13 North Carolina All-You-Can-Eat Buffets Where Dessert Is The Real Reason People Linger
The legendary buffets of North Carolina tell their deepest culinary stories through layers of rising steam and crystalline sugar rather than just savory entrees.
While you might initially arrive for the familiar family favorites and hearty seconds of classic Southern comfort food, you ultimately stay because the dessert station keeps winking at you like a friendly dare.
From decadent banana puddings that taste exactly as if someone’s beloved aunt guarded the secret recipe for decades to soft-serve swirls crowned with brightly colored candy, the sweet finish often steals the entire spotlight.
Here is a comprehensive guide to thirteen remarkable establishments where the final course is the primary reason people hover near the serving trays, negotiate for just one more spoonful, and somehow find room in their stomachs again.
By exploring these sweet destinations, you will discover that the true soul of a North Carolina buffet often resides within its warm cobblers, chilled puddings, and locally inspired pastries that celebrate the region’s rich confectionery history.
Prepare yourself for a journey where the traditional rules of dining are frequently ignored in favor of dessert-first strategies and creative sundae engineering projects that bring out the inner child in every adult guest.
Whether you prefer the sophisticated pastries of a high-end casino resort or the humble cinnamon rolls of a neighborhood pizza spot, these diverse locations offer a sweet conclusion worth protecting from the main course rush.
Casey’s Buffet, Wilmington
Deep blue smoke from the authentic barbecue pits gives away the savory secret of this establishment long before you ever step foot into Casey’s Buffet located at 5559 Oleander Drive in Wilmington.
The local vibe is decidedly coastal casual, with regulars often trading detailed weather notes and neighborhood news while simultaneously eye-balling the impressive dessert bar for their favorite seasonal treats.
You will immediately notice the famous banana pudding layered remarkably deep, alongside traditional Southern chess pie that features a stubborn sugary crackle across its golden brown top.
The main food selection stays resolutely loyal to eastern North Carolina traditions, offering savory chopped pork, fried chicken that crackles loudly with every single bite, and fresh collard greens.
The various desserts feel comfortably church-social familiar, with each individual tray being quickly replaced by the attentive staff before the edges of the slices have a chance to dry.
History lingers in the many framed local photos that make the room hum quietly with a sense of community pride, ensuring that every guest feels like part of the family.
I highly recommend scooping a generous portion of the warm peach cobbler into a small bowl and then crowning it with a vanilla soft-serve swirl for a delightful duet.
Selu Garden Café, Cherokee
Beautiful morning light hits the elaborate pastry trays at Selu Garden Café inside Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, and the resulting golden shine is powerfully persuasive to any passing guest.
The extensive buffet menu leans heavily into the flavors of the season, featuring delicate berry tarts during the summer and rich maple-leaning sweets once the mountain leaves begin to turn.
The internal vibe is remarkably calm and sophisticated despite the constant clinking energy of the nearby slot machines that defines the gambling floor just outside the restaurant’s elegant entrance.
The food highlights include exceptionally flaked croissants, freshly whipped cream that successfully holds soft peaks, and a traditional bread pudding dotted with dark raisins and soaked in rich bourbon sauce.
Local Cherokee history threads subtly through the various decorative motifs, which have been respectfully integrated into the warm wood tones of the dining room to create a sense of place.
I suggest timing your visit just before the menu turnover periods to ensure you get the absolute freshet selection of artisanal sweets possible before the next shift of guests.
After working through a hearty plate of farm-fresh eggs and stone-ground grits, you may find that dessert becomes your unexpected main course because the bread pudding is truly unsurpassed.
Golden Corral, Raleigh
The massive multilevel chocolate fountain is completely unmistakeable at the Golden Corral located at 5040 Tryon Road in Raleigh, bubbling like a liquid promise of infinite indulgence for all guests.
Excited families often gather around this focal point, skewerring fresh strawberries and soft marshmallows with precise glee as they coat their treats in thick layers of warm, flowing milk chocolate.
The overall vibe is bright, bustling, and significantly louder near the busy bakery station where freshly baked chocolate chip cookies keep sliding onto serving trays every few minutes daily.
The regular food rhythm consists of iconic yeast rolls and savory pot roast, but the real action occurs on the dessert line where moist carrot cake squares frequently appear.
Corporate history shows clearly in the highly polished service systems, yet this specific location still manages to cultivate a dedicated following of neighborhood regulars who know the kitchen’s timing.
I suggest hitting the chocolate fountain relatively early in your dining experience to ensure clean dips, and consider saving an entire dedicated plate solely for your strategic toppings.
Most guests eventually trend toward practical indulgence by stacking small portions of brownies and cakes to justify their massive variety, ultimately creating an engineering project of fudge and cream.
Cicis Pizza, High Point
At Cicis Pizza located at 210 Eastchester Drive in High Point, the intoxicating scent of fresh cinnamon and sugar hits your nose long before you price out a strategy.
The dessert game here is refreshingly humble and straightforward, anchored primarily by that famous cinnamon roll pizza stitched with sweet white icing and dense chocolate brownies cut into squares.
The interior vibe is consistently neon cheerful, with the distant electronic hum of the nearby game room providing a constant backdrop for families and groups of energetic local teenagers.
The food items arrive from the kitchen with commendable speed, ensuring that the various pizzas rotate frequently and the dessert brownies stay just soft enough to bend comfortably.
While the corporate history of the chain is well-known, this specific High Point location is noted for keeping the buffet area exceptionally tidy even during the heaviest Friday rushes.
A common visitor habit involves teenagers challenging each other to brave dessert-first laps around the buffet, demonstrating that the cinnamon rolls are the most anticipated part of the meal.
You may discover that a fresh slice of the cinnamon pizza pairs surprisingly well with a cup of bitter black coffee, providing a mature balance to the sugary experience.
Asian Delight Buffet, Raleigh
Whispering clouds of white steam constantly surround the expansive dessert table at Asian Delight Buffet, located at 5269 Capital Boulevard in Raleigh, creating an inviting and slightly mysterious environment.
Chilled lychee cups sparkle like jewels next to miniature slices of cake, and there is almost always a crowd of regulars angling for the warm fried sugar biscuits.
The atmosphere is unapologetically unfussy and practical, with interior lighting bright enough to catch every subtle glaze and texture on the wide array of international dishes served here.
The main food selection ranges remarkably wide, covering basic sushi rolls, custom hibachi prepared to order, and even American comfort classics tucked quietly along the far side tables.
Impressive culinary technique is particularly evident at the custom grill station, where the professional cooks consistently nail a perfect sear on fresh shrimp and thinly sliced beef daily.
I highly recommend pairing your green tea ice cream with a hot cup of jasmine tea for a sophisticated contrast between cold sweetness and warm, aromatic herbal tea notes.
Those signature sweet biscuits break with a very polite and satisfying crunch, making them the perfect vessel for dipping into extra sweetened milk or pairing with chilled fruit.
China Buffet, Durham
The local conversation softens significantly whenever the fresh trays of steaming food arrive at China Buffet, which is conveniently located at 2000 Avondale Drive in the city of Durham.
The dedicated dessert area leans toward the classic end of the spectrum, offering fresh orange slices, toasted sesame buns, crisp almond cookies, and bright neon cubes of fruit jello.
The interior vibe carries a distinct sense of quiet weeknight comfort, often featuring local couples sharing calm plates while they unwind from their respective workdays in this staple.
The food selection includes salt-and-pepper shrimp that actually crackle when you peel them, pepper chicken with a level of heat that gradually accumulates, and various hot soups.
History here is defined by local routine rather than grand lore, serving as a place where neighbors frequently nod to one another through the steam of the buffet.
I suggest bringing a small dedicated bowl to the dessert station so you can craft a miniature sundae using chilled lychee fruit as a refreshing and traditional topping.
The traditional toasted sesame buns are at their absolute best when they are still warm from the oven, and crumbing an almond cookie over vanilla ice cream is great.
No 1 China Buffet, Jacksonville
Brightly colored neon signs glow softly at No 1 China Buffet located at 343 Western Boulevard in Jacksonville, marking a space where the dessert station sits prominently like a challenge.
Large ice cream tubs are lined up neatly beside trays of warm sugared donuts and petite sponge cakes with glossy fruit tops that catch the eye of every guest.
The overall vibe is strongly family-forward and reflects the steady, disciplined energy of a military town, ensuring that the service is efficient and the food stays fresh.
The main menu covers all the popular bases including custom hibachi, savory lo mein, and spicy chicken wings that disappear remarkably fast during the height of the dinner rush.
Impressive technique at the custom grill keeps the various seasonal vegetables snap-crisp and vibrant, demonstrating a level of culinary care that is sometimes missing from larger buffet operations.
A popular local visitor habit involves dunking the warm sugared donuts directly into vanilla ice cream to create a quick DIY dessert that provides a delightful thermal contrast.
You will almost certainly find yourself justifying one more pass through the line after noticing the strawberry shortcake squares, so I recommend arriving early for the best turnover.
China King Buffet, Morganton
China King Buffet located at 120 Carbon City Road in Morganton features a vast dessert spread that powerfully rewards those guests who possess a healthy sense of culinary curiosity.
You will regularly find traditional sugared sesame balls, sweet almond cakes, and the occasional slice of rich cheesecake that the local residents watch very closely for fresh tray replenishment.
The spacious dining room feels remarkably easygoing and relaxed, with deeply cushioned booths that are designed to comfortably accommodate long conversations over multiple plates of authentic Chinese and American cuisine.
The savory food highlights include popular black pepper chicken and garlicky green beans that squeak with freshness, showcasing a high level of attention to detail in the sourcing.
Technique shows most clearly at the dedicated fry station where the egg rolls consistently stay crisper than average, providing a satisfying crunch that serves as a prelude to sweets.
Local history reads like a genuine neighborhood staple rather than a hectic tourist destination, which is exactly where the quiet charm and reliable quality of this institution reside.
A regular guest I recently overheard suggested that you should not be afraid to ask for fresh sesame balls if the current tray is running low for the table.
Rocky Mount Ace Buffet, Rocky Mount
At Rocky Mount Ace Buffet located at 1473 Benvenue Road in the heart of Rocky Mount, you will immediately notice the soft-serve ice cream machine parked like a mascot.
Excited kids regularly engineer massive sundaes using piles of gummy bears, while many adults can be seen circling the famous coconut cake with strategic and plotting faces for dessert.
The interior vibe is a practical intersection of routine weeknight dining and celebratory sugar indulgence, making it a versatile destination for everything from family meals to large graduations.
The food selection runs remarkably broad, offering peppery crawfish during the proper seasons, basic sushi rolls, and a popular version of General Tso’s chicken that leans into sweet glazes.
The history of the location is defined by its dependability for large community groups, providing a reliable hub where service is quick and the variety of dishes is extensive.
I highly recommend requesting a pot of hot green tea to specifically pair with the rich coconut cake, as the bitter notes successfully cut through the sugary frosting intensity.
Watching the elaborate sundae architecture become a competitive team sport among the local children might be the best form of free entertainment available while you eat your cake.
Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet, Fayetteville
The constant metal clatter from the busy hibachi line sets a high-energy rhythm at Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet located at 1800 Skibo Road in the bustling city of Fayetteville.
The extensive dessert station effectively counters that high energy with calm trays of chilled cheesecake bites, sugar-dusting donuts, and delicate pastel puddings that offer a moment of serenity.
The overall vibe of the establishment is significantly large-scale, making it the perfect tactical choice for hungry military squads, traveling sports teams, and local families seeking substantial meals.
The main menu features grill-to-plate steak, fresh shrimp, and various seasonal vegetables prepared with real heat, alongside all the classic buffet standards that guests have come to expect.
Professional culinary technique matters greatly in the pacing of this kitchen, as the cooks must move remarkably quickly to keep the lines flowing smoothly during the intense weekend rushes.
I personally enjoy assembling a rich brownie sundae using the various available toppings and then chasing each decadent bite with a sip of hot oolong tea for balance.
The chilled cheesecake bites are particularly noteworthy because they successfully hold their precise geometric shape on the tray yet manage to melt instantly after just one single beat.
Ichiban Sushi & Hibachi Buffet, Charlotte
While rows of freshly prepared sushi typically glide by first at Ichiban Sushi & Hibachi Buffet, it is the sophisticated dessert cooler that ultimately steals the attention of guests.
Delicate matcha cake slices sit elegantly beside modern mochi ice cream, and there is usually a tray of silky flan tucked into the far corner for a custard experience.
The dining room moves at a distinctly modern city pace, feeling both quick and focused, which reflects the energetic lifestyle of the surrounding Charlotte urban area and its people.
The ingredient spotlight should be firmly placed on the authentic green tea notes in the cake, which play gently with the sweet bean pastries to create international dessert flair.
The kitchen staff is exceptionally careful with their rice preparation, giving each piece of sushi a clean and satisfying bite that serves as a foundation for the meal’s end.
A popular local visitor habit involves taking your selection of mochi last so that the delicate frozen treats do not have a chance to soften while you wander around.
If you find that the interactive hibachi line is particularly long during your visit, consider starting your meal with your favorite dessert items to secure them before they rotate.
Ginza Buffet, Gastonia
If you walk into Ginza Buffet located at 3068 East Franklin Boulevard in Gastonia, you might very well spot the chocolate-drizzled cream puffs before you even see the entrees.
The extensive dessert section mixes fresh seasonal fruit, various sweet puddings, and tiny hand-crafted eclairs that are known to disappear remarkably fast once a fresh tray is placed out.
The interior vibe feels distinctly neighborly and genuine, with the attentive staff often greeting regular guests by sight and remembering their preferred drink orders with personal care and kindness.
The food selection holds many sturdy and reliable favorites, including savory pepper steak, rich sautéed mushrooms, and deep-fried crab rangoon that features a very audible level of crunch.
The history of this location is that of a reliable strip-center everyday staple, but the consistent attention to rapid replenishment and kitchen cleanliness helps it stand out from competitors.
I suggest rotating a small cup of fresh fruit between your different sweet selections to effectively reset your palate and prevent the intense sugars from overwhelming your taste buds.
Most people here linger respectfully near their tables while waiting for a specific tray refill, demonstrating a level of dignified patience that contributes to the calm and pleasant atmosphere.
NY Hibachi Buffet, Hickory
The NY Hibachi Buffet located at 1832 Catawba Valley Boulevard Southeast in Hickory keeps its dessert selection boldly colorful and entirely unapologetic for the high levels of sugar provided.
Various chilled jelly cups, traditional soft-serve ice cream, and elaborate sugar-dusted pastries line up like a sweet parade, drawing the immediate attention of every diner entering the front doors.
The overall vibe is consistently high-energy, with the rhythmic clangs of the hibachi spatulas providing a constant live soundtrack for the families and travelers who frequent this modern stop.
The food menu spans from elaborate sushi boats and grilled meats to various spicy stir-fries that maintain a good level of heat throughout the long and busy service day.
Impressive technique on the large custom grill keeps the noodles smoky and flavorful without any of the unpleasant greasiness that sometimes plagues lower-quality all-you-can-eat operations in North Carolina.
Many guests enjoy building a complex layered dessert bowl featuring a foundation of vanilla swirl ice cream, a layer of diced pineapple, and a final coating of crushed cookies.
A useful visitor habit to adopt is grabbing a completely clean spoon for each individual topping to help keep the bar tidy, which the hard-working staff always truly appreciates.