13 Buffets In North Carolina So Good, The Lines Speak For Themselves
Picture this: A line that stretches down the block, hungry diners eagerly waiting for their turn to indulge in a spread of mouthwatering dishes. These 13 buffets in North Carolina are so beloved that locals and visitors alike can’t resist the call to feast.
With endless options ranging from crispy fried chicken to fresh seafood, each spot offers more than just a meal, it’s an experience. Get ready to satisfy your cravings and see why these buffets have earned their reputation as some of the best in the region.
1. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant (Kill Devil Hills)
Ocean breezes and all-you-can-eat crab legs make this Outer Banks institution absolutely legendary. Tourists and locals alike form impressive queues before the doors even open, clutching their phones with reservation confirmations.
The sheer variety of seafood here could make a marine biologist weep with joy.
Situated at 3032 South Virginia Dare Trail in Kill Devil Hills, Captain George’s doesn’t mess around with portions. Snow crab, Alaskan king crab, steamed shrimp, and oysters on the half shell create a seafood lover’s paradise that justifies the slightly higher price tag.
Prime rib and roasted chicken offer landlubber alternatives, but honestly, everyone comes for the seafood. The salad bar features fresh ingredients, and the dessert selection includes key lime pie that captures summer in every bite.
Bring your appetite and comfortable pants—you’ll need both.
2. Casey’s Buffet (Wilmington)
Coastal Carolina cooking meets endless servings at this Wilmington gem that locals guard like a secret. Fresh calabash-style seafood dominates the spread, and the aroma hits you the moment you walk through the door.
Crispy hush puppies and buttery shrimp keep the line moving steadily, especially on Friday nights.
You’ll find Casey’s at 5623 Carolina Beach Road, tucked away but never quiet. The fried flounder practically melts in your mouth, and the coleslaw has just enough tang to balance all that golden-fried goodness.
What sets this place apart is the homemade dessert bar featuring banana pudding that tastes exactly like your grandmother made it. Sweet tea flows freely, and the servers somehow remember your drink order even when the place is packed.
Arrive early or prepare to wait—it’s worth every minute.
3. Golden Corral Buffet & Grill (Winston‑Salem)
Walking into this Winston-Salem favorite feels like coming home to Sunday dinner, except the table stretches for what seems like forever. Families pack the dining room every weekend, and honestly, I get it—where else can you pile your plate with pot roast, carved turkey, and still have room for dessert?
Located at 3550 Frontis Plaza, this Golden Corral keeps the classics coming hot and fresh. The carving station alone draws a steady crowd, with tender meats sliced to order while you wait.
But what really keeps people coming back is the chocolate fountain surrounded by fresh fruit, cookies, and brownies. Kids go wild for it, and parents appreciate the endless options that keep everyone happy.
The staff works hard to keep everything stocked, even during the dinner rush when the line snakes past the entrance.
4. River Buffet & Grill (Charlotte)
Charlotte’s culinary diversity shines bright at this sprawling buffet that somehow manages to please everyone at the table. International stations featuring Asian stir-fries, Italian pastas, and American comfort foods create a global journey without leaving your seat.
The sushi bar surprises first-timers with its freshness and variety.
Located at 5630 South Boulevard, River Buffet tackles the impossible task of satisfying every craving imaginable. Mongolian grill stations let you customize your own creation while chefs work their magic on the flattop.
Crab legs appear during dinner service, and people absolutely swarm that station like it’s Black Friday. The dessert area offers soft-serve ice cream, cakes, and fresh fruit for those watching their sugar intake.
Weekend crowds can get intense, so timing your visit matters if you want to avoid the longest waits.
5. Ichiban Grill Supreme Buffet (Greensboro)
Greensboro’s appetite for variety gets satisfied nightly at this expansive Asian buffet that takes the concept seriously. Hibachi grills sizzle with custom orders while the sushi chefs work with impressive speed and precision.
Steam rises from hot pots filled with noodles, dumplings, and soups that warm you from the inside out.
Find this favorite at 3710 Battleground Avenue, where the parking lot tells you everything about popularity. General Tso’s chicken, sesame shrimp, and lo mein share space with American favorites like pizza and chicken wings for the less adventurous.
The seafood selection rotates regularly, featuring mussels, clams, and crawfish depending on the season. Fresh fruit and Asian pastries provide lighter dessert options alongside the ice cream station.
Lunch prices offer serious value, but dinner brings out the premium items that make the extra cost worthwhile.
6. China Buffet (Charlotte)
Simple name, extraordinary execution—that’s how this Charlotte staple operates and why regulars keep filling the booths. Traditional Chinese-American dishes done right beat fancy fusion experiments any day of the week.
The egg rolls stay crispy, the fried rice never tastes dried out, and the sweet and sour sauce hits that perfect balance.
You’ll spot the restaurant at 4421 South Boulevard, usually with a steady stream of takeout customers alongside the dine-in crowd. Bourbon chicken practically flies off the serving trays as soon as fresh batches emerge from the kitchen.
Crab rangoons arrive hot enough to burn your tongue if you’re not careful, stuffed generously with cream cheese filling. The Mongolian beef has actual flavor instead of just sauce, and the spring rolls offer a lighter alternative.
Prices remain refreshingly reasonable, making this spot perfect for feeding hungry families without breaking the bank.
7. Ginza Buffet Of Gastonia (Gastonia)
Gastonia residents discovered something special when Ginza opened its doors and started serving quality that rivals bigger city competitors. The hibachi station operates like a well-oiled machine, with chefs flipping spatulas and creating personalized stir-fries at impressive speed.
Fresh ingredients make all the difference here, and you can taste the care in every bite.
Located at 2069 East Franklin Boulevard, this buffet manages to feel both spacious and welcoming. Sushi rolls get prepared throughout service, ensuring you’re not stuck with dried-out options that have been sitting too long.
Teriyaki salmon, pepper steak, and honey chicken provide protein variety beyond the usual suspects. The salad bar actually looks appetizing with crisp lettuce and fresh toppings instead of wilted sadness.
Weeknight dinners offer the best experience with shorter lines and constantly refreshed dishes that haven’t been picked over yet.
8. Robbins Nest (Selma)
Small-town charm meets serious Southern cooking at this Selma institution that proves buffets don’t need fancy decor to deliver excellence. Fried chicken here achieves legendary status—crispy skin shattering under your fork to reveal juicy, perfectly seasoned meat underneath.
Regulars time their visits around when fresh batches emerge from the kitchen.
The restaurant sits at 1206 East Anderson Street, looking unassuming from the outside but packed with flavor inside. Collard greens simmer with just enough smokiness, and the mac and cheese achieves that creamy consistency that makes you forget about calories.
Cornbread muffins arrive warm and slightly sweet, perfect for soaking up pot liquor from those greens. Peach cobbler and sweet potato pie anchor the dessert selection with homestyle authenticity.
The staff treats everyone like family, remembering names and favorite dishes of the regulars who keep this place thriving.
9. Grandma Hoyt’s Country Buffet & Catering (Bessemer City)
Country cooking reaches its full potential at this Bessemer City treasure where recipes passed down through generations fill the steam tables. Everything tastes like someone’s grandmother made it with love, because essentially, that’s the philosophy here.
Chicken and dumplings achieve that perfect texture where the dumplings are fluffy yet substantial.
Find this comfort food haven at 520 West Virginia Avenue, where the parking lot fills up fast during Sunday lunch rush. Green beans cook low and slow with bacon, turning a simple vegetable into something people actually crave.
Meatloaf comes glazed with a slightly sweet tomato sauce that balances the savory beef perfectly. Mashed potatoes arrive creamy and buttery, never gluey or instant-tasting.
The yeast rolls deserve their own fan club, arriving warm and begging for butter. Banana pudding and chocolate cake provide sweet endings that make you loosen your belt another notch.
10. Asian Buffet & Grill (Matthews)
Matthews found its go-to spot for Asian cuisine when this buffet opened and immediately started drawing crowds with quality and variety. The grill station lets you pile your plate with raw meats, vegetables, and sauces, then watch as skilled cooks transform your selections into sizzling masterpieces.
It’s interactive dining that never gets old.
Located at 9841 East Independence Boulevard, this restaurant manages impressive freshness despite the buffet format. Sushi options include both traditional rolls and creative combinations that surprise your taste buds in the best way.
Steamed dumplings arrive plump and juicy, while the hot and sour soup achieves that perfect balance between spicy and tangy. Sesame balls filled with sweet red bean paste provide an authentic dessert experience.
The space stays clean even during busy periods, and the staff hustles to keep popular items stocked without letting quality slip.
11. Tsunami Buffet (Morehead City)
Coastal living meets all-you-can-eat seafood at this Morehead City favorite that capitalizes on its proximity to fresh catches. The name fits perfectly—waves of seafood options crash over the buffet tables in glorious abundance.
Steamed shrimp, fried fish, and scallops share space with landlocked favorites for variety.
You’ll find Tsunami at 5308 US Highway 70, strategically positioned to catch both locals and beach-bound tourists. The oyster bar features both raw and steamed options, letting you choose your adventure with these briny treasures.
Hush puppies achieve that golden exterior with fluffy interiors that soak up cocktail sauce perfectly. The crab cakes contain actual crab instead of just filler, a detail that separates good buffets from great ones.
Weekday lunch specials offer the best value, though weekend dinners bring out premium selections that justify the higher price tag.
12. La Catrina Buffet (Pinebluff)
Authentic Mexican flavors arrive in buffet form at this Pinebluff spot that brings something different to the North Carolina buffet scene. Freshly made tortillas warm on the griddle while you fill your plate with carnitas, barbacoa, and grilled chicken.
The salsa bar alone deserves attention, featuring multiple heat levels and styles to suit every preference.
Located at 12355 US Highway 1, La Catrina offers a refreshing change from the usual buffet suspects. Pozole simmers in large pots, the hominy and pork creating comfort in a bowl.
Tamales stay moist and flavorful, wrapped traditionally and steamed to perfection. Fresh guacamole gets prepared throughout service, never that oxidized brown mess some places serve.
Churros and flan provide sweet endings with authentic preparation methods. The atmosphere feels festive without being over-the-top, making it perfect for family celebrations or casual weeknight dinners.
13. Grahams Buffet (Laurinburg)
Laurinburg’s best-kept secret serves up Southern hospitality alongside heaping portions of down-home cooking that feeds both body and soul. The buffet line stretches long during peak hours, but the wait gives you time to decide between fried catfish, smothered pork chops, and crispy fried chicken.
Honestly, most people just get all three.
Find this local favorite at 1004 Atkinson Street, where the building might look modest but the food speaks volumes. Lima beans cook with ham hocks until they’re creamy and rich, while turnip greens get seasoned with enough pepper vinegar to make your eyes water happily.
Cornbread dressing appears daily, not just at Thanksgiving, because why should such deliciousness be seasonal? Fried okra stays crispy instead of slimy, converting vegetable skeptics with every crunchy bite.
Sweet tea flows freely, and the pecan pie tastes like someone’s beloved family recipe—because it probably is.