Recap: Our Legendary Lunch Buffet Finally Made It's Return!

April 10, 2025

San Francisco’s heart is beating strong again, and nowhere was that pulse more electric than at Gold Club on April 3rd, 2025, when our iconic Free all-you-can-eat buffet made its triumphant return after a five-year hiatus. The streets of SoMa buzzed with anticipation, and the atmosphere inside 650 Howard Street was nothing short of exhilarating. From the long line snaking around the building to the lively energy that filled every corner of the club, the relaunch was a celebration of food, community, and the vibrant spirit of our city. Let’s dive into the delicious details of this unforgettable day!

A Line Worth Waiting For

By 11 a.m., well before the buffet’s official 11:30 a.m. start, a crowd had already gathered outside Gold Club. The line stretched down Howard Street, wrapping around the building like a ribbon on a gift—a testament to the love San Franciscans have for this one-of-a-kind lunch deal. Office workers in button-downs, tech folks in hoodies, and curious newcomers mingled, swapping stories about the buffet’s pre-pandemic glory days. Some reminisced about piling plates high with Chef Chris Hui’s legendary fried chicken, while others were there to experience the hype for the first time.

“It’s like the city’s waking up,” one patron told us, grinning as he inched closer to the door. The excitement was palpable, fueled by nostalgia and the promise of a free feast in a city where a coffee can cost twice that. Axel Sang, our marketing director, noted the turnout was even bigger than expected. “We knew people missed the buffet, but seeing that line—it was humbling,” he said. The wait didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits; if anything, it added to the sense of occasion, like queuing for a sold-out concert.

A Feast for the Senses Inside

Once inside, the atmosphere was pure Gold Club magic—high-energy, welcoming, and just a little cheeky. The club was decked out to celebrate, with upbeat music setting the vibe and our world-class entertainers adding their signature sparkle. The buffet line, stationed near the main room, was a sight to behold: steaming trays of golden fried chicken, fluffy rice pilaf, and vibrant fruit salad, all served up by Chef Chris Hui and his team. The spread was as classic as ever, sticking to the dishes that earned the buffet its cult status, as detailed in our recent announcement.

A glimpse into the day’s energy comes from a video capturing the buffet in action. The footage shows a bustling crowd, plates piled high, and smiles all around as patrons savored every bite. The fried chicken—crisp, juicy, and dubbed “the best bucket in SF” by SFGATE—was the undisputed star, disappearing from trays almost as fast as they were refilled. The video also catches the lively chatter and laughter, a reminder that Gold Club’s buffet is as much about community as it is about food.

Social media lit up with excitement, too. An Instagram reel from the day shows the line outside and clips of happy diners, while another reel dives into the buffet’s spread, zooming in on that irresistible chicken. Over on Reddit, a post titled “Nature is healing” racked up hundreds of upvotes, with users joking about return-to-office policies and confessing their love for the affordable lunch. “Best deal in SF, hands down,” one commenter wrote, echoing the sentiment of many.

More Than Just a Meal

What makes the Free buffet special isn’t just the price—it’s the experience. As The San Francisco Standard reported, the buffet’s return comes at a time when downtown is rediscovering its groove, with workers streaming back to offices and Oracle Park gearing up for the Giants’ home opener. Gold Club has always been a place where people from all walks of life—techies, government employees, construction workers—come together, and April 3rd was no exception. The club was a melting pot of stories and laughter, with groups grabbing tables to share meals and swap banter.

The atmosphere felt like a party, amplified by our entertainers who brought their A-game, mingling with guests and keeping the energy sky-high. “It’s not just lunch; it’s a vibe,” one regular told us, plate in hand. For many, the buffet is a nostalgic nod to pre-COVID San Francisco, when downtown hummed with life and Gold Club was a quirky staple for affordable eats.

Why the Buffet Matters

The return of the Free buffet is more than a culinary comeback; it’s a signal that San Francisco is reclaiming its bold, eclectic spirit. After 1,826 days without it, as Axel Sang counted, the buffet’s relaunch was a love letter to our loyal patrons who’ve been asking, “When’s it coming back?” on social media for years. Their voices, amplified through posts like those on Instagram and Reddit, helped make this moment possible.

For those who missed the opening, don’t worry—the buffet is here to stay, running every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with special dates like April 4th kicking things off. Want to join the fun? Book your spot now to skip the line and secure your plate of fried chicken heaven. Our events page has all the latest on what’s cooking at Gold Club.

Come Hungry, Leave Happy

The April 3rd relaunch was a reminder of why Gold Club’s free buffet has been a San Francisco legend for over a decade. The long line proved the city’s hunger for this deal, and the electric atmosphere showed that Gold Club is more than a strip club—it’s a place where memories are made, one crispy drumstick at a time. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious first-timer, we’re ready to welcome you with open arms and overflowing trays.

Ready to experience the buffet for yourself? Call us at (415) 536-0300 to reserve your spot for the next Thursday lunch. Bring your appetite, a few bucks for the cover (cash is king, though we’ve got ATMs), and get ready for a meal that’s as unforgettable as the city we call home. San Francisco’s best lunch deal is back—don’t miss out on the party!