Bonanza

Bonanza pretends to be a steakhouse, but let's be honest with ourselves. This all-you-can-eat buffet exists to see how much food one can cram down your pie hole and not hate yourself on the way out. And for me, that's quite a lot.

The Looks
The place looks so-so. Mildly appropriate non offensive decorations throughout. For some reason, old people tend to hangout here. OMG, they have one of those claw machines where you try to grab stuffed animals! I hate those things.

The Cost
The price for the lunch buffet is around 6-7 bucks. Pretty reasonable for all you can eat. I believe the price goes up a few bucks for the dinner buffet. As if the food somehow got more expensive because a couple of hours have past. A Soda will run you a pricey 2 dollars. Also, bring money for the claw machine.

The Grub
Can't comment on the steak. But the buffet is usual buffet food. Salad bar, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, soups, lasagna, ham, green beans, bad pizza, desert bar... you know the drill. In general, most items are pretty bland. But the beauty of a buffet is there's a lot of different stuff up there. So there's bound to be something you want. Find it and pig out.

Bonanza
2902 South Center Street, 641-752-3686

Update (September 2008)
Unfortunately, the Marshalltown Bonanza closed this summer.

Memories

Head out of town on Lincoln Way, and you'll unknowingly pass Memories Banquet and Reception Hall. It's a nondescript white building where people apparently have wedding receptions and the like. Boo weddings. Hooray food.

The Looks:
Feels like you're eating lunch at a wedding reception. Probably because people do that here. Probably accounts for the sweet looking, well stocked bar. And the crappy folding tables.

The Cost:
The buffet will run you around $6.50 (drink not included) and most of the menu items could be had for under $7. Not a bad value.

The Grub:
Memories has a simple all you can eat lunch buffet. Or if you wish, the menu contains simple lunch items, such as burgers, chicken, soups and salad. I ordered the club sandwich with fries. The sandwich was passable, but the generic crinkle cut fries were blah. The onion rings looked to be the better choice. In general, I left somewhat unsatisfied, but will return.

Memories Banquet and Reception Hall
1010 West Lincoln Way, 641-753-4693
Lunch (Mon.-Fri. 11-2 p.m.)
Dinner (Fri. 5-10 p.m.)