10 North Carolina Buffets Locals Say Serve The State’s Best Fried Chicken
North Carolina has a proud tradition of fried chicken, and some of the state’s best can be found at local buffets where golden, crispy pieces disappear fast.
From small-town diners to bustling family restaurants, each buffet serves up heaping plates of comfort food alongside sides that feel like home.
Loved by locals for their flavor, portion, and nostalgia, these spots prove that when it comes to fried chicken, North Carolina knows how to keep everyone coming back for more.
1. McCall’s Bar-B-Q & Seafood (Goldsboro)
Goldsboro’s crown jewel has been frying up chicken perfection since 1989, and locals will fight you over the last drumstick.
Every piece comes out with a shatteringly crisp crust that gives way to juicy, tender meat underneath. The secret? A buttermilk brine that’s been passed down through generations.
Pair your chicken with their legendary hush puppies and sweet tea for the full experience. Fun fact: this place serves over 500 pounds of fried chicken every weekend!
2. Ralph’s Barbecue (Weldon)
Since 1948, Ralph’s has been serving up fried chicken that makes grown adults weep with joy. The recipe hasn’t changed in over 70 years, and regulars say that’s exactly how it should stay.
Each piece gets a double dredge in seasoned flour before hitting the fryer.
The result is a craggy, extra-crispy coating that stays crunchy even after sitting on the buffet line. Locals recommend arriving early because the good pieces disappear fast!
3. Fuller’s Old Fashion BBQ (Lumberton)
Walk into Fuller’s and you’ll immediately smell what heaven must be like. Their fried chicken has a cult following in Fayetteville and Pembroke, with some folks driving an hour just for Sunday lunch.
The chicken gets marinated overnight in a blend of spices that the Fuller family guards like Fort Knox.
Crispy on the outside, impossibly moist inside, it’s everything fried chicken should be. Pro tip: grab extra napkins because this bird is finger-licking mandatory.
4. The Barn Dinner Theatre (Greensboro)
Who says you can’t have drama and drumsticks? The Barn combines live entertainment with seriously good Southern cooking. Their fried chicken steals the show before the curtain even rises.
Each piece is hand-breaded with a seasoning mix that includes a surprising hint of paprika and garlic powder.
The buffet stays hot and fresh throughout the performance, so you can refill between acts. Dinner and a show never tasted this good!
5. Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet (Kitty Hawk)
Beach vacations and fried chicken might seem like an odd combo, but Jimmy’s makes it work brilliantly. Locals and tourists alike pile their plates high with both crab legs and crispy chicken thighs.
The chicken here has a lighter, airier crust thanks to a cornstarch addition in the breading. It’s perfect after a long day of surfing and sunbathing. Don’t skip the honey butter on the side for dipping!
6. Smith’s Restaurant (Rocky Mount)
Operating since 1952, Smith’s is where Rocky Mount residents learned what real fried chicken tastes like. The cafeteria-style setup means you can watch them pile your plate high with golden goodness.
Their chicken is brined in sweet tea before frying, giving it a subtle sweetness that balances the savory coating perfectly.
The wings are particularly addictive. Regulars have been coming here for decades, and some swear they’ve never found better chicken anywhere in the state.
7. Western Sizzlin Steakhouse (Dunn)
Yes, it’s a steakhouse, but the fried chicken here gives the ribeyes serious competition. Dunn locals know that Wednesday nights are fried chicken nights, and the place gets packed.
The breading has a peppery kick that sets it apart from traditional recipes. Each piece is fried to order in small batches, ensuring maximum crispiness.
Pair it with their loaded baked potato bar for a meal that’ll stick to your ribs in the best way possible.
8. Robbins Nest Restaurant (Selma)
Tucked away in Selma, this little gem serves fried chicken that could convert a vegetarian. The Robbins family has been perfecting their recipe for three generations.
What makes their chicken special is the cast-iron skillet frying method, which creates an uneven, extra-crunchy texture.
The meat stays incredibly juicy because they never overcook it. Locals say the Sunday buffet is worth planning your whole weekend around. Get there hungry!
9. Heritage House Restaurant (Windsor)
Windsor’s best-kept secret sits in a beautifully restored historic building where the fried chicken tastes like something your grandmother would make.
Heritage House takes pride in using locally sourced chicken from nearby farms.
The buttermilk coating has a hint of hot sauce that gives it a subtle tang without being spicy. Every Friday, they serve up their famous all-you-can-eat chicken buffet. Fair warning: you’ll want to wear stretchy pants!
10. Bestfood Cafeteria (Siler City)
With a name like Bestfood, expectations run high, and somehow this Siler City institution delivers every single time. Their fried chicken has been the star of the buffet since opening day in 1986.
The coating is thin and delicate, letting the chicken flavor shine through instead of overwhelming it with breading.
They fry in peanut oil, which gives it a distinctive nutty undertone. Regulars recommend the breast meat here, which somehow never dries out.