6 Golden Corral Dishes To Avoid And 6 Worth Grabbing From The Buffet Every Time

I’ve been a Golden Corral regular for years, sampling practically everything on their endless buffet.

During my countless visits, I’ve discovered there’s definitely a strategy to maximizing your experience at this popular restaurant chain.

Some dishes consistently disappoint while others are genuine hidden treasures that keep me coming back. Here’s my honest guide to navigating the Golden Corral buffet like a pro.

1. Skip the Soggy Fried Fish

Skip the Soggy Fried Fish
© Delish

Last month, I eagerly loaded my plate with what looked like crispy golden fish fillets. Big mistake! The batter had absorbed so much oil while sitting under the heat lamps that it practically dripped when I picked it up.

The once-crispy coating transforms into a soggy mess within minutes of being placed in the buffet tray. Even worse, the fish inside often becomes rubbery and overcooked.

Golden Corral’s fried fish suffers from the classic buffet problem – fried foods simply don’t hold up well in steam tables. Your taste buds and your napkin supply will thank you for passing this one by.

2. Mushy Spaghetti? No Thanks!

Mushy Spaghetti? No Thanks!
© Milk Street

Pasta requires perfect timing, something virtually impossible at a continuous buffet. I’ve watched the spaghetti at Golden Corral slowly transform from al dente to mush over the course of an hour.

The sauce often lacks depth, tasting more like watered-down tomato paste than a properly developed marinara. When you combine that with noodles that have been sitting in hot water too long, you’re left with a disappointing blob on your plate.

My cousin who’s a chef always says buffet pasta is the ultimate food gamble. Save your plate space for something that can withstand the buffet environment better!

3. Watery Mashed Potatoes Are a Hard Pass

Watery Mashed Potatoes Are a Hard Pass
© The Kitchn

Remember when Grandma made those fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes that held their shape on your plate? You won’t find those at Golden Corral most days.

Their mashed potatoes often have that telltale instant potato texture – slightly gritty with an artificial aftertaste. The worst part is how they gradually separate, with a pool of watery liquid forming on top the longer they sit.

I’ve noticed they tend to skimp on seasoning too, leaving you with a bland, soupy mixture. Even loading them with gravy can’t mask that unmistakable boxed potato flavor that takes me back to my college cafeteria days.

4. Mac and Cheese: The Flavor Disappointment

Mac and Cheese: The Flavor Disappointment
© 24/7 Wall St.

Golden Corral’s macaroni and cheese looks promising with its bright orange hue, but one bite reveals the truth. My daughter summed it up perfectly: “It tastes like someone forgot the cheese!”

The sauce often has that processed, powdery quality that clings to the pasta without delivering actual cheese flavor. After sitting in the buffet tray, it develops an unappetizing skin on top while the bottom layer turns into a congealed mass.

What should be a comforting classic becomes a bland, texturally confusing dish. I’ve tried doctoring it up with bacon bits and pepper, but nothing can save this lackluster interpretation of a beloved comfort food.

5. Buffet Pizza: The Cardboard Culprit

Buffet Pizza: The Cardboard Culprit
© Dempsey’s Pizza

Pizza should be a foolproof crowd-pleaser, but Golden Corral somehow misses the mark entirely. The crust reminds me of those frozen pizzas I ate in college – thin, brittle, and mysteriously devoid of flavor.

Toppings are typically sparse, with cheese that never quite melts properly and pepperoni that curls into tiny grease cups. The sauce lacks that essential tomato zing, often tasting more like slightly seasoned ketchup than proper pizza sauce.

My nephew once asked if they were serving “pretend pizza.” Kids know best! When a restaurant offers dozens of options, there’s simply no reason to waste precious stomach space on this disappointing interpretation of America’s favorite food.

6. Breaded Chicken Tenders: Deceptively Dry

Breaded Chicken Tenders: Deceptively Dry
© In Good Flavor

From a distance, those golden-brown chicken tenders look irresistible. I’ve fallen for their visual appeal more times than I care to admit, only to be rewarded with disappointment.

The breading often absorbs excessive oil while simultaneously drying out the chicken inside – a paradoxical culinary feat! After sitting in the buffet tray, they develop that distinctive chewy texture that makes you question if you’re eating actual chicken.

My brother-in-law jokes they’re “chicken jerky in disguise.” While kids might not notice the quality issues, adults with functioning taste buds should steer clear. Your chicken craving can be better satisfied elsewhere on the buffet line.

7. Pot Roast: The Buffet Champion

Pot Roast: The Buffet Champion
© Sip and Feast

Whenever I visit Golden Corral, I make a beeline for the pot roast. This slow-cooked masterpiece somehow maintains its quality despite the buffet setting, remaining tender and flavorful hour after hour.

The meat practically falls apart with just a gentle prod of your fork. Bathed in a rich, savory gravy that has properly reduced to concentrate the flavors, it’s comfort food at its finest.

My grandmother would approve of this dish – high praise considering she guarded her pot roast recipe like a state secret! The vegetables alongside maintain their integrity rather than dissolving into mush, making this a complete, satisfying plate that’s worth every calorie.

8. Buttery Yeast Rolls: Grab ‘Em Hot!

Buttery Yeast Rolls: Grab 'Em Hot!
© No Spoon Necessary

The moment you hear “Fresh rolls!” announced at Golden Corral, join the inevitable line that forms. These pillowy clouds of dough are the unsung heroes of the entire buffet experience.

Catching them fresh from the oven is like winning a small lottery. The exterior has just the right amount of golden crispness while the interior remains impossibly soft and steamy. A light brush of butter on top melts into every nook and cranny.

During one visit, I watched an elderly gentleman pocket six rolls in his jacket. While I don’t condone such behavior, I completely understand the motivation! These simple yeast rolls outshine many of the more complex offerings on the buffet line.

9. Carrot Cake Worth Every Calorie

Carrot Cake Worth Every Calorie
© Self Proclaimed Foodie

During my last Golden Corral visit, I nearly skipped dessert until I spotted their carrot cake. That would have been a terrible mistake! This dessert stands head and shoulders above the typical buffet fare.

Each slice comes generously portioned with visible flecks of carrot and just the right amount of spice. The cream cheese frosting achieves that perfect balance – sweet without becoming cloying, with a slight tanginess that cuts through the richness.

My sister-in-law, who claims to make the best carrot cake in the state, reluctantly admitted this version gives hers serious competition. The cake stays moist throughout the day, a rare achievement in the challenging buffet environment.

10. Grilled-to-Order Steaks: The Hidden Gem

Grilled-to-Order Steaks: The Hidden Gem
© One Stop Halal

Many first-timers at Golden Corral don’t realize you can request a freshly grilled steak. This isn’t some fancy steakhouse offering, but for a buffet price, it’s surprisingly respectable!

The grill master will cook it to your preferred doneness, a customization rarely found in buffet settings. While the cut isn’t premium, proper cooking makes all the difference – a medium-rare request actually arrives with a pink center.

My father-in-law, a dedicated steak snob, grudgingly acknowledged it was “not bad at all” – his equivalent of a five-star review. Pro tip: timing is everything, so avoid peak hours when the grill station gets backed up and quality control might slip.

11. Crispy Fried Chicken: Buffet Royalty

Crispy Fried Chicken: Buffet Royalty
© Thrillist

Golden Corral’s fried chicken consistently outperforms expectations. Unlike many other fried offerings that suffer in the buffet environment, this chicken somehow maintains its crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy inside.

The seasoning in the breading hits all the right notes – savory with a hint of pepper and herbs that complements rather than overpowers the chicken. I’ve noticed they replenish it frequently, which explains why it’s rarely sitting there long enough to deteriorate.

During family gatherings, my cousin’s kids bypass everything else just to load up on this chicken. When picky eight-year-olds give something their stamp of approval, you know it’s legitimately good!

12. Banana Pudding: Southern Comfort Done Right

Banana Pudding: Southern Comfort Done Right
© Southern Bite

Tucked among the dessert options, Golden Corral’s banana pudding is a slice of Southern heaven. The contrast between creamy vanilla pudding, soft banana slices, and those classic vanilla wafers creates the perfect textural trifecta.

Unlike many buffet desserts that taste artificial, this pudding has an authentic homemade quality. The bananas maintain their integrity without turning brown or mushy – a sign they’re refreshed regularly.

My grandmother from Tennessee would approve, and that’s saying something! She once claimed no restaurant could make proper banana pudding, but I think even she would make an exception here. I’ve been known to make a special trip just for this dessert when comfort food cravings strike.