Welcome to The Ringside Buffet

521 Perkins Ave, Mt Vernon, IL 62864, United States

General Info

At The Ringside Buffet, the experience feels refreshingly simple and satisfying-exactly what many people look for in a dependable American restaurant. Located conveniently on Perkins Avenue, this spot has become a familiar stop for locals and visitors who want a relaxed place to sit down, enjoy a good meal, and spend time with family or friends.

Walking into the dining room, the atmosphere immediately feels casual and welcoming. The space is clearly designed for comfortable dine-in meals, and it’s the kind of place where you can settle in without feeling rushed. Families often stop by for lunch, and it’s easy to see why. The restaurant is good for kids, with a laid-back environment that works well for groups, parents, and anyone looking for an easygoing meal.

One of the highlights here-and the reason many diners return-is the Hot Food Bar. Instead of ordering a single dish and waiting, guests can explore a variety of freshly prepared items in one place. During my visit, the hot food bar felt like the center of the room. Plates were filled with classic American comfort foods, and the rotating selection made the experience feel flexible. You can build your own plate based on what you’re craving that day, which keeps the menu feeling interesting even for repeat visitors.

Another practical touch is how smooth the service process feels. Payments are straightforward since the restaurant accepts debit cards, which makes grabbing lunch quick and convenient. This might seem like a small detail, but it adds to the overall ease of the visit, especially for people stopping in during a busy afternoon.

What stood out most during my experience was the steady flow of regulars. Conversations between tables, friendly staff interactions, and the relaxed rhythm of the dining room create a welcoming vibe that many reviews often mention when discussing the place. While some restaurants focus on trends or flashy presentations, The Ringside Buffet leans into reliability-good portions, a satisfying hot food bar, and a comfortable setting where people feel at home.

For anyone exploring dining locations around Mt. Vernon, this restaurant offers a straightforward option for a hearty lunch. The approachable menu style, built around the hot food bar concept, makes it easy for different tastes to find something enjoyable. Judging from both my visit and the positive reviews shared by other diners, the appeal comes from exactly that balance: simple American food, an easy dining experience, and a place that welcomes everyone-from families with kids to locals stopping in for a casual midday meal.

The Ringside Buffet Photos 2
HOUR OPENING
  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    10:00 AM - 07:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    10:00 AM - 07:00 PM
  • Thursday
    10:00 AM - 07:00 PM
  • Friday
    10:00 AM - 07:00 PM
  • Saturday
    10:00 AM - 07:00 PM
  • Sunday
    10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

The Ringside Buffet Photos

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What customers say?

“ What a hidden gem! Home cooked food in buffet format? Yes please. There were a ton of options and everything was PHENOMENAL. 10/10. We live up by St Louis and we're just passing through, but I foresee another trip down here just for lunch in our future! Don't sleep on this place. Seriously! ”

- Robert Shipley -

“ Found Ringside from a state road sign. When we arrived the parking lot was not inviting, thankfully we took the leap and went in for a late lunch. Great food and extremely friendly staff. A must stop for professional wrestling fans for the conversation and decor. We found it well worth a very short drive off the interstate for a lunch/dinner. ”

- John Bunting -

“ This place was absolutely great!! Lots of great food and lots of wrestling pics of well known famous wrestlers on the walls. I recommend this place. So glad we found it. The staff was super friendly and very attentive to our needs. Please if you are hungry and up for a buffet go here!!! We will go back for sure. ”

- Jennifer Wohlwend -

“ Oct. 11 2025... dinner time. We called ahead to see if we could even go there cause we're in a KW semi and was told "Absolutely!! When?". We gave them a time frame & when we did get there- the owner himself met us outside as we was pulling up and he directed us to his back lot... where he had already opened up the security fences that protect the grounds for us to get in, get turned around & get parked to come in & eat... WE SURE APPRECIATED THAT!! Once again, THANK YOU SO MUCH!! It's an old school building!! We loved that!! Hubby & I had several conversations about the building itself as we ate dinner. High nostalgia factor here- for real. It was great. The food was delicious- they had LOTS to choose from, the place was clean, the price was reasonable, the staff was so friendly and the owner was so very nice & helpful. We had absolutely no complaints, both of us left with our bellies full & we had an enjoyable sit down meal before we rolled on. We had an overall pleasant experience & we hope to come back again if we're ever again in the area! Once again- Thank y'all so much!! ”

- Gayle Roberts Tobias -

“ Loved it! Fresh food, friendly smiles, and old school building brings back memories. Not to mention the themed table items. Well worth the drive off the beaten path!!! ”

- Walter Owens -

“ Wow! This place is amazing. Everything tastes just like your Grandma made it in her kitchen. Wish I lived closer but will most definitely stop in anytime I'm out that way. Thank you for a very satisfying meal. Your staff was very friendly and we could see that you all truly work together as a team. ”

- Emily Love -

“ I had no idea this restaurant has been there for five years… We would have been through sooner. They have an excellent buffet with choices that change depending on the days. It’s affordable and the quality of food is 100! The owner came out and introduced herself. She does all the cooking and baking. She and her work family are all so very kind and funny. They also have menus you can order from. It’s worth a stop! It’s my new favorite place. Don’t let the looks fool you either. It’s in an old school building. When you walk in they have a numerous collection of wrestling memorabilia and autographs. It was enjoyable especially to see a Brutus Barber Beefcake’s autographed picture and Jake the Snake Roberts. ”

- Lisa Gibson -

“ We were a bit intimidated when we first pulled up. This is an old school building. However, once we walked in we were immediately greeted. They had a nice selection on the buffet. It had hot food, salad bar and dessert. The place was clean and the staff was very friendly and the service was great. Next time we pass through we will stop for sure! ”

- Mary Bunting -
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Location & Contact

call to book a table & delivery:
information The Ringside Buffet:

521 Perkins Ave, Mt Vernon, IL 62864, United States

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