13 Ohio Buffets That Locals Swear Fry Up Fried Chicken Just The Way It Should Be
Nothing beats the satisfaction of crispy, golden fried chicken piled high on your plate at a buffet where seconds are not just allowed but encouraged.
Ohio’s buffet scene delivers some of the most beloved fried chicken experiences in the Midwest, where family recipes and time-tested techniques create that perfect crunch locals crave.
These buffets have mastered the art of keeping their chicken hot, fresh, and irresistibly delicious. They are true must-tries!
1. Der Dutchman – Plain City
Amish cooking traditions shine brightest at this Plain City institution, where broasted chicken takes center stage on their famous barn-raising buffet. Locals have been flocking here for decades, drawn by chicken that’s perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection.
The buffet spreads beyond just chicken, featuring homestyle noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, and a fresh salad bar that complements the hearty main dishes. Open Monday through Saturday for both lunch and dinner, this spot closes on Sundays to honor traditional Amish customs.
Family-style dining and à-la-carte options provide flexibility for different group sizes and preferences.
2. Dutch Valley Restaurant – Sugarcreek
Sugarcreek’s crown jewel serves up broasted chicken that has become the stuff of local legend, drawing visitors from across Holmes County to their all-you-can-eat hot buffet. The chicken emerges from the kitchen with that distinctive crispy exterior that only proper broasting can achieve.
Monday through Saturday, hungry diners fill their plates while the aroma of freshly prepared chicken fills the air. The restaurant stays true to its roots by closing on Sundays for family time.
Don’t leave without visiting their on-site bakery, where homemade pies make the perfect sweet ending to your chicken feast.
3. Berlin Farmstead – Berlin
Berlin’s farmstead buffet transforms mealtime into a proper feast where broasted and baked chicken anchor a spread that would make any farm family proud.
The chicken arrives at the buffet line seasoned with that perfect blend of herbs and spices that keeps locals coming back week after week.
Roast beef, ham, and an array of traditional sides round out the offerings, making this the ideal one-stop destination for experiencing authentic Amish country flavors.
The restaurant operates daily except Sundays, with special holiday buffets that draw crowds from neighboring counties.
Easy parking and generous portions make this a favorite for families exploring the area.
4. Der Dutchman – Walnut Creek
My grandmother always said the best chicken comes from places where they’ve been doing it the same way for generations, and this Walnut Creek location proves her right every single day.
Their broasted chicken maintains that perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat that has made this spot a longtime favorite among Holmes County residents.
The homestyle buffet spread includes all the comfort food classics that pair beautifully with their signature chicken. Monday through Saturday service ensures consistent quality, while Sunday closures maintain traditional values.
Large groups can opt for family-style service when the buffet won’t accommodate their party size.
5. Der Dutchman – Bellville
Bellville’s Der Dutchman location brings Amish-style comfort food to the Mansfield area, where their broasted chicken has earned a devoted following among locals who appreciate consistency and quality.
The chicken emerges from the kitchen with that signature golden-brown color that signals proper preparation.
Classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes, green beans, and fresh-baked rolls complete the traditional buffet experience.
The restaurant operates Monday through Saturday, offering both lunch and dinner buffets that maintain the same high standards as their sister locations.
Popular for banquets and special events, this location handles large groups with the same attention to detail they bring to individual diners.
6. Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen – Mount Hope
Mrs. Yoder’s has perfected the art of scratch cooking, where every piece of broasted chicken reflects decades of culinary tradition passed down through generations of Amish cooks. Locals swear by the all-you-can-eat buffet that centers around this perfectly seasoned chicken.
The restaurant operates most days with lunch and dinner buffets, though they honor tradition by closing on Sundays. Each side dish complements the chicken beautifully, from creamy coleslaw to hearty green beans that taste like they came straight from the garden.
Family-style chicken dinners provide an alternative for those who prefer table service over buffet dining.
7. Dutch Kitchen – Dalton
Dalton’s Dutch Kitchen creates a homey atmosphere where broasted chicken shares buffet space with roast turkey, ham, and roast beef in a feast that celebrates hearty American cooking. The chicken maintains that perfect crispy texture that makes each bite satisfying.
Tuesday through Friday lunch buffets and Thursday through Saturday dinner service provide multiple opportunities to enjoy their famous chicken. Saturday breakfast buffets add morning options for those who want to start their day with comfort food.
Soup, salad, and dessert bars ensure every diner finds something to love alongside the main attractions. Check their daily specials page for current buffet times and seasonal offerings.
8. Amish Door – Wilmot
The Barn Restaurant at Amish Door transforms dining into a complete village experience where their Grand Buffet showcases broasted chicken alongside roast beef, ham, and classic sides that represent the best of Amish cooking traditions. Fresh pie and an extensive salad bar round out the offerings.
Monday through Saturday buffet service provides consistent access to their famous chicken, while Sunday closures respect traditional values. The restaurant operates as part of a full village complex that includes a bakery, market, and inn.
Located right on the Stark-Tuscarawas county line, this destination makes exploring multiple attractions easy and convenient for visitors.
9. The Olde Dutch Restaurant – Logan
After spending countless hours hiking through Hocking Hills, I discovered this gem where their fried chicken dinners have earned genuine praise from locals who know good comfort food when they taste it. Weekend breakfast buffets provide a hearty start to outdoor adventures.
The restaurant welcomes groups with ample parking and accommodating service, making it perfect for families or hiking parties who work up serious appetites exploring the nearby trails. Daily lunch and dinner service ensures consistent availability.
Located conveniently for Hocking Hills visitors, this spot combines excellent food with the kind of hospitality that makes Ohio famous for treating guests like family.
10. The Barn Restaurant at Sauder Village – Archbold
Archbold’s Sauder Village houses a country buffet destination where from-scratch cooking produces fried chicken that perfectly complements the living-history village experience next door.
The hearty fare reflects traditional cooking methods that visitors can actually observe in the adjacent historical demonstrations.
Lunch and dinner hours operate Tuesday through Saturday (11 a.m.–7 p.m.), and the restaurant is closed on Sunday and Monday. The restaurant coordinates beautifully with village activities, allowing guests to combine educational experiences with exceptional dining.
Fulton County families have made this a regular destination, appreciating both the quality food and the educational value that makes every visit memorable for children and adults alike.
11. Ponderosa Steakhouse – Columbus
Columbus’s South High Street Ponderosa keeps the throwback buffet tradition alive, where fried chicken ranks among the hot-bar staples that locals treasure for both nostalgia and incredible value. This location maintains the classic Ponderosa experience that many remember from childhood visits.
Daily lunch and dinner service provides consistent access to their beloved buffet, while their active social media presence keeps customers informed about special holiday buffet offerings. The restaurant periodically features buffet-only service during peak holiday periods.
Value-conscious diners appreciate the generous portions and variety that make every visit feel like a celebration of comfort food done right.
12. Ponderosa Steakhouse – Hillsboro
Highland County’s Ponderosa franchise proudly features their famous fried chicken on an all-you-can-eat buffet that draws locals who appreciate both quality and value in their dining experiences.
Early-bird senior buffet deals are offered in the afternoon (commonly 2–4 p.m.); specific days and pricing can vary, so check the location for current details.
Daily service along US-62 and US-50 provides convenient access for both locals and travelers passing through the area. Their social media posts frequently highlight chicken specials and seasonal offerings.
The local franchise maintains strong community connections, regularly featuring deals and specials that keep Highland County residents coming back for more of that signature fried chicken they’ve grown to love.
13. Golden Corral – Whitehall
Whitehall’s Golden Corral represents the ultimate endless buffet experience, where fried chicken serves as a core hot-bar item that satisfies both lunch and dinner crowds seeking variety and value.
The national chain’s consistent preparation methods ensure reliable quality that meets expectations every visit.
Daily operation provides maximum flexibility for diners, while the extensive salad bar and carving station accommodate diverse group preferences and dietary needs. The Whitehall location maintains current hours on their website for planning purposes.
Large groups particularly appreciate the variety and space that make family gatherings and celebrations stress-free experiences, where everyone finds something they enjoy eating.