I have the opposite opinion. I eat several times per week at self-service buffets (they're very common around here, though it's almost always paid per weight),

I have the opposite opinion. I eat several times per week at self-service buffets (they're very common around here, though it's almost always paid per weight), and it's much better than traditional restaurants. Instead of a small selection of dishes you might not like (or have components you might not like; it's especially bad for non-meat-eaters, since usually only one or two of the choices are not meat), in a way too big portion, and taking a long time to get ready, you can choose only components you like, in the amount you want, and you don't have to wait. Yes, occasionally a traditional restaurant can be fun, and when you get lucky the quality of the food can be great, but I usually consider them not so great an experience.