14 Pennsylvania Buffets Famous For Fried Chicken That Reminds Locals Of Grandma
Pennsylvania knows fried chicken that feels like a warm hug, and these 14 buffets have perfected the kind that takes you straight back to Grandma’s kitchen.
Crispy, golden skin, juicy meat, and sides that taste like love on a plate make every visit a feast to remember.
Locals line up for that perfect crunch and comforting flavor, returning again and again for plates piled high.
In Pennsylvania, fried chicken isn’t just dinner; it’s tradition, nostalgia, and pure satisfaction.
These buffets prove that when comfort food is done right, it’s impossible to resist going back for seconds, thirds, and more.
1. Manor Buffet
Comfort food reaches new heights when golden fried chicken sits next to mountains of mashed potatoes and gravy.
Manor Buffet has been serving Lancaster County families for years, and their fried chicken recipe remains a closely guarded secret that keeps people coming back.
Located at 2090 Lincoln Highway East in Lancaster, PA 17602, this buffet occupies a spacious building with rustic wooden beams and plenty of natural light streaming through large windows.
The interior design features warm earth tones and comfortable seating arrangements that make large family gatherings feel intimate.
Beyond the star attraction, Manor Buffet offers roast beef carved to order, fresh salads, and an impressive dessert bar with homemade pies.
The fried chicken here sports an extra crispy coating with just the right amount of seasoning that never overwhelms the juicy meat underneath.
Many regulars claim the secret involves buttermilk soaking and a special blend of herbs.
2. Umi Hotpot Sushi & Seafood Buffet
Asian fusion meets Pennsylvania comfort when this buffet serves up Japanese-style fried chicken alongside traditional karaage.
Umi Hotpot brings an unexpected twist to the classic dish by offering both American-style and Asian-style preparations that satisfy every craving.
You’ll find this gem at 1700 East Main Street in Ephrata, PA 17522, housed in a modern building with sleek glass panels and contemporary Asian-inspired decor.
Red accents pop against neutral walls, and the open kitchen layout lets diners watch chefs prepare fresh dishes throughout the day.
The star here is the karaage, which features bite-sized chicken marinated in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before being fried to perfection.
Their American-style fried chicken holds its own with a lighter, crispier breading than most competitors.
The hotpot stations add interactive fun, but locals know to load up on the fried chicken first before exploring other options.
3. Royal Buffet & Grill
Every small town needs a buffet where three generations can agree on dinner, and Royal Buffet fills that role perfectly in Hanover.
Their fried chicken strikes the balance between crispy exterior and tender interior that makes grandmothers nod in approval.
Situated at 1020 Carlisle Street in Hanover, PA 17331, the restaurant features a welcoming brick facade and spacious parking lot.
Inside, the dining room showcases traditional American restaurant design with burgundy booths and landscape paintings adorning cream-colored walls.
Royal Buffet takes pride in their General Tso’s chicken and Mongolian beef, but regulars bypass those for the Southern-style fried chicken that appears fresh every twenty minutes.
The coating stays remarkably crunchy even after sitting under heat lamps, a testament to their preparation technique.
Weekend crowds pack this place, so arriving early means first dibs on the freshest batches straight from the fryer.
4. Jumbo Seafood Buffet
Seafood might dominate the name, but locals whisper about the fried chicken that rivals any landlocked establishment in Pennsylvania.
Jumbo Seafood Buffet understands that not everyone wants crab legs, so they’ve perfected their poultry game to impressive levels.
Located at 4305 Jonestown Road in Harrisburg, PA 17109, this buffet occupies a converted retail space with high ceilings and industrial-chic exposed ductwork.
The modern interior features sleek black and white color schemes with pops of ocean blue throughout the dining areas.
Their coconut shrimp and crab rangoon draw crowds, but the fried chicken remains the underrated champion of the buffet line.
Each piece gets a double-dip coating process that creates extra crunch without becoming greasy or heavy.
The seasoning blend includes a hint of paprika that adds subtle smokiness. Smart diners grab chicken pieces from the end of the tray where they’re hottest and crispiest.
5. Grand China Buffet
Chinese buffets across America have mastered the art of serving multiple cuisines under one roof, and Grand China Buffet excels at this culinary juggling act.
Their fried chicken section sits proudly between the lo mein and the prime rib station, earning equal attention from hungry patrons.
Find this buffet at 2034 Lincoln Highway East in Lancaster, PA 17602, where a pagoda-style roof and red lanterns signal its presence from the highway.
Inside, gold dragons and cherry blossom murals create an immersive atmosphere that transports diners across the Pacific.
Grand China’s most famous dish remains their honey chicken, but the American-style fried chicken holds court with a peppery kick that sets it apart.
The kitchen staff fries chicken in small batches throughout lunch and dinner service, ensuring freshness.
Their secret involves marinating the chicken in pickle juice overnight, which tenderizes the meat and adds subtle tang beneath the crispy coating.
6. Hokkaido Seafood Buffet
Japanese cuisine meets Pennsylvania hospitality at this expansive buffet where sushi rolls share space with down-home comfort food.
Hokkaido Seafood Buffet proves that fried chicken transcends cultural boundaries when prepared with care and quality ingredients.
Located at 6416 Carlisle Pike in Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, the restaurant features a striking contemporary design with floor-to-ceiling windows and minimalist Japanese aesthetics.
Bamboo accents and stone water features create a zen atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the lively buffet experience.
While the sushi bar attracts attention, the fried chicken quietly builds a devoted following among regulars who appreciate both preparation styles offered.
The Japanese version features a lighter tempura-style coating, while the American version delivers classic crispy satisfaction.
Their teriyaki chicken and hibachi selections are crowd favorites, but the fried chicken disappears fastest during peak hours.
The building’s open layout allows natural light to highlight the golden coating on each perfectly fried piece.
7. Hibachi Buffet
Watching flames leap from the hibachi grill provides entertainment, but the real show happens at the fried chicken station where fresh batches emerge every few minutes.
Hibachi Buffet combines theatrical cooking with reliable comfort food that keeps families returning week after week.
You’ll discover this spot at 4001 Monroe Street in Toledo, OH 43606, though Pennsylvania residents make the drive for special occasions.
Wait, that’s Ohio! The Pennsylvania location sits at 2020 State Road in Bensalem, PA 19020, featuring a sprawling single-story building with Asian-inspired architecture and ample parking for the constant stream of visitors.
Their most famous offering remains the hibachi-grilled steak and shrimp, but the buffet’s fried chicken selection includes both wings and drumsticks with crackling skin.
The coating incorporates five-spice powder that adds complexity without overwhelming traditional flavors.
Regulars know to visit during the 5 PM dinner rush when everything comes out piping hot from the kitchen.
8. Sakura Buffet
Cherry blossoms might inspire the name, but the fried chicken brings people through the doors at this Reading establishment.
Sakura Buffet has quietly built a reputation for serving some of the crispiest, most flavorful fried chicken in Berks County.
Find them at 2020 State Hill Road in Reading, PA 19610, where a charming building features pink accents and cherry blossom decals on the windows.
The interior continues the theme with silk flower arrangements and soft pink lighting that creates a warm, inviting atmosphere for family dining.
Their sesame chicken and crab rangoon receive high praise, but the fried chicken section offers both traditional Southern style and Asian-inspired variations that satisfy diverse palates.
Each piece gets hand-breaded before frying, ensuring even coating distribution. The kitchen uses peanut oil for frying, which raises the smoke point and creates an exceptionally crispy texture.
Weekend visits guarantee the fullest buffet selection, though weekday lunches offer better table availability and shorter lines.
9. Golden Corral Buffet & Grill
National chains sometimes get overlooked, but Golden Corral has perfected the art of consistent, craveable fried chicken across hundreds of locations.
Pennsylvania’s Golden Corral locations maintain the chain’s reputation for hot, fresh chicken that reminds locals of home cooking.
Multiple Pennsylvania locations serve communities statewide, including 4751 Jonestown Road in Harrisburg, PA 17109.
The familiar barn-style architecture with rustic wood siding makes Golden Corral instantly recognizable from the highway. Inside, the sprawling buffet layout features country-inspired decor with wagon wheel chandeliers and vintage farm equipment displays.
Their pot roast and carved turkey draw attention, but the fried chicken remains the most consistently replenished item on the entire buffet.
Golden Corral uses a proprietary seasoning blend that tastes remarkably similar to traditional Southern recipes passed down through generations.
The chocolate fountain and endless dessert options provide the perfect finish after loading up on crispy chicken. Smart timing means arriving right when fresh batches emerge from the kitchen.
10. Ponderosa Steak House
Steakhouses might seem like unlikely fried chicken champions, but Ponderosa proves that Western-themed restaurants can deliver on poultry just as well as beef.
Their buffet combines frontier aesthetics with comfort food that satisfies the whole family.
Several Pennsylvania locations operate throughout the state, including 5024 Jonestown Road in Harrisburg, PA 17112.
The Western-themed building features wood plank siding and a covered porch entrance that evokes Old West saloons.
Inside, cowhide patterns and rustic lighting fixtures create an authentic frontier atmosphere.
Their ribeye steaks get top billing, but the buffet’s fried chicken competes admirably with a peppery coating that adds kick without overwhelming heat.
Ponderosa fries chicken in cast iron skillets, an old-fashioned method that distributes heat evenly and creates superior texture.
The buffet also includes their famous dinner rolls and an impressive salad bar.
Many families make Ponderosa their weekly tradition because kids eat free on designated nights, making quality fried chicken even more affordable.
11. Hibachi Grill Buffet
Similar names cause confusion, but this Hibachi Grill Buffet stands apart with its commitment to keeping fried chicken available throughout operating hours.
Management understands that some customers drive across town specifically for that golden, crunchy goodness that tastes like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house.
Located at 1665 Stelton Road in Piscataway, NJ 08854… actually, the Pennsylvania location is at 1150 Carlisle Street in Hanover, PA 17331, occupying a renovated building with modern glass facades and traditional Asian roof elements.
Inside, the spacious dining room features comfortable booth seating and a circular buffet layout that encourages exploration.
The bourbon chicken draws crowds, but insiders head straight for the fried chicken section where both breaded and non-breaded options await.
Their preparation method involves pressure frying, which seals in moisture while creating an incredibly crispy exterior.
The building’s efficient kitchen design allows staff to replenish popular items quickly, meaning you’ll rarely encounter empty trays during busy periods.
12. Bonanza Steakhouse
Another Western-themed chain might seem redundant, but Bonanza Steakhouse brings its own personality to the Pennsylvania buffet scene.
Their fried chicken preparation differs slightly from competitors, using a lighter breading that lets the chicken flavor shine through.
Pennsylvania locations include 1150 Carlisle Street in Hanover, PA 17331, where the ranch-style building features stone accents and timber beams.
The interior design embraces cowboy culture with leather booth seating, horseshoe decorations, and vintage Western photographs adorning the walls.
While their grilled sirloins attract steak lovers, the buffet’s fried chicken wins over skeptics who expect mediocre poultry at a steakhouse.
Bonanza uses an egg wash before breading, which helps the coating adhere better and creates extra crunch.
Their mac and cheese and mashed potatoes make perfect sides for the chicken.
The restaurant’s family-friendly atmosphere includes a dedicated kids’ buffet section at lower height, making it easier for children to serve themselves. Sunday after church crowds pack the place, so weekday visits offer more elbow room.
13. Gourmet Buffet & Grill
Upscale buffets walk a fine line between fancy and familiar, but Gourmet Buffet & Grill manages both with style.
Their fried chicken section offers premium quality that justifies slightly higher prices compared to other buffets in the area.
Located at 3906 Union Deposit Road in Harrisburg, PA 17109, this buffet occupies an elegant building with contemporary architecture and sophisticated landscaping.
The interior features granite countertops on buffet stations, modern pendant lighting, and comfortable upholstered seating that elevates the typical buffet experience.
Their Peking duck and sushi rolls showcase culinary ambition, but the fried chicken remains surprisingly popular among diners seeking familiar comfort.
Gourmet Buffet uses free-range chicken and organic breading ingredients, which creates noticeably better flavor and texture.
The coating includes herbs like thyme and rosemary that add sophistication without pretension.
Their most famous dish might be the honey walnut shrimp, but locals know the fried chicken represents the best value on the entire buffet spread. Lunch prices offer significant savings compared to dinner.
14. Super Buffet
Sometimes simple names work best, and Super Buffet delivers exactly what the straightforward title promises.
This no-frills establishment focuses on quantity and quality without unnecessary gimmicks, letting the food speak for itself.
You’ll find Super Buffet at 2034 Lincoln Highway East in Lancaster, PA 17602, housed in a practical building with ample parking and easy highway access.
The interior takes a minimalist approach with clean lines, bright lighting, and efficient buffet organization that prioritizes function over fancy decoration.
Their orange chicken and lo mein noodles maintain steady popularity, but the fried chicken section sees constant traffic from regulars who appreciate consistent preparation.
Super Buffet keeps things simple with one style of fried chicken done exceptionally well rather than offering multiple variations.
The coating achieves perfect crispiness through a two-stage frying process that locks in juices.
Their dessert selection includes soft-serve ice cream machines and fresh fruit, providing light options after indulging in fried chicken.
The straightforward approach extends to pricing, with clearly posted rates and no hidden fees or confusing promotions.