These North Carolina Buffets Serve The Best Fried Chicken Each Fall
When fall settles over North Carolina, the air turns crisp and comfort cravings show up fast. Buffets become the easy choice: hot pans, quick refills, and fried chicken that hits the table fresh and crackling.
Families meet after football games, church groups grab long tables, and travelers find a plate that feels familiar without a fuss.
These spots ahead keep the fryers humming through cooler evenings, with sides that make a second trip feel worth it. Bring a friend, bring an appetite, and enjoy a simple, satisfying meal that fits the season.
1. Casey’s Buffet (Wilmington)
Locals know this Wilmington spot delivers when it comes to crispy, flavorful fried chicken that never disappoints. The coating stays crunchy even after sitting on the buffet line for a bit.
You’ll find generous portions and a seasoning blend that balances salt and spice perfectly. The meat stays juicy inside while the outside gives you that satisfying crunch with every bite.
Fall weekends get busy here, so arriving early means fresher batches and shorter lines at the buffet stations.
2. Fuller’s Old Fashioned BBQ (Fayetteville)
This Fayetteville favorite has been frying chicken the same way for decades, and regulars wouldn’t have it any other way. The recipe comes from a family tradition that goes back generations.
Each piece gets hand-battered before hitting the fryer, which makes all the difference in texture and taste. The skin crisps up beautifully while keeping all the natural flavors locked inside the meat.
Their buffet runs all day during fall months, giving you plenty of chances to grab a plate.
3. Granny’s Kitchen (Cherokee)
Nestled in the mountains, this Cherokee restaurant brings that homemade taste to every piece of fried chicken they serve. The mountain air and comfort food make a perfect pairing when autumn colors start showing up.
They use a simple flour coating without too many fancy spices, letting the chicken flavor shine through naturally. The result tastes like something your grandmother would make on a Sunday afternoon.
Tourists and locals both pack this place during fall, especially on weekends when the leaves are changing.
4. Ralph’s Barbecue (Weldon)
Don’t let the barbecue name fool you because Ralph’s fries up some seriously good chicken that keeps people coming back. The batter gets just the right amount of pepper without overwhelming your taste buds.
They cook in smaller batches throughout the day, which means you’re more likely to get a fresh piece straight from the fryer.
The buffet setup lets you pile your plate high with all the fixings that go perfectly with fried chicken. Fall brings cooler weather that makes the drive to Weldon worth every mile.
5. The Robbins Nest (Selma)
This Selma spot has built a reputation on serving fried chicken that hits all the right notes without trying too hard. The breading sticks to the chicken perfectly, which sounds simple but makes a huge difference.
You won’t find any soggy pieces here because they keep a close eye on cooking times and temperatures. The white meat stays moist while the dark meat practically falls off the bone with just a fork.
Their fall hours extend into the evening, making dinner here a solid choice after a long day.
6. Pioneer Family Restaurant (Archdale)
Families have been gathering at this Archdale restaurant for years, drawn by fried chicken that never changes in quality or taste. The consistency here is what keeps generations coming through the doors season after season.
They season the flour mixture with just enough herbs to add interest without masking the chicken flavor. Each piece comes out golden brown with a coating that crunches when you bite down.
The buffet spreads out wide with plenty of sides, but the fried chicken remains the star attraction every single time.
7. Western Steer Steakhouse (Newton)
While steak gets top billing in the name, the fried chicken at this Newton location surprises first-time visitors with its quality. The kitchen uses a pressure fryer that seals in moisture while creating an incredibly crispy exterior.
This cooking method cuts down on grease, so you don’t feel weighed down after eating a few pieces. The result is lighter but still packed with all the flavor you want from good fried chicken.
Fall evenings bring crowds looking for hearty meals, and this buffet delivers exactly that without breaking the bank.
8. Grandma Hoyt’s Country Buffet (Bessemer City)
The name says it all because eating here feels like visiting a grandmother who knows her way around a kitchen. Their fried chicken recipe hasn’t changed in over 30 years, and customers appreciate that kind of reliability.
They soak the chicken in buttermilk before battering, which tenderizes the meat and adds a subtle tangy flavor. The pieces come out tender enough to pull apart easily but firm enough to hold together on your plate.
Autumn brings out the best in comfort food, and this buffet nails that feeling perfectly.
9. Chason’s Buffet (Fayetteville)
Another Fayetteville gem, Chason’s takes pride in keeping their fried chicken hot and fresh throughout lunch and dinner service. The kitchen staff monitors the buffet line constantly to replace empty trays before you even notice.
Their batter includes a hint of cayenne that gives just a little kick without making it spicy. Most people don’t even realize there’s heat until the second or third bite, and by then they’re hooked.
Fall weekdays offer quieter dining with the same great quality as busier weekend rushes.
10. Gardner’s Barbecue, 301 Flagship (Rocky Mount)
Located right on Highway 301, this Rocky Mount institution has been feeding travelers and locals since way back when. The fried chicken here tastes like it came straight from a 1950s church picnic in the best possible way.
They stick with a traditional recipe that uses lard instead of vegetable oil, giving the chicken a richer, more authentic flavor. The coating is thin and crispy, never thick or doughy like some places tend to do.
Stop by during fall travels for a meal that reminds you why simple food done right beats fancy any day.
11. McCall’s BBQ & Seafood (Goldsboro)
Goldsboro’s McCall’s rounds out this list with fried chicken that holds its own against their famous barbecue and seafood options. The kitchen manages to keep everything fresh even with such a large menu spread across the buffet.
Their chicken gets a double dip in the batter, creating extra layers of crunch that really stand out. The seasoning leans toward the salty side, which works perfectly if you’re someone who likes bold flavors.
Weekend lunches during fall get packed with families, proving this place knows how to satisfy a crowd.