This Is the Best Buffet in Massachusetts, Known for Its Interactive Grill

When I was a college student living in Boston, I knew all of the local restaurants that served large portions of food for reasonable prices. But there was one place in particular that I frequented again and again, and that was the all-you-can-eat restaurant, FiRE+iCE. Not only did this eatery have outstanding buffet-style dining, but it was such a fun place to visit.

Although the old Harvard Square FiRE+iCE location of my college days is no longer in operation, the restaurant has a current home in the heart of Boston, located near the Freedom Trail and the Boston Public Library. My daughter and I recently visited here before catching a family show at the Boch Center - Wang Theater, and I have to say that this spot is just as delicious as its predecessor. If you haven't dined here previously, I highly suggest checking it out.

FiRE+iCE is popular for its all-you-can-eat stir-fry-style creations. The twist is that you, the patron, pick out all of the ingredients and custom-create each dish. But the restaurant's stand-out feature is its massive round interactive grill that cooks up your creations right before your eyes. Let me walk you through how it all works. 

Once you are seated at your table and have ordered some delicious cocktails and perhaps an appetizer or two, you are free to begin the signature grill experience. What will you create? A hearty pasta dish? An Asian-inspired stir fry? Or maybe some spicy tacos? The possibilities are endless. 

Grab a bowl and head over to the enormous buffet of fresh ingredients. I like to start with a base of either rice or noodles and then add in my proteins. The choices include everything from chicken, beef, and pork to elaborate seafood options like scallops, mussels, and calamari. Then it is on to the veggies. Green peppers, snap peas, and broccoli are some of my favorites, but sometimes I like to mix it up by throwing in some water chestnuts or bean sprouts. When your bowl is full, there is one more important step before the food gets grilled, and that is to grab a cup of sauce to be mixed in with your other ingredients. There are over a dozen to choose from, including some interesting flavors such as Peach Bourbon BBQ and Mango Garlic Mojo.

Now it is time to get cooking. Join your fellow diners at the gigantic open flame grill and watch in wonder as the expert grillmasters cook up your culinary masterpiece right in front of you. This is also an excellent chance to see what everyone else has created (in case you want to replicate these dishes later).

When your meal is complete, be sure to savor it, but also leave room for more, as you are free to visit the buffet and create different dishes as many times as you wish. And if you are still hungry, you can always order a sweet dessert. I myself have never been able to take another bite beyond the main dishes.

Have you had a chance to dine at FiRE+iCE? If so, please tell us all about your visit. You can find out more about the best buffet for interactive dining in Massachusetts at the FiRE+iCE website and the FiRE+iCE Boston Facebook page. Before you head to Boston, be sure to use the Only In Your State itinerary planner to map out your customized trip.