Welcome to Jo Mars Family Restaurant: A Lancaster Tradition
Nestled in the heart of Lancaster, South Carolina, Jo Mars Family Restaurant stands as a cherished local institution, deeply rooted in the community it serves. Located conveniently at 278 Lancaster Bypass E, Lancaster, SC 29720, United States, Jo Mars is more than just a place to eat; it is a gathering spot where generations connect over comforting, familiar meals. For years, this establishment has dedicated itself to providing a warm, welcoming atmosphere coupled with satisfying, homestyle cooking that speaks directly to the soul. We pride ourselves on maintaining the simple, honest values that make a family restaurant truly special: quality ingredients, generous portions, and service delivered with a genuine smile.
The essence of Jo Mars lies in its commitment to consistency and community engagement. Whether you are a long-time resident stopping by for your favorite dish or a visitor exploring the charm of Lancaster County, you will find an environment designed for relaxation and enjoyment. Our menu reflects a dedication to classic American comfort food, prepared with care and attention to detail. We understand that dining out should feel like coming home, and every aspect of the Jo Mars experience, from the friendly greetings at the door to the final sip of coffee, is curated to reinforce that feeling of belonging.
What sets Jo Mars Family Restaurant apart in the vibrant local dining scene? It is the synthesis of tradition, quality, and an unwavering focus on the guest experience. We believe that great food is the foundation, but genuine hospitality is what builds lasting relationships with our patrons.
Authentic Homestyle Cooking: Our culinary philosophy centers on preparing dishes the way they have always been made—with time, patience, and the best available ingredients. This results in robust flavors and satisfying textures that evoke cherished memories of home-cooked meals. We focus on traditional recipes perfected over years of service, ensuring every plate offers a taste of genuine Southern comfort.
A True Community Hub: Jo Mars has evolved alongside the Lancaster community. We are deeply integrated into the local fabric, serving as a reliable meeting place for friends, families, and local organizations. This deep connection means our service is inherently personal, reflecting the neighborly spirit that defines this region of South Carolina.
Consistent, Welcoming Atmosphere: The ambiance at 278 Lancaster Bypass E is intentionally designed to be relaxed and inclusive. We strive to maintain a clean, bright, and friendly environment where guests of all ages feel immediately comfortable. Our staff is trained not just to take orders, but to ensure every guest feels valued and well-cared for throughout their visit.
Commitment to Value: We understand that family dining requires providing excellent value. Jo Mars is dedicated to offering substantial, high-quality meals at prices that respect the budgets of our local patrons. Generosity is reflected both in the size of our servings and the warmth of our hospitality, ensuring a rewarding dining experience every time.
Exploring the culinary landscape of Lancaster, SC, inevitably leads many residents and travelers to the familiar doorstep of Jo Mars Family Restaurant. We are proud of our history here and excited about the future we continue to build, one delicious meal at a time. Our location on the Lancaster Bypass E makes us easily accessible, whether you are passing through or looking for your regular neighborhood spot.
In summary, Jo Mars Family Restaurant represents the best of local, independent dining. It is a place where the food is hearty, the service is sincere, and the atmosphere encourages lingering conversation. We invite you to stop by our location at 278 Lancaster Bypass E, Lancaster, SC 29720, and experience firsthand why we have remained a beloved fixture in this community for so long. Come taste the tradition, feel the warmth, and become part of the Jo Mars family story.
We look forward to serving you soon.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Delivery
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
All you can eat
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Private dining room
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Has changing table(s)
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Menus
Photos
Reviews Jo Mars Family Restaurant
Veteran Veteran
17-12-2025
This was our favorite place to go at least once a week for the last 20 years and now that they have sold the new owners or at least what I assume is the new owner short Asian lady who's always by the register who's always pissy to people will drive this place into the ground. Even the wait staff seems miserable now because of her.
I've eaten there twice now in the last 2 weeks and both times I got to witness her on multiple occasions being rude to her staff and twice in one setting to two different customers being all snotty for no reason when the customers had a question.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Stetson Boone
04-12-2025
Down home country cooking here. Love it great ppl great atmosphere can’t ask for anything better
Meal…
More
Long Legged One
23-11-2025
Overall very good buffet. The salad bar is nice. My favorite items had to be the Mac and cheese. The stuffing and the fried pork chops. This macaroni was quite cheesy but not overwhelming either. … More
Patrice Beckwith
17-11-2025
This was my first experience. I did like the idea of wearing gloves when you prepare your plate. The food was hot, fresh, and southern. The salad bar was awesome. Few flies flying around. The atmosphere was friendly. Would recommend.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Fried Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Beef Tips, Side Salad, Chef's Salad
Wait time
No wait
Recommendation for vegetarians
Somewhat recommend
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Kid-friendliness
Yes
Wheelchair accessibility
Yes
Frank Davis
01-11-2025
I got the Double BLT with Fries and a Diet Pepsi. The food was very good, especially the tomatoes and bacon. The fries were hot and crisp. Angel was wonderful. She anticipates the condiments you’ll need for the meal and is very welcoming. Next time I’ll try the buffet. More
Vic Iano
28-10-2025
Arrived at 7:15pm, food amount at the buffet was decent. As it got closer to 8pm the food was barely replenished. They close at 9pm so that's still plenty of time to stock up the food trays. Our waitress was not very attentive, waited until … More
Armand Brouillard
22-10-2025
Wings dried up and rock hard.
Liver and onions was the consistency of shoe leather and just as bland
My waitress amazing tea glass never emptied. … More
Rina Walk
22-10-2025
Too much kitchen staff chatter on the buffet. Put a mask on if you're going to chat, complain, etc while you're stocking the line. The food is nicely cooked without all the seasoning drowning it out. Nice selection of meats and salad … More
Tiffany
17-10-2025
Came here maybe 2 years ago and it was good, we went today and never again. We paid $15 each for unseasoned food. Tried to get jello and it was basically melted, meat in gravy taste like water, corn bread was literally crumbles and falling apart. My daughter tried to get ice cream and it was grainy and inedible. We got home my husband and daughter got sick from the food. Only good thing about the place was the service. Please save your money and go somewhere else.
Food: 1
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3
Tina Snyder
17-10-2025
So… we’ve frequented this place on and off for 4 years. Food was not too bad, Mac & Cheese was really good, chicken wasn’t dried out and desserts were of a good variety. … More
James Snipes
14-09-2025
Food was terrible only thing good was the fried chicken and the food wasn't hot. I thought maybe with new management this place would be better but it is worse than before. I will not come back. More
JR Sanders
28-08-2025
Baked chicken was raw, fried chicken was raw, the roast was bland and dry even with the gravy, fried fish was frozen pieces cooked, shrimp not properly cleaned, frozen before boiled became mush. I think it was Salmond that was dry. Rolls … More
Breezy Bri
26-08-2025
First time visiting, we only went for breakfast while on our way to our trip. It's not a large variety for breakfast but has majority of breakfast items (grits, endless bacon, ham, french toast sticks, biscuits, fruit, ect). I do love the cars they have around the ceiling. The place has some history I'm assuming based off the wall art and car collection. Waitress was nice.
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Grits, Baked Potato
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Booth seating
Recommendation for vegetarians
Somewhat recommend
Parking space
Plenty of parking
George Rodriguez
31-05-2025
Jo Mars has a variety of food on the buffet line. I went there for the lunch buffet. It has a huge dining area that was getting full as lunch rush kept coming in for the home cooked food. The food is made fresh daily for the buffet. You have a salad section, a main dish section, and a dessert side to the buffet. Everything I ate was delicious 😋. I will definitely go back to try the breakfast buffet. They also have menu items you can order if the buffet isn't what you want.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
A Park
30-05-2025
Very disappointing. The booth seats were not clean. I had to clean them myself with the napkin that was provided for me.
The food? Salad bar was good and fresh veggies. The main bar? 🤮
The chicken both rotisserie and fried were dry. The corn bread and rolls were hard. The green beans were soggy and the corn was over cooked because they kept it in the water over the heat lamp too long.
How do you mess up on jello? Well they did. My child threw hers out after the first bite.
The ice cream machine needs a cleaning and the ice cream is more like yogurt.
The meatloaf tasted like they left it in a bucket of oil and the banana pudding was such a disappointment.
So for fifty plus dollars and tip I just wasted a night out with the family.
How ever the staff was kind and the pictures of the old cars and celebrities was cool.
Your the only buffet in town, please do better.
Food: 1
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 1
Big daddy Helms
26-05-2025
Walked in and only got a salad and a water and spent 20 dollars I had others with me that ate at the buffet and they said it was not good the chicken had pink still in it and the shrimp tastes like it had dish soap mixed in it but the waiter was amazing she keep our cups full and all our plates was cleaned off the table More
Katherine C
25-05-2025
Food was mediocre at best. Not a whole lot of food options for the buffet price. The food presentation was sloppy not really appetizing. Although our drinks were kept full, 29$ in gratuity seemed excessive since we were serving ourselves. More than likely will not be back More
VRGator
11-05-2025
I have been a few times in the past and gave it another shot just the other day for breakfast. Look I understand it's a buffet, but the food is mediocre at best. They could put more effort or love into there food. The decor is pretty dated, could use a little sprucing up. Places that stand the test of time like this are my favorite and I am sure this place has made the owner a good living. But it's sad when they dont invest back in the place and keep it updated and fresh. It's a ok place, not my main choice to eat at.
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3
Noise level
Moderate noise
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Booth seating
Recommendation for vegetarians
Not sure
Vegetarian offerings
Not sure
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Wheelchair accessibility
I would say easily accessible.
Douglas Webster
02-05-2025
First timers. 3 of us. We like to eat local when we travel.
We were seated quickly.
Service was quick enough, although our waitress seemed a little out of it. Food … More
Theodore Lindsey
20-04-2025
Very good restaurant. Excellent buffet or you can order from the menu. Great salad bar. Great soup. I had the beef tips. They were very tender with a lot of flavor. The service was very friendly. This was my first time eating at this restaurant.
I would definitely recommend this place.
Destiny Marie
18-04-2025
I haven’t been here in over a year. Today was the first time since last year. I just want to applaud the staff especially the waitress I had because a year or so ago that used to have staff that were just plain rude. There was only one or two good ones this one she was amazing overly amazing. I wish I could remember her name but we got to talking and she was very friendly and I just had to ask her what she had on cause she smelled so nice. She even gave me a bottle of oil that she uses nice conversation very nice lady the atmosphere was amazing. Felt very welcoming decorations were on point also. Everybody that worked there was very nice. I will point that out as well. Nobody had a stink attitude or acted like they didn’t wanna be there. Food could use a little more TLC but was way better than what I remember it. I Definitely will be going back!!!
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Recommendation for vegetarians
Somewhat recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Not sure
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Kid-friendliness
Very much so kid friendly
Jeffrey Hinson
17-04-2025
My wife and I wanted a variety of foods for breakfast. We chose Jomars knowing they had previously had buffet from previous owners. Food looked good on buffet, my eyes moved up some, from the food. There is a buildup of dust/dirt above the sneeze guard. Grits, pancakes and eggs had 0 seasoning, bland.
Our waitress was on top of things, checking on us often. I’m good with that; it’s better than never seeing anyone until the bill.
New owners appear to leave everything the same, I’m thinking new decor may help.
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Group size
2 people
Dawn Voglewede
17-04-2025
Excellent food, excellent service!
Pictured is the chopped sirloin. It is amazing! Best I've had anywhere! It is HUGE though.... the picture does not do it justice! I took 3/4 of it home with me, … More
M
13-04-2025
Lack of good choices properly cooked and not over fried dry it's where you have to choke it down. Absolutely terrible to pay $54 for a meal or shouldn't have been No more than $30. The only thing I was able to eat was my salad. Everything was overcooked dried out been under the heat lamp for so long DHEC would have probably shut them down! I do not suggest this restaurant if you want to call it that to anyone at all. And all honesty if you were to give that food to dogs at the animal shelter they wouldn't even eat it! Was the staff nice the waitresses yes. It goes back to the management and who runs this facility. I work too hard and take pride in my work to support local businesses to get something that plain and unsatisfying. Now I'm headed home to make me a bowl of cereal. Unfortunately you could have got better food and quality next door from McDonald's. If you would need it yourself definitely don't serve it to the public!
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Linda Sturdivant
28-03-2025
I'm sorry but the food was very bland. Southern cuisine should be favorable. Pork chops were done, but had very little
seasoning. I ate it because I was hungry. 2nd time eating here in the past … More
Larry Skipper
15-03-2025
Jomars has been my go to restaurant since I discovered it during the pandemic. Food was outstanding and the service was great. Since the new owners have taken over, the food quality has dropped from a 10 to a 3. Freshness is no longer a … More
Kellie Tucker
09-03-2025
First I was raised in this town. Job Mars used to be one if the best places to eat, I had the 14.95 buffet and a tea. I tried a variety of food, pork chop didn't even tast like pork an pink on the inside, most of what I had was ok best was mac an cheese. I never knew you could mess up a peach cobbler well they did, I have cooked all this myself they need to re think there cook or what's on the buffet 🤔
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 2
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Reservation
Not sure
Wait time
No wait
Recommendation for vegetarians
Highly recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Not sure
Vegetarian options
There veggies were pretty good.
Lissa Smith
17-02-2025
If I could do a no stars I would. Highly disappointed and food was over cooked dry. Jello was even terrible that my 4yr wouldn't eat it. Fried chicken and fish was so dry you couldn't eat it. And to pay 53.00 for 1 child buffet and 2 adults and they only thing my daughter ate was her chocolate ice cream (tried to eat her chicken and green beans) and all I ate was my salad. Complete failure Lancaster!! Don't recommend or suggest this establishment to anyone. You are better off eating at McDonald's at least you can eat the food and leave satisfied and full and trust me I don't like McDonald's. So 54.00 and I will be going home to find something else to eat. Sad they charge what they do and the service of the food that you get. No wonder no restaurants come to Lancaster they stay up towards Indian Land because everything near town would be out of business!!!
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Noise level
Very quiet
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Booth seating
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Nikia Meadows
21-01-2025
I was meeting some coworkers and at first it seemed like the night was going to be a pretty good night my steak was overcooked my potato was old like it had been cooked and heated up and the waitress asked everybody except me if they wanted a drink to go. It's alright to be friendly to your customers but don't feel free to us your whole life story.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Joann Carbone
31-12-2024
This place came highly recommended. The place is in dire need of a Reno. Gordon Ramsey should visit this place. The buffet did not look appealing at all and the food that I did taste was not good. Needless to say we will not be returning. More
Reviews Jo Mars Family Restaurant