachi & Buffet in South Carolina: What to Expect

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What Mr. Hibachi & Buffet offers

Mr. Hibachi & Buffet combines two distinct dining experiences under one roof: a teppanyaki hibachi station where chefs cook in front of you, and a full buffet line with Chinese, Japanese, and Asian fusion dishes. The hibachi side is the draw for many visitors—you sit at a large flat griddle while a chef performs knife work, tosses ingredients, and cooks your protein and vegetables to order. The buffet runs alongside it, so you can graze on appetizers, sushi rolls, fried rice, lo mein, and desserts without waiting for the hibachi chef.

The restaurant operates as a casual, family-friendly spot where the entertainment of watching your food cook is part of the meal. Hibachi tables typically seat 8 to 10 people, so you may share the griddle with other diners—which some families enjoy and others prefer to avoid. The buffet is self-service, and you can eat as much as you want during your visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Hibachi tables seat multiple parties together, so your meal includes watching a chef cook in front of you and interacting with other diners.
  • The buffet runs continuously alongside hibachi service, so you can eat appetizers and sides while waiting for your cooked entrée.
  • Pricing differs between hibachi seating and buffet-only; hibachi typically costs more per person because of the chef's labor and performance.
  • Reservations are strongly recommended for hibachi tables, especially on weekends and during dinner hours, since tables fill quickly.
  • The restaurant accommodates dietary restrictions and preferences—tell the hibachi chef if you avoid certain ingredients, and the buffet offers vegetarian and seafood options.

How hibachi seating and pricing work

When you book a hibachi table, you are paying for both the meal and the experience of watching a skilled chef cook it. A typical hibachi entrée includes your choice of protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, or a combination), vegetables, fried rice, and soup or salad. The chef prepares everything on the griddle in front of you, which takes 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish. Pricing per person is higher than buffet-only, and it varies by the protein you choose and whether you add extras like lobster or scallops.

Hibachi tables are communal—you sit with other parties at the same griddle. This is intentional; the chef entertains the whole table together, and many people find it a fun, social experience. If you prefer to dine privately or have concerns about sharing a table, ask when you call whether the restaurant can reserve a table for your party alone, though this may not always be possible depending on how busy they are.

The buffet is a separate option and costs less per person. You pay a flat rate, walk the line as many times as you want, and eat at your own pace. Some people combine both—they order hibachi for their main course and use the buffet for appetizers and dessert.

What's on the buffet

The buffet typically includes Chinese-American standards like egg rolls, fried wontons, and crab rangoon; sushi rolls (California roll, spicy tuna, Philadelphia roll, and others); fried rice in multiple varieties; lo mein and chow mein noodles; and a selection of proteins in sauce such as orange chicken, beef and broccoli, and shrimp with garlic sauce. There are usually vegetable dishes, a seafood section, and a dessert station with items like fried bananas, fortune cookies, and sometimes ice cream.

The exact offerings rotate and vary by location and day, so if you have a specific dish in mind, call ahead to confirm it is available. The buffet is designed for grazing and variety rather than depth—you get a taste of many things rather than large portions of a few.

Making a reservation and what to know before you go

Hibachi tables fill quickly, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings and during lunch hours on weekends. Calling ahead to reserve a time is the best way to ensure you get a table when you want it. When you call, tell them how many people are in your party, what time you want to dine, and whether you have any dietary restrictions or preferences the chef should know about.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The chef will not start cooking until everyone at the table is seated, so if you are late, you hold up the other diners. Bring cash or a card for the tip—tipping the hibachi chef is customary, usually 15 to 20 percent, since they are performing skilled work in front of you.

If you are bringing young children, hibachi can be exciting but also loud and fast-paced. Some kids love watching the chef; others find it overwhelming. The buffet is a calmer option if you want to let children eat at their own pace.

Dietary needs and restrictions

Tell the hibachi chef about allergies or foods you avoid before they start cooking. They can adjust the ingredients, use a separate section of the griddle, and work around your needs. Common requests include no shellfish, no soy sauce, vegetarian-only, or gluten-free modifications. The chef will do their best to accommodate, though some sauces and broths may contain ingredients you want to avoid, so be specific.

The buffet also has vegetarian options, seafood-only selections, and items without common allergens, though cross-contamination is possible in a buffet setting. If you have a severe allergy, hibachi is the safer choice because the chef can control what touches your food.

Parking, location, and hours

Mr. Hibachi & Buffet locations in South Carolina are typically in shopping centers with ample parking. Hours are usually lunch and dinner seven days a week, though some locations may close between lunch and dinner service. Call or check online for the specific location nearest you, as hours and menus can vary.

The restaurant is casual and family-friendly, so there is no dress code. It is a good choice for birthdays, small celebrations, or just a night out where you want entertainment with your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to sit at a hibachi table, or can I just eat from the buffet?

You can choose either. Hibachi seating requires a reservation and costs more per person. The buffet is available to walk-in customers and costs a flat rate. Some people do both—they order hibachi for their main course and eat appetizers and dessert from the buffet.

What if I do not like the people I am seated with at the hibachi table?

The chef and other diners are part of the experience, but if you are uncomfortable, you can ask the staff to move you to a different table if one is available. Calling ahead and asking to reserve a private hibachi table for your party alone is another option, though availability depends on how busy the restaurant is.

Can I bring my own cake for a birthday?

Many hibachi restaurants allow outside cakes for birthday celebrations, especially if you give them notice when you make your reservation. Call ahead and ask—they may charge a small plate fee or have other policies. The hibachi chef can make the experience special by singing or adding a flourish to the meal.

How long does a hibachi meal take?

From the time everyone is seated to the time your food is ready, expect 20 to 30 minutes. Add time for ordering drinks and appetizers before the chef starts, and time to eat after. Plan for a total of 60 to 90 minutes for the full experience.

Is the buffet worth it if I am not hungry for a full meal?

The buffet is priced per person regardless of how much you eat, so it is best value if you want to try many dishes or eat a lot. If you are looking for a light meal, ordering a single hibachi entrée or a few appetizers from the menu might be more economical.