14 Southern Style Buffets In North Carolina Locals Can’t Stop Talking About

North Carolina is home to some of the most mouthwatering Southern buffets you’ll ever experience. From fried chicken to collard greens and sweet tea, these all-you-can-eat spots serve up comfort food that keeps locals coming back for more.

Whether you’re craving homestyle cooking or want to sample a little bit of everything, these buffets offer generous portions and flavors that define true Southern hospitality. Let me take you on a delicious journey through the best buffet destinations across the Tar Heel State.

1. K&W Cafeteria

When you walk into K&W, the aroma of freshly cooked vegetables and savory meats immediately makes your stomach rumble. This beloved chain has been serving North Carolinians since 1937, and their buffet-style setup lets you pile your plate high with classics.

I love how they rotate their menu daily, so you’ll always find something new alongside the staples. The fried chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy inside, while the mac and cheese melts in your mouth.

Their dessert selection includes banana pudding and fruit cobblers that taste like grandma made them. You’ll find multiple locations across the state, making it easy to satisfy your cravings wherever you are in North Carolina.

2. Country Vittles

Are you ready for a feast that’ll make you loosen your belt? Country Vittles in Sevierville serves up an incredible spread that locals drive miles to enjoy.

The buffet features over fifty items, including country ham, biscuits with gravy, and green beans cooked with bacon. What makes this place special is their commitment to cooking everything from scratch each morning. I always grab extra servings of their candied yams because they’re perfectly sweetened with brown sugar and butter. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere makes you feel like you’re eating at a family reunion.

Don’t skip the cornbread it’s buttery and crumbles just right. This spot fills up fast on weekends, so arriving early guarantees you’ll get a table without waiting.

3. Sagebrush Steakhouse

Though primarily known for steaks, Sagebrush offers a Sunday buffet that’s become legendary among locals. The combination of Western flair and Southern cooking creates something truly special. Their buffet includes slow-roasted beef, fried catfish, and hushpuppies that are golden and crispy. I’m always impressed by how they manage to keep everything hot and fresh throughout the entire service.

The salad bar is stocked with fresh vegetables and multiple dressing options. What really sets this buffet apart is their carving station, where you can get thick slices of prime rib.

Kids eat at a discounted rate, making it budget-friendly for families. The rustic decor and friendly staff create a welcoming environment that keeps people returning week after week.

4. Keaton’s BBQ

Barbecue is serious business in North Carolina, and Keaton’s understands this better than most. Their buffet showcases authentic Eastern North Carolina-style BBQ with vinegar-based sauce that’s tangy and delicious.

I recommend starting with the pulled pork, which is smoked for hours until it’s tender and flavorful. The buffet also includes Brunswick stew, collard greens, and potato salad made with just the right amount of mustard. What I appreciate most is their commitment to traditional cooking methods. They use wood-fired smokers that give the meat an incredible smoky taste you can’t replicate.

The cornbread muffins are served warm with honey butter on the side. This casual spot attracts everyone from construction workers to business professionals looking for authentic Carolina barbecue.

5. Lunsford-Richardson BBQ

How does a restaurant stay popular for decades? Lunsford-Richardson has the answer: stick to what you do best and never compromise on quality.

Their buffet focuses on barbecue fundamentals, with chopped pork that’s been slow-cooked over hickory wood. The meat is so tender it practically falls apart on your fork. I always load up on their red slaw, which provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory meat. The fried chicken is another highlight, with a perfectly seasoned crust that stays crunchy.

They serve sweet tea by the gallon, and it’s sweetened just right. The no-frills atmosphere lets the food take center stage, which is exactly how a good buffet should operate in my opinion.

6. Mama’s Farmhouse

It’s like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen when you enter Mama’s Farmhouse. This Pigeon Forge favorite serves food family-style, meaning servers bring heaping bowls and platters directly to your table. You’ll enjoy unlimited servings of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and buttermilk biscuits. The portions are generous, and everything tastes homemade because it is.

I’m particularly fond of their chicken and dumplings, which are thick and creamy with tender chunks of chicken. The gravy is made from real drippings, not from a packet.

What makes this place memorable is the servers treat you like family, checking frequently to refill your drinks and bring more food. You’ll leave stuffed and happy every single time.

7. Shoney’s

Did you know Shoney’s breakfast buffet has been a Southern tradition since 1947? Their all-day breakfast bar is legendary, featuring fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and made-to-order omelets.

Beyond breakfast, the lunch and dinner buffet includes fried catfish, pot roast, and a fantastic salad bar. I love how they offer both comfort food and healthier options. The soup and chili station is perfect for cooler days, with recipes that change seasonally. Their soft-serve ice cream machine is always a hit with kids and adults alike.

The pricing is reasonable, making it accessible for families on any budget. Multiple North Carolina locations mean you’re never too far from satisfying your Shoney’s craving, whether it’s morning or evening.

8. Golden Corral

With over 150 items on the buffet, Golden Corral offers something for even the pickiest eaters. This nationwide chain has several locations throughout North Carolina that locals frequent regularly. The carving station features slow-roasted meats like turkey and pot roast. I always make room for their bourbon street chicken, which is grilled and glazed with a slightly sweet sauce.

Their dessert bar is extensive, with chocolate fountains, cakes, and pies that’ll satisfy any sweet tooth. The yeast rolls are baked fresh throughout the day and served warm with butter.

What impresses me is how they keep the buffet stations clean and well-stocked during peak hours. The value for money is excellent, especially if you come hungry and ready to sample multiple dishes.

9. Cagney’s Old Place

Located in the coastal region, Cagney’s specializes in calabash-style seafood that’s lightly breaded and fried to perfection. Their buffet is a seafood lover’s dream come true.

You’ll find shrimp, flounder, oysters, and scallops, all fried with a delicate coating that doesn’t overpower the natural flavors. The hushpuppies are sweet and cornmeal-based, providing the perfect accompaniment. I recommend trying their clam chowder, which is creamy and loaded with tender clams. They also offer non-seafood options like fried chicken and barbecue ribs for those who prefer land-based proteins.

The casual beach atmosphere makes it a favorite stop for tourists and locals alike. Prices are fair considering the quality and quantity of seafood available on the buffet line throughout your meal.

10. Dillard’s Barbecue

Since 1961, Dillard’s has been smoking whole hogs and serving them buffet-style to hungry customers. Their dedication to traditional Eastern North Carolina barbecue methods is evident in every bite. The pork is chopped by hand and seasoned with a vinegar-pepper sauce that’s tangy without being overwhelming. I always pair it with their coleslaw, which provides a cool, creamy contrast.

Their buffet includes classic sides like baked beans, potato salad, and boiled potatoes. The cornbread is slightly sweet and pairs wonderfully with the savory barbecue.

What keeps locals coming back is the consistency you know exactly what you’re getting every time. The family-owned operation takes pride in maintaining recipes that have been passed down through generations of pit masters.

11. Miller’s Chicken

Are you searching for the crispiest fried chicken in North Carolina? Miller’s has been perfecting their recipe for years, and it shows in every perfectly seasoned piece.

Their buffet centers around chicken prepared multiple ways: fried, baked, and grilled. The fried version is my personal favorite, with a crunchy coating that stays crispy even after sitting. Beyond chicken, you’ll find mashed potatoes with real butter, green beans cooked Southern-style, and macaroni and cheese that’s creamy and rich. The rolls are soft and buttery.

I appreciate how they focus on doing a few things exceptionally well rather than offering hundreds of mediocre options. The portions are generous, and the staff keeps your drinks refilled without you having to ask repeatedly.

12. Wanchese Seafood

When you want fresh seafood straight from North Carolina waters, Wanchese delivers on its promise. This Outer Banks establishment sources fish locally, ensuring maximum freshness.

Their buffet changes based on what’s been caught that day, but you can typically find flounder, tuna, and shrimp prepared in various styles. I love their broiled fish options for a lighter, healthier meal. The crab cakes are made with real lump crab meat and minimal filler, letting the seafood flavor shine through. They also offer steamed vegetables and rice pilaf as sides.

The waterfront location provides beautiful views while you eat. Prices reflect the quality of the seafood, but locals consider it worth every penny for the freshness and preparation you simply can’t find inland.

13. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q

Though not strictly a buffet, Smithfield’s offers a cafeteria-style setup where you can load your tray with as much as you want. Their combination of chicken and barbecue makes them unique.

The barbecue is Eastern North Carolina style, chopped fine and dressed with vinegar sauce. I recommend getting half chicken and half barbecue to experience both specialties. Their sides include Brunswick stew, which is thick and hearty with vegetables and meat. The sweet potato casserole is topped with marshmallows and baked until golden.

With locations across the state, you’re never far from a Smithfield’s fix. The casual atmosphere and quick service make it perfect for lunch breaks or family dinners when you’re craving authentic North Carolina flavors without fancy presentations.

14. Biscuitville

How fresh are the biscuits at Biscuitville? They’re made from scratch every fifteen minutes, ensuring you always get them hot from the oven.

While not a traditional buffet, their breakfast menu functions like one with endless customization options. You can build your perfect breakfast with country ham, sausage gravy, eggs, and cheese. I’m obsessed with their sweet potato biscuit, which adds a subtle sweetness to savory breakfast sandwiches. The grits are creamy and can be topped with butter or cheese.

They source ingredients locally when possible, supporting North Carolina farmers and ensuring quality. The fast-casual format means you can get a hearty Southern breakfast quickly without sacrificing taste or authenticity that locals have loved for generations across multiple locations statewide.