12 Mississippi Buffets That Locals Say Fry Up Chicken Just Like Sunday Tradition
In Mississippi, Sunday dinner has always carried a certain rhythm, pots clattering, laughter echoing, and the unmistakable smell of fried chicken drifting through the air.
Across the state, buffets keep that rhythm alive with recipes seasoned by memory and time. Crispy, golden pieces land on plates beside collard greens, cornbread, and mashed potatoes, creating a meal that feels like a quiet celebration.
Each stop honors a Southern tradition built on patience, flavor, and the kind of cooking that brings everyone back for seconds.
1. Mama Hamil’s, Madison
Walking into this place feels like stepping into a neighbor’s kitchen during Sunday supper. The fried chicken here comes out hot and crunchy, with seasoning that hits all the right notes without being too spicy.
Locals swear by the crispy coating that stays put even after sitting on your plate for a few minutes. The buffet spreads out with classic sides like mac and cheese, greens, and cornbread that complement the chicken perfectly.
Families pack this spot on weekends, creating a lively atmosphere that makes every meal feel special. You’ll leave with a full belly and probably some leftovers wrapped up in foil.
2. Country Fisherman, Jackson
Don’t let the name fool you into thinking this spot only does seafood. Their fried chicken rivals any catfish on the menu, with a buttermilk brine that keeps the meat tender and juicy inside.
The breading gets that perfect crackle when you bite down, and they season it just enough to let the chicken flavor shine through. Regulars know to grab a plate early before the lunch rush clears out the best pieces.
The casual setup makes it easy to pile your plate high without feeling fancy. Service stays friendly even when the place gets packed during peak hours.
3. Berry’s Seafood & Catfish House, Florence
Berry’s has been frying up chicken the old fashioned way for decades now. The recipe hasn’t changed much because, honestly, why mess with perfection when locals keep coming back for more?
Each piece gets a double dip in seasoned flour before hitting the fryer, creating layers of crunch that make your taste buds dance. The chicken stays moist even under all that crispy goodness, which is harder to pull off than it sounds.
My cousin dragged me here last summer, and I’ve been thinking about that chicken ever since. The portions are generous, so bring your appetite and maybe some stretchy pants.
4. Penn’s Restaurant, Forest
Penn’s keeps things simple and does it right. Their fried chicken follows a recipe that’s been passed down through the family, and you can taste that history in every bite.
The meat pulls away from the bone easily, and the skin crisps up without getting greasy or heavy. They fry in small batches throughout the day, so you’re always getting fresh chicken rather than stuff that’s been sitting under heat lamps.
The buffet rotates different sides daily, but the chicken remains the constant star. Weekday lunches draw crowds of workers who know this place delivers quality without breaking the bank.
5. Cajun’s Fabulous Fried Chicken, Gulfport
This Gulfport gem adds a little coastal kick to traditional fried chicken. The seasoning blend brings hints of cayenne and paprika that warm you up without setting your mouth on fire.
They offer both spicy and mild versions, so picky eaters and heat seekers can both find happiness here. The chicken comes out juicy with a coating that somehow manages to be both crunchy and light at the same time.
The buffet includes plenty of Cajun inspired sides that pair beautifully with the chicken. Prices stay reasonable, making it a solid choice for feeding a hungry family without emptying your wallet.
6. Hartz Chicken Buffet, Ocean Springs
Hartz brings a no-nonsense approach to fried chicken that locals appreciate. The birds get marinated overnight before frying, which helps the seasoning penetrate deep into the meat rather than just sitting on the surface.
Their buffet keeps things stocked and fresh, with staff constantly checking to refill empty trays. The chicken skin achieves that satisfying snap when you bite through it, revealing tender meat underneath.
The restaurant stays clean and well maintained, which matters when you’re eating at a buffet. Kids eat at a discount, making this a popular spot for families on a budget.
7. Old Country Store (Mr. D’s), Lorman
Tucked away in tiny Lorman, this place feels like a time capsule of Mississippi dining. Mr. D’s has been serving up country cooking since way back, and their fried chicken recipe hasn’t budged an inch.
The chicken gets fried in cast iron skillets the way grandmothers used to do it, giving it a different texture than modern deep fryers create. You’ll taste the difference immediately in that home cooked quality that’s hard to fake.
The buffet spreads across long tables loaded with vegetables straight from local farms. Stopping here feels like visiting relatives you didn’t know you had, complete with warm hospitality and seconds you can’t refuse.
8. The Farmhouse Restaurant, Iuka
Up in Iuka, The Farmhouse serves chicken that tastes like it came straight from a Sunday church potluck. The recipe uses simple ingredients but gets the technique just right, proving you don’t need fancy stuff to make great food.
Each piece comes out golden brown with a coating that’s thick enough to provide crunch but not so heavy it overwhelms the chicken. The meat stays incredibly moist, probably thanks to whatever secret brining method they use.
The atmosphere feels homey and relaxed, with checkered tablecloths and servers who remember your name after one visit. Portions run large, so pace yourself or plan on taking home a doggy bag.
9. The Buffet At Cypress Point Resort, Brandon
Casino buffets sometimes get a bad rap, but Cypress Point takes their fried chicken seriously. They prepare it fresh throughout service rather than cooking huge batches that sit around getting soggy.
The seasoning leans traditional, letting the quality of the chicken itself take center stage. You’ll find both white and dark meat options, all fried to that perfect golden color that looks almost too pretty to eat.
The buffet offers way more variety than just chicken, but regulars know to hit the fried chicken station first. Weekend brunches get busy, so arriving early means shorter lines and hotter food.
10. Palace Buffet, Biloxi
Palace Buffet proves that casino dining can deliver authentic Southern cooking. Their fried chicken holds its own against any standalone restaurant, with a recipe that honors Mississippi traditions while feeding hundreds of people daily.
The coating achieves impressive crispiness despite the high volume production, and the chicken never tastes dried out or overcooked. They keep the buffet line moving smoothly even during peak hours, so you won’t spend forever waiting.
The variety here is wild, with options from around the world, but that fried chicken keeps pulling people back. Value for money runs high, especially if you’re hungry enough to sample multiple stations.
11. The Buffet At Island View Casino, Gulfport
Island View’s buffet stretches on forever, but the fried chicken station consistently draws the longest lines. Chefs fry chicken in plain sight, so you can watch your meal go from raw to ready right before your eyes.
The transparency builds trust, and the results speak for themselves with chicken that’s crispy outside and succulent inside. They nail that difficult balance between seasoning enough to add flavor but not so much that it tastes salty.
I’ve eaten here probably five times now, and the quality stays consistent every single visit. The all you can eat format means you can try a drumstick first, then go back for thighs if that’s your preference.
12. The Buffet At Beau Rivage, Biloxi
Beau Rivage’s buffet might be the fanciest place on this list, but their fried chicken stays true to down home roots. They use premium birds and fry them with the same care a home cook would use for Sunday dinner.
The presentation looks upscale, but the taste remains authentically Southern with that satisfying crunch and well seasoned flavor. You’ll find this chicken sitting alongside seafood and prime rib, yet it holds its own against those premium offerings.
The price point runs higher than other spots, but the overall experience justifies the splurge for special occasions. Everything from the service to the atmosphere feels polished without being stuffy or pretentious.