12 Iowa Buffets Where Fried Chicken Still Tastes Like Grandma’s

Nothing beats the comfort of homestyle fried chicken, that perfect crunch giving way to juicy meat seasoned just right. Across Iowa, some buffets still serve this classic dish the old-fashioned way, with recipes that could have come straight from grandma’s kitchen. These treasured eateries keep traditional cooking methods alive, offering that nostalgic flavor that takes you back to Sunday family dinners.

1. Pizza Ranch – Sioux City

Locals swear the secret’s in their buttermilk marinade! The chicken rests overnight before getting hand-dredged in a seasoned flour mixture that’s been perfected over decades.

Despite the pizza in their name, regulars know to load up on the golden-brown chicken pieces first. The skin shatters with each bite, revealing tender meat that practically falls off the bone.

2. Farmer’s Pick Buffet – Waterloo

Farm-to-table freshness elevates their fried chicken to legendary status. Each morning, kitchen staff prepare small batches throughout the day rather than cooking everything at once.

The chicken sports a distinctively craggy crust with hints of black pepper and herbs that’ll remind you of Sunday dinner at grandma’s house. Their commitment to using locally sourced chicken makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.

3. Pullman Bar & Diner – Iowa City

Hidden gem alert! While not technically a traditional buffet, their family-style fried chicken service earned its rightful spot on this list.

The chef brines each piece for 24 hours in a special blend of herbs and spices. After a buttermilk bath, the chicken gets a double-dredge treatment before meeting hot oil. They serve it alongside house-made hot honey that perfectly complements the savory crust.

4. Iowa 80 Kitchen – Walcott

Truckers know where to find good food, and this kitchen inside the world’s largest truck stop proves it. Their fried chicken has fueled hungry drivers for generations.

Cast iron skillets still sizzle with chicken pieces cooked the slow way – no shortcuts here! The recipe remains unchanged since 1964, featuring a thin, crispy coating that doesn’t overwhelm the perfectly seasoned meat underneath.

5. Golden Apple Buffet – Prairie City

Family-owned since 1973, this unassuming spot has grandmothers asking for their recipe! Their chicken marinates in buttermilk overnight with a splash of apple cider vinegar – their signature twist.

Each piece gets hand-dipped and fried in small batches, never rushed. The result? Exceptionally juicy meat with a delicate, flavorful crust that doesn’t rely on excessive breading or salt to make an impression.

6. Mt. Hamill Tap – Donnellson

Country roads lead to this unexpected culinary treasure. Wednesday nights draw crowds from three counties for their legendary skillet-fried chicken dinner.

The tiny kitchen produces remarkably consistent results using well-seasoned cast iron pans passed down through generations. Each piece emerges with that distinctive crackling skin that makes a satisfying sound when you bite into it.

7. SugaPeach Chicken & Fish Fry – North Liberty

Soul food brilliance shines through in every batch! Chef Chad sources local ingredients for his grandmother’s Mississippi recipe that traveled north with the family.

The chicken gets a 24-hour brine before meeting a flour mixture containing exactly thirteen spices. What makes it special? A quick dip in boiling water before frying creates that extra-crispy, bubbled exterior texture that soul food connoisseurs recognize immediately.

8. Latin King Restaurant – Des Moines

Surprise! This beloved Italian restaurant serves incredible fried chicken on their Sunday buffet that rivals any dedicated chicken joint.

Their secret? A marinade featuring Italian herbs and a hint of lemon zest before the traditional flour coating. The chicken fries in a blend of oils that creates an unmistakable flavor profile. Regulars know to arrive early – it’s always the first item to disappear!

9. Buffet City – Clive

Don’t let the modest exterior fool you! This family-owned establishment serves remarkably authentic Southern-style fried chicken alongside their Asian offerings.

The owners learned the recipe from a Kentucky grandmother who shared her techniques decades ago. Each piece receives individual attention during preparation. The chicken emerges with a thin, crispy coating that shatters pleasingly, revealing perfectly cooked meat seasoned all the way through.

10. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet – West Des Moines

Among the extensive Asian offerings hides an unexpected treasure – some of the best American-style fried chicken in central Iowa! The head chef learned the technique from his first restaurant job in Georgia.

The chicken receives a special dry brine before being dipped in buttermilk and seasoned flour. Small batch cooking ensures each piece achieves that perfect golden-brown color and maintains its crispiness even under the heat lamps.

11. Golden Corral Buffet & Grill – Davenport

This location stands out from the chain with their commitment to traditional fried chicken methods. The Davenport kitchen still hand-breads each piece rather than using the standard pre-breaded product.

A longtime cook convinced management to let him prepare chicken the old-fashioned way years ago. The difference is immediately noticeable – lighter, crispier coating with properly seasoned meat. Regular customers time their visits around fresh chicken batches.

12. Breitbach’s Country Dining – Balltown

Iowa’s oldest restaurant (established 1852!) serves Sunday fried chicken that’s worth the scenic drive. The sixth-generation family owners still use the same recipe from the 1870s.

Chickens come from neighboring farms and meet a simple preparation: salt, pepper, flour, and a touch of paprika. What makes it special? The chicken fries in lard rendered in-house, creating that unmistakable flavor that modern oils simply can’t replicate.