North Carolina is a state where Southern hospitality meets late-night cravings, and nowhere is this more evident than in its hidden buffet gems scattered across small towns and busy highways.
For travelers and locals alike, there’s something magical about stumbling upon a buffet that keeps the fried chicken hot and crispy long after most kitchens have closed.
These restaurants aren’t just places to eat; they’re community landmarks where families gather, road trippers refuel, and anyone with a hankering for comfort food can find satisfaction.
From the coastal plains to the mountain foothills, these seven spots prove that the best Southern cooking doesn’t keep banker’s hours.
1. Casey’s Buffet & Barbecue
Tucked along Oleander Drive in Wilmington, this family-owned treasure has been serving up Southern comfort to coastal Carolina residents and visitors for years.
The moment you walk through the doors, the aroma of freshly fried chicken mingles with the sweet scent of banana pudding, creating an irresistible welcome that promises a memorable meal.
What sets this place apart isn’t just the food, but the genuine warmth that radiates from staff who treat every guest like extended family.
The buffet line stretches with an impressive array of options, but the star attraction remains the golden-brown fried chicken that stays crispy even during the evening hours.
Each piece is seasoned with a blend that speaks to generations of culinary tradition, achieving that perfect balance between savory and slightly peppery notes.
Alongside the chicken, you’ll find tender catfish fillets, slow-cooked collard greens, creamy mac and cheese, and fluffy hush puppies that disappear almost as quickly as they’re replenished.
The dessert bar alone could justify a visit, featuring homemade pecan pie, cobbler that changes with the seasons, and banana pudding layered with vanilla wafers.
For travelers passing through Wilmington on their way to the beaches or heading inland, this spot offers a convenient stop that feels anything but rushed.
The restaurant’s extended hours mean you can satisfy those late-night cravings without settling for fast food.
Local families consider this their go-to spot for Sunday dinners and special occasions, creating a lively atmosphere that blends tourists with longtime regulars.
Address: 5559 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403
2. Granny’s Kitchen
Nestled in the heart of Cherokee at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, this establishment embodies everything its name suggests.
The dining room feels like stepping into a relative’s home where everyone is welcome and seconds are not just encouraged but expected.
Mountain travelers often discover this spot after a long day of hiking or exploring the nearby tribal lands, finding it to be the perfect reward for their adventures.
The buffet here showcases Appalachian influences blended seamlessly with classic Southern cooking techniques.
Fried chicken arrives at the buffet line throughout the evening, ensuring that even late arrivals get pieces that crackle with each bite.
The kitchen’s commitment to freshness means you’re never getting chicken that’s been sitting under heat lamps for hours.
Beyond the poultry, the spread includes country-style steak, green beans cooked with ham hocks, candied yams that strike the perfect sweet note, and biscuits so light they practically float off your plate.
What makes this location particularly special is its connection to the surrounding Cherokee community and landscape.
The restaurant sources some ingredients locally, and you can taste the difference in the quality and freshness.
During peak tourist seasons, the place buzzes with activity, yet the staff maintains a calm efficiency that keeps wait times minimal.
After a meal here, many visitors find themselves planning their next mountain trip around another visit, such is the lasting impression of genuine mountain hospitality paired with outstanding food.
Address: 1098 Painttown Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
3. Carolina BBQ & Chicken
Positioned along the Julian R Allsbrook Highway in Roanoke Rapids, this restaurant serves as a beacon for hungry travelers navigating the I-95 corridor.
The location might seem unassuming from the outside, but inside awaits a buffet that has earned loyal followers from truckers, families, and business travelers alike.
Carolina BBQ & Chicken understands its audience: people who want substantial, flavorful food without pretension or inflated prices.
The fried chicken here carries a distinctive seasoning blend that hints at both traditional Southern spices and a touch of vinegar-based influence common to eastern North Carolina cooking.
Each piece achieves that sought-after texture where the coating stays intact and crunchy while the meat inside remains juicy and tender.
The buffet doesn’t stop at chicken; it includes pulled pork with that tangy Carolina sauce, ribs glazed to perfection, and a rotation of sides that changes based on what’s fresh and seasonal.
Coleslaw here leans toward the vinegar-based style rather than creamy, providing a sharp, refreshing contrast to the richer proteins.
Cornbread comes out warm throughout service hours, and the Brunswick stew offers a hearty option for those seeking something between soup and main course.
The restaurant’s extended evening hours cater specifically to the steady stream of interstate traffic, recognizing that hunger doesn’t follow a nine-to-five schedule.
Many regulars swear by stopping here rather than taking chances at unfamiliar exits, knowing they’ll find consistency and quality regardless of when they arrive.
The atmosphere remains casual and efficient, perfect for quick refueling or a more leisurely meal depending on your travel schedule.
Address: 1600 Julian R Allsbrook Hwy, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870
4. KFC Buffet
While most people associate KFC with drive-through windows and buckets to-go, this Dunn location offers something increasingly rare: a full buffet experience featuring the Colonel’s famous recipe.
The concept bridges the gap between fast food convenience and the all-you-can-eat appeal that buffet lovers crave.
Located on West Broad Street, this spot serves as a surprising find for travelers who didn’t realize such KFC buffets still existed.
The buffet line features original recipe chicken alongside extra crispy options, allowing guests to sample both styles or stick with their favorite.
Fresh batches rotate throughout the day and into the evening, maintaining the quality standards that made the brand famous decades ago.
Alongside the chicken, you’ll find KFC’s signature sides: mashed potatoes with gravy, coleslaw, mac and cheese, biscuits, and green beans.
The familiarity of these items provides comfort to road-weary travelers while the buffet format offers better value than ordering individual meals for larger groups.
Families particularly appreciate this setup, as it allows everyone to customize their plates without the complexity of ordering multiple combinations.
The dining area maintains a clean, well-lit atmosphere that feels more spacious than typical fast-food restaurants.
During evening hours, the pace slows from the lunch rush, creating a more relaxed environment where you can actually sit and enjoy your meal without feeling rushed.
For those traveling through Dunn on Highway 421 or nearby routes, this buffet offers a reliable stop where you know exactly what you’re getting, but with the added benefit of variety and unlimited portions.
Address: 1192 W Broad St, Dunn, NC 28334
5. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q
Along US-70 in Goldsboro sits a restaurant that represents a regional chain with deep roots in North Carolina’s culinary landscape.
Smithfield’s has built its reputation on delivering consistent Eastern Carolina barbecue and fried chicken that honors traditional cooking methods while serving modern crowds efficiently.
The Goldsboro location benefits from its proximity to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, creating a diverse clientele that includes military families, local residents, and travelers exploring the state’s heartland.
The fried chicken here follows a straightforward approach: well-seasoned, properly fried, and served hot.
No fancy brines or exotic spices, just chicken done the way generations of North Carolina cooks have perfected it.
The buffet spreads include barbecued chicken quarters for those who want smoky flavors instead of fried, along with chopped pork that showcases the vinegar-based sauce characteristic of eastern North Carolina style.
Side dishes lean heavily into regional favorites like hush puppies with a slightly sweet interior, potato salad with a mustard base, and Brunswick stew that varies in thickness depending on the day’s batch.
What distinguishes this location is its role as a gathering spot for the Goldsboro community.
You’ll often see large groups celebrating birthdays or teams meeting after games, creating an energetic atmosphere that feels genuinely local rather than touristy.
The restaurant’s hours extend later than many competitors, recognizing that shift workers, travelers, and families with busy schedules all need flexible dining options.
The building itself features the chain’s distinctive red roof and comfortable interior that balances casual dining with enough space to accommodate crowds without feeling cramped.
Address: 2904 US-70, Goldsboro, NC 27530
6. Parker’s Barbecue
Since 1946, this Wilson institution has been serving Eastern Carolina barbecue and fried chicken to generations of families, creating a legacy that extends far beyond the restaurant’s walls.
Parker’s sits along US-301 South, a highway that once served as a major north-south route before the interstate system, and the restaurant still carries that classic roadhouse appeal.
Walking into Parker’s feels like stepping into North Carolina culinary history, where the methods haven’t changed much because they got it right from the beginning.
The fried chicken arrives at the buffet with a coating that achieves a delicate crispness without being overly thick or battered.
It’s the kind of chicken that older customers remember from their childhoods and younger visitors discover with delight, realizing what all the fuss about Southern fried chicken is really about.
The barbecue here follows strict Eastern Carolina traditions: whole hog cooked over wood, chopped fine, and dressed with a peppery vinegar sauce that cuts through the richness.
Cornbread comes in both regular and sweet varieties, boiled potatoes offer a traditional side that’s become less common elsewhere, and the coleslaw provides that essential tangy crunch.
Parker’s has maintained its popularity by refusing to chase trends or modernize unnecessarily.
The dining room retains a no-frills aesthetic that prioritizes function and comfort over style, with booths and tables that have hosted countless family meals and community gatherings.
Evening hours bring a steady stream of regulars who’ve been coming here for decades alongside newcomers who heard about the place from friends or online reviews.
The restaurant’s longevity speaks to its quality and consistency, proving that when you do something well, people will keep coming back regardless of what’s trendy.
Address: 2514 US-301 S, Wilson, NC 27893
7. Mayflower Seafood & Chicken Buffet
On Germanton Road in Rural Hall, this buffet takes a broader approach by combining classic fried chicken with an array of seafood options that you wouldn’t expect to find this far from the coast.
Mayflower has carved out a unique niche by offering variety that appeals to different tastes within the same group, solving the age-old problem of dining with people who can’t agree on what type of food they want.
The name itself suggests the dual focus, and the buffet delivers on both fronts with equal attention to quality.
Fried chicken shares space with fried shrimp, fish fillets, and occasionally crab legs, creating a spread that feels almost festive regardless of the occasion.
The chicken maintains the crispy, well-seasoned standard you’d expect from a dedicated Southern kitchen, with pieces that range from wings perfect for snacking to substantial breast portions for heartier appetites.
Seafood items get refreshed regularly throughout service hours, ensuring freshness even though you’re dining inland rather than at the coast.
Side dishes bridge Southern and coastal influences: hush puppies, fries, green beans, mac and cheese, and sometimes items like fried okra or calabash-style vegetables.
The dessert section typically includes soft-serve ice cream, pies, and cakes that provide sweet endings to generous meals.
Rural Hall’s location near Winston-Salem means the restaurant draws from both rural communities and suburban areas, creating an interesting mix of customers.
The atmosphere remains relaxed and family-friendly, with enough space to accommodate larger groups without reservations.
Extended evening hours make this a viable option for those finishing work late or traveling through the Piedmont Triad region after typical dinner hours have passed elsewhere.
Address: 6656 Germanton Rd, Rural Hall, NC 27045
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