17 North Carolina All-You-Can-Eat Buffets Where The Fried Chicken Is The Star Of The Table
North Carolina has a well-earned reputation for outstanding fried chicken, and these buffets are a big reason why. Known for their crispy crust and tender, flavorful meat, they serve up the kind of comfort food that keeps people coming back.
Each spot piles plates high with expertly seasoned chicken and a spread of traditional Southern sides. These restaurants stick to what works, and it shows in every bite.
For anyone seeking a satisfying, no-frills meal, these buffets deliver the kind of fried chicken experience that defines the Tar Heel State’s culinary roots.
1. Casey’s Buffet (Wilmington)
Coastal Carolina meets comfort food at this Wilmington favorite where locals have been coming for decades. The fried chicken here gets a subtle seafood influence from the nearby Atlantic Ocean.
Each piece comes out golden brown with a secret blend of spices that includes just a hint of Old Bay seasoning. The buffet stays fresh all day long with new batches coming out every hour.
Sunday crowds pack this place for good reason, and the sweet tea pairs perfectly with every crispy bite you take.
2. Fuller’s Old Fashioned BBQ (Fayetteville)
Military families and barbecue lovers unite at this Fayetteville institution that’s been serving Fort Bragg area for generations. The fried chicken competes seriously with their famous pulled pork for attention.
Each drumstick and thigh gets hand-battered in buttermilk before hitting the fryer for that perfect crunch. The buffet includes mac and cheese, green beans, and cornbread that complement the chicken beautifully.
Portions here are generous enough to satisfy even the hungriest soldier coming off duty.
3. Ralph’s Barbecue (Weldon)
Small town charm meets big flavor at this hidden gem where the fried chicken recipe hasn’t changed since 1951. Ralph’s keeps things simple but does everything perfectly right.
The chicken gets seasoned overnight before battering, creating layers of flavor that go deep into every piece. Their buffet features classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and hush puppies made fresh daily.
Locals know to arrive early on weekends because this place fills up fast with folks driving from surrounding counties.
4. Granny’s Kitchen (Cherokee)
Mountain hospitality shines through at this Cherokee buffet where fried chicken meets Appalachian tradition in the most delicious way possible. The restaurant sits near Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Each piece of chicken gets coated in seasoned flour mixed with cornmeal for extra crunch that echoes throughout the dining room. The buffet includes mountain favorites like fried green tomatoes and country ham alongside the star attraction.
Tourists and locals alike rave about the generous portions and friendly service that feels like visiting family.
5. Grandma Hoyt’s Country Buffet (Bessemer City)
Family recipes passed down through three generations make this Bessemer City buffet special beyond words. Grandma Hoyt’s original fried chicken technique still guides every batch that comes out today.
The secret involves a cast iron skillet seasoning process that takes two full days to complete properly. Fresh herbs from their garden add brightness to the traditional Southern seasoning blend that coats each piece.
Weekend visits often include live bluegrass music that makes the whole experience feel like a genuine family reunion celebration.
6. Pioneer Family Restaurant (Archdale)
Triad area families have made this Archdale restaurant their Sunday tradition for over twenty years running. The fried chicken here comes out so consistently perfect that regulars set their watches by it.
Each piece gets double-dipped in buttermilk and seasoned flour for maximum coating coverage and crunch factor. The buffet rotates seasonal vegetables but always features the classics like mashed potatoes, gravy, and green bean casserole.
My cousin swears their chicken breast is the juiciest she’s ever tasted, and she’s tried them all across three states.
7. Western Sizzlin (Wilson)
Chain restaurant quality meets local flavor at this Wilson location where the fried chicken consistently outshines corporate expectations. The management here takes real pride in their preparation methods.
Fresh chicken arrives daily and gets seasoned with a blend that includes paprika, garlic powder, and secret spices. The buffet stays well-stocked during peak hours with hot, crispy pieces that never sit around getting soggy.
Lunch crowds include everyone from business professionals to construction workers who all agree this location beats most independent restaurants hands down.
8. Golden Corral (Greensboro)
National chain meets local standards at this Greensboro location where the fried chicken program runs like clockwork throughout busy meal periods. Fresh batches come out every thirty minutes during peak times.
The seasoning blend here includes eleven herbs and spices that create layers of flavor in every single bite. Buffet selections include endless sides, but most folks load up on chicken first and worry about vegetables later.
College students from nearby universities pack this place on weekends, proving that good fried chicken transcends all age groups and backgrounds completely.
9. The Robbins Nest (Selma)
Railroad history meets comfort food at this Selma restaurant where the fried chicken recipe dates back to when trains still stopped regularly. The building itself sits near historic railway tracks.
Each piece gets hand-breaded using techniques that haven’t changed since the 1940s era of train depot dining. The buffet features railroad-sized portions that could fuel a full crew through their longest shifts ahead.
Local train enthusiasts gather here monthly, and they always order extra chicken to fuel their passionate discussions about locomotive history and restoration projects.
10. Captain Bob’s Restaurant & Catering (Hertford)
Nautical charm meets Southern cooking at this Hertford waterfront restaurant where fried chicken competes with fresh seafood for menu popularity. The location offers beautiful water views during dinner.
Chicken here gets a light cornmeal dusting that adds texture without overwhelming the natural flavors underneath. The buffet combines land and sea options, but locals know the chicken is what keeps them coming back regularly.
Sunset dinners on their deck make this place special, especially when paired with their signature sweet tea and homemade biscuits fresh from the oven.
11. Chason’s Buffet (Fayetteville)
Military town dining gets elevated at this second Fayetteville entry where fried chicken preparation follows precision timing that would make any drill sergeant proud of the results.
The kitchen operates on strict schedules ensuring fresh chicken hits the buffet line exactly when hungry customers need it most. Seasoning includes a blend of Southern spices with just enough heat to wake up your taste buds.
Base families celebrate promotions and homecomings here, making this restaurant part of countless military memories that span multiple generations of service members and their loved ones.
12. Fish Hook’s Café (Belhaven)
Coastal fishing village meets comfort food at this Belhaven café where fried chicken holds its own against the freshest seafood from nearby waters. The restaurant overlooks working fishing boats.
Each piece gets seasoned with a blend that includes celery salt and white pepper for a unique flavor profile. The buffet changes with the seasons but always features chicken alongside whatever the local boats brought in that morning.
Commercial fishermen stop here before heading out to sea, claiming the fried chicken gives them good luck on their fishing expeditions throughout the week.
13. Dan’l Boone Inn (Boone)
High country hospitality shines at this Boone institution where fried chicken gets served family-style alongside mountain favorites that warm you up after cold mountain adventures. The restaurant has operated since 1959.
Chicken preparation follows old mountain recipes that use cast iron skillets seasoned over decades of use. Each table receives platters of chicken along with biscuits, gravy, and vegetables grown in nearby mountain valleys.
Appalachian State University students and tourists alike pack this place year-round, especially during fall foliage season when the mountain views are absolutely spectacular from every window.
14. Mike’s Farm Restaurant (Beulaville)
Working farm meets restaurant at this Beulaville destination where fried chicken comes from birds raised right on the property using traditional farming methods. The farm-to-table concept actually means something here.
Fresh herbs and vegetables from their gardens season the chicken along with traditional spices for incredible depth of flavor. The buffet includes produce picked that morning along with chicken that lived free-range lives just outside the dining room windows.
City folks drive hours to experience authentic farm dining, and many leave with fresh eggs and vegetables from their country store attached to the restaurant building.
15. Julia’s Talley House (Troutman)
Historic elegance meets comfort food at this Troutman restaurant housed in a beautifully restored Victorian home where fried chicken gets served with genuine Southern grace and hospitality.
Each piece receives careful attention from experienced cooks who understand that good chicken takes time and patience to prepare properly. The buffet includes refined versions of classic sides that complement the chicken without competing for attention.
Wedding receptions and family celebrations frequently choose this location, and the fried chicken always gets mentioned in thank-you notes from happy couples and their grateful guests.
16. Western Steer Steakhouse (Newton)
Steakhouse reputation doesn’t stop this Newton restaurant from serving outstanding fried chicken that rivals their famous beef offerings for customer loyalty and repeat business throughout the year.
The chicken gets seasoned with steak seasoning adapted for poultry, creating a unique flavor profile that sets it apart. Their buffet combines the best of both worlds with premium meats and traditional Southern sides available daily.
Catawba County families have made this their celebration destination for decades, and many birthday parties end with debates about whether the chicken or steak deserves the crown.
17. Ron’s Barn Barbecue & Seafood (Coats)
Rustic barn atmosphere creates the perfect setting for this Coats restaurant where fried chicken competes with barbecue and seafood for the title of most popular menu item among regular customers.
The chicken gets a light smoky flavor from being cooked near their barbecue pits, adding complexity without overwhelming the traditional fried coating. Their buffet rotates between all three specialties but always keeps chicken available for devoted fans.
Rural Johnston County residents consider this their special occasion restaurant, and many family reunions end with arguments about which dish deserves to be the official family favorite going forward.