Are there any old-fashioned cafeterias in Phoenix? (Paradise Valley: mall, buffet)

[M. H.]

@cjs123 Thanks very much! I will give them a try.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Valley Native

I saw cafeterias dwindling in numbers long before COVID. There are still plenty of buffets, including Golden Corral, which are breeding grounds for bacteria ... so I highly doubt COVID played much of a role. I remember Furr's, Luby's, and Bishop's. Along with Sweet Tomatoes, there was also Souper Salad, which weren't really cafeterias. They were good while they lasted, but as another posted said: that style of dining is pretty much gone.

It did play a role with Sweet Tomatoes (which still wasn't a true cafeteria) but you are right, many of the others were already gone. Let's not forget Picadilly's and Caf Casino, too. The buffets that remain are likely not as popular as they might have been once, (haven't been in a Golden Corral in a long time) and that style, post-COVID, is not going to see a comeback.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by observer53

It did play a role with Sweet Tomatoes (which still wasn't a true cafeteria) but you are right, many of the others were already gone. Let's not forget Picadilly's and Caf Casino, too. The buffets that remain are likely not as popular as they might have been once, (haven't been in a Golden Corral in a long time) and that style, post-COVID, is not going to see a comeback.

How could I forget Piccadilly? My family used to go the one at the old Thomas Mall long ago, and it was our favorite dining spot back in the day. Later on, Luby's became a popular cafeteria during the 1990s, and I remember several locations that were always busy. Seemed to be the older generations who liked that smorgasbord/buffet style, which never caught on very much with the younger crowds. I think that's the main reason we've seen them go out of business over the last decade or so: the demand for that kind of dining isn't much in demand anymore. COVID only played a minor role overall.

[Hschlick84]

Originally Posted by Valley Native

How could I forget Piccadilly? My family used to go the one at the old Thomas Mall long ago, and it was our favorite dining spot back in the day. Later on, Luby's became a popular cafeteria during the 1990s, and I remember several locations that were always busy. Seemed to be the older generations who liked that smorgasbord/buffet style, which never caught on very much with the younger crowds. I think that's the main reason we've seen them go out of business over the last decade or so: the demand for that kind of dining isn't much in demand anymore. COVID only played a minor role overall.

Honestly, Millennials are probably the last generation that knows anything about cafeterias especially when they were prevalent in elementary schools during the 1990s. I have no idea how students get their lunch aside from bagged at home. I remember going to Furr's quite often with my parents as a treat during the weekends. Obviously not high end food, but it gets the job done. Would I eat at cafeterias again? Absolutely as long the food tastes good, has lots of variety and healthy.

[bfrabel]

How about Ikea? I haven't been there in a few years, but their restaurant was definitely like a cafeteria the last time I saw it.

[Voebe]

What if, instead of "cafeteria," we said "buffet"?

I can't remember the details, but I think there's a casino in Tempe, which has a buffet called something like Eagle. I was taken there for a very reasonably priced lunch.

[DAXhound]

Originally Posted by Hschlick84

There was a Luby's in Surprise off Bell and Johnson Blvd, but it closed back in 2014? Otherwise, not really any other cafeterias anymore, just buffets.

Yeah..i was going to mention lubys...but I had never eaten at one..lol. Panda Express is cafeteria style and ok..i actually have had some good food there..but...i gotta mention the Filibertos at I17 and Camelback..east side...you order and they bring it to you...very good Mexican...beef and chicken are of good quality. Fair price and portions.

[mojo101]

How about local unniversity cafeteria?

[M. H.]

@mojo101 Thanks. I will look into that.

[Mike from back east]

Banner Del Webb Hospital admits to having a cafeteria, per their website.