The Gathering Place - Canyonville

This place used to be my go-to for seafood. They?ve got signs all up and down I-5 advertising ?Seafood Buffet Friday Saturday? but when I arrived today (Saturday) it?s ?Surf and Turf? which is apparently some steamed clams and breaded fish with some poorly cooked prime rib... Definitely not worth the price they charge; it used to be well worth the price but not anymore.. They keep spending money on upgrading the place to look nice, but it looked fine before the most recent remodel. They made the buffet much smaller and also lost a lot of quality with the food. Hopefully whoever manages this place comes to their senses about this place being pretty vs having actually good food.

This was a great place to eat before new management came in and ruined it. It went from a somewhat classy dining experience to just an over priced disgusting buffet. The fried chicken turned into a mushy paste and could be ?chewed? without teeth, the chicken parm was just chicken (not even fried) with cheep marinara on top with cheese. Even the salad tasted rancid. Now the last thing that made it somewhat nice, waitresses getting drinks for you, has been replace with a self serve station. If the new management is reading this please know that you ruined a great thing.

We walked in a was greeted by a young lady who took our names for buffet. What I don't understand with what she says is pretty simple she puts your name down but if you get out of line instead of paying now when your table is ready you have to get back in the long line to pay before you can eat. It doesnt make since why they make you get back in the long line if you already were in a long line to put in your name. HUH????? So, we will pay first and not have to get back in line a second time. Why do they do this let me assume it's so the casino makes sure you come back and dont change your mind. Not sure I really understand the point of it but okay. .. who knows as slow as the two ladies are we may not have to leave by the time we get upfront. Tonight is surf and turf and $23.99 without a card or senior discounts. Oh and if you look at the image that says surf and turf it didnt have most of that stuff it was so not surf and turf So, I'll let you know how it goes with lots of pics and comments. Surf and Turf is clams, fried chicken, Asian section, prime rib, fried shrimp, mashed potatoes and more. Oh before I forget you now have to get your drinks too, which means it's easier to tip. I'm not sure how this staff can't stay caught up with the customers if all their doing is clearing tables. Clear as you walk by a table and it makes it so much easier when the client leaves. Waiting tables 101! Hmmmm I get it it's a buffet and the chicken was dry so have a soda pop ready to wash it down. The salmon was like jerky not my thing. The clams unfortunately out of 10 only 3 had meat, the shrimp was okay if you like breading, and the prime rib was killed and chewwwwYy! Not the best experience and it seems to be getting worse everytime we come and for that price come on... they need to go check buffets in Las Vegas that charge these prices.

It is a 1 to 2 hours waiting when you go in a Friday or weekend night. The shells were good, but how only 25% of them had actual meat inside, the main rib was literally the best meat? I've ever cost in my whole life. The player card is free, which makes it $22.00 instead of $30.00 so that it at least makes You feel like you get a good offer. The vanilla frozen yogurt tasted strange, it was almost like spoiled milk, but the mint taste was wonderful, then the soft nap was pretty dang good, fajita is crazy tasty and they have taco stuff and crazy good waffleries. Veggie rice was kind of rough, but the Spanish rice should die. There is definitely delicious food when you are in the imagination, so overall I was really happy. I have to drive 45 miles to get there, but there are no more quality buffets closer to me, so it's worth when you were in the past in Hometown Buffet?

We went to the buffet last night 2-19-2020. The food was better than the last few weeks. The only thing I can say is that we want to see ham on the line more often. We miss it. Some of the secondary dishes are a little bland, but I think that's what salt and pepper is. Please keep the good work, and add ham more often during the week. D. R. Wilcox.