Finding a solid Chinese buffet in the suburbs is kinda like hunting for a needle in a haystack—if the haystack was made of lo mein and egg rolls. You want it fresh, you want it cheap, and you definitely don't want to regret it the next morning. If you’ve spent any time driving down Highway 92, you’ve probably seen the sign for New China Buffet Woodstock.
It's tucked away in that shopping center at 10029 Highway 92, Suite 198. For years, this spot has been the go-to for locals who just want to eat until they can't move. But honestly? The reputation of this place has been a total roller coaster.
📖 Related: Converting 49 Kilograms to Pounds: The Simple Math You Actually Need
The Real Deal on the Food
Let's talk about what’s actually on the steam tables. It’s a massive spread. You’ve got your standard-issue General Tso’s chicken, beef and broccoli, and those sugary-sweet donuts everyone loves. But what surprises people is the seafood. They actually put out lobster and a decent variety of sushi, which isn't always a given for a budget-friendly buffet.
Some people swear by the hibachi station. You pick your raw veggies and meat, and the chef tosses it onto the grill right in front of you. It’s basically the safest bet if you’re worried about how long something has been sitting under a heat lamp.
The quality is... variable. One Tuesday afternoon, the chicken is crispy and the sauce is perfect. Then you show up on a Friday night and the crab rangoon feels like it’s been there since the Bush administration. That’s the buffet gamble.
What Really Happened with the Health Scores?
If you Google New China Buffet Woodstock, you’re going to see some scary headlines. There's no point in sugarcoating it. Back in early 2022, the restaurant hit a major rough patch with the Georgia Department of Public Health.
📖 Related: Dog Costume for Humans: Why Your Next Party Needs This Specific Brand of Chaos
They actually pulled a 67/U on an inspection in March 2022. That’s a failing grade. The report from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution was pretty blunt: employees were handling noodles with bare hands, and raw chicken was being stored right next to imitation crab. It wasn't great.
But here is the thing people miss.
Restaurants usually flip the script after a disaster like that because they have to or they'll get shut down. Following those low points, the management did a pretty heavy-duty renovation. By 2025, regular customers started reporting a much cleaner environment and better service. Recent reviews from late 2025 and early 2026 suggest they’ve mostly cleaned up their act, focusing on keeping the bar replenished and the floors actually scrubbed.
The Vibe and the Cost
It’s an "easygoing" spot. Don't show up expecting white tablecloths or a quiet romantic evening. It’s loud. There are usually families with three kids under age five running around. The interior was renovated fairly recently, so it doesn't feel as "eighties basement" as it used to.
The pricing is the big draw.
- Lunch: Super cheap, usually under 12 bucks.
- Dinner: A bit more, but you get the "premium" items like the larger shrimp and lobster.
- Takeout: They do the standard "fill a plastic container" thing where the price is based on weight.
Pro tip: If you're doing takeout, don't load up on the heavy lo mein first. Go for the proteins. Otherwise, you’re paying ten dollars for a pound of flour and water.
Why It Still Matters in Woodstock
Woodstock is booming. With all the fancy new spots opening up Downtown, sometimes you just want a place that hasn't changed its basic soul in a decade. New China Buffet Woodstock is that place. It’s predictable. It’s a 4.0-star experience on a 2.0-star budget if you time it right.
Is it the best Chinese food in Georgia? No way. But for a Tuesday night when you're too tired to cook and the kids are starving, it does the job. Just check the latest health score posted by the door. It’s the law for them to show it, and it’s the best way to know if they’re currently in a "good phase" or a "bad phase."
📖 Related: Full Nelson Sex Position: Why This Old-School Classic Is Harder Than It Looks
Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit
- Time your arrival: Aim for 11:30 AM or 5:30 PM. This is when the kitchen is dumping fresh batches of food onto the line.
- Check the silverware: A few diners have mentioned it can be hit-or-miss. Just do a quick eye-test before you dig in.
- Skip the wings: Oddly enough, for a place that nails fried rice, the buffalo wings are frequently cited as the weakest link.
- Watch the Hibachi: If the main buffet looks tired, head straight to the hibachi cook. It's cooked to order and generally the highest quality meal in the building.
If you are planning to head over, they are usually open from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM most days, though they stay open a bit later on Fridays and Saturdays. Double-check their status if it's a Monday, as some local reports suggest they occasionally shift to a six-day schedule during slow seasons.
Go for the value, stay for the donuts, and keep your expectations realistic. It’s a buffet, not a Michelin-star gala.