5 South Carolina Buffets That Locals Swear Serve Fried Chicken Worth The Trip
Fried chicken in South Carolina isn’t just food – it’s a tradition passed down through generations.
From church picnics to family reunions, that irresistible golden crunch and juicy bite are part of what makes Southern comfort cooking so iconic.
And while you can find fried chicken on plenty of menus across the Palmetto State, the true treasures are tucked away in no-frills buffets where locals gather week after week.
These spots don’t just serve chicken – they serve memories on a plate, with recipes perfected over decades and portions generous enough to keep you coming back for seconds (and thirds). Here are five buffets South Carolinians swear by when cravings strike.
1. Carolina Buffet: West Columbia’s Crispy Crown Jewel
Last Tuesday, I showed up at Carolina Buffet with my stomach growling louder than a Gamecock fan at a rivalry match. The moment that first piece of chicken touched my lips, I knew I’d found something special.
Locals pack this unassuming West Columbia spot daily for their double-dredged, perfectly seasoned chicken. The secret? A family recipe that’s been guarded for three generations, featuring a hint of cayenne that sneaks up on you like a summer thunderstorm.
The buffet itself isn’t fancy—just honest food served on no-frills plates—but that chicken makes everything else fade into the background. Even the pickiest eaters in my family return for seconds (and sometimes thirds).
2. Shealy’s Country Style Buffet: Batesburg-Leesville’s Rural Masterpiece
My car practically drives itself to Shealy’s nowadays. This Batesburg-Leesville landmark isn’t just a restaurant—it’s practically a state monument to proper Southern cooking.
The chicken here gets a buttermilk bath before meeting its destiny in cast iron skillets that look older than most buildings in town. Each piece emerges with a crust that shatters like glass when bitten, revealing juicy meat that’s somehow both rich and delicate. Shealy’s doesn’t bother with trendy spice blends or fancy techniques—they’ve been doing it the same way since 1969.
Folks have been known to drive two hours just for this chicken. When you pair it with their homemade macaroni and cheese, you might just forget your own name for a minute.
3. Captain George’s Seafood: Myrtle Beach’s Surprising Chicken Champion
Who’d expect a seafood joint to sling chicken this good? I certainly didn’t until my beach vacation took a delicious detour at Captain George’s in Myrtle Beach.
The massive buffet here is famous for its crab legs, but locals nudged me toward the fried chicken station with knowing winks. Golden-brown pieces stacked high, glistening under the lights like buried treasure. The seasoning carries hints of Old Bay—a nod to their seafood specialty—creating a unique flavor profile that’s oddly perfect.
Between bites, I watched tourists load up on shrimp while seasoned locals balanced their plates with equal parts seafood and chicken. Smart move. The contrast between the sweet ocean fare and the savory, crispy chicken creates a taste experience worth writing home about.
4. BJ Country Buffet: North Augusta’s No-Frills Flavor Factory
“Fancy” isn’t in BJ Country Buffet’s vocabulary, and thank goodness for that! My first visit to this North Augusta staple left me speechless—except for the occasional moan of appreciation between bites.
The chicken here comes out in massive batches throughout the day, ensuring freshness that puts fast food chains to shame. Each piece sports a deeply browned, craggly exterior that holds its crunch even after sitting on your plate while you inevitably go back for more sides. The seasoning leans heavily on black pepper, creating a slow-building heat that never overwhelms.
What I love most about BJ’s is the honesty of the place—fluorescent lighting, plastic trays, and zero pretension. Just hardworking folks serving incredible food that keeps the parking lot full from open to close.
5. Dukes Bar-B-Que: Orangeburg’s Surprising Chicken-And-Que Combo
Most folks hit Dukes for the pulled pork, but I’m letting you in on a local secret: their fried chicken might be the real star of the show. During my road trip through Orangeburg, three separate gas station attendants pointed me here with knowing smiles.
Unlike most buffets where chicken is just one option among many, Dukes treats their fried chicken with the same reverence as their barbecue. The result is chicken with a robust, almost smoky flavor profile that complements their ‘que perfectly. The skin adheres perfectly to the meat—no slipping off in one piece like lesser establishments.
Friday nights bring the biggest crowds and freshest batches. The combination of vinegary pulled pork alongside peppery fried chicken creates a flavor harmony that explains why this place has thrived since the 1950s.