Best Buffet: Pizza Ranch

Endless options sure to satisfy any cravings

Are you looking for a quick bite to eat on your lunch break?  Are there nights when you are in a rush and you don’t have time to cook?  If so, look no further than Pizza Ranch of Mankato. 

Pizza Ranch has a lot to offer their customers, such as delivery or carryout, online ordering, catering and gluten-sensitive options.  This is a welcome relief for those who may be allergic to gluten, but they still like to eat pizza from time to time.  On the restaurant’s website, they even offer a nutrition calculator, so you can watch how many calories you are consuming. 

They are located at 1551 Tullamore St. in Mankato.  Their hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

For those who want to stop in on their lunch break, their lunch hours are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The price for the buffet during these days of the week is reasonable, as the buffet price is $9.09.   

While others may be unable to stop in during lunchtime, they are always open during the evenings and weekends.  Their hours are 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Their buffet price during the weekend and evening is $10.59. 

I have always liked Pizza Ranch’s variety of pizzas.  Plus, if you want something made for you, you can ask one of the kitchen staff and they can make one for you. I have always gotten the chicken bacon ranch pizza and you can never go wrong with that. 

The restaurant also has an arcade for the kids to play in, plus kids can eat free on Tuesday.  However, they must be 10 years of age and under, in order for this to qualify.  During your visit, you will find an endless “Buffet Your Way” and roasted chicken that I have never tried, but I have heard from others that it is good. 

It is 10 minutes away from Sibley Park and Mankato West High School, so it is conveniently located if you are on your way from work or school.  If you are going to go with a large party, they have community rooms that will accommodate up to 34 people.  This would be an ideal location for someone who is celebrating a birthday or just having a get-together. 

It turns out that Pizza Ranch is partnered with the Tesfa Foundation and they work to supply internationally sourced restaurant coffee. By doing so, they are supporting literacy and education for children in Ethiopia. 

I was never aware that the Pizza Ranch was a part of the Tesfa Foundation, let alone having coffee available, but it is nice to see that they are living up to their vision statement.  I think it’s great they are providing resources to children that need a quality education, as well as providing their customers with internationally sourced coffee. Furthermore, if you are looking to dine out for a reasonable price, look no further than the Pizza Ranch of Mankato. 

Photo: (Reporter Archives)