13 Florida Buffets That Locals Say Serve Fried Chicken Worth The Drive
There’s something magical about fried chicken done right – the crunch of that golden crust followed by tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth.
In Florida, buffet restaurants have turned this Southern staple into an art form, pulling in loyal fans who don’t mind a road trip just to load up their plates.
Exactly these all-you-can-eat spots have earned a reputation for keeping folks lined up for seconds (and sometimes thirds) of their irresistible fried chicken.
1. Brown’s Country Buffet (Alachua)
Small-town charm meets big flavor at this family-run gem in Alachua. The fried chicken emerges from the kitchen in small batches throughout the day, ensuring each piece maintains that perfect balance of crunch and tenderness.
Regulars plan their weeks around Brown’s buffet schedule, knowing exactly which days feature their favorite sides alongside the star attraction.
The no-frills dining room fills with conversation and the sounds of satisfied diners every afternoon.
2. Fred’s Market (Plant City, Lakeland, Riverview)
Golden-battered perfection awaits at Fred’s Market, where the signature MarketTable™ buffet showcases their famous fried chicken daily. The crispy coating shatters with each bite, revealing tender, juicy meat that keeps regulars returning weekly.
Their secret recipe hasn’t changed in decades, paired perfectly with homestyle sides like creamy mac and cheese and collard greens.
Visit on weekdays for shorter lines, but expect weekend crowds willing to wait for this local treasure.
3. Granny Cantrell’s (Panama City)
Stepping into Granny Cantrell’s feels like Sunday dinner at Grandma’s house. Their double-dredged fried chicken has earned legendary status among Panama City locals, who swear the secret lies in the seasoned flour mixture passed down through generations.
My aunt Doris once drove three hours just to satisfy her craving for their chicken and hoecakes. The restaurant survived Hurricane Michael and reopened faster than expected because residents literally volunteered to help.
That’s how much this chicken means to the community.
4. Ole Times Country Buffet (Lake City)
Highway travelers and locals alike flock to this Lake City institution, where the chicken fryers rarely get a break. Their consistent technique produces a distinctive pepper-flecked crust that regulars can identify blindfolded.
Sunday’s special leg quarters draw the biggest crowds, with church-goers lining up after services. The buffet rotates over 20 vegetable sides daily, but regulars know to save room for the banana pudding, the perfect sweet finish after their fried chicken feast.
5. Sam’s Country Buffet (Tallahassee)
College students and capital city workers unite in their devotion to Sam’s perfectly seasoned fried chicken. The modest exterior hides a bustling buffet where the chicken trays empty faster than the staff can refill them.
I remember studying for finals at FSU, surviving on Sam’s fried chicken for three days straight. The crispy skin has just enough pepper to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming the natural chicken flavor.
Their consistent quality has created generations of loyal customers who introduce newcomers with pride.
6. Savannah’s Country Buffet (Crawfordville)
Rural charm meets culinary expertise at this hidden Crawfordville treasure. Their fried chicken achieves the perfect balance – crispy exterior giving way to moist, flavorful meat that practically falls off the bone.
Locals time their visits around fresh batches, typically arriving 30 minutes after opening. The affordable price point makes this spot especially popular with families and retirees who appreciate value without sacrificing quality.
7. Carving Station Buffet (Lake Park)
Just north of West Palm Beach, this unassuming buffet surprises first-timers with fried chicken that rivals any Southern grandmother’s recipe. The chicken is cooked in precisely temperature-controlled fryers.
Growing up, my family measured special occasions by trips to Carving Station. Their chicken has the perfect salt-to-seasoning ratio that enhances rather than masks the quality of their poultry.
The diverse crowd reflects the universal appeal of perfectly executed comfort food.
8. Duff’s Original Buffet (Clearwater)
Clearwater’s longest-running buffet has perfected their fried chicken recipe through decades of refinement. Offering both white and dark meat options, Duff’s ensures every preference is satisfied with their consistent, golden-brown masterpieces.
The chicken remains remarkably grease-free, thanks to their double-dredging technique and precise frying temperature.
Regulars strategically time their visits to coincide with fresh batches emerging from the kitchen, their crispy aroma announcing their arrival before they even hit the buffet line.
9. Cook’s Buffet, Café & Bakery (DeLand)
History and flavor converge at this DeLand institution, where the fried chicken recipe remains unchanged since opening day. The kitchen staff maintains an almost ceremonial approach to their chicken preparation, treating each batch with reverence.
The crust achieves that elusive combination of herbaceous flavor and satisfying crunch. Locals joke about the “Cook’s 15” – the pounds gained during your first months of discovering this place. Their holiday-dinner-everyday approach means comfort food at its finest.
10. The Hotel Jacaranda Restaurant (Avon Park)
Time travel comes with your meal at this historic hotel restaurant, serving Floridians since 1926. Their Southern-fried chicken remains the standout star of a buffet that celebrates old-Florida cuisine with unapologetic traditionalism.
The chicken’s distinctive herb blend has sparked countless attempts at replication, all unsuccessful. I watched my grandfather close his eyes with each bite during our monthly visits, savoring what he called “the taste of real Florida.”
The vintage dining room enhances the experience, making each visit feel special.
11. Pop’s Southern Buffet (Palatka)
Recently revived to local celebration, Pop’s brings back the classic Southern buffet experience Palatka residents missed. Their fried chicken features an extra-crunchy coating that somehow remains light rather than heavy or greasy.
The weekly rotating menu keeps things interesting, but regulars track the fried chicken schedule with dedication.
Sunday’s after-church rush proves the chicken’s reputation, with multi-generational families making this their weekend tradition.
12. Jim’s Buffet & Grill (Marianna)
Panhandle residents recognize Jim’s as the standard-bearer for properly executed country cooking. Their fried chicken maintains that ideal balance between seasoning and natural flavor, with a coating that adheres perfectly to each piece.
The small-batch approach ensures quality control that larger operations can’t match. Farmers and business folks alike fill the tables at lunch, creating a cross-section of Marianna life united by appreciation for simple food done exceptionally well.
13. Golden Corral (Ocala)
Surprising even buffet skeptics, the Ocala location of this national chain has developed a reputation specifically for their fried chicken.
Local management has clearly prioritized quality control for this popular item, ensuring consistent execution that keeps locals coming back.
Unlike some chain experiences, this location’s chicken emerges fresh throughout service. The breadcrumb-free coating maintains its crispness without becoming tough or dry.
Their dedicated chicken fryers work continuously during peak hours, a testament to demand for this surprisingly excellent offering.