9 North Carolina Buffets Locals Say Are Worth The Calories (And The Nap After)
Nothing says “treat yourself” quite like a classic all-you-can-eat buffet, where every craving gets satisfied and second helpings are practically encouraged. Here in North Carolina, buffets are more than just a meal, they’re a full-on food experience rooted in tradition and flavor.
Whether you’re diving into a mountain of fried chicken, savoring fresh coastal seafood, or loading up on buttery biscuits and mac and cheese, these beloved spots have something for everyone.
Locals swear by them, and once you’ve had a taste, you’ll see why. Get ready for a delicious adventure that ends with a full belly and zero regrets.
1. Casey’s Buffet: Soul Food Heaven in Wilmington
My grandmother would slap my hand for saying this, but Casey’s fried chicken might be better than hers! This Wilmington gem doesn’t mess around with fancy decorations, they put all their energy into the food.
The line forms early for their soul-stirring spread of crispy fried chicken, fall-off-the-bone barbecue pork, and perfectly seasoned catfish. Their mac & cheese could make a grown man cry, and don’t get me started on those collard greens.
Save room for the banana pudding, creamy, dreamy, and worth every calorie. Casey’s is where locals go when they want comfort food that tastes like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house.
2. Chason’s Buffet – Family Tradition in Hope Mills
Walking into Chason’s feels like stepping into a time machine. Since the 1970s, this family-run treasure has been serving up the kind of country cooking that makes you want to hug the chef.
Their country-fried steak with pepper gravy should be illegal, it’s that good. The pecan-crusted sweet potato casserole tastes like Thanksgiving and Christmas had a delicious baby. Regulars whisper about their secret recipe cornbread that somehow stays moist for hours.
Last time I visited, I watched three generations of a family dining together, the youngest learning what real Southern food tastes like. That’s the magic of Chason’s, it’s not just a meal, it’s a heritage.
3. Golden Corral “Favorites Concept”: Surprisingly Impressive Chain Upgrade
Hold your eye rolls! I was skeptical too until my cousin dragged me to one of these upgraded Golden Corrals last month. Color me shocked, they’ve actually returned to scratch cooking, and the difference is night and day.
The fried chicken has that perfect crunch-to-juicy ratio that only comes from proper preparation. Their pot roast? Fork-tender and swimming in savory gravy. Breakfast might be their secret weapon though, made-to-order omelets and those impossibly fluffy biscuits have created morning lines.
Not every Golden Corral has made the switch to this “Favorites Concept,” so ask locals which locations have upped their game. Trust me, it’s worth finding the right one.
4. Captain George’s Seafood Buffet – Coastal Feast in Kill Devil Hills
After a day of Outer Banks sun, nothing satisfies like Captain George’s seafood extravaganza. Yes, it’s part of a small chain, but don’t let that fool you, this location has earned its stripes with locals.
Snow crab legs crack open to reveal sweet, tender meat that tastes like it was pulled from the ocean that morning. The shrimp comes prepared six different ways, but the garlic butter version haunts my dreams. Scallops, often overcooked at buffets, remain perfectly tender here.
Pro tip: Go during off-peak hours to avoid tourist crowds. The food quality stays consistent, but your post-feast nap on the beach will be much more peaceful without fighting through lines.
5. Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet: Hidden Gem Among Chinese-American Options
“Another Chinese buffet?” I thought when my friend suggested Hibachi Grill. Boy, was I wrong to judge! This place stands head and shoulders above typical strip-mall offerings.
The secret? Fresh ingredients and constant rotation. Their hibachi station sizzles with made-to-order stir-fries where the chef doesn’t skimp on the good stuff. The sushi selection would impress even my picky brother-in-law who lived in Japan for three years.
What really sets them apart is how they seamlessly blend Chinese favorites with American comfort classics. One plate can hold General Tso’s chicken alongside perfectly cooked prime rib. Found in several NC cities, locals on Reddit and Yelp consistently rank these spots as worth every penny.
6. The Original Carolina Barbecue Buffet: Pork Paradise in Garner
Smoke signals drew me to this unassuming spot outside Raleigh years ago. What looks like a simple roadside joint transforms into barbecue heaven once you’re inside.
Their pulled pork achieves that perfect balance, tender enough to melt but with enough texture to remind you it was once a proper cut of meat. The Eastern-style vinegar sauce has just the right tang without overwhelming the natural pork flavor. Surprisingly, their seafood selections hold their own alongside the ‘cue, particularly the crispy fried catfish.
Locals pack this place on weekends, creating an atmosphere that feels like a community gathering rather than just a restaurant. The value-to-quality ratio here is off the charts according to devoted Reddit fans.
7. K&W Cafeteria: Classic Southern Cafeteria with Buffet-Style Selection
Grandma Dot introduced me to K&W when I was knee-high to a grasshopper, and I’ve been loyal ever since. While technically a cafeteria rather than a true buffet, the abundant selection and fixed price at many locations earns it an honorary spot on this list.
Their country-style steak swimming in rich brown gravy remains unchanged since my childhood, consistency is their superpower. The vegetable selection puts other buffets to shame with at least 15 options daily, many straight from local farms.
K&W’s banana pudding recipe should be classified as a state treasure. With locations across North Carolina, these cafeterias have fed generations of families seeking quality comfort food without breaking the bank.
8. Mayflower Seafood Restaurant: Small-Town Seafood Surprise
“You’ll find it in strip malls across small-town NC,” my uncle said when recommending Mayflower. These unassuming seafood spots have quietly built a loyal following in communities where seafood options are limited.
The fried flounder consistently emerges hot and crispy, never greasy or overdone. Their hushpuppies, sweet, crisp little cornbread nuggets, are worth the trip alone. Weekend buffets expand to include snow crab legs that locals line up for.
What Mayflower lacks in ambiance, it makes up for in hearty portions and friendly service. The family that runs my local spot remembers regular customers by name and favorite dishes. For affordable seafood that satisfies that coastal craving without the coastal drive, Mayflower delivers surprising quality.
9. Dale’s Indian Cuisine: Unexpected Buffet Champion in Charlotte
“Best lunch deal in Charlotte” isn’t something I say lightly, but Dale’s Indian lunch buffet earns that crown. This family-owned gem explodes with authentic flavors that transport you straight to Mumbai.
Their butter chicken achieves that perfect creamy-spicy balance that makes you want to drink the sauce. The naan bread arrives at your table still steaming from the tandoor oven, pillowy inside with those perfect char marks outside. Vegetarians rejoice at their paneer tikka masala and aloo gobi that convert even dedicated meat-eaters.
Unlike many buffets where quality suffers, Dale’s prepares small batches constantly throughout service. The owner often walks around offering freshly made specials not on the regular buffet, a personal touch that keeps locals coming back weekly.