12 Virginia Buffets That Locals Say Dish Out Fried Chicken Better Than Anywhere Else

Virginia hides a delicious tradition that locals have guarded like a family secret – buffets piled high with golden, crackling fried chicken.

Step inside a cozy tavern or a bustling family-run restaurant and you’ll find platters of crispy, juicy perfection that practically demand a second (and maybe even a third) helping.

Sharpen your appetite, because we’re about to explore the Commonwealth’s buffet spots where fried chicken proudly takes center stage.

1. Michie Tavern – The Ordinary (Charlottesville)

Step back in time at this colonial-era tavern where history meets heavenly fried chicken. The daily “Midday Fare” buffet serves up an authentic 18th-century dining experience with modern taste buds in mind.

The chicken recipe draws on historic Southern traditions, creating that perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy meat that keeps locals returning.

Servers in period attire complete the immersive experience from 11:30 to 3:00 daily.

2. Graves Mountain Lodge – Farmhouse Restaurant (Syria)

Nestled in the Blue Ridge foothills, this mountain lodge serves comfort food worth the scenic drive. Their Sunday Farm Brunch spotlights the legendary Graves Mountain Fried Chicken that locals swear is worth every mile traveled.

The seasonal restaurant operates March through November, with buffets often on Fridays and Saturdays and the coveted Sunday brunch during the season.

The chicken’s secret lies in cast-iron skillets that have been seasoning for decades, creating that unmistakable homestyle flavor that can’t be replicated.

3. Wood Grill Buffet (Charlottesville)

Lines form early at this Charlottesville institution where the hand-tossed fried chicken has achieved legendary status among locals. The chicken station buzzes with activity as fresh batches emerge from the kitchen throughout service hours.

What makes their recipe special? The cooks claim it’s the buttermilk marinade that tenderizes the meat before it’s dredged in their signature seasoned flour.

With separate lunch and dinner pricing, this all-you-can-eat paradise satisfies chicken cravings without breaking the bank.

4. The Village Inn Restaurant & Lounge (Harrisonburg)

Locals don’t just call it famous fried chicken – they plan their workweeks around this Harrisonburg weekday lunch buffet. The chicken emerges from the kitchen in small batches, ensuring each piece maintains that perfect crisp-tender balance.

Regulars know to arrive early as tables fill quickly when word spreads that fresh chicken has just hit the buffet line.

While you can order their signature dish à la carte during other hours, the lunch buffet offers the best value for experiencing their closely guarded recipe.

5. King’s Korner Restaurant (North Chesterfield)

Airplane views complement perfectly crispy chicken at this unique airport-adjacent buffet. The family recipe has remained unchanged for generations, creating that distinctive Southern fried flavor that regulars crave.

The daily lunch buffet draws crowds from beyond the airport community, with Sunday brunch being particularly popular.

My first visit happened by chance during a flight delay, but I’ve since made special trips just for their chicken – that’s how addictive their special seasoning blend becomes.

6. Nanny’s Restaurant & Catering (Petersburg)

Southern hospitality shines at Nanny’s, where their signature fried chicken headlines the buffet alongside homestyle barbecue. The chicken recipe comes straight from the owner’s grandmother – hence the restaurant’s affectionate name.

Each piece features a delicate, well-seasoned crust that shatters satisfyingly with every bite. The buffet operates for both lunch and dinner on posted days, though hours can vary seasonally.

Locals recommend calling ahead to confirm timing so you don’t miss out on their legendary bird.

7. Cooper’s Restaurant (Portsmouth)

Soul food wisdom infuses every piece of chicken at this Portsmouth treasure. The buffet has sustained local workers for decades, with many claiming they can identify Cooper’s chicken blindfolded just by that distinctive seasoning profile.

The family-run establishment maintains consistent quality with an all-you-can-eat buffet offered for lunch and dinner (plus weekend breakfast blocks); smart diners check weekly posts for any schedule changes before making the trip – this chicken is worth planning your day around.

8. Captain George’s Seafood (Virginia Beach)

Seafood might headline at this beach destination, but locals know the fried chicken deserves equal billing. Families appreciate the variety, but many make a beeline straight for the chicken station before exploring other offerings.

The nightly seafood buffet creates an unexpected chicken paradise where land meets sea. The result is chicken with a reliably crisp exterior and juicy interior – an unlikely favorite at a seafood icon.

9. Captain George’s Seafood (Williamsburg)

Tourist crowds flock for the seafood, but Williamsburg locals return for the surprisingly spectacular fried chicken. I’ve brought visiting relatives here for years, and they’re always shocked when I bypass the crab legs for the chicken – until they try it themselves.

The nightly seafood buffet maintains consistent quality despite the high volume of visitors. The chicken features a lighter breading than most Southern styles, creating a delicate crispness that complements rather than competes with the natural flavor of the perfectly moist meat inside.

10. Fiddler’s (Abingdon)

Southwest Virginia comfort shines at this country buffet, where fried chicken recipes have been passed down through generations.

Part of a small regional restaurant group, the Abingdon location has developed a particularly devoted following for their consistently crispy offering.

Visitors can choose between the buffet and menu ordering, though locals overwhelmingly recommend the buffet for the freshest chicken experience.

The recipe features a hint of black pepper and paprika that gives their chicken a subtle heat that builds pleasantly with each piece you devour.

11. Fiddler’s (Hillsville)

Carroll County residents guard this homestyle gem where the chicken stays crispy even under buffet heat lamps. The Hillsville location maintains the chain’s quality while adding their own special touch – a slightly sweeter breading that caramelizes beautifully during frying.

Diners can choose between the buffet and individual plates, but the unlimited option provides the best opportunity to sample their consistently excellent chicken.

The kitchen staff takes pride in maintaining small-batch cooking throughout service hours, ensuring no piece sits too long before being enjoyed.

12. Great American Buffet (Fredericksburg)

Fredericksburg’s buffet scene reaches its pinnacle with chicken that consistently outshines the carving and omelet stations. Recent diners flood review sites with specific mentions of the fried chicken, often citing it as their primary reason for return visits.

The all-you-can-eat format operates daily for lunch and dinner, with breakfast joining on weekends. The chicken features a distinctive golden-hued coating that comes from a closely guarded spice blend.

With a sister location in Manassas, this local mini-chain has developed a faithful following across Northern Virginia.