9 Georgia Buffets Where The Fried Chicken Tastes Like Grandma’s Kitchen
There’s a reason fried chicken holds such a special place in Southern hearts—it’s more than just food, it’s pure nostalgia on a plate.
That first crunchy bite followed by juicy, flavorful meat has a way of bringing back Sunday dinners, family reunions, and grandma’s secret recipes whispered in the kitchen.
In Georgia, some buffets have managed to bottle up that same magic, serving crispy golden chicken that feels both comforting and unforgettable.
After years of exploring the Peach State’s dining scene, I’ve found nine buffets where the fried chicken is so good, it could easily pass for something straight from your grandmother’s skillet.
1. The Green Manor — Union City’s Time Machine
Housed in a charming Victorian mansion, The Green Manor isn’t just serving food—they’re dishing up history with every bite. The first time I visited, an elderly gentleman at the next table leaned over and whispered, “Best kept secret in Georgia.” He wasn’t exaggerating.
Their fried chicken sports a crust so perfectly seasoned, it’s practically criminal. The meat pulls away from the bone with that tender resistance that signals perfect cooking. What really sets this place apart is their buttermilk marinade technique—a 24-hour soak that infuses every fiber with tangy goodness.
Sunday afternoons here feel like a family reunion, minus the awkward conversations with distant cousins. The Green Manor has been perfecting their recipe since 1985, and trust me, that patience has paid off deliciously.
2. Johnboy’s Home Cooking Country Buffet — Marietta’s Comfort Haven
Y’all, I nearly wept the first time I tasted Johnboy’s fried chicken. No fancy frills here—just honest-to-goodness country cooking that hits your soul before it even reaches your stomach. The owner, Mr. Johnson, still uses his mama’s cast iron skillet technique scaled up for restaurant service.
The chicken emerges with that distinctive crackling sound when you bite in—a symphony of crunch giving way to the most tender meat imaginable. Their secret? A pinch of something called “memory dust” (actually a blend of eleven spices) that Mr. Johnson refuses to disclose even after three decades.
With locations in both Marietta and Cartersville, this family-owned gem draws crowds from across the state. Rumor has it that a famous Atlanta chef drives 40 minutes weekly just for their chicken and biscuits!
3. Bulloch House Restaurant — Presidential Poultry Paradise
“Hot dang, that’s good chicken!” I blurted out embarrassingly loud during my first visit to Bulloch House. Located in Warm Springs (FDR’s favorite Georgia retreat), this historic spot has been feeding hungry souls since the 1890s. The presidential connection isn’t just for show—Roosevelt himself reportedly adored their crispy bird.
Each piece gets double-dredged in their signature flour mixture before taking a plunge into peanut oil—a regional technique that creates the most beautiful mahogany exterior. What knocked my socks off wasn’t just the perfect seasoning but the surprising hint of lemon zest in their batter.
Fun fact: They cook in small batches throughout the day rather than massive quantities. This means you’re almost guaranteed a fresh-from-the-fryer piece that crackles when you break into it. Pure chicken nirvana!
4. Georgia Comfort Kitchen — Port Wentworth’s Coastal Comfort
Smack between Savannah and the coast sits Georgia Comfort Kitchen, where I accidentally discovered the most heavenly chicken while on a road trip detour. Their unique coastal twist? A hint of seafood seasoning in their flour blend that’ll make your taste buds do a double-take.
The chicken here emerges with a crust that’s somehow both substantial and delicate—shattering like glass when bitten but never overwhelming the bird beneath. Owner Ellie Mae learned her technique from three generations of family cooks, combining their wisdom into something entirely her own.
What truly sets this place apart is their honey-drizzle finish—a barely-there sweetness that plays beautifully against the savory seasonings. Even the pickiest eater in our group (my brother-in-law who claims to hate buffets) went back for thirds. That’s saying something!
5. Ole Times Country Buffet — Dublin’s Down-Home Delight
“Good gravy!” (And yes, there is excellent gravy here too.) The first bite of chicken at Ole Times sent me straight back to my grandmother’s farmhouse table. This Dublin institution has perfected the art of consistent quality—remarkable for a buffet serving hundreds daily.
Their chicken sports that ideal balance: shatteringly crisp exterior with juice-running-down-your-chin interior. The seasoning is straightforward but masterful—salt, pepper, paprika, and what the manager cryptically calls “Sunday spices.” Whatever that means, it works magic.
I watched in fascination as their kitchen staff hand-breaded each piece, a labor-intensive process many buffets skip. The restaurant’s walls feature black-and-white photos of Dublin from the 1940s, creating the perfect nostalgic backdrop for food that tastes like cherished memories. Their chicken recipe hasn’t changed since opening day in 1993—and thank heavens for that!
6. Fried Tomato Buffet — McDonough’s Crispy Crown Jewel
Don’t let the name fool you—while their fried green tomatoes are indeed spectacular, the chicken here reigns supreme. My first visit to this McDonough mainstay happened during a thunderstorm, and that chicken provided the kind of comfort only Southern cooking can deliver.
The Fried Tomato’s technique stands out for its old-school approach: chicken brined overnight in buttermilk spiked with hot sauce, then dredged in flour that’s been seasoned with a recipe passed down through four generations. The result? A perfect balance of spice, salt, and that indefinable something that makes you close your eyes when you chew.
What charmed me most was watching families gather around their tables, passing plates and sharing stories—exactly how fried chicken should be enjoyed. Their Sunday after-church crowd is legendary, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. Trust me, it’s worth it.
7. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room — Savannah’s Historic Table Tradition
Technically not a buffet, but I’d be committing a culinary crime not mentioning Mrs. Wilkes in a Georgia fried chicken roundup. This Savannah legend serves family-style at communal tables, creating an experience that feels like Sunday dinner at your most talented relative’s house.
The chicken here comes out piping hot, with skin so crisp it practically sings when touched with a fork. What makes it extraordinary is the simplicity—just chicken, flour, salt, pepper, and a century of know-how. No fancy techniques, no secret ingredients beyond time-honored skill.
I’ve dined beside tourists from Japan, locals celebrating anniversaries, and once, a celebrity chef who remained incognito but couldn’t stop raving. Everyone leaves with the same expression—pure satisfaction. Just remember: it’s cash only, closed weekends, and worth every minute of the inevitable line that forms outside this converted boardinghouse from 1943.
8. The Blue Willow Inn — Social Circle’s Southern Splendor
Housed in a gorgeous Greek Revival mansion, The Blue Willow Inn serves chicken so good it once made my stoic father-in-law actually giggle with delight. That’s no small feat! This Social Circle landmark has welcomed everyone from local farmers to former presidents through its columned entrance.
Their chicken achieves that perfect balance—crispy exterior giving way to meat so tender you barely need teeth. The secret lies in their three-step process: brining, air-drying, then frying at precisely 325 degrees. Plus, they use smaller birds than most restaurants, ensuring optimal flavor-to-meat ratio.
Beyond the incredible food, eating here feels like stepping into a Southern novel. Crystal chandeliers hang above buffet tables laden with silver serving dishes. The waitstaff still calls everyone “honey” or “sugar,” and somehow it never feels forced. When Lewis Grizzard called it “the best country cooking on earth,” he wasn’t exaggerating.
9. Mary Mac’s Tea Room — Atlanta’s Soul Food Sanctuary
“Sweet mercy!” Those were the only words I could muster after my first bite of Mary Mac’s legendary fried chicken. Since 1945, this Atlanta institution has been serving what might be the most perfect example of Southern fried chicken in existence. It’s not technically a buffet, but their generous portions and family-style options earn them an honorary spot.
Each piece sports a crust that’s mysteriously both substantial and light—shattering between your teeth before giving way to impossibly juicy meat. They still use cast iron skillets rather than deep fryers, a labor-intensive choice that makes all the difference in flavor development.
What really sets Mary Mac’s apart is their pencil system—you mark your own order on a paper slip, a charming tradition from when Miss Mary McKenzie first opened. Georgia legislators officially declared it “Atlanta’s Dining Room” in 2011, but locals have known that truth for generations.