Overview

Empire Buffet, nestled on Providence Pike in Putnam, CT, offers a vibrant buffet experience that caters to those who appreciate variety and freshness in their meals. This modest-sized restaurant excels in delivering a robust selection of Chinese-American dishes, with an emphasis on both quality and flavor that consistently impresses its guests.

The buffet showcases a compelling array of mainstays like beef prepared in various savory sauces, including oyster sauce, pepper and tomatoes, and broccoli—each dish striking a balance between authenticity and approachability. Their special combination plates, featuring favorites such as Shrimp Chow Mein and Moo Goo Gai Pan, provide diverse options that appeal to meat lovers and seafood enthusiasts alike. This versatility makes Empire Buffet well-suited for families, couples, and groups looking for an all-encompassing meal under one roof.

One of the standout aspects of Empire Buffet is the remarkable freshness maintained throughout peak hours. Guests frequently highlight the attentiveness of the staff, who work diligently to keep food replenished without sacrificing quality. The experience is elevated by friendly, enthusiastic service, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere despite the restaurant’s compact footprint.

Beyond the food, Empire Buffet’s charm lies in its unpretentious yet clean and orderly setting. It caters to diners seeking a satisfying, casual dining experience where budget-consciousness meets generous portions. Notably, the inclusion of seafood specials on certain days, like succulent crab legs, alongside soft serve ice cream for dessert, adds a touch of indulgence that rounds out the meal perfectly.

For those who prefer dining at home, the carry-out option offers reasonably priced, non-greasy fare with mindful seasoning—an important consideration for those watching sodium intake. This flexibility extends Empire Buffet’s appeal beyond the dine-in crowd and reinforces its reputation for thoughtful, value-driven offerings.

In sum, Empire Buffet stands as a reliable destination in the Putnam area for guests craving fresh, flavorful buffet fare delivered with heartfelt service. Whether visiting during a busy evening to savor the freshly replenished dishes or stopping by for a quick and satisfying takeout, Empire Buffet consistently delivers a dining experience that invites repeat visits.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
All you can eat
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates
Atmosphere
Casual

What Customers Say

Scott G
Dec 10,2025
5/5
Good amount of negative reviews but my wife and I didn't experience any of that. We got there at about 5:30 so the food was very fresh, the servers were very attentive and very quick to service us, they were kitchen people who were focused on their job and making sure that the food didn't run empty. The food was very tasty, I tried something new that I had never had before which was peanuts and sesame seed in some kind of a sweet sauce that was fried and tasted really good. My wife and I enjoyed our visit 2 people.. dinner.. $45 total.. this includes a 20% tip.. you gotta hit the place when thry are busy.. thats the freshest food
Joanna Dejesus
Dec 10,2025
5/5
When I first walked in, I was like wow kinda small but this little establishment is packed with flavor! Crab legs on Sundays so delicious! To top it all off they have soft serve ice cream. My favorite buffet so far!
tim eldredge
Dec 10,2025
4/5
Food was pretty good. Some items weren't replenished quickly. Overall food was good, proper holding temps. Place looks cleaner than in past visits. $15 each on a Sunday night wasnt bad for what we had. Server was attentive. We will go back. Seems to be steadily improving.
Ty Clark
Dec 10,2025
5/5
Ordered carry out. The most reasonable prices around. Even the fried food wasn't greasy. Very conservative with the soy sauce, which is great for people who are sodium sensitive. Service was great and appreciative.
Jackson Louis
Dec 10,2025
5/5
The waiters are very enthusiastic and friendly. In this era of soaring prices, they still insist on keeping the price reasonable. The food is very fresh, and I will definitely come back again

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 11:30 AM - 09:30 PM
Wednesday 11:30 AM - 09:30 PM
Thursday 11:30 AM - 09:30 PM
Friday 11:30 AM - 09:30 PM
Saturday 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
Sunday 11:30 AM - 09:30 PM
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