East Buffet

- 42-07 Main St, Flushing, NY 11355

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking an expansive, traditional, and authentic Cantonese dining experience, look no further than East Buffet in the heart of Flushing, Queens. While the name suggests an all-you-can-eat format, this establishment has evolved to become a quintessential Chinese restaurant and banquet hall, celebrated for its vast space, bustling atmosphere, and particularly for its traditional Dim Sum service and extensive à la carte menu, which is predominantly Cantonese in style.

East Buffet is more than just a place to eat; it's a social hub and a cornerstone of the Flushing community, drawing both locals and tourists with its promise of flavorful, classic Chinese and Asian cuisine. The restaurant operates across multiple levels, distinguishing itself with a large capacity that makes it a popular choice for groups, family gatherings, and large-scale events. On the ground floor, patrons can experience a lively dining room or a convenient take-out section. The upper levels often house an impressive banquet hall, solidifying its reputation as a go-to venue for special occasions like weddings and birthday parties.

The dining experience here is classic and lively. During lunch, especially on weekends, the scene is a flurry of activity with attendants expertly navigating carts filled with an array of Dim Sum—a highlight for which the restaurant is well-known. This traditional cart service offers a wide variety of steamed, fried, and baked delicacies, making it a dynamic and exciting way to sample multiple small plates. Outside of Dim Sum, the main menu features an impressive selection of Cantonese and general Chinese favorites, including fresh seafood, expertly prepared meats, and comforting casserole dishes.

The ambiance is described as Casual, yet the spacious setting and the use of the venue for upscale events hint at a capacity for formal dining as well. East Buffet prides itself on serving local specialty dishes and maintains a great tea selection, underscoring its commitment to authentic Chinese dining rituals. It caters to a diverse crowd, popular among Groups, Locals, and Tourists alike, serving everything from Breakfast to Late-night food. This makes East Buffet a reliable destination for almost any dining need in the New York area.

While some customer feedback suggests that food quality can occasionally vary, particularly during peak hours, its convenience, capacity, cart service, and focus on classic Cantonese dishes like Sautéed Ginger Clam and the availability of dishes such as Lobster W. Ginger & Scallion ($9.99) stand out as strong draws for the New York diner looking for a classic, bustling Dim Sum and banquet-style experience. Given the restaurant’s vast offerings and specialization, it remains a pillar in Flushing's competitive culinary landscape.

For New Yorkers who appreciate a vibrant, authentic Chinese dining hall experience—one that can accommodate large parties without the agonizing wait times often associated with smaller venues—East Buffet presents an attractive option. Its presence in the heart of Flushing guarantees that you are getting a genuine taste of one of New York's most exciting food scenes.

The emphasis on both quick-service options (takeout and fast dim sum cart service) and full-service dining, including table service and private rooms, showcases the restaurant’s versatility. Furthermore, with amenities like Wheelchair Accessible Entrance and Restrooms, and its acceptance of various payment methods, the restaurant is designed for maximum convenience for the modern New York clientele.

Location and Accessibility

East Buffet boasts a prime, highly visible location at 42-07 Main St, Flushing, NY 11355, USA. Main Street is the bustling center of Flushing, Queens, often regarded as one of the most vibrant and authentic Chinatowns in the world. The area is a major transit hub, making the restaurant easily reachable from anywhere in the New York metropolitan area via the 7 subway line, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), and numerous bus routes. Accessibility is a key feature of this location, allowing for easy travel, whether you are coming from Manhattan, Brooklyn, or other parts of Queens.

For those driving, the location is served by Paid parking lot and Paid street parking options, which is a significant advantage in the heavily trafficked Flushing area. The restaurant has also prioritized customer comfort with Wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons.

Services Offered

• Dine-in Service: Full table service available for all meals.
• Takeout Service: Convenient option for quick meals to go.
• Delivery Service: Menu items can be delivered for home or office enjoyment.
• Dim Sum Service: Traditional push-cart service for small plates, primarily during lunch/brunch hours.
• Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner Service: Available throughout the day, catering to a wide range of schedules.
• Catering and Banquet Hall Service: Specialized services for large parties, weddings, and events, often utilizing the large banquet facilities.
• Reservations Accepted: Accepts reservations, with dinner reservations being recommended due to popularity and potential waiting times.
• Private Dining Room: Exclusive rooms available for larger groups or special occasions with a minimum spend.
• Alcohol Service: Offers both Beer and Wine.
• Payment Options: Accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Family Friendly: Good for kids, including high chairs and good for kids birthday parties.

Features / Highlights

• Traditional Dim Sum Carts: Provides the classic, bustling Dim Sum experience with rolling carts and varied small plates, a major draw for the lunch crowd.
• Focus on Cantonese Cuisine: Specializes in authentic Cantonese dishes, including fresh seafood and expertly roasted meats, which are staples of the cuisine.
• Seafood Specialties: Known for various seafood preparations, including Salt & Pepper dishes (Squid, Scallop, Shrimp) and the value-oriented Lobster W. Ginger & Scallion ($9.99)—a significant feature.
• Exceptional Capacity: Features a massive dining space and separate banquet facilities, making it ideal for large groups, private events, and minimizing wait times despite high demand.
• All-Day Dining: Caters to a broad range of meal times, from morning Breakfast and Brunch to late-night offerings.
• Authentic Asian Offerings: The menu is rich with dishes like Mao's Braised Pork Belly (a Hunan/Cantonese favorite), various casserole items, and traditional preparations like Steamed Pork Patty W. Salted Fish, showcasing depth beyond standard fare.
• High Accessibility and Amenities: Located conveniently on Main Street with comprehensive accessibility features and paid parking options.
• Vibrant Atmosphere: Has a lively, casual, and social atmosphere, perfect for groups and family outings.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or make a reservation for a group or private event, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 42-07 Main St, Flushing, NY 11355, USA
• Phone: (718) 353-6333

What is Worth Choosing

When dining at East Buffet, the ultimate choice hinges on the time of day and the dining party's objective. For lunch or brunch, the main attraction is undoubtedly the Dim Sum. This is the place to indulge in a wide variety of steamed, fried, and baked dumplings, buns, and small savory treats delivered via the classic cart service. Focus on trying a diverse range of items rather than just one. This service, praised for being fast and spacious, is ideal for a lively family or group meal.

For dinner or an à la carte experience, the Seafood section is a major highlight. Dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional Cantonese techniques are highly recommended. A compelling and value-driven choice is the Lobster W. Ginger & Scallion ($9.99), a Cantonese classic that is often sought after. Additionally, the various Salt & Pepper preparations, such as Salt & Pepper Grouper Fillet or Salt & Pepper Shrimp, offer a crispy, savory, and aromatic experience. The restaurant's mastery of the wok is evident in these dishes.

Beyond seafood, the traditional Cantonese meat dishes like Peking Pork Chop and the more rustic, home-style specialties such as Mao's Braised Pork Belly are excellent choices for a comforting and flavorful meal. For those looking for a bit more adventure, the Casserole options, which trap flavor and heat, such as Grouper Fillet W. Mix Mushroom or Chicken W. Eggplant, are worth exploring. Ultimately, East Buffet is best chosen for its capacity to host large parties, its traditional Dim Sum cart service, and its commitment to a broad, authentic Cantonese menu right in the heart of New York’s Flushing.

East Buffet

42-07 Main St, Flushing, NY 11355, USA