This Georgia All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Is A Must-Visit For Hungry Locals

If you are craving comfort food served in generous portions, there is a legendary place tucked away in the North Georgia mountains that delivers every single time. The Dillard House, located at 768 Franklin Street in Dillard, Georgia, has been feeding hungry guests for generations and has become a destination all its own. This family owned restaurant is famous for its all you can eat Southern buffet, where food arrives at the table with warmth and tradition.

Homemade biscuits are fluffy and fresh, fried chicken is crisp and flavorful, and vegetables taste like they came straight from a home kitchen. Meals here are meant to be shared slowly, with conversation and second helpings encouraged. Locals treasure it, travelers plan trips around it, and first time visitors quickly understand why.

Dining at The Dillard House is not just a meal, but a comforting experience that feels like coming home.

1. Family-Style Dining Tradition

Nothing beats the feeling of sitting down to a meal where platters keep coming until you’re completely satisfied. The servers bring heaping bowls and platters right to your table, encouraging you to pass them around and share with your dining companions.

This style of eating creates a warm atmosphere that’s perfect for bonding with loved ones. You won’t find any rushing or pressure here. Instead, the staff encourages you to relax, chat, and enjoy every bite at your own pace.

Many families have made visiting this restaurant a yearly tradition, passing down the experience through generations. The communal dining approach brings strangers together and creates lasting memories around good food.

2. Famous Fried Chicken

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, the fried chicken here has earned legendary status across the Southeast. People drive for hours just to taste this golden, perfectly seasoned poultry that’s been prepared using the same recipe for decades. Each piece is hand-breaded and cooked to absolute perfection, with a crunchy coating that stays crisp even after sitting on the table.

You’ll find both white and dark meat available, so everyone can enjoy their favorite cuts. The chicken pairs beautifully with the other Southern sides offered at the buffet. Many guests claim this is the best fried chicken they’ve ever tasted, and it’s easy to see why after your first bite.

The restaurant goes through hundreds of chickens every single day, proving just how popular this dish has become. You can have as many pieces as you want without any judgment or extra charges.

3. Homemade Biscuits and Cornbread

Fresh-baked bread arrives at your table still warm from the oven, filling the air with an irresistible aroma. The biscuits are fluffy, buttery, and perfectly golden, while the cornbread offers a slightly sweet contrast that complements the savory dishes. Both are made from scratch daily using traditional recipes that have been perfected over many years.

You can slather them with real butter, drizzle them with honey, or use them to soak up the delicious gravies and sauces from other dishes. These breads are so good that some people make entire meals out of them alone. The texture is always spot-on, never dry or crumbly.

Bakers start preparing the dough early each morning to ensure freshness throughout the day. You’ll want to pace yourself because it’s tempting to fill up on bread before trying everything else. Many visitors request the recipes, though the restaurant keeps some secrets close to the chest.

4. Fresh Mountain Vegetables

Grown in the surrounding North Georgia mountains, the vegetables served here taste like they came straight from your grandmother’s garden. You’ll find green beans slow-cooked with ham, creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn, and whatever else is in season at the moment. The restaurant sources produce from local farms whenever possible, supporting the community while ensuring maximum freshness.

Each vegetable dish is prepared with care and seasoned just right, never bland or overcooked. Southerners know how to make vegetables taste amazing, and this place proves it with every single side. Even picky eaters who normally avoid their greens find themselves going back for seconds.

The variety changes with the seasons, so you might discover different options depending on when you visit. This commitment to fresh, local ingredients sets the buffet apart from chain restaurants. You’ll actually want to eat your vegetables here because they’re that delicious and flavorful.

5. Country Ham Selection

Salty, savory, and full of traditional flavor, the country ham served here represents authentic Appalachian cuisine at its finest. This isn’t your typical deli ham it’s been cured and aged using methods passed down through generations of Southern cooks. The slices are tender yet firm, with a distinctive taste that pairs perfectly with the sweeter dishes on the buffet.

You can enjoy it on its own or tucked inside a warm biscuit for a classic Southern combination. The ham is cut fresh throughout service to maintain quality and flavor. Some guests prefer it for breakfast, while others enjoy it as part of their lunch or dinner plate.

The curing process gives the meat a deep, complex flavor that you won’t find in mass-produced varieties. It’s a true taste of mountain heritage and culinary tradition. Many first-time visitors become instant fans after trying this regional specialty that’s been perfected over decades.

6. Endless Sweet Tea

No Southern meal is complete without a glass of properly sweetened iced tea, and this restaurant takes its beverage seriously. Brewed fresh throughout the day, the sweet tea here achieves the perfect balance between sugar and tea flavor. It’s served ice-cold in generous glasses that get refilled as soon as they’re empty, ensuring you never go thirsty.

The recipe has remained consistent for years, creating a reliable favorite that guests can count on. Some people claim the sweet tea alone is worth the drive to Dillard. It’s not too sweet or too weak—just right for washing down all that delicious Southern cooking.

You’ll notice that locals always order sweet tea with their meals, a testament to its quality and authenticity. The restaurant goes through gallons of tea every single day to keep up with demand. If you prefer unsweetened tea, that’s available too, but you really should try the sweet version at least once during your visit.

7. Historic Family Legacy

Operating since 1917, this establishment has been serving hungry travelers and locals for over a century. The Dillard family started with a simple boardinghouse that offered meals to guests, and it gradually grew into the beloved restaurant and inn you see today. Their commitment to quality and hospitality has never wavered, even as the business expanded over the decades.

Walking through the doors feels like stepping back in time to an era when food was made with love and care. Old photographs line the walls, telling the story of how this small mountain operation became a regional treasure. The current generation of Dillards continues running the business with the same values their ancestors established.

This deep history adds meaning to every meal, connecting you to the countless families who’ve shared the same experience. You’re not just eating at a restaurant—you’re participating in a living piece of Georgia history. The longevity speaks volumes about the consistent quality and genuine hospitality offered here.

8. Stunning Mountain Location

Surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the restaurant sits in one of Georgia’s most scenic areas. The location at 768 Franklin Street, Dillard, GA 30537 places you right in the heart of North Georgia’s natural beauty, with rolling hills and lush forests visible from the property. The peaceful mountain setting enhances the entire dining experience, making it feel like a mini-vacation.

You can take a stroll around the grounds before or after your meal to work up an appetite or aid digestion. The fresh mountain air and beautiful views create a relaxing atmosphere that’s hard to find in busy cities. Many guests combine their meal with other area attractions like waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic drives.

The changing seasons bring different colors and moods to the landscape, making each visit unique. Fall foliage is particularly spectacular, drawing leaf-peepers from across the Southeast. This setting makes the restaurant a destination in itself, not just a place to grab a quick bite.

9. Dessert Selection

Save room for the grand finale because the dessert spread rivals the main meal in quality and variety. Homemade pies, cobblers, cakes, and puddings line the dessert table, each one made from scratch using traditional recipes. The fruit cobblers feature whatever’s in season, from peach to blackberry, topped with buttery crust that’s baked until golden brown.

You’ll find classic Southern favorites like banana pudding with real vanilla wafers and fluffy meringue on top. The pies come in multiple flavors, and you can try a slice of each if you’re feeling adventurous. Everything tastes like it came from a beloved family member’s kitchen, not a commercial bakery.

The desserts are included in your meal price, so you can indulge without worrying about extra charges. Many guests plan their eating strategy to ensure they have room for sweets at the end. These homemade treats provide the perfect sweet ending to an already incredible meal experience.

10. Reasonable Pricing

Quality dining doesn’t have to break the bank, and this restaurant proves it with fair prices that reflect genuine value. For one fixed price, you get access to the entire spread of food with unlimited refills and servings. When you consider the variety, quality, and quantity of food available, the cost per person represents an excellent deal.

Families especially appreciate the pricing structure because kids can eat their fill without parents worrying about mounting costs. You won’t find any hidden fees or surprise charges when the bill arrives. The all-inclusive approach makes budgeting easy and removes any stress about ordering.

Many chain buffets charge similar prices but offer lower quality food and less variety. Here, you’re paying for authentic, homemade Southern cooking prepared with care and quality ingredients. Regular visitors know they’re getting tremendous value for their money, which is why they keep coming back year after year for more delicious meals.

11. Friendly Staff Service

Hospitality matters just as much as good food, and the servers here understand that principle perfectly. You’ll be greeted with genuine smiles and warmth from the moment you walk through the door until you leave satisfied and full. The staff members know the menu inside and out, happily answering questions and making recommendations based on your preferences.

Many employees have worked here for years, some even decades, creating consistency in service quality. They treat guests like extended family rather than just customers passing through. You’ll notice they remember regular visitors by name and ask about their lives with sincere interest.

The servers keep drinks filled and platters coming without being intrusive or hovering over your table. They understand the rhythm of family-style dining and time their service accordingly. This combination of efficiency and friendliness creates a comfortable atmosphere where you can truly relax and enjoy your meal with loved ones.

12. Breakfast Options Available

Starting your day with a hearty Southern breakfast sets the right tone for mountain adventures ahead. The morning spread includes fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, savory sausage, grits, and of course, those famous biscuits with sausage gravy. You’ll also find pancakes, French toast, and fresh fruit to round out the meal options.

Breakfast is served family-style just like other meals, with platters brought to your table for sharing. The portions are generous enough to fuel a full day of hiking, shopping, or sightseeing in the area. Everything tastes freshly prepared, never like it’s been sitting under heat lamps for hours.

Early risers appreciate that breakfast service starts at a reasonable hour to accommodate travelers with busy schedules. The morning atmosphere is slightly quieter than lunch or dinner, offering a peaceful start to your day. Many guests who stay at the attached inn never have to leave the property to enjoy an amazing breakfast experience.

13. Accommodation Options

Why rush your visit when you can stay overnight and enjoy multiple meals at this wonderful location? The property includes an inn with comfortable rooms that let you extend your experience beyond just a single meal. Staying here allows you to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner without worrying about driving mountain roads after a big meal.

The rooms are clean, comfortable, and decorated with a cozy country aesthetic that matches the restaurant’s atmosphere. You’ll wake up to mountain views and the anticipation of another delicious meal in the dining room. The convenience of having amazing food steps away from your room can’t be overstated.

Many families make weekend trips out of their visits, combining great food with quality time together away from daily distractions. The inn books up quickly during peak seasons, so advance reservations are highly recommended. Package deals sometimes include meals with your room rate, offering even better value for your vacation dollars.

14. Seasonal Menu Variations

Fresh ingredients mean the menu shifts throughout the year, offering different experiences depending on when you visit. Spring brings tender asparagus and fresh strawberries, while summer features ripe tomatoes and sweet corn straight from local farms. Fall ushers in hearty squash dishes and apple desserts, and winter showcases comfort foods perfect for cold mountain weather.

This seasonal rotation keeps regular visitors interested because there’s always something new to try alongside the classic favorites. The kitchen works with what’s available and at its peak flavor, ensuring maximum taste in every dish. You’ll notice the difference between produce picked yesterday and vegetables that traveled hundreds of miles to reach your plate.

The commitment to seasonal cooking connects the restaurant to the agricultural rhythms of the region. It also supports local farmers and reduces environmental impact from long-distance food transportation. Each season brings its own special dishes that you’ll look forward to year after year as the calendar turns.

15. Perfect for Large Groups

Planning a family reunion, church outing, or group trip becomes much easier when everyone can eat together at one location. The restaurant can accommodate large parties with advance notice, ensuring your whole group gets seated together or in adjacent areas. The family-style service actually works better with bigger groups, creating a festive, communal atmosphere that smaller parties might miss.

You won’t need to worry about splitting checks or calculating who ordered what because everyone pays the same flat rate. This simplicity removes a common source of stress from group dining experiences. The staff has plenty of experience handling large parties, so service remains smooth even when the dining room is packed.

Group visits often become annual traditions, with extended families returning year after year for the same experience. The restaurant offers a neutral meeting ground where everyone can gather without anyone having to cook or clean. Large tables encourage conversation and connection, helping groups bond over shared plates of delicious Southern comfort food.