South Carolina All-You-Can-Eat Buffets Known For Perfect Fried Chicken

South Carolina has a rich tradition of serving up some of the most delicious fried chicken you’ll ever taste. All-you-can-eat buffets across the state offer golden, crispy perfection that keeps locals and visitors coming back for more.

I’m excited to share with you some of the best spots where you can fill your plate with mouthwatering fried chicken and other Southern favorites.

1. Shealy’s Bar-B-Que

Fried chicken lovers have been flocking to this legendary spot since 1969 for good reason. The crispy coating stays crunchy while the meat inside remains juicy and flavorful.

You’ll find generous portions at their buffet alongside classic Southern sides. Their family-friendly atmosphere makes every visit feel like a homecoming celebration with delicious food everywhere you look.

2. Carolina Buffet

Walking into this place feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen on Sunday dinner. Fresh batches of fried chicken come out regularly throughout the day.

I love how they season their chicken with a special blend that makes every bite memorable. The all-you-can-eat format means you can try different pieces until you find your favorite cut of perfectly fried poultry.

3. Duke’s Bar-B-Que

Since opening its doors decades ago, this establishment has perfected the art of Southern comfort food. Their fried chicken has a signature crunch that you can hear across the dining room.

What sets them apart is their commitment to using traditional cooking methods passed down through generations. Each piece gets the attention it deserves, resulting in consistently excellent fried chicken every single time.

4. Lizard’s Thicket

This Carolina institution knows exactly how to make fried chicken that keeps customers satisfied. Their buffet offers an impressive variety of Southern dishes beyond just the chicken.

The breading has just the right amount of seasoning without overwhelming your taste buds. You can pile your plate high with crispy drumsticks, tender thighs, and juicy breasts while enjoying their warm, welcoming service throughout your meal.

5. Mama Penn’s Restaurant

Nothing beats the homestyle cooking you’ll experience at this beloved local favorite. Their fried chicken tastes like it came straight from a family recipe book.

The golden-brown pieces are cooked to perfection with a satisfying crackle when you bite into them. I appreciate how they maintain consistent quality whether you visit for lunch or dinner, making every trip worthwhile for fried chicken enthusiasts.

6. Midway BBQ

Barbecue might be in the name, but their fried chicken deserves equal billing for its outstanding quality. Each piece is carefully prepared with a light, crispy coating that doesn’t feel heavy.

You’ll notice the difference in their attention to detail from the first bite. The buffet setup allows you to sample everything, though many regulars come specifically for the chicken that’s made them famous throughout the region.

7. Shuler’s BBQ

Tucked away in Latta, this family-owned gem has been serving hungry diners since 1954, and their fried chicken remains a legendary draw. The seasoning blend creates a crispy coating that shatters with each bite, revealing tender meat that practically falls off the bone.

What sets Shuler’s apart is their commitment to cooking chicken fresh throughout the day, ensuring every piece hits your plate hot and perfect. The buffet line stretches with classic Southern vegetables, but most folks load up on multiple pieces of that famous chicken.

Locals know to arrive early on weekends when the crowds pack in. The casual, no-frills atmosphere lets the food do all the talking, and that chicken definitely has plenty to say.

8. Mrs. B’s Home Cooking

Walking into Mrs. B’s in Hartsville feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen, assuming she could cook for a hundred people at once. Their fried chicken recipe has remained unchanged for decades, using a special marinade that makes the meat incredibly flavorful before it even hits the fryer.

The buffet rotates daily specials, but fried chicken appears every single day because regulars would stage a revolt without it. Each piece gets hand-breaded and cooked in small batches, maintaining quality even during the lunch rush.

The price point makes this spot especially popular with families who want to eat well without emptying their wallets. You’ll find everyone from construction workers to business folks lined up, united by their love of exceptional fried chicken.

9. Melvin’s Barbecue

With multiple locations across South Carolina, Melvin’s has built a reputation on barbecue but their fried chicken quietly steals the show at the buffet line. The chicken gets a peppery kick that distinguishes it from standard Southern preparations, adding just enough heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming young eaters.

Their buffet setup encourages exploration, but watch how many people circle back specifically for more chicken. The meat stays moist even under heat lamps, a testament to proper cooking technique and temperature control.

The Mount Pleasant and Charleston locations draw tourists, while the smaller town spots remain local favorites. Regardless of which you visit, expect generous portions and that signature crispy skin that cracks perfectly with your fork.

10. Hawg Heaven BBQ & Buffet

Don’t let the barbecue focus fool you—Hawg Heaven in Anderson serves fried chicken that competes with any specialty chicken joint in the state. The batter includes a hint of sweetness that caramelizes during frying, creating an almost addictive flavor profile that keeps plates coming back empty.

Their buffet operates lunch and dinner, with chicken replenished constantly during peak hours. The casual atmosphere welcomes everyone from solo diners to large family gatherings celebrating birthdays or reunions.

What really impresses regulars is the consistency—whether you visit on a Tuesday afternoon or Saturday evening, the chicken quality never wavers. That reliability, combined with unlimited servings, makes Hawg Heaven a must-visit for serious fried chicken enthusiasts touring the Upstate region.