These North Carolina Buffets Practically Dare You To Go Back For More
North Carolina knows how to feed a crowd. From the mountains to the coast, buffet lovers find themselves surrounded by endless platters, steaming trays, and dessert tables that stretch on forever. These aren’t just places to eat, they’re destinations where hunger meets happiness and every trip back to the line feels like a small victory.
Whether you crave smoky barbecue, fresh seafood, or international flavors that span continents, the Tar Heel State delivers big. Grab a clean plate and loosen your belt because these eleven buffets are about to redefine what it means to eat well.
Each one offers something special, something worth the drive, and something that’ll have you planning your next visit before you’ve even left the parking lot.
1. Robbins Nest
Comfort food reaches new heights when you walk through the doors of this beloved spot. Robbins Nest sits at A, 121 U.S. Hwy 70, Selma, where locals have gathered for years to enjoy hearty Southern cooking.
The buffet line stretches with golden fried chicken, tender pot roast, and sides that remind you of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house.
Fresh vegetables arrive daily, cooked with care and seasoned just right. Green beans simmer with bits of ham, while creamy mac and cheese bubbles with that perfect golden crust. Mashed potatoes come piled high, waiting for a generous ladle of gravy that adds richness to every bite.
The dessert station tempts with fruit cobblers, banana pudding, and pies that change with the seasons. Peach cobbler arrives warm, its crust flaky and sweet. Service stays friendly and attentive, keeping drinks filled and plates cleared without rushing anyone.
Prices remain reasonable, making it easy to bring the whole family without breaking the bank. The atmosphere feels welcoming, with tables spaced comfortably and a hum of happy conversation filling the air. You’ll leave satisfied, already thinking about your next visit.
2. Tommy’s Barbecue And Catering
Smoke and spice fill the air the moment you step inside this barbecue haven. Tommy’s Barbecue And Catering welcomes guests at 1945 NC-24 27 West, Biscoe, where pitmasters have perfected the art of slow-cooked meats. The buffet showcases tender pulled pork, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and chicken quarters that glisten with tangy sauce.
Each meat gets smoked for hours, developing that deep, rich flavor that barbecue lovers crave. The vinegar-based sauce stays true to Eastern North Carolina tradition, adding a bright kick without overwhelming the meat. Hush puppies arrive hot and crispy, their golden exteriors giving way to soft, slightly sweet centers.
Sides deserve their own spotlight here. Baked beans bubble with molasses sweetness, while coleslaw provides a cool, crunchy contrast to the smoky meats. Collard greens simmer until tender, seasoned with just enough pepper to wake up your taste buds.
The casual atmosphere makes everyone feel at home, whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout. Portions run generous, ensuring nobody leaves hungry. Weekday lunch specials offer excellent value, and the catering menu helps turn any gathering into a memorable feast.
3. Ginza Buffet of Gastonia
Variety becomes the star attraction at this expansive dining destination. Ginza Buffet of Gastonia operates at 212 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia, bringing together flavors from across Asia under one roof. Fresh sushi rolls line the bar, their vibrant colors catching your eye as you enter.
The hibachi station lets you customize your stir-fry, choosing from crisp vegetables, succulent shrimp, and tender beef. Chefs work quickly, tossing ingredients on the flaming grill with practiced skill. Steam rises from hot trays filled with General Tso’s chicken, lo mein noodles, and sweet and sour pork.
Seafood lovers find plenty to celebrate, from steamed clams to fried fish that stays crispy even on the buffet line. Spring rolls arrive golden and crunchy, perfect for dipping in tangy sauce. The salad bar offers lighter options, including fresh greens and crisp vegetables.
Desserts range from traditional American favorites like soft-serve ice cream to Asian sweets like mochi and almond cookies. The spacious dining room accommodates large groups easily, and servers keep the buffet stations well-stocked throughout service. Weekend dinner brings expanded seafood options that make the slightly higher price worthwhile.
4. The Classic Family Restaurant
Nostalgia meets hunger at this timeless gathering place where generations share meals together. The Classic Family Restaurant serves up tradition at 17511 NC-109, Denton, offering a buffet that feels like stepping into a simpler time. Fried chicken glistens under the warming lights, its crispy coating seasoned to perfection.
Meatloaf arrives in thick slices, topped with a sweet tomato glaze that caramelizes beautifully. Roast beef gets carved to order, ensuring each portion stays tender and juicy. The vegetable selection changes daily, featuring everything from buttered corn to tender squash casserole.
Biscuits come out of the oven throughout the meal, their fluffy interiors begging for butter and honey. Gravy flows freely, whether you prefer white sausage gravy for your biscuits or brown gravy for your roast beef. The salad bar stays simple but fresh, with crisp lettuce and garden vegetables.
Desserts rotate regularly, but you can usually count on finding chocolate cake, fruit pies, and bread pudding. The atmosphere stays relaxed and family-friendly, with plenty of seating for Sunday after-church crowds. Prices remain modest, and the staff treats regulars like old friends while making newcomers feel equally welcome.
5. River Buffet & Grill
Ambition meets appetite at this sprawling buffet that refuses to limit its offerings. River Buffet & Grill stands at 8215 University City Blvd, Charlotte, where over a hundred items wait to be discovered. The sushi bar alone could keep you occupied for an entire visit, with fresh rolls ranging from classic California to more adventurous specialty creations.
Salmon and tuna sashimi pieces glisten with freshness, their buttery texture melting on your tongue. The hibachi station lets you build your perfect stir-fry, watching as chefs transform your selections into sizzling masterpieces. Cajun-style dishes add unexpected flair, their bold seasonings standing out among more traditional Asian offerings.
Crab legs appear during weekend service, their sweet meat worth the slight mess of cracking shells. Prime rib makes occasional appearances, though availability varies by day and time. The salad bar stretches impressively, offering both American classics and Asian-inspired options like seaweed salad.
Desserts range from fresh fruit to soft-serve ice cream, with banana pudding and cheesecake providing sweeter finishes. The contemporary space stays clean and well-maintained, with attentive servers keeping drink glasses filled. Weekend pricing brings premium items that justify the higher cost, while weekday lunch offers exceptional value.
6. Chason’s Buffet
Scale and selection combine to create a dining experience that satisfies every craving. Chason’s Buffet welcomes diners at 1758 Owen Dr, Fayetteville, where the buffet line seems to go on forever. Carved meats anchor one end, with roast beef and ham sliced fresh throughout service.
Fried chicken maintains its crispy coating even after sitting on the steam table, a testament to proper preparation. Barbecue ribs glisten with sauce, their meat pulling away from the bone with minimal effort. The seafood station rotates offerings, sometimes featuring fried fish, other times showcasing shrimp prepared multiple ways.
Vegetables arrive fresh and properly cooked, never mushy or overcooked. Green beans snap with texture, while sweet potato casserole delivers that perfect balance of savory and sweet. Cornbread comes out moist and slightly sweet, ideal for soaking up pot liquor from collard greens.
The dessert bar tempts with pies, cakes, and puddings that change seasonally. Banana pudding stays consistently popular, its layers of vanilla wafers and creamy filling disappearing quickly. The dining room accommodates large groups comfortably, making it popular for family gatherings and celebrations.
Service stays efficient even during busy periods, keeping stations stocked and tables cleared promptly.
7. Grandma Hoyt’s Country Buffet & Catering
Homestyle cooking reaches its peak at this beloved establishment where recipes pass down through generations. Grandma Hoyt’s Country Buffet & Catering operates at 421 E Virginia Ave, Bessemer City, serving meals that taste like they came straight from a family kitchen. Fried chicken arrives perfectly seasoned, its coating staying crispy bite after bite.
Pot roast simmers until fork-tender, surrounded by carrots and potatoes that soak up all those rich, beefy flavors. Country-style steak gets smothered in gravy, its breading adding satisfying crunch. The vegetable selection rotates daily, featuring Southern classics like butter beans, okra, and turnip greens.
Biscuits bake fresh throughout service, their buttery aroma drawing diners back to the bread station repeatedly. Cornbread stays moist and slightly sweet, perfect alongside any of the main dishes. Mac and cheese bubbles with real cheese, none of that powdered stuff here.
Desserts follow traditional Southern recipes, with peach cobbler, chocolate cake, and banana pudding making regular appearances. The casual, country atmosphere makes everyone feel like part of the family. Prices stay reasonable, and portions run generous.
The catering service brings these same delicious dishes to your events, making any gathering feel special and well-fed.
8. Atlantic Country Buffet
Mountains provide the backdrop for this buffet that celebrates regional flavors and honest cooking. Atlantic Country Buffet serves guests at A114 Morganton Heights Blvd, Morganton, where the focus stays firmly on quality over flash. Fried chicken maintains that perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior that defines great Southern cooking.
Meatloaf comes glazed and sliced thick, its savory blend of seasonings hitting all the right notes. Roasted turkey breast stays moist and flavorful, carved fresh as needed. The vegetable selection emphasizes fresh, seasonal produce cooked simply to let natural flavors shine through.
Green beans simmer with bacon, adding smoky depth without overpowering the vegetables. Mashed potatoes come real and creamy, never instant or gummy. Cornbread muffins arrive warm, their slightly sweet flavor complementing savory main dishes perfectly.
The salad bar offers fresh greens and crisp vegetables, plus classic toppings and dressings. Desserts rotate but always include fruit cobblers and traditional cakes. The dining room stays comfortable and unpretentious, with friendly service that makes regulars and first-timers alike feel welcome.
Lunch prices offer exceptional value, while dinner brings a few additional options. The location makes it a convenient stop for travelers passing through the area.
9. Ichiban Grill Supreme Buffet
Fusion and tradition blend seamlessly at this expansive dining destination that refuses to compromise. Ichiban Grill Supreme Buffet operates at 3020 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, offering a staggering variety of Asian and American dishes. Fresh sushi rolls showcase careful preparation, with tight rolls and quality fish that tastes ocean-fresh.
The Mongolian grill station lets you create custom stir-fries, choosing from an array of vegetables, proteins, and sauces. Chefs work the circular grill with impressive speed, turning raw ingredients into perfectly cooked meals in minutes. Traditional Chinese dishes fill multiple steam tables, from crispy orange chicken to savory beef with broccoli.
Japanese offerings extend beyond sushi to include tempura, teriyaki, and noodle dishes. American classics appear too, ensuring even picky eaters find something they love. The seafood selection impresses, particularly during weekend service when additional premium items appear.
Desserts span cultures, offering American cakes and pies alongside Asian sweets like mochi and sesame balls. The spacious dining room handles crowds well, though weekend dinner service sees the heaviest traffic. Servers stay attentive, clearing plates promptly and keeping drink stations stocked.
The price point sits slightly higher than some competitors, but the quality and variety justify the investment.
10. Golden Corral Buffet & Grill, Asheboro
Consistency meets variety at this reliable chain location that delivers exactly what diners expect. Golden Corral Buffet & Grill sits at 1070 E Dixie Dr, Asheboro, where familiar favorites await alongside rotating specialties. The carving station features slow-roasted meats sliced to order, ensuring each portion stays tender and juicy.
Fried chicken maintains the chain’s reputation for crispy, well-seasoned poultry. Pot roast simmers until fork-tender, while grilled items offer lighter alternatives. The hot bar stretches impressively, offering everything from mac and cheese to seasoned vegetables.
Mashed potatoes come real, not instant, topped with rich brown gravy.
The salad bar provides fresh options for those seeking lighter fare, with crisp greens and numerous toppings. Soup stations rotate daily, offering comfort in a bowl regardless of the weather outside. Bread pudding and yeast rolls bake fresh throughout service, their warm aroma drawing diners back repeatedly.
The chocolate fountain anchors the dessert area, surrounded by fresh fruit, cookies, and soft-serve ice cream. The family-friendly atmosphere accommodates everyone from solo diners to large groups. Prices remain competitive, with senior and military discounts making it even more affordable.
The location stays clean and well-maintained, with staff working efficiently to keep stations stocked during busy periods.
11. Golden Corral Buffet & Grill, Durham
Durham’s dining scene includes this dependable buffet spot where quantity and quality coexist comfortably. Golden Corral Buffet & Grill serves at 5006 Apex Hwy #55, Durham, bringing the chain’s extensive menu to the Bull City. The carving station operates throughout service, offering roast beef, turkey, and ham sliced fresh as guests wait.
Fried chicken stays crispy and flavorful, while grilled options provide alternatives for health-conscious diners. The hot food bar spans multiple stations, ensuring something appeals to every palate. Bourbon Street chicken delivers sweet and savory notes, while pot roast falls apart at the touch of a fork.
Vegetables arrive properly cooked and seasoned, from green beans to glazed carrots. The salad bar offers more than just lettuce, with fresh vegetables, cheeses, and numerous dressing options. Fresh-baked yeast rolls come out regularly, their soft texture perfect for soaking up gravies and sauces.
The dessert area tempts with soft-serve ice cream, pies, cakes, and that signature chocolate fountain surrounded by strawberries and marshmallows. The spacious dining room handles weekend crowds well, though arriving early helps avoid the longest waits. Prices stay reasonable, with various discounts available for seniors, military, and children.
The convenient location makes it accessible for Durham residents and visitors alike.
