10 Kentucky Buffets That Locals Say Serve Fried Chicken Straight Out Of Tradition

Kentucky takes its fried chicken seriously – it’s practically in our DNA. Across the Bluegrass State, buffet restaurants keep this culinary tradition alive, serving crispy, juicy chicken just like Grandma used to make.

From family-owned diners to state park lodges, these all-you-can-eat spreads offer authentic Kentucky flavor that keeps locals coming back Sunday after Sunday.

1. Claudia Sanders Dinner House – Shelbyville

The Colonel’s wife’s legacy lives on at this historic eatery, where Sunday’s beloved buffet now graces Saturdays too, starting August 2025. Hungry patrons line up for heritage-recipe chicken and savory livers that taste remarkably similar to a certain famous bucket.

The homestyle sides complement perfectly crisp, golden-brown chicken. Arrive early or risk waiting alongside locals who’ve made this tradition part of their weekend routine for generations.

2. Greyhound Tavern – Fort Mitchell

Northern Kentucky’s crown jewel boasts an award-winning Sunday brunch where their famous fried chicken steals the spotlight. Golden-brown pieces sit proudly next to regional specialty goetta and an impressive carving station.

The historic tavern’s wood-paneled dining room fills quickly with families dressed in their Sunday best. Football season turns this buffet into a pre-game ritual, with reservations becoming as precious as playoff tickets.

3. KFC Buffet – Mount Vernon

Buffet enthusiasts make pilgrimages to this rare treasure – reportedly Kentucky’s last remaining KFC buffet. Located just off I-75 at Renfro Valley’s Exit 62, this unique outpost keeps the pans filled with that unmistakable Original Recipe. Locals guard this secret fiercely.

My cousin drove three hours just to fill his plate four times, claiming the unlimited mashed potatoes and gravy alone justified the trip. Sunday after-church crowds form like clockwork, so time your visit strategically.

4. Country Cupboard – Madisonville

Small-town charm meets big flavor at this western Kentucky staple. Daily lunch and dinner buffets feature crispy, juicy chicken that locals swear rivals any big-name franchise.

The dessert bar deserves its own zip code, with homemade pies that grandmothers quietly try to reverse-engineer. Regulars check social media before visiting to catch their favorite meat rotations.

Wood-paneled walls lined with local sports memorabilia create the quintessential Kentucky dining atmosphere.

5. Bread of Life Café – Liberty

Amish-style cooking shines at this unassuming café, where Saturday evening brings a buffet worth planning your weekend around.

The fried chicken, prepared with simple ingredients and generations of know-how, achieves that perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy meat.

My grandmother always said you could judge a restaurant by its bread, and the heavenly aroma from the bakery case proves her right.

I once watched a grown man nearly weep over their cinnamon rolls.

6. Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn – Owensboro

Barbecue may be the headliner at this legendary Owensboro institution, but don’t tell that to the fried chicken devotees who make a beeline past the mutton. Golden-brown chicken pieces maintain their rightful place on the massive daily buffet.

The smoky aroma hits you before you even exit your car. Weekends transform the parking lot into a license plate showcase from multiple states.

Smart visitors save room for the burgoo – Kentucky’s signature stew that pairs surprisingly well with crispy chicken.

7. Big Ed’s – Paducah

Western Kentucky flavor rules at Big Ed’s, where Sunday’s buffet (11-5) draws multi-generational families like clockwork. The fried chicken holds court alongside catfish, country ham, and homemade casseroles that would make any Kentucky grandmother proud.

I still remember my grandfather insisting we arrive the minute they opened, claiming the first batch of chicken was always the crispiest. Years later, I find myself giving the same advice.

Check their posted pricing – the value often surprises first-timers.

8. Pizza Ranch – Paducah

Surprising chicken connoisseurs since opening, this buffet proves great fried chicken can come from unexpected places. The crispy chicken shares buffet space with pizza varieties, creating the ultimate crowd-pleasing combination.

Families appreciate the kid-friendly atmosphere and value-conscious pricing. Senior Wednesdays draw the wisdom crowd who know good chicken when they taste it.

The dessert pizza provides a sweet finale that somehow works after savory chicken.

9. Greenbo Lake State Resort Park – Greenup/Argillite

Nature and comfort food unite at this eastern Kentucky park lodge where Sunday’s buffet has become legendary among hikers and locals alike. The fried chicken appears regularly on social media posts, drawing visitors from across the state.

Floor-to-ceiling windows frame forest views while you enjoy crispy chicken and country fixings. Call ahead before making the scenic drive – seasonal adjustments to hours can catch visitors off-guard.

The post-meal lake stroll is the perfect way to work off second helpings.

10. Driftwood Restaurant, Barren River Lake State Resort Park – Lucas

Southern Kentucky’s lakeside gem rotates themed buffets multiple days each week (often Thursday through Sunday), with fried chicken making regular star appearances.

The dining room’s panoramic lake views provide the perfect backdrop for comfort food indulgence. Savvy visitors check the park’s dining updates for the current rotation – fried chicken, fish fry, and homestyle spreads pop up frequently.

Seasonal ingredients from local farms frequently enhance the sides.