10 Must-Visit All-You-Can-Eat Spots In North Carolina
North Carolina’s food scene is a treasure trove of unlimited delights.
From Southern soul food to international cuisine, the Tar Heel State offers plenty of spots where you can pile your plate high without counting pennies.
I’ve spent years exploring these culinary wonderlands, stretching my stomach to its limits while discovering the best all-you-can-eat restaurants across the state.
1. Parker’s BBQ – Greenville’s Endless Barbecue Feast
Y’all haven’t lived until you’ve experienced Parker’s family-style platters! Though technically not labeled a buffet, the unlimited refills policy puts it squarely in all-you-can-eat territory.
The whole hog BBQ here changed my life. Tender, smoky pork with that perfect Eastern NC vinegar tang arrives on massive trays alongside crispy hush puppies that’ll have you begging for more.
My cousin once challenged me to an eating contest here. Three platters later, we called it a draw and waddled out with doggie bags. The green beans, surprisingly, were what I couldn’t stop eating!
2. Golden Corral – North Carolina’s Homegrown Buffet Chain
Who knew this nationwide buffet empire was born right here in Fayetteville? I certainly didn’t until I researched this article!
Golden Corral holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, this was our family’s celebration spot. The carving station with its juicy roast beef became my personal finish line after loading up on comfort foods.
Pro tip from a buffet veteran: hit the chocolate fountain last. Once, I watched a child double-dip a strawberry and learned my lesson about timing dessert visits. Their mac and cheese remains undefeated in the comfort food category!
3. Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet – Coastal Seafood Extravaganza
Technically just across the South Carolina border, Captain Jim’s is worth mentioning because every North Carolinian I know makes the pilgrimage here during beach season. The first time I visited, I embarrassed myself by stacking crab legs into a tower that collapsed spectacularly!
Snow crab legs crack open to reveal sweet, tender meat that pairs perfectly with drawn butter. Their fried shrimp achieve that mythical balance—crispy outside, perfectly cooked inside.
The seafood selection changes seasonally, ensuring the freshest catches. My personal strategy: start with the oysters, move to fried options, finish with crab legs.
4. The Farmer’s Market Restaurant – Raleigh’s Farm-Fresh Bounty
The moment you step into this Raleigh institution, the cafeteria-style setup might fool you. But make no mistake—the heaping portions rival any official buffet I’ve encountered!
Connected to the State Farmers Market, this restaurant serves vegetables so fresh they were likely harvested that morning. The rotating meat-and-three options showcase North Carolina’s agricultural bounty in its most delicious form.
Last spring, I watched a farmer deliver tomatoes to the kitchen and then enjoy them in his lunch thirty minutes later. That’s about as farm-to-table as it gets! Their fried okra converted me from a skeptic to an evangelist.
5. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet – Charlotte’s International Feast
Size matters at Charlotte’s largest buffet! My jaw dropped when I first walked in—the place stretches seemingly to infinity with food stations.
What sets this place apart is variety. One moment you’re loading up on lo mein and General Tso’s chicken, the next you’re watching chefs flip shrimp at the hibachi station. The sushi selection constantly rotates, ensuring something new with each visit.
During my last visit, I counted fourteen trips to different stations. My friends timed me—a new personal record! Their crab rangoon remains crispy even under heat lamps, a true buffet miracle worth celebrating.
6. Casey’s Buffet – Wilmington’s Soul Food Paradise
My taste buds do a happy dance every time I walk into Casey’s Buffet. The aroma of freshly fried chicken hits you like a warm Southern hug!
This family-run gem serves up authentic soul food that’ll make your grandma jealous. Their collard greens simmer for hours with just the right amount of smokiness, while the mac and cheese creates the perfect cheese pull with every forkful.
Last summer, I made the rookie mistake of filling up on their crispy fried chicken before discovering their banana pudding. Learn from my blunder, folks—always save room for dessert at Casey’s!
7. Carolina BBQ – Lexington-Style Barbecue Without Limits
Barbecue debates can start family feuds in North Carolina, but we can all agree that unlimited Lexington-style ‘cue is something special. The first time I visited Carolina BBQ, I nearly wept with joy at the sight of endless pulled pork.
Their signature red slaw provides the perfect tangy counterpoint to smoky, tender pork shoulder. Hush puppies arrive at your table piping hot, begging to be dunked in Brunswick stew.
During my third plate (don’t judge), I discovered their seasonal vegetables rotate based on what local farmers bring in. The butter beans alone are worth the drive to Lexington, especially when paired with their perfectly smoked meat.
8. Western Sizzlin – Dunn’s Steakhouse-Buffet Hybrid
Steak lovers, rejoice! Western Sizzlin brilliantly combines made-to-order grilled meats with an all-you-can-eat country buffet. My carnivorous heart skips a beat every time I visit.
The concept is genius—order your preferred cut and doneness, then visit the buffet while waiting. By the time you’ve loaded up on sides, your sizzling steak arrives. Their mashed potatoes achieve that perfect creamy-yet-chunky texture that haunts my dreams.
Once, I challenged myself to try every side dish offered. Seventeen sides later, I discovered their green bean casserole deserves its own fan club. The peach cobbler, warm and bubbling, provides the perfect finale.
9. Seoul Garden – Raleigh’s Korean BBQ Adventure
Cooking your own food at a buffet might sound counterintuitive, but Seoul Garden’s all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ experience is pure interactive joy! My first visit changed my understanding of what a buffet could be.
Marinated meats arrive at your table ready for you to grill. While the meat sizzles, servers bring endless banchan—small side dishes ranging from kimchi to pickled vegetables. The combination of flavors creates a symphony in your mouth.
My technique improved dramatically between my first and fifth visits. Now I know exactly how long to grill the bulgogi for that perfect caramelization. Their spicy pork belly converted three of my friends into Korean food fanatics!
10. Plantation Buffet – Jacksonville’s Hidden Southern Gem
Sometimes the most unassuming places hide the greatest treasures. Plantation Buffet doesn’t boast fancy decor, but locals know it harbors some of the best country cooking in eastern North Carolina.
The rotating menu keeps things interesting. Wednesdays feature the most incredible fried pork chops—crispy outside, juicy inside. Their butter beans simmered with ham hocks converted my vegetable-averse nephew into a green veggie enthusiast.
During my last visit, an elderly gentleman at the next table told me he’d been eating there weekly for 30 years. After tasting their candied yams and peach cobbler, I completely understand his dedication. This place feels like Sunday dinner at grandma’s—if grandma were an exceptional Southern chef!