The 2026 Colorado Fried-Chicken Buffets Locals Will Cross Counties For
Colorado might be famous for its mountains and ski slopes, but locals know the real treasure lies in the state’s incredible fried-chicken buffets.
From casino towns tucked into the Rockies to sprawling suburban spots near Denver, these all-you-can-eat destinations draw hungry travelers from across county lines.
Steam rises, trays refill, and the line keeps moving as golden drumsticks, crunchy thighs, and flaky biscuits disappear fast.
Whether you come for the chicken itself or the parade of sides like mashed potatoes, peppery gravy, sweet corn, and cobbler, there is a rhythm to these rooms that keeps fans coming back.
In Colorado, buffet regulars swap tips like secrets, timing visits for the freshest batches.
Whether you crave crispy drumsticks piled high or want to sample a dozen sides, these nine buffets have earned their reputation as the best places to fill your plate in 2026.
The Buffet at Monarch Casino, Black Hawk
Perched in the heart of Black Hawk’s casino district, this buffet has become a pilgrimage site for fried-chicken lovers who don’t mind winding mountain roads to reach it. The casino itself sits at over 8,000 feet elevation, surrounded by pine forests and historic mining buildings that give the whole area a rugged, Old West charm.
Walking into The Buffet at Monarch feels like stepping into a food lover’s dream, with stations stretching as far as the eye can see. But the real star here is the fried-chicken counter, where cooks pull fresh batches from the fryers every fifteen minutes throughout lunch and dinner service.
The chicken comes out with a shatteringly crisp crust that stays crunchy even after sitting under the heat lamps, thanks to a secret seasoning blend that locals swear includes hints of garlic, paprika, and something mysteriously smoky.
Beyond the chicken, the buffet offers classic comfort sides like mashed potatoes swimming in gravy, buttery corn on the cob, and coleslaw with just the right amount of tang. Families from Denver make the hour-long drive regularly, turning dinner into an adventure that combines mountain scenery with serious eating.
The atmosphere buzzes with slot machine sounds drifting in from the casino floor, creating an unexpectedly festive backdrop for your meal.
Address: 488 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
Centennial Market Buffet at Ameristar, Black Hawk
Just down the street from Monarch, Ameristar’s Centennial Market Buffet proves that Black Hawk takes its buffet game seriously. This spot opened its doors with the goal of becoming the most talked-about buffet in the Colorado mountains, and judging by the lines that form on weekend evenings, they’ve succeeded beyond expectations.
The fried chicken here takes a slightly different approach than its neighbor, favoring a thicker, almost biscuit-like breading that soaks up flavor like a sponge. Cooks prepare both traditional Southern-style fried chicken and a spicier Nashville hot version that brings genuine heat without overwhelming your taste buds.
Smart diners grab a piece of each to compare, though most end up going back for seconds of the Nashville hot.
What sets Centennial Market apart is how they’ve woven local Colorado ingredients into their side dishes. Green chili mac and cheese appears alongside traditional offerings, giving the buffet a distinctly regional flavor.
The dining room itself feels more upscale than typical buffets, with modern light fixtures and comfortable booth seating that encourages lingering over multiple plates.
Visitors from Fort Collins and Boulder frequently make the scenic drive through the mountains, turning their buffet visit into a day trip that includes exploring Black Hawk’s historic downtown. The combination of excellent food and mountain air makes every visit feel special.
Address: 111 Richman St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
Golden Corral, Aurora
Sometimes you want mountain views and casino excitement, but other times you just want reliable, delicious fried chicken without the drive. Golden Corral in Aurora delivers exactly that, serving as the go-to spot for eastern Denver metro residents who take their buffet chicken seriously.
Located along busy Mississippi Avenue, this Golden Corral has perfected the art of consistency. Every visit guarantees hot, fresh chicken with that signature golden-brown coating that crunches audibly with each bite.
The restaurant rotates through different preparations throughout the week, including honey-dipped fried chicken on Wednesdays that draws regulars like clockwork.
What makes this location special is how it’s become woven into the fabric of Aurora’s diverse community. You’ll hear Spanish, Amharic, and Vietnamese spoken at neighboring tables, with families from across the globe gathering to enjoy an American buffet tradition.
The staff knows many customers by name, creating a neighborhood restaurant feel despite being part of a national chain.
The buffet stretches impressively long, but most folks make a beeline for the fried-chicken station before exploring other options. Smart strategy involves grabbing chicken first while it’s hottest, then circling back for sides and desserts.
The yeast rolls deserve special mention as the perfect vehicle for sopping up any leftover chicken grease on your plate.
Address: 11090 E Mississippi Ave, Aurora, CO 80012
Ultimate Buffet, Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs brings its own flavor to the buffet scene with Ultimate Buffet, a spot that brilliantly combines Asian fusion dishes with American classics like fried chicken. This unexpected pairing works better than you’d imagine, especially when you’re loading your plate with both orange chicken and Southern fried drumsticks.
The restaurant sits in a busy shopping area on Bloomington Street, making it easy to combine your buffet visit with errands or shopping. Inside, the space feels modern and clean, with separate stations clearly marked so you can navigate the extensive offerings without getting overwhelmed.
The fried-chicken station holds its own against the sushi bar and Mongolian grill, which says something about how seriously they take their American food.
What draws people from across El Paso County is the quality of the chicken itself. Despite being part of a buffet with probably fifty other dishes, the fried chicken tastes like someone’s grandmother made it with care.
The coating stays remarkably crispy, and the meat inside stays juicy without being greasy. They offer both wings and larger pieces, so you can choose based on whether you want maximum crunch or maximum meat.
Military families from nearby Fort Carson have made this their celebration spot, filling the dining room on promotion days and homecomings. The diverse menu means everyone in your group finds something they love, but that fried chicken brings people back week after week.
Address: 3727 Bloomington St, Colorado Springs, CO 80922
Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet, Aurora
Back in Aurora, Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet on South Sable Boulevard represents another successful fusion of Asian and American buffet traditions. The name might emphasize hibachi, but regulars know the fried chicken here rivals any dedicated Southern restaurant in the state.
Walking through the entrance, you’re immediately struck by how massive this buffet is. Food stations seem to stretch endlessly, offering everything from sushi to pizza to carved meats.
Yet somehow the fried-chicken section never gets lost in the shuffle, anchoring one corner of the buffet with a steady stream of fresh batches emerging from the kitchen.
The chicken here gets fried to order more frequently than most buffets, meaning you’ll often encounter pieces so fresh they’re still crackling. The breading has a slightly peppery kick that sets it apart from sweeter Southern styles, giving it a more savory profile that pairs beautifully with the Asian-inspired sides available nearby.
Adventurous eaters create fusion plates that might horrify food purists but taste absolutely delicious.
Families appreciate the variety here, since picky eaters can stick to familiar fried chicken and fries while more adventurous diners explore the extensive Asian offerings. The dining room stays busy but never feels cramped, and the staff keeps everything clean and well-stocked even during the Saturday dinner rush when the place absolutely hums with activity.
Address: 1026 S Sable Blvd, Aurora, CO 80012
King Buffet, Arvada
Arvada’s King Buffet has quietly built a reputation as one of the northwest metro area’s best-kept secrets. Located along Wadsworth Bypass, this unassuming restaurant doesn’t look like much from the outside, but step through those doors and you’ll discover why people drive from Thornton, Westminster, and even Boulder to eat here.
The buffet layout follows a logical flow that makes serving yourself easy, with American classics occupying one side and Asian dishes filling the other. Right in the middle, like a delicious bridge between two culinary worlds, sits the fried-chicken station.
This prominent placement isn’t accidental since the chicken here deserves center stage attention.
King Buffet fries their chicken with a lighter touch than many competitors, resulting in a thinner, crispier coating that lets the chicken flavor shine through. The pieces tend toward the smaller side, which actually works in your favor since you can sample more variety without getting too full.
They also offer chicken tenders for kids or anyone who prefers white meat, though the bone-in pieces have more flavor.
The restaurant attracts a loyal lunchtime crowd of local workers who appreciate the reasonable pricing and quick service. Evenings bring families and groups of friends who settle in for longer meals, taking their time to sample everything the buffet offers.
The casual, relaxed atmosphere makes King Buffet feel like your neighborhood spot, even if you’re driving from across town.
Address: 5220 Wadsworth Bypass Unit S, Arvada, CO 80002
Family Buffet, Greeley
Greeley might not be the first place you think of for destination dining, but Family Buffet has been changing minds for years. This local favorite on West 10th Street serves the agricultural community surrounding this northern Colorado city, where folks appreciate generous portions and honest, straightforward cooking.
The restaurant embraces its name with a genuinely family-friendly atmosphere that feels more like a church potluck than a commercial establishment. The fried chicken reflects this homestyle approach, prepared using recipes that taste like they’ve been passed down through generations.
No fancy techniques or exotic seasonings here, just perfectly executed classic fried chicken with a golden crust and tender, flavorful meat.
What makes Family Buffet special is how it serves as Greeley’s community gathering spot. You’ll see farmers still wearing their work boots sitting next to university students from nearby UNC, all united by their love of good buffet food.
The fried chicken disappears so quickly that the kitchen constantly sends out fresh batches, ensuring you rarely encounter anything less than piping hot.
The sides lean heavily toward Midwestern comfort food, with mashed potatoes, green beans cooked with bacon, and dinner rolls that taste homemade. Everything pairs perfectly with that crispy fried chicken, creating plates that satisfy without trying to impress.
Sometimes simple done right beats fancy done wrong, and Family Buffet proves that truth with every meal.
Address: 2410 W 10th St, Greeley, CO 80634
China Buffet, Longmont
Longmont’s China Buffet occupies a strip mall location on South Hover Street, the kind of spot you might drive past without noticing. That would be a mistake, because inside this modest storefront lies some of the Front Range’s most surprisingly excellent fried chicken.
The buffet follows a straightforward layout without any pretense or fancy decor, focusing all its energy on food quality instead of atmosphere. The fried-chicken station might share space with egg rolls and lo mein, but it holds its own beautifully.
The kitchen uses a cooking method that results in exceptionally crispy skin while keeping the meat incredibly moist, a balance many restaurants struggle to achieve.
Longmont residents treat China Buffet like their personal secret, though word has gradually spread to neighboring towns. The lunch crowd includes everyone from construction workers to office employees, all taking advantage of the affordable midday pricing.
Evenings bring families who appreciate having options that please both adventurous eaters and kids who just want chicken fingers.
The restaurant’s location makes it perfect for a meal before or after exploring Longmont’s charming downtown or catching a show at the nearby Dickens Opera House. You’re close enough to Boulder for a day trip but far enough to enjoy smaller-city pricing and parking.
The fried chicken tastes just as good whether you’re a local regular or a first-time visitor passing through town.
Address: 800 S Hover St #20, Longmont, CO 80501
Empire Palace, Fort Collins
Fort Collins rounds out our tour at Empire Palace, a buffet that brings unexpected sophistication to the all-you-can-eat format. Located on South College Avenue, this restaurant serves the university community and Fort Collins families who want something nicer than typical buffet dining without sacrificing the variety they love.
The interior feels more upscale than most buffets, with attractive lighting and comfortable seating that encourages you to slow down and savor your meal. The food stations are arranged with visual appeal in mind, and the fried-chicken section looks almost too pretty to disturb.
Almost, because once you taste that first piece, you’ll be back for more regardless of how nice the presentation looks.
Empire Palace prepares their fried chicken with a coating that includes sesame seeds, giving it a subtle nutty flavor and interesting texture. They also offer a sweet and spicy glazed version that bridges the gap between American fried chicken and Asian flavor profiles.
Both styles have devoted fans who debate which is superior, though the correct answer is obviously to try both.
The restaurant attracts Colorado State University students celebrating good grades alongside longtime Fort Collins residents who remember when this part of town was mostly empty fields. The diverse crowd creates a lively atmosphere, especially during dinner service when the place fills with conversation and laughter.
It’s a fitting final stop on any Colorado fried-chicken buffet tour.
Address: 2020 S College Ave Unit B1, Fort Collins, CO 80525