Unless there is no other alternative, I avoid buffets like the plague. Many of them are actually like the plague.
I've read statistics that more germs are passed at buffets then on gas pump handles - and that's a lot of germ-passing.
I've been at buffets where mom was holding junior up and letting him help himself while he was coughing and hacking and nose-running all over the buffet and picking things up with his bare hands. That was good enough for me to pass on the buffet.
I'm not a germophobe, but I frequently use this as an excuse to keep my waistline under control.
I'd rather have a controlled portion. But that's just me. I tend to overeat at buffets. So any excuse to avoid one is good enough for me.

Life is short. if you enjoy a buffet, go for it. I try and do without.