13 Buffets In North Carolina With Lines That Prove They’re Worth It

North Carolina is home to some of the most incredible buffets in the South.

I’ve noticed that the best ones always have lines out the door, and there’s a good reason for that.

These buffets serve everything from smoky barbecue to fresh seafood, and they’ve earned their reputation one delicious plate at a time.

1. Casey’s Buffet

People around here know that waiting in line means you’re about to eat something special.

You’ll find this place at 5569 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington, NC 28412.

I love how the aroma of slow-cooked barbecue hits you the moment you walk in.

Eastern North Carolina barbecue is the star here, with vinegar-based sauce that makes every bite memorable.

The fried chicken has a crispy golden coating that stays crunchy even after sitting on your plate.

Don’t skip the banana pudding because it’s made fresh daily with layers of vanilla wafers.

Locals arrive early on weekends to beat the lunch rush.

Families fill the dining room, and you’ll hear laughter mixing with the clinking of silverware.

2. Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet

More than 100 items wait for you at this coastal favorite.

Located at 3907 N Croatan Highway, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949, this spot draws crowds from sunrise to sunset.

Snow crab legs are piled high on ice, and you can go back as many times as you want.

Steamed clams arrive fresh from local waters, and the sushi bar features rolls made to order.

I appreciate how they keep everything rotating so nothing sits too long.

Beachgoers stop by after a day in the sand, still wearing their flip-flops.

The staff works hard to keep the trays full even during peak hours.

Dessert offerings include key lime pie that tastes like summer.

3. Chima Steakhouse Fort Lauderdale

Brazilian rodízio service brings an entirely different buffet experience to Charlotte.

The restaurant sits at 139 S Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202, in the heart of downtown.

Gauchos walk between tables carrying skewers of perfectly grilled meats, and you control the pace with a simple card.

Picanha, lamb chops, and garlic-rubbed sirloin are just a few options that keep coming.

The salad bar offers gourmet selections like hearts of palm and imported cheeses.

I find the atmosphere elegant yet welcoming, perfect for celebrations or date nights.

Each cut of meat is seasoned with traditional Brazilian spices.

You’ll want to pace yourself because the parade of food never stops.

4. Chason’s Buffet

Family recipes passed down through generations make this buffet stand out.

You can find it at 5315 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304, where lines form before the doors even open.

Crispy fried chicken has a secret seasoning blend that nobody can quite figure out.

Mac and cheese comes out creamy with a golden-brown top, and the peach cobbler tastes like it came from someone’s grandmother’s kitchen.

I’ve seen people return week after week for the same favorites.

The dining room feels cozy, with tables close enough to overhear friendly conversations.

Servers remember regular customers by name.

Sunday afternoons bring the biggest crowds, so plan accordingly.

5. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant

Coastal dining reaches new heights when you walk into this seafood paradise.

The address is 3643 N Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948, right in the heart of vacation territory.

Cajun shrimp arrives with just enough spice to wake up your taste buds.

Crab legs are cracked and ready, saving you time and mess.

I enjoy the nautical decor with ship wheels and fishing nets hanging from the ceiling.

Families make this a tradition during their Outer Banks vacations.

The hush puppies are crispy outside and fluffy inside, perfect for dipping in butter.

Lines move steadily even when the parking lot looks full.

6. Fuller’s Old-Fashioned BBQ & Buffet

Smoky barbecue perfection comes from family recipes that have stood the test of time.

Fuller’s has locations at 3919 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28311, and 2520 E Third Street, Pembroke, NC 28372.

Eastern North Carolina barbecue gets cooked low and slow until it falls apart.

Crispy fried chicken competes for attention, and both deserve a spot on your plate.

I love how the sides include traditional options like collard greens and cornbread.

The casual atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome.

Families gather here after church on Sundays.

You’ll notice the parking lot fills up fast during lunch hours, proving this place has earned its reputation.

7. Granny’s Kitchen

Breakfast lovers have been flocking here since 1984 for good reason.

The restaurant is at 1098 Painttown Road, Cherokee, NC 28719, in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.

Fluffy biscuits arrive hot from the oven, begging to be smothered in gravy.

Scrambled eggs stay creamy, and bacon comes out perfectly crispy.

I find the lunch and dinner options equally impressive, with fried chicken and pot roast leading the way.

The country atmosphere feels authentic, not like some tourist trap.

Portions are generous, and the staff treats everyone like family.

Visitors exploring Cherokee often make this their first stop of the day.

8. K&W Cafeteria

Cafeteria-style service brings back memories while serving up incredible variety.

Multiple locations exist across North Carolina, including 3330 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

You walk down the line pointing at what looks good, and staff members pile your plate high.

Fried okra gets cooked until it’s perfectly crispy.

Chicken and dumplings taste like something your grandmother would make.

I enjoy how you can see exactly what you’re getting before committing.

The yeast rolls are legendary, soft and buttery.

Seniors love the early bird specials, and families appreciate the kid-friendly options.

Lines form during dinner hours, especially on weekends.

9. Golden Corral

Endless variety keeps people coming back to this nationwide chain with strong North Carolina roots.

Locations like 1841 Skibo Road, Fayetteville, NC 28314, serve everything from carved meats to pizza.

The chocolate fountain draws kids like a magnet.

I appreciate how you can build your own salad or load up on fried chicken.

Steak nights bring even bigger crowds than usual.

The bourbon street chicken has a sweet glaze that makes it a fan favorite.

Dessert options include soft-serve ice cream and freshly baked cookies.

Families on a budget find great value here.

Weekend mornings feature a breakfast buffet with made-to-order omelets.

10. Sagebrush Steakhouse

Western-themed dining meets all-you-can-eat satisfaction at this popular spot.

The location at 2110 New Garden Road, Greensboro, NC 27410, features a salad bar that goes beyond basic lettuce.

Hand-cut steaks are cooked to order and brought to your table.

I love the combination of steakhouse quality with buffet convenience.

Loaded baked potatoes come with all the toppings you can imagine.

The rustic decor includes wagon wheels and wooden beams.

Families celebrate special occasions here because it feels a step above typical buffets.

Lines grow longer on Friday and Saturday nights.

The staff keeps the salad bar stocked and fresh throughout service.

11. Makoto Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar

Japanese cuisine takes center stage at this unique buffet experience.

You’ll find it at 3106 N Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948, offering both hibachi and buffet options. Sushi rolls are prepared fresh throughout the day.

Teriyaki chicken has a glossy sauce that makes it irresistible.

I enjoy watching the hibachi chefs perform while you eat.

The buffet includes traditional Japanese dishes alongside some American favorites.

Miso soup and edamame start many meals here.

Beach vacationers appreciate having an alternative to seafood every night.

The restaurant fills up quickly during summer months, so expect a wait during peak dinner hours.

12. Shoney’s

Classic American buffet dining has been a tradition here for decades.

The location at 1611 Skeet Club Road, High Point, NC 27265, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets.

The breakfast bar features a waffle station where you pour your own batter.

I always grab extra strawberries to pile on top.

Lunch brings out fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

The soup and salad bar offers lighter options if you’re not super hungry.

Soft-serve ice cream provides a sweet ending to any meal.

Families appreciate the reasonable prices and kid-friendly atmosphere.

Sunday mornings see the biggest crowds, with church groups stopping by after services.

13. Ryan’s Pub

Southern hospitality meets hearty portions at this beloved buffet chain.

The address is 4000 Avent Ferry Road, Raleigh, NC 27606, where comfort food rules the day.

Carved turkey and roast beef are sliced fresh as you watch.

I find the macaroni and cheese extra creamy here.

Cornbread muffins come out warm and practically melt in your mouth.

The salad bar includes fresh vegetables and various dressings.

Dessert choices range from bread pudding to fruit cobblers.

Weeknight dinners tend to be less crowded than weekends.

Seniors enjoy the discounted pricing available during certain hours, making it a popular gathering spot for retired folks.