These Colorado Buffets Locals Swear Fry Up Fried Chicken Worth the Drive
Colorado might be famous for its mountains, but locals know the real treasure lies in the crispy, golden fried chicken served at buffets across the state.
From casino feasts in Black Hawk to family-run spots in Greeley, these all-you-can-eat havens serve up chicken so good, you’ll want to fill your plate twice or three times.
Whether you’re craving perfectly seasoned drumsticks or crunchy wings with a side of endless options, these buffets deliver comfort food that’s absolutely worth the drive.
1. The Buffet at Monarch Casino (Black Hawk)
High in the mountains of Black Hawk, this casino buffet knows how to treat fried chicken right. The crispy coating practically shatters when you bite into it, revealing juicy meat that’s been seasoned to perfection.
Gamblers and food lovers alike make the winding drive up for this spread. The chicken sits alongside prime rib and seafood, but let’s be honest—the bird steals the show every single time.
Staff keeps the trays hot and fresh throughout service. You can grab a drumstick, then circle back for seconds without any judgment from fellow diners who are doing exactly the same thing.
2. Centennial Market Buffet at Ameristar (Black Hawk)
Ameristar’s buffet brings serious competition to Black Hawk’s dining scene with fried chicken that locals rave about on every food forum. Each piece gets a double-dip coating that creates extra crunch without making it greasy or heavy.
The kitchen fries batches throughout the day, so you’re almost guaranteed piping-hot chicken whenever you visit. Pair it with their made-from-scratch mashed potatoes and gravy for the ultimate comfort food combo.
Weekend crowds pack this place, but the line moves surprisingly fast. Pro tip: arrive early for lunch to snag a window seat with mountain views while you feast.
3. Golden Corral (Aurora)
Golden Corral’s fried chicken is one of its signature items, served fresh throughout lunch and dinner with a crispy coating and juicy interior.
Locals appreciate how consistently fresh the batches are, especially during peak hours when the kitchen brings out tray after tray. Pair it with their hot sides or salad bar to build the perfect comfort-food plate.
Families pack the dining room nightly thanks to affordable pricing, a huge variety of dishes, and a reputation for keeping the fried chicken station fully stocked.
4. Ultimate Buffet (Colorado Springs)
With a name like Ultimate Buffet, expectations run high—and somehow this place delivers. Their fried chicken recipe has remained unchanged for years because regulars would riot if they tried anything different.
The secret involves a pressure fryer that locks in moisture while creating that signature crackly exterior. Each piece comes out evenly cooked, whether you prefer white meat or dark.
Weekday lunch offers the best value, with prices that won’t wreck your budget. Local office workers flood in around noon, which tells you everything about the quality and consistency you can expect here.
5. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet (Aurora)
Aurora’s hidden gem combines Asian flavors with American classics, and their fried chicken bridges both worlds beautifully. The kitchen uses a lighter batter than traditional Southern recipes, creating a delicate crunch that doesn’t overpower the chicken flavor.
You can watch chefs prepare hibachi dishes while your chicken cools to eating temperature. The variety here is staggering—over two hundred items—but locals always circle back to that fried chicken station.
Families appreciate the kid-friendly options and reasonable prices. Weekend dinners get busy, so consider visiting on weeknights when you can take your time exploring every corner of this massive buffet.
6. King Buffet (Arvada)
Arvada locals treat King Buffet like their personal dining room, returning week after week for fried chicken that never disappoints. The kitchen maintains consistent quality by monitoring oil temperature religiously and changing it frequently to prevent that stale taste some buffets develop.
Each piece gets hand-breaded right before frying, which takes more time but produces noticeably better results. The chicken stays tender and juicy, even after sitting under the heat lamps for a few minutes.
Friendly staff remembers regular customers by name, creating a neighborhood vibe that’s rare in buffet restaurants. Portions are generous, and nobody rushes you through your meal.
7. Family Buffet (Greeley)
Greeley’s Family Buffet flies under the radar for most Front Range diners, but locals know it serves some of the best fried chicken in northern Colorado. The recipe leans heavily on garlic powder and black pepper, creating a savory coating that tastes homemade rather than commercial.
University students and farming families both flock here, which tells you the food transcends demographics. The chicken comes out hot and stays crispy longer than most buffet versions thanks to proper draining techniques.
Prices remain shockingly low compared to Denver metro buffets. This spot proves you don’t need fancy decor when the food speaks for itself loud and clear.
8. China Buffet (Longmont)
Longmont’s China Buffet understands that sometimes you want egg rolls and fried chicken on the same plate, and that’s perfectly okay. Their chicken recipe strikes a balance between Asian and Southern styles, using a lighter hand with the flour but keeping the signature crunch everyone craves.
The restaurant recently renovated, adding more seating and updating the buffet stations without changing the beloved recipes. Fresh batches appear regularly during lunch and dinner rushes, so timing your visit right means guaranteed hot chicken.
Local families make this their Friday night tradition. The relaxed atmosphere and consistent quality keep people coming back month after month without fail.
9. Empire Palace (Fort Collins)
Fort Collins closes out this list with Empire Palace Super Buffet, where the fried chicken has achieved almost legendary status among Colorado State University students. The kitchen uses a proprietary spice blend that nobody has successfully replicated, creating a flavor profile that’s uniquely theirs.
Massive trays ensure the chicken rarely runs out, even during Saturday dinner rushes when students celebrate before football games. The coating achieves that rare combination of super crispy exterior with zero greasiness.
Staff takes pride in maintaining high standards across all stations. When locals debate the best buffet fried chicken in Colorado, this Fort Collins favorite always enters the conversation.