All-You-Can-Eat Buffets In Alabama People Drive Miles To Try
Alabama serves up some of the best all-you-can-eat buffets in the South, where hungry diners can pile their plates high with everything from crispy fried chicken to fresh seafood. I’ve noticed that folks regularly drive hours just to visit these beloved spots.
Whether you’re craving Southern comfort food or want to sample international flavors, these buffets deliver incredible variety and value that keep people coming back for more.
1. Nelson’s Barnyard Buffet – Saraland
Over 40 different dishes await you at this legendary spot on Highway 43 South. Your plate can overflow with golden fried chicken, tender pot roast, creamy mac and cheese, and sweet candied yams that taste like grandma’s recipe.
Weekend breakfast brings crowds who line up early for biscuits and gravy. The seafood selection includes perfectly seasoned fish that locals rave about constantly.
2. Chow’s Country Buffet – Tuscaloosa
Imagine combining Southern soul food with Asian flavors all under one roof. That’s exactly what you’ll discover at this Skyland Boulevard gem where crispy fried catfish sits alongside savory teriyaki chicken and fresh lo mein.
I love how they blend two completely different cooking styles seamlessly. Your taste buds get to travel between continents without leaving your seat.
3. Magnolia Blossom Cafe – Robertsdale
Fresh, local ingredients make every bite special at this beloved Robertsdale treasure. Farmers from surrounding areas deliver their best produce daily, ensuring everything tastes like it came straight from Alabama soil.
The homestyle cooking reflects generations of Southern tradition and care. You’ll taste the difference quality ingredients make when chefs respect their craft and community.
4. China Luck Buffet – Montgomery
Montgomery’s go-to spot for Asian cuisine variety offers sushi rolls, hibachi selections, and traditional Chinese favorites all day long. Families pack this place because kids can choose exactly what they want while adults explore more adventurous options.
The dessert bar features both American sweets and Asian treats. Fresh spring rolls get made throughout service to ensure quality stays consistent.
5. Golden Corral – Birmingham
This national chain has earned its reputation in Birmingham through consistent quality and massive selection. Carved meats get sliced fresh at the station while you watch, and the famous chocolate fountain keeps children entertained for hours.
Weekday lunch brings business crowds who appreciate quick service and reliable favorites. I always find something new to try despite visiting regularly.
6. Catfish Cabin – Mobile
Crispy catfish reigns supreme at this Mobile favorite where seafood gets fried to perfection every single time. Hush puppies arrive hot and golden, complementing the fish with their slightly sweet cornmeal flavor that Southerners crave.
Coleslaw and baked beans round out plates perfectly. The casual vibe makes everyone feel welcome, whether you’re wearing work boots or Sunday clothes.
7. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet – Huntsville
Huntsville’s diverse population demands variety, and this buffet delivers with Asian specialties alongside American comfort foods. Watch chefs prepare custom stir-fry orders at the hibachi station while your table fills with appetizers from the extensive spread.
The sushi stays surprisingly fresh throughout service. Mongolian beef and General Tso’s chicken remain customer favorites that disappear quickly during peak hours.
8. Country’s Barbecue – Multiple Locations
Smoky barbecue perfumes the air at these popular Alabama locations where pulled pork and ribs dominate the buffet line. Your nose leads you straight to the meat station where everything gets slow-cooked using traditional methods and secret family recipes.
Cornbread muffins crumble perfectly beside collard greens. Sweet tea flows freely, keeping your glass full throughout the entire meal.
9. Morrison’s Cafeteria – Various Cities
Old-school cafeteria service meets modern convenience at these nostalgic establishments across Alabama. Slide your tray along the line while friendly servers dish up generous portions of meatloaf, fried okra, and squash casserole that taste like home.
Seniors especially appreciate the easy access and familiar flavors. Pecan pie and banana pudding provide the perfect sweet ending to traditional Southern meals.
10. Sakura Japanese Steakhouse – Dothan
Dothan’s premier Asian dining experience combines buffet convenience with restaurant-quality presentation and flavor. California rolls sit beside teriyaki salmon while tempura vegetables offer lighter options for health-conscious diners seeking variety without sacrificing taste.
Miso soup stays hot in individual serving stations. The elegant atmosphere elevates the buffet experience beyond typical casual dining expectations and standards.
11. Western Sizzlin – Decatur
Grilled steaks and burgers headline this Decatur favorite where American classics satisfy hearty appetites daily. The salad bar stretches impressively long, offering fresh vegetables and toppings that let you build exactly the salad you’re craving right now.
Baked potatoes come loaded with all your favorite toppings. Kids eat free on certain nights, making family dinners affordable and stress-free.
12. Shrimp Basket – Gulf Shores
Gulf-fresh seafood takes center stage at this coastal favorite where shrimp gets served fried, grilled, and boiled to perfection. Beachgoers and locals alike crowd the tables for oysters, fish, and hush puppies that capture authentic Alabama Gulf Coast flavors beautifully.
The beach atmosphere makes every meal feel like vacation. Sunset dining offers spectacular views that enhance the already incredible seafood experience.
