7 Maryland Buffets That Locals Swear Serve Fried Chicken Worth Every Plate
Maryland knows how to do comfort food right, especially when it involves a heaping plate of fried chicken. Ask any local and you’ll get a passionate, highly specific answer about where to find the crispiest crust and the juiciest bite.
From Eastern Shore crab houses that quietly crush the poultry game to mountain-town diners serving up Southern-style goodness, the Old Line State hides plenty of all-you-can-eat gems in plain sight.
Whether you’re road-tripping with friends or sneaking out for a solo comfort-food mission, these buffets deliver plate after satisfying plate, and yes, you’ll probably go back for seconds.
1. Charm City Buffet & Grill
Baltimore residents flock here not just for the variety but because the fried chicken hits differently. Every piece comes out with a satisfying crunch that echoes through the dining room, while the meat inside stays impossibly moist. The seasoning blend leans toward peppery perfection without overwhelming your taste buds.
What sets this place apart is the constant rotation of fresh batches throughout lunch and dinner rushes. You will never bite into a sad, lukewarm drumstick here. The staff takes pride in keeping those warming trays stocked with piping-hot pieces that practically beg you to grab seconds, thirds, and maybe a sneaky fourth plate before dessert.
2. Higgins Crab House
Most folks roll up to Higgins expecting stellar seafood, but the fried chicken steals the show for those in the know. Locals whisper about it like a delicious secret because tourists rarely venture beyond the crab legs. Higgins offers All-You-Can-Eat specials that include “Open Kettle Fried Chicken” with classic sides—this is an AYCE format, not a self-serve buffet.
Located on the Eastern Shore, this spot serves chicken that could convert seafood purists into poultry lovers. The chicken is included as part of the AYCE platters; the restaurant doesn’t claim it’s fried to order, and the format isn’t a traditional buffet line.
3. Mountain Gate Family Restaurant
Nestled in Western Maryland mountains, this buffet serves fried chicken that tastes like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house. The coating stays light yet crispy, never greasy, which seems like actual magic considering how much flavor gets packed into each bite. Families return generation after generation specifically for these golden beauties.
The restaurant embraces that cozy mountain-town charm where everyone knows your name and your chicken preferences. Wings, thighs, breasts, and drumsticks all get equal attention in the fryer, so picky eaters and dark-meat devotees leave equally satisfied. Pro tip: arrive early on weekends because locals clear out the chicken trays faster than fresh snow melts in July.
4. GrandE Buffet & Grill
This Asian fusion buffet might surprise you with its fried chicken prowess, blending Eastern techniques with Western comfort food expectations. The result? Incredibly crispy skin that shatters with every bite while keeping the interior juicy and flavorful. Regulars know to hit the chicken station first before exploring the sushi and lo mein options.
Located in a busy shopping area, GrandE attracts diverse crowds who all seem to agree on one thing: the fried chicken deserves its own fan club. The chefs use a double-frying method that creates extra-crunchy texture without drying out the meat. Between the honey garlic wings and classic Southern-style pieces, you might need a second visit to try everything.
5. Royal Buffet MD
Royal Buffet MD is a Chinese & American buffet in Reisterstown; the online menu highlights items like General Tso’s Chicken, and a dedicated Southern-style fried-chicken station isn’t guaranteed.
The kitchen pumps out batch after batch during peak hours, so freshness never becomes an issue. That signature crackle when you bite through the crust makes other diners turn their heads in envy.
Expect a wide variety at budget-friendly pricing; chicken offerings are present but may skew toward Chinese-style preparations depending on the day.
6. Penn Alps Restaurant & Craft Shop
This Grantsville gem combines Pennsylvania Dutch heritage with Maryland hospitality, resulting in fried chicken that tastes like edible nostalgia. Penn Alps runs Friday–Sunday all-you-can-eat buffets (e.g., Friday features often include fried chicken), per their current listings. Each piece gets hand-breaded before taking its golden bath in hot oil.
Beyond the exceptional poultry, Penn Alps offers a unique dining experience with its adjoining craft shop and historic building charm. The buffet spreads include traditional sides that complement the chicken perfectly—think creamy mashed potatoes and buttery corn. Travelers along Interstate 68 consider this a mandatory pit stop, though locals treat it like their personal dining room.
7. Hooper’s Crab House
Known primarily for its crab feasts and waterfront views, Hooper’s surprises guests with fried chicken that rivals any dedicated chicken joint in the area. Their All-You-Can-Eat crab feast explicitly includes “Hooper’s Fried Chicken”; the menu doesn’t specify seasoning such as Old Bay.
Every piece comes out of the fryer with a satisfying crunch that stays crispy even after sitting on the buffet line. Note: Hooper’s serves AYCE platters rather than a self-serve buffet line.
The all-you-can-eat format means you can try different pieces until you find your favorite. Whether you prefer drumsticks, thighs, or wings, there’s always a fresh batch being brought out during peak hours.