All You Can Eat Spots In North Carolina You Need To Try

North Carolina offers some amazing all-you-can-eat restaurants where hungry folks can enjoy unlimited food for one price. From seafood feasts along the coast to authentic Asian hot pot experiences, there’s something for every appetite across the Tar Heel State. Whether you’re traveling through or looking for a new local favorite, these buffets deliver both quantity and quality for your dining dollars.

1. Golden Corral Buffet & Grill

Family gatherings find their perfect venue at Golden Corral, a household name in the buffet world. Located throughout Raleigh and beyond, this American-style eatery boasts an impressive spread that changes throughout the day.

Breakfast features made-to-order omelets and fluffy pancakes, while lunch and dinner showcase carved meats, comfort food classics, and fresh vegetables. The famous Brass Bell signals when fresh, hot items are being added to the buffet line.

Kids particularly enjoy the chocolate fountain in the dessert section, where they can dip marshmallows, fruit, and cookies. With its spacious seating and reasonable prices, Golden Corral remains a go-to option for families wanting variety without breaking the bank.

2. Casey’s Buffet

Southern hospitality meets endless plates at Casey’s Buffet in Wilmington. The moment you walk in, the aroma of slow-cooked collard greens and crispy fried chicken welcomes you like an old friend.

Locals rave about their fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs and perfectly seasoned fried catfish. The sides deserve special mention – creamy mac and cheese, candied yams, and cornbread that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory.

What makes Casey’s special is how they rotate regional specialties throughout the week. Thursdays feature Brunswick stew, while Saturdays bring out their famous banana pudding. The modest exterior hides a true Southern treasure that’s been satisfying hungry Wilmington residents for generations.

3. Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet

Ocean bounty awaits at this Outer Banks institution where seafood lovers flock during vacation season. Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet in Kitty Hawk transforms the catch of the day into a spectacular spread that celebrates coastal Carolina cuisine.

Snow crab legs steal the spotlight, requiring special tools provided at each table for cracking open these treasures. The seafood mac and cheese combines comfort food with oceanic delights, while the raw bar offers oysters and peel-and-eat shrimp for purists.

Beyond seafood, Jimmy’s surprises with prime rib carving stations and Southern sides like hush puppies. The restaurant’s beach-themed décor and friendly staff create a relaxed atmosphere perfect for post-beach dining when you’re sandy, hungry, and ready for a feast.

4. Ichiban Grill Supreme Buffet

Greensboro’s hidden gem offers a culinary tour across Asia without leaving North Carolina. Ichiban’s sprawling buffet features over 200 items daily, arranged in colorful, meticulously maintained stations throughout the restaurant.

The sushi section deserves special praise, with chefs continuously preparing fresh rolls ranging from simple California rolls to elaborate dragon and rainbow creations. Head to the hibachi grill where cooks transform your selected raw ingredients into sizzling personalized stir-fries.

Unexpected treasures include their salt and pepper squid, honey walnut shrimp, and Malaysian-style curry. The dessert section features both Asian specialties like mochi ice cream alongside American favorites such as chocolate fountain with fresh fruit. Ichiban’s bright, spacious interior accommodates large groups making it perfect for celebrating special occasions.

5. River Buffet & Grill

University students and Charlotte families alike flock to River Buffet & Grill for its vast selection and budget-friendly pricing. The restaurant’s modern interior features separate stations organized by cuisine type, making navigation easy even during busy weekend rushes.

Sushi lovers appreciate the continuously restocked nigiri and specialty rolls, while the hibachi station lets you customize stir-fry creations with fresh vegetables, proteins, and sauces. Don’t miss their signature crab rangoon – crispy on the outside with a creamy, flavorful filling that regulars claim is the best in Charlotte.

The restaurant shines with unexpected offerings like dim sum on weekends and a surprising selection of fresh fruit for dessert. With its convenient location near UNC Charlotte, River Buffet provides a welcome break from campus dining for students seeking variety and value.

6. So Hot HotPot

Cary’s interactive dining sensation puts you in charge of your meal with an all-you-can-eat hot pot experience. Each table features built-in induction burners where flavorful broths bubble away, waiting for your selection of ingredients.

First-timers receive friendly guidance from staff on cooking times and complementary flavor combinations. The refrigerated ingredient bar displays pristine rows of thinly sliced meats, seafood, mushroom varieties, greens, and noodles – all replenished frequently to ensure freshness.

The sauce station becomes a playground for culinary creativity with over 20 options from spicy chili oil to creamy sesame. What makes So Hot special is the social experience; groups bond over the shared cooking process, making it perfect for family gatherings or friend meetups when conversation matters as much as the food.

7. Five Spice BBQ

Korean barbecue meets dim sum at this Cary fusion restaurant where tabletop grilling becomes a social event. Five Spice BBQ’s all-you-can-eat format invites diners to select from beautifully marinated meats that arrive at your table ready for the built-in grill.

Marbled brisket, bulgogi, and spicy pork belly cook before your eyes while servers continuously offer dim sum cart selections – fluffy pork buns, delicate shrimp dumplings, and crispy spring rolls. The banchan (side dishes) deserve special mention, with kimchi, pickled radishes, and marinated beans refilled without asking.

Adventurous eaters appreciate unique offerings like beef tongue and intestine, while those with milder preferences enjoy chicken and thinly sliced ribeye. The restaurant’s efficient ventilation system ensures you won’t leave smelling like smoke – a thoughtful detail that elevates the experience.

8. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant

Nautical elegance meets seafood abundance at this coastal treasure in Kill Devil Hills. Captain George’s massive dining room, decorated with maritime artifacts and model ships, sets the stage for a memorable Outer Banks dining experience.

The star attraction is undoubtedly their steamed snow crab legs, which servers bring to your table in fresh batches. Local Pamlico Sound shrimp appear in multiple preparations – fried, steamed, and in their signature seafood pasta.

Beyond seafood, the buffet surprises with prime rib carving stations and Southern specialties like she-crab soup. What separates Captain George’s from other seafood buffets is their commitment to quality over quantity – fewer items than some competitors, but each executed perfectly. The restaurant’s popularity means summer visits require planning ahead, but locals know winter dining offers the same quality with shorter waits.

9. Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet

Charlotte’s international feast spans continents at this massive buffet where quantity meets surprising quality. Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet’s sprawling layout requires a strategic approach – veterans recommend a preliminary walkthrough before committing to plate selections.

The hibachi station draws the longest lines as chefs flip and sizzle custom orders with theatrical flair. American comfort foods share space with authentic Chinese dishes, creating unexpected combinations like fried chicken alongside dim sum dumplings.

Weekend brunches feature a chocolate fountain surrounded by fresh strawberries and marshmallows that delights both children and adults. The restaurant’s bright lighting and spacious layout accommodate large family gatherings, making it a popular choice for celebrating birthdays and graduations.