Chow Bar

Best Chinese place for lunch that is near campus by the Stemple gates. The lunch buffet is the best deal in town and their authentic Chinese menu is very extensive. The weekend lunch buffet is absolutely epic and you can’t even get your buffet to go, in the form of a styrofoam box- absolutely amazing.

Visited here after seeing it on the map - the staff are very casual but nice, and I like the laid back atmosphere. I got the willow beef, which was nice and spicy, as well as the pot stickers.
I also appreciated the distinction of the American Chinese food from the traditional Chinese food - most places I've been to either don't do that or just don't offer things beyond the American variants.

I was in Bloomington for a 5 day conference and I came to this restaurant 6 times (I arrived on a Sunday afternoon). I think the name might sound unappetizing and the atmosphere and prices might make one suspicious of the quality of the food. But let me tell you, if you know what to order and also like spicy food, the food is some of the best I've had. And I've had food in Beijing, Chongqing, Xining, and some town in Gansu in China which covers a somewhat diverse range of Chinese cuisines.

The two that I loved the most are pictured below (rice not pictured).
1. 水煮三样 ("Water Cooked" beef shank, tongue, tripe)
Don't mind the English translation which doesn't do this justice. The shank and tongue was extremely tender and flavorful. The tripe had the perfect springiness when you bite. And after you've had the main components, there is some stewed cabbage beneath to round things off. If you enjoy spicy food, I think you should try this.

2. 干煸肥肠 (Stir-Fried Fatty Intestines)
The outside is crispy, the inside more chewy and it just packs a great blend of spicy flavors. The vegetables pair well.

Not everyone is used to some of these less commonly consumed parts of the animal but if you're feeling adventurous, give it a try. And both cost less than $18 after tax (in the summer of 2023). If this were served in NY, they could charge $25 at least and I would still happily pay.

The atmosphere is certainly not that of fine-dining but personally, that's fine with me. It was quiet and peaceful and I read some Far Side comics by Gary Larson during one of the dinners.

The food was even better than expected. And they have boba tea.

This restaurant has a huge menu full of delicious meals and milk tea. The beef lo mein, udon, and sesame balls are some of my favorite dishes. I have eaten here many times and never been disappointed. The prices are reasonable as well.

This unassuming place is very close to where I work, and I recently went here for lunch along with my friends. I ordered the Chili Fish (pictured) and shared it among friends along with fried pork ribs (also excellent), eggplants, and Chicken mushroom. The Chili Fish is just as epic to taste as it is to look at.

Highly recommend everything here is great!! Spicy crawfish most people don't know about this hidden gem! But definitely worth getting you won't be disappointed!!

Good food, fast service, and friendly. The crab rangoon is delicious.

Best food selections, and fastest service with hot fresh dishes straight from kitchen to table. 3 main courses with sides of rice, 3 different appetizers, 3 drinks and 1 bubble tea for right around 20 a person. Had so much food that I'm able to take it home and make 2 more lunches out of it for work! Will definitely be coming back!

A Chinese buffet with some food that appears to me that might actually be Chinese in origin. :-) Common diets can work with their buffet: vegan, keto, gluten free. Good for families and groups as well as a quick lunch.

They were one of the only places open for Christmas. It did take them a long time to get the food out (again, they were one of the few places open that night). For $30 we had enough food to last 4 meals, we ordered the orange chicken and crab rangoons. The sauce was made from scratch, the crab rangoons were great. We will 100% be back (maybe not on Christmas).

The food comes out lightning fast and its presentation is awesome. The short rib is awesome. I'd suggest ordering some of the spicy sauce that comes with Pho to dip the ribs in if you want to bust on the spot.

Absolutely phenomenal food! Extremely fresh, hot, and so many flavors! Immediately a new favorite spot to eat at! I am blown away! Both times I've gone the service has been very fast and the food has been extraordinary!

Had a great experience the food is cheap and very good

Not your average buffet! Small intimate setting, which is nice. The buffet isn't extremely large, but that's ok because what is offered is fresh and full of flavor. Definitely a new favorite! A must try!

always a great place for comfort food and more!

Yummy!! Once again, great staff, I’ve never seen them sit down a min ya know?? Always moving always working never slack. The food is proof and, one good thing to remember is they’re closed Mondays ( their only day closed).. and I believe it’s well deserved as the other six days are just hammer down and being kind and polite comes natural to them!! Order some take out, I know you don’t know me, but you’ll thank me when you do try their Asian cuisine!!! Priced right and tastes out of this world! You’ll love ‘em 😇

Best local Chinese place! The General Tso's chicken is my favorite thing from there! It is so good and is always very consistent. I like to get the strawberry bubble tea and it is wonderful too! Definitely recommend trying this place out

Great buffet food quality. Also the most extensive authentic Chinese, Korean, Japanese menu I ever seen. Every item I order off the menu the dishes are the best I have ever had. I am working my way through the menu one authentic dish at a time. My wife gets the buffet and I get the menu. Their bubble tea rocks too.

Best bubble tea that I know of. Everything tastes freshly cooked to order.