9 Pennsylvania Buffets That Locals Swear Serve Fried Chicken Just Like Grandma’s
There’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of fried chicken that takes you back to grandma’s kitchen. Across Pennsylvania, certain buffets have earned legendary status among locals for their crispy, juicy fried chicken that rivals beloved family recipes.
These all-you-can-eat havens combine hometown cooking with generous portions, creating the perfect spots for comfort food lovers to gather and indulge in nostalgic flavors.
1. Crispy Delights at Hershey Farm Grand Smorgasbord
Locals don’t just visit Hershey Farm for the picturesque setting – they come for the crispy fried chicken that steals the spotlight on this extensive buffet.
The secret lies in their distinctive breading that creates that unmistakable crunch we all remember from childhood Sunday dinners.
Families return generation after generation, creating new memories around plates piled high with this comfort food classic and homestyle sides like mashed potatoes swimming in gravy.
2. Golden Goodness at Miller’s Smorgasbord
Tucked away in the heart of Lancaster County, Miller’s Smorgasbord serves up a taste of Pennsylvania Dutch tradition with their legendary Golden Fried Chicken.
The perfectly seasoned crust gives way to tender, juicy meat that locals claim is indistinguishable from their grandmother’s secret recipe.
The traditional smorgasbord setup lets you pair that golden-brown perfection with authentic PA Dutch sides like buttered noodles and chow chow.
3. Broasted Perfection at Yoder’s Restaurant & Buffet
Yoder’s broasted chicken has achieved near-mythical status among Pennsylvania locals seeking that perfect combination of crispy exterior and juicy interior.
My grandmother would drive us 45 minutes just for their chicken, claiming nothing else compared to Yoder’s special pressure-frying technique.
The meat practically falls off the bone while maintaining that signature golden coating that makes you close your eyes with each bite.
Their rotating buffet ensures the chicken is always fresh and hot.
4. Hometown Flavor at Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant
Recently renovated but still serving the same soul-satisfying broasted chicken, Bird-in-Hand remains a cornerstone of authentic Lancaster County cooking.
Regulars swear their chicken recipe hasn’t changed in decades, maintaining that perfect balance of seasonings that makes it impossible to eat just one piece.
The family-friendly atmosphere complements the homestyle cooking, creating an experience that feels like Sunday dinner at Grandma’s farmhouse kitchen table.
5. Weekend Wonders at Dienner’s Country Restaurant
While known primarily for their succulent rotisserie chicken, locals whisper about Dienner’s buffet with reverent tones.
I still remember my first bite there as a teenager – the unexpected crunch giving way to tender, flavorful meat had me convinced my grandmother had somehow sneaked into their kitchen.
Their compact buffet may be smaller than some competitors, but the quality and authenticity of their offerings make this hidden gem worth seeking out.
6. Massive Selection at Shady Maple Smorgasbord
As America’s largest smorgasbord, Shady Maple could easily sacrifice quality for quantity, but their rotating chicken dishes prove they refuse to compromise.
The 200-foot buffet features different chicken preparations daily, with their Friday fried chicken earning particular praise from locals who plan their week around it.
Pennsylvania Dutch cooking traditions shine through in each perfectly seasoned piece, complemented by an overwhelming array of sides that grandma would approve of.
7. Family Tradition at Dutch-Way Myerstown
The fried chicken at Dutch-Way’s Myerstown location has become the benchmark against which locals measure all other buffet offerings in Lebanon County.
What makes their version special is the consistently light, non-greasy coating that somehow manages to stay crisp throughout your meal. My uncle claims he once ate seven pieces in one sitting, a story that grows by one piece every time he tells it at family gatherings.
The family-friendly pricing – kids under 3 eat free – makes this a generational favorite.
8. Country Comfort at Oakhurst Grille & Event Center
Venturing beyond Lancaster County, Somerset’s Oakhurst Grille surprises visitors with chicken that rivals the Dutch country classics. Their Sunday brunch buffet features baked chicken alongside comfort-food favorites.
The rustic mountain setting creates a different atmosphere than Lancaster’s farm country, but the commitment to homestyle cooking remains equally strong, with locals claiming it tastes just like their Appalachian grandmothers made.
9. Big Valley Flavor at Heritage Family Restaurant
Nestled in Mifflin County’s Big Valley, in Allensville, this newer establishment has quickly established itself as the standard-bearer for authentic country-fried chicken.
The small-town setting belies the big flavors coming from their kitchen, where the chicken rivals what grandmothers have been making in the region for generations.
Each piece boasts a perfectly seasoned coating that shatters satisfyingly with every bite, revealing juicy meat that tastes like it was prepared with decades of practice.