10 Arkansas Buffets Locals Claim Serve The Best Fried Chicken Around
Arkansas knows its fried chicken, and these buffets have earned a devoted following for serving it at its finest.
Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, each bite delivers comfort, flavor, and that irresistible home-cooked feeling.
Locals keep returning for generous portions and the kind of fried chicken that sticks in your memory long after the meal.
Prepare to experience why these Arkansas buffets are considered the ultimate destinations for fried chicken lovers.
1. Ole Sawmill Cafe — Forrest City
Tucked away in Forrest City, this unassuming roadside gem has been frying up chicken that makes travelers detour for miles.
The secret? A 70-year-old cast iron skillet and a batter recipe guarded more closely than Fort Knox. Regulars swear the crispy exterior shatters like glass while the meat stays impossibly juicy.
Their all-you-can-eat Sunday spread features chicken that’s double-dipped before frying, creating that signature crackly crust locals rave about.
2. Wood Grill Buffet — Benton
Forget fancy plating; Wood Grill Buffet delivers straightforward Southern comfort that keeps locals forming lines out the door. The chicken emerges from kitchen with skin so crisp it practically sings when you bite into it.
Family lore claims their seasoning blend contains twenty-three ingredients, though nobody’s successfully reverse-engineered it yet.
What makes their buffet special isn’t just the chicken but the rotating cast of homemade sides that change daily to complement their star attraction.
3. Western Sizzlin Steak House — Harrison
Steaks might be in the name, but locals know to bypass the beef and head straight for the chicken station. Their pressure-fried technique creates a moisture-sealed pocket that keeps every bite succulent.
The Harrison location has a cook named Miss Betsy who’s been working the fryers for three decades, refusing to share her technique with anyone.
Regulars time their visits around her schedule, knowing her batches have that perfect peppery kick that sets this location apart from other franchises.
4. Brown’s Catfish — Russellville
Don’t let the catfish-focused name fool you. Brown’s chicken has developed such a following that they’ve doubled their fryer capacity twice in the last decade.
Their chicken sports a distinctively reddish-hue from a paprika-heavy seasoning blend that leaves a subtle warmth on the palate.
The buffet setup pairs their legendary chicken with hushpuppies that locals consider the perfect sidekick. Weekend crowds often clean out entire batches within minutes of them hitting the buffet line.
5. Ron’s Catfish Buffet — Jonesboro
Ron started frying catfish in 1981, but it was his wife Margie’s chicken recipe that turned their Jonesboro spot into a destination. The chicken gets a buttermilk bath for exactly nine hours, no more, no less.
Their buffet features both white and dark meat stations, catering to both camps in the eternal chicken debate.
What makes their offering unique is the honey-drizzle option at the end of the line. Many regulars swear by this sweet-savory combination that’s become their signature finishing touch.
6. Huckleberry’s Catfish Buffet — Searcy
Grandmother’s recipes rarely translate to commercial kitchens, but Huckleberry’s proves the exception.
Their chicken comes from a handwritten recipe card dating back to 1943, complete with cryptic measurements like “a good pinch” and “enough flour to feel right.”
Somehow they’ve standardized this family heirloom into consistently exceptional chicken. The buffet presentation isn’t fancy, just honest, no-frills chicken that tastes like Sunday dinner at grandma’s.
Their chicken thighs develop an almost candy-like exterior that keeps loyal customers returning weekly.
7. Grandma’s House Cafe — Winslow
Perched in the hills outside Winslow, this genuine log cabin cafe serves chicken worth the winding drive.
Fourth-generation owner Patty still uses her great-grandmother’s cast iron skillet collection, some pieces dating back to the 1800s.
Their weekend buffet becomes a pilgrimage site for chicken purists seeking that perfect balance of pepper, salt, and love.
What makes their offering special is the small-batch approach, never more than eight pieces fried at once. This attention to detail creates chicken with a consistency that larger operations simply can’t match.
8. Furr’s Fresh Buffet — Fort Smith
At Furr’s Fresh Buffet in Fort Smith, the fried chicken is a local legend. Known for its crispy skin and juicy interior, the chicken here is what dreams are made of.
Each piece is perfectly seasoned, providing a delightful crunch with every bite.
Families flock to Furr’s not just for the chicken, but for the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The buffet offers a wide selection of sides, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
Furr’s attention to detail and commitment to quality make it a must-visit for fried chicken enthusiasts. Enjoy a meal that feels like home.
9. Catfish Cove — Fort Smith
Nestled in Fort Smith, Catfish Cove offers more than just seafood. Their fried chicken is an unexpected delight, crispy and flavorful. Each piece is cooked to golden perfection, making it a hidden gem for chicken lovers.
The rustic setting and friendly staff create a cozy dining experience. Patrons often rave about the complementary sides, which enhance the meal.
Catfish Cove’s blend of quality and hospitality ensures that it remains a beloved spot for locals seeking comfort food. Experience the magic that keeps customers coming back for more.
10. Monte Ne Inn Chicken (in Rogers)
Monte Ne Inn Chicken in Rogers is renowned for its all-you-can-eat family-style dining. The fried chicken here is the centerpiece of a meal that’s both abundant and delightful.
Cooked to a golden crisp, each bite reveals tender, juicy meat. The homey setting and friendly service make dining at Monte Ne a nostalgic experience.
This establishment has been serving satisfied customers for decades, blending tradition with taste.
Monte Ne Inn Chicken is a destination that promises a hearty meal and a warm welcome, making it a staple in Arkansas’s fried chicken scene.