Let's just be honest right away: the 5 star reviews make me think they are done by the owner/staff or people who have never been to a restaurant with good food. Moved to Yankton 3 years ago and have given JoDean's a shot 3 or 4 times now, each time hoping it will be better. Even the brunch is bad and I don't know how you mess up breakfast. Go to Minerva's or Fry'n Pan and save yourself the general disgust you will inevitably leave with. Atmosphere is kitschy country. Service us friendly and efficient. Food is mostly tasteless and greasy. Salad bar is not bad. Dessert options are ok. Definitely not worth the price.
(1)
Sioux Zee B.
OMG! This place has so much ambience though no music playing which is very sad because it would improve the financial bottom line for the place. But they do have big screen TVs. Service is immediate, price is too low but I'll take it. Strong affordable cocktails, wine & beer. The best Fried Chicken in Yankton! Clean bathrooms, unlimited parking. Too bad this is not a publicly held franchise as I would buy stock. I love this place!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
Steve H.
Horrible, they need to quit saying they are also a steak house. Steak was very dry. To solve the problem the waitress said she puts ketchup on hers. The seafood buffet is a joke. Wanted to dump a tray of crab legs on the floor to feel like I got my moneys worth
(1)
A S.
Passing through town, pleased everyone in our group. Great food at a great value.
(5)
Jeff M.
This is NOT the steakhouse I remembered. The original owners are long gone and it is a BUFFET. Think USA Steak buffet. No, wait, it's Golden Corral because the food isn't terrible. Not a steak place. 2 stars because the help was super nice. I was the only customer at 8pm on a Week night. Adobe ribs, carved beef and fried shrimp were all very good. Other buffet items looked very old. And cold. They did have several signs I wanted to buy with other nik naks on the walls. The people are very nice there which really helps a restaurant. Who wants good food and crabby servers? Servers are nice and polite.
(2)
Zach M.
Very disappointed, the food was not good. I am so surprised that there were so many good reviews and expected much better quality than what was delivered.
(1)
Tom H.
This place is all about the quantity ... with little to no thought about the quality. If you want to eat a lot ... go for it. If you want something good ... try somewhere else.
Lots to choose from, too bad none of it is worth choosing. The seafood buffet is an insult to seafood. For the price I would expect a lot better. Service and atmosphere are great, unfortunately not good enough to make up for the food.
(1)
Matthew A.
Been going here for 10 years. Good food and service (especially Tom). Prices have gone up in recent years...look for coupons.
(4)
Chris H.
I was impressed with JoDeans when I came with my Fiance and her parents. The food was awesome, just like your grandma's home cooking. My father-in-law-to-be seemed to know everybody there and the cook was yelling at him for pulling the stuffing out of the stuffed peppers (again) I guess he does this frequently. Anyways I spent a good portion of my time checking out all the stuff on the walls, a bunch of old farming equipment, I tried a bit of everything from lunch buffet. They had great salad fixins, fried chicken, pork chops, ham, roast beef, fried fish, potatos and gravy it just goes on and on. Cant wait for my next JoDeans experience!
(4)
Ambri W.
Always love coming here. Great variety! All the food is hot and fresh every time. The seafood buffet on the weekends is a must! Oh yes, and the brunch buffet is fantastic as well!!!
(5)
D. W.
We happened to be hitting this place when they were evidently trading out the buffet trays as most of them were missing. What was there had clearly seen better days and there were plenty of congealed sauces and such (the fried chicken was somehow soft and soggy). They did have some ham available and some roasted chicken that was edible, but other than that, this is the same sort of gloppy and bland food that is synonymous with that part of the upper Midwest. You're not going to a food mecca of any sort, like any of the larger cities. You can plan on encountering a bunch of food stuffs that are hearty (and greasy), the kind described as "sticking to your ribs." Service was pretty much non-existent, but at least the price was very moderate. One of the more interesting things about this place, though, was the vast amount of bric-a-brac on the walls and suspended from the ceilings. This is also a frequent facet of places in the upper Midwest and one of the more redeeming features. Some of it is clearly old and rusting junk (errr, sorry, I mean antiques), but there is a lot of really cool stuff to see. If I was to go again, it would largely just to inspect that closer and more leisurely and see if I missed anything. The lunch buffet I wouldn't gamble on again. The other redeeming feature here is parking is a breeze.
(2)
Trevor C.
Gross had the worst buffet I ever tasted. For $22 u expect a lot more. The ribs are way over done, too chewy. The frog legs tasted old and was like eating a ball of butter. Swordfish was clearly frozen dry and bland. The shrimp was soggy and gross. I will never eat here again also my waiter never returned to my table I was there for over an hour.
(1)
Lee A.
You can get a load of food but I didn't get any food that would cause me to go back and I had the big dog seafood buffet. Interior is cool
(3)
Sarah G.
Interesting place for sure! Yankton options are very limited so based on yelp reviews we tried this place. Huge buffet, pretty standard fare but service was good and the decor kept us pretty entertained!
(4)
Jeremy C.
I normally avoid buffet like the plague but when your grandfather-in-law is buying brunch you go where he wants to go. I have to say it was good. They offered a good selection of fresh food. They even had Walleye on the buffet which was really good. The had a carving station with ham and roast beef. The salad bar was fresh. The atmosphere wasn't classy. Think of a cracker barrel. The service was as to be expected with a large group. Overall they well surpassed a bar which was set rather low.
(4)
Barbara S.
There are lots of good things about JoDeans - but the food isn't one of them. Great ambience. Lots of locals. There's friendly service and a well-rounded salad bar but I think the salads come out of tubs and are not homemade. The hot food seems to be fried or soaked in butter. The desserts are the same desserts they've had for years and I don't think any of it is homemade either. (I'd sure like to see them switch up the dessert bar from time to time). The Friday night seafood buffet is OK if you like tiny crab legs that take forever to eat. The shrimp is either fried or (again) soaked in butter. Same with the fish. If you're careful about what you eat, you probably don't want to go to JoDeans.
(1)
Jibini B.
Another suprisingly yummy restaurant I was happy to discover when I first moved to Yankton. I'm originally from the South, from a family full of North Carolina natives. So I know what good old fashioned, home-style cooking ought to be. And while JoDeans doesn't have Southern fare like pork BBQ or collard greens- it is downright good, homestyle, hearty food at a very reasonable price that will leave your tummy happy! There is a good salad bar with nice fresh bread. Lots of meats- broasted chicken (sorta like fried, but not quite) carved brisket, ham, beef tips, plus there is usually something along the lines of a pot-pie casserole or beef stroganoff. Plus there is also a bar with various hot vegetables, if you're trying to eat healthy. It's always a little different, but it's bound to be good. Friday & Saturday nights, they have a seafood buffet. It's a little pricey, but if you really LOVE seafood, most notably crab legs, it's well worth it. About the only place you'll find good crab legs in town. They also have frog's legs, which I found to be a delightfully unexpected twist. There's usually some kind of fried fish- catfish or whitefish or something, and some kind of broiled whitefish. Fried shrimp, clam strips. Plus the regular buffet offerings. And if you come on a Friday/Saturday and don't want to pay the extra for the seafood, you can get the regular buffet at the regular price. And the dessert buffet is quite tasty- lots of creamy, chocolaty offerings, angel food cake with strawberries, ice cream, cookies. Great way to top off a great meal. The atmosphere is lively and the interior decor is interesting- every time you visit, you'll find something new on the walls to check out! The place is HUGE and has seating for more people than you'd think- so if you come, and the parking lot is packed, don't let it put you off. Chances are, you'll be seated right away. I ate there on Mother's Day and didn't have to wait more than a few minutes for a seat! It's a great place to bring a large group or have a party. Plus, there's also a full bar and you can come there to have a few drinks and relax. The only negative thing I can think of, is the fact that the food seems to do a number on my lower intestinal tract. Makes the morning constitutional a little odd, the next couple of days. It's only JoDeans' food that does it- I drive a truck, eat food all over the country, and have a more or less cast-iron stomach. Other folks in town get the same effect. I don't know if it's from some sort of cooking oil they use, or what....? But, it's worth it, because the food is downright good! By the way, if you are a trucker and you happen to find yourself in Yankton, JoDeans is truck-friendly. Located on the west side of US 81, north of town. Parking is in the back.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Jody V.
Let's just be honest right away: the 5 star reviews make me think they are done by the owner/staff or people who have never been to a restaurant with good food. Moved to Yankton 3 years ago and have given JoDean's a shot 3 or 4 times now, each time hoping it will be better. Even the brunch is bad and I don't know how you mess up breakfast. Go to Minerva's or Fry'n Pan and save yourself the general disgust you will inevitably leave with. Atmosphere is kitschy country. Service us friendly and efficient. Food is mostly tasteless and greasy. Salad bar is not bad. Dessert options are ok. Definitely not worth the price.
(1)Sioux Zee B.
OMG! This place has so much ambience though no music playing which is very sad because it would improve the financial bottom line for the place. But they do have big screen TVs. Service is immediate, price is too low but I'll take it. Strong affordable cocktails, wine & beer. The best Fried Chicken in Yankton! Clean bathrooms, unlimited parking. Too bad this is not a publicly held franchise as I would buy stock. I love this place!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Steve H.
Horrible, they need to quit saying they are also a steak house. Steak was very dry. To solve the problem the waitress said she puts ketchup on hers. The seafood buffet is a joke. Wanted to dump a tray of crab legs on the floor to feel like I got my moneys worth
(1)A S.
Passing through town, pleased everyone in our group. Great food at a great value.
(5)Jeff M.
This is NOT the steakhouse I remembered. The original owners are long gone and it is a BUFFET. Think USA Steak buffet. No, wait, it's Golden Corral because the food isn't terrible. Not a steak place. 2 stars because the help was super nice. I was the only customer at 8pm on a Week night. Adobe ribs, carved beef and fried shrimp were all very good. Other buffet items looked very old. And cold. They did have several signs I wanted to buy with other nik naks on the walls. The people are very nice there which really helps a restaurant. Who wants good food and crabby servers? Servers are nice and polite.
(2)Zach M.
Very disappointed, the food was not good. I am so surprised that there were so many good reviews and expected much better quality than what was delivered.
(1)Tom H.
This place is all about the quantity ... with little to no thought about the quality. If you want to eat a lot ... go for it. If you want something good ... try somewhere else.
(1)Julie D.
I love JoDean's! Whenever we visited my grandma in Yankton, she always took us to JoDean's. The buffet is terrific, the service very friendly and I love the décor.
(4)Jason P.
Lots to choose from, too bad none of it is worth choosing. The seafood buffet is an insult to seafood. For the price I would expect a lot better. Service and atmosphere are great, unfortunately not good enough to make up for the food.
(1)Matthew A.
Been going here for 10 years. Good food and service (especially Tom). Prices have gone up in recent years...look for coupons.
(4)Chris H.
I was impressed with JoDeans when I came with my Fiance and her parents. The food was awesome, just like your grandma's home cooking. My father-in-law-to-be seemed to know everybody there and the cook was yelling at him for pulling the stuffing out of the stuffed peppers (again) I guess he does this frequently. Anyways I spent a good portion of my time checking out all the stuff on the walls, a bunch of old farming equipment, I tried a bit of everything from lunch buffet. They had great salad fixins, fried chicken, pork chops, ham, roast beef, fried fish, potatos and gravy it just goes on and on. Cant wait for my next JoDeans experience!
(4)Ambri W.
Always love coming here. Great variety! All the food is hot and fresh every time. The seafood buffet on the weekends is a must! Oh yes, and the brunch buffet is fantastic as well!!!
(5)D. W.
We happened to be hitting this place when they were evidently trading out the buffet trays as most of them were missing. What was there had clearly seen better days and there were plenty of congealed sauces and such (the fried chicken was somehow soft and soggy). They did have some ham available and some roasted chicken that was edible, but other than that, this is the same sort of gloppy and bland food that is synonymous with that part of the upper Midwest. You're not going to a food mecca of any sort, like any of the larger cities. You can plan on encountering a bunch of food stuffs that are hearty (and greasy), the kind described as "sticking to your ribs." Service was pretty much non-existent, but at least the price was very moderate. One of the more interesting things about this place, though, was the vast amount of bric-a-brac on the walls and suspended from the ceilings. This is also a frequent facet of places in the upper Midwest and one of the more redeeming features. Some of it is clearly old and rusting junk (errr, sorry, I mean antiques), but there is a lot of really cool stuff to see. If I was to go again, it would largely just to inspect that closer and more leisurely and see if I missed anything. The lunch buffet I wouldn't gamble on again. The other redeeming feature here is parking is a breeze.
(2)Trevor C.
Gross had the worst buffet I ever tasted. For $22 u expect a lot more. The ribs are way over done, too chewy. The frog legs tasted old and was like eating a ball of butter. Swordfish was clearly frozen dry and bland. The shrimp was soggy and gross. I will never eat here again also my waiter never returned to my table I was there for over an hour.
(1)Lee A.
You can get a load of food but I didn't get any food that would cause me to go back and I had the big dog seafood buffet. Interior is cool
(3)Sarah G.
Interesting place for sure! Yankton options are very limited so based on yelp reviews we tried this place. Huge buffet, pretty standard fare but service was good and the decor kept us pretty entertained!
(4)Jeremy C.
I normally avoid buffet like the plague but when your grandfather-in-law is buying brunch you go where he wants to go. I have to say it was good. They offered a good selection of fresh food. They even had Walleye on the buffet which was really good. The had a carving station with ham and roast beef. The salad bar was fresh. The atmosphere wasn't classy. Think of a cracker barrel. The service was as to be expected with a large group. Overall they well surpassed a bar which was set rather low.
(4)Barbara S.
There are lots of good things about JoDeans - but the food isn't one of them. Great ambience. Lots of locals. There's friendly service and a well-rounded salad bar but I think the salads come out of tubs and are not homemade. The hot food seems to be fried or soaked in butter. The desserts are the same desserts they've had for years and I don't think any of it is homemade either. (I'd sure like to see them switch up the dessert bar from time to time). The Friday night seafood buffet is OK if you like tiny crab legs that take forever to eat. The shrimp is either fried or (again) soaked in butter. Same with the fish. If you're careful about what you eat, you probably don't want to go to JoDeans.
(1)Jibini B.
Another suprisingly yummy restaurant I was happy to discover when I first moved to Yankton. I'm originally from the South, from a family full of North Carolina natives. So I know what good old fashioned, home-style cooking ought to be. And while JoDeans doesn't have Southern fare like pork BBQ or collard greens- it is downright good, homestyle, hearty food at a very reasonable price that will leave your tummy happy! There is a good salad bar with nice fresh bread. Lots of meats- broasted chicken (sorta like fried, but not quite) carved brisket, ham, beef tips, plus there is usually something along the lines of a pot-pie casserole or beef stroganoff. Plus there is also a bar with various hot vegetables, if you're trying to eat healthy. It's always a little different, but it's bound to be good. Friday & Saturday nights, they have a seafood buffet. It's a little pricey, but if you really LOVE seafood, most notably crab legs, it's well worth it. About the only place you'll find good crab legs in town. They also have frog's legs, which I found to be a delightfully unexpected twist. There's usually some kind of fried fish- catfish or whitefish or something, and some kind of broiled whitefish. Fried shrimp, clam strips. Plus the regular buffet offerings. And if you come on a Friday/Saturday and don't want to pay the extra for the seafood, you can get the regular buffet at the regular price. And the dessert buffet is quite tasty- lots of creamy, chocolaty offerings, angel food cake with strawberries, ice cream, cookies. Great way to top off a great meal. The atmosphere is lively and the interior decor is interesting- every time you visit, you'll find something new on the walls to check out! The place is HUGE and has seating for more people than you'd think- so if you come, and the parking lot is packed, don't let it put you off. Chances are, you'll be seated right away. I ate there on Mother's Day and didn't have to wait more than a few minutes for a seat! It's a great place to bring a large group or have a party. Plus, there's also a full bar and you can come there to have a few drinks and relax. The only negative thing I can think of, is the fact that the food seems to do a number on my lower intestinal tract. Makes the morning constitutional a little odd, the next couple of days. It's only JoDeans' food that does it- I drive a truck, eat food all over the country, and have a more or less cast-iron stomach. Other folks in town get the same effect. I don't know if it's from some sort of cooking oil they use, or what....? But, it's worth it, because the food is downright good! By the way, if you are a trucker and you happen to find yourself in Yankton, JoDeans is truck-friendly. Located on the west side of US 81, north of town. Parking is in the back.
(4)