14 Unforgettable Buffets In North Carolina You Have To Taste To Believe
In North Carolina, feeding a crowd is an art, and the state truly excels when it comes to all-you-can-eat experiences. Offering everything from crispy fried chicken to heaps of crab legs, the buffets here are packed with flavor, variety, and authentic Southern hospitality.
Whether you’re in the mood for classic comfort food or fresh seafood straight from the coast, these spots do more than just serve meals, they create unforgettable experiences that keep you coming back for more.
1. Casey’s Buffet
Walking into this Wilmington favorite feels like stepping into someone’s warm, welcoming kitchen where the food never stops coming. Casey’s has built a loyal following thanks to hearty portions, rotating daily specials, and that down-home vibe you just can’t fake.
You’ll find everything from buttery biscuits to savory meats, all cooked fresh and served with a smile.
Located at 5625 Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington, Casey’s keeps things simple but satisfying. The fried chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and pairs perfectly with creamy mac and cheese.
Regulars swear by the collard greens and cornbread, which taste like they came straight from a family reunion.
What sets Casey’s apart is the genuine care that goes into every dish. It’s not fancy, and it doesn’t try to be.
Instead, it focuses on good food, generous servings, and making sure you leave happy and full.
2. Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet
Outer Banks seafood doesn’t get much better than what you’ll find at Jimmy’s in Kitty Hawk. This place is a coastal treasure where the ocean’s bounty meets unlimited refills.
Shrimp, oysters, clams, and fish are piled high, all cooked to perfection and seasoned just right.
Situated at 3723 North Croatan Highway in Kitty Hawk, Jimmy’s has been feeding beach-goers and locals alike for years. The crab legs alone are worth the trip—sweet, tender, and endlessly satisfying.
Don’t skip the hush puppies, either; they’re golden, fluffy, and dangerously addictive.
Every visit feels like a celebration of coastal living. The atmosphere is relaxed, the staff friendly, and the food consistently fresh.
Whether you’re sunburned from the beach or just craving serious seafood, Jimmy’s delivers an experience that keeps people coming back summer after summer. It’s the kind of place where you loosen your belt and plan your next visit before you even leave.
3. Robbins Nest
Tucked away in the small town of Selma, Robbins Nest serves up country cooking that feels like a hug from your grandma. This buffet is all about tradition, comfort, and flavors that stick with you long after the meal ends.
Fried okra, meatloaf, green beans slow-cooked with ham, and sweet tea that’s perfectly sweetened—it’s all here.
You’ll find Robbins Nest at 111 East Anderson Street in Selma, right in the heart of town. The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the quality never wavers.
Locals treat this place like their second home, and once you taste the chicken and dumplings, you’ll understand why.
There’s something special about eating food made with care and served with pride. Robbins Nest captures that feeling in every bite.
It’s not trying to reinvent Southern cooking; it’s just doing it right, the way it’s been done for generations.
4. Grandma Hoyt’s Country Buffet & Catering
Bessemer City’s hidden gem, Grandma Hoyt’s, brings the kind of home-cooked goodness that makes you want to pull up a chair and stay awhile. Every dish tastes like it was made with love, from the tender pot roast to the fluffy yeast rolls that melt in your mouth.
This isn’t just a buffet; it’s a full-on comfort food experience.
Located at 216 East Virginia Avenue in Bessemer City, Grandma Hoyt’s has earned a reputation for consistency and flavor. The fried chicken is perfectly seasoned, the mashed potatoes are creamy and rich, and the dessert selection will tempt even the most disciplined eater.
Peach cobbler and banana pudding are must-tries.
What really makes this place shine is the warmth you feel the moment you walk in. It’s family-friendly, welcoming, and always bustling with happy diners.
You leave not just full, but satisfied in a way that only real, honest cooking can deliver.
5. River Buffet & Grill
Charlotte’s River Buffet & Grill offers a little bit of everything, making it perfect for groups who can’t agree on what to eat. Asian stir-fries, American classics, seafood, and even sushi all share space on this impressive spread.
Variety is the name of the game here, and they play it well.
You’ll find this bustling spot at 3545 Wilkinson Boulevard in Charlotte. The hibachi grill station is a crowd favorite, where you can watch your food sizzle and customize your plate exactly how you want it.
The crab legs and steamed mussels are fresh and flavorful, while the fried rice and lo mein keep things satisfying.
River Buffet strikes a balance between quality and quantity. The space is clean, the food is constantly refreshed, and the selection ensures everyone leaves happy.
Whether you’re in the mood for teriyaki chicken or a juicy burger, you’ll find it here—and probably go back for seconds.
6. Asian Buffet & Grill
Matthews is home to this Asian-inspired buffet that knows how to keep plates piled high and taste buds happy. From crispy egg rolls to savory General Tso’s chicken, the flavors here are bold, authentic, and endlessly craveable.
It’s a go-to spot for anyone who loves variety and isn’t afraid to try a little bit of everything.
Located at 9832 East Independence Boulevard in Matthews, Asian Buffet & Grill offers a welcoming atmosphere and an impressive selection. The sushi bar is surprisingly fresh for a buffet, and the Mongolian grill lets you build your own stir-fry masterpiece.
Sweet and sour pork, sesame chicken, and garlic green beans round out the favorites.
What keeps people coming back is the combination of quality, value, and service. The staff keeps the buffet stocked and the tables clean, ensuring a pleasant experience from start to finish.
It’s casual, affordable, and perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
7. Ichiban Hibachi Supreme Buffet
Durham’s Ichiban Hibachi Supreme Buffet is where flavor meets showmanship. The hibachi grill is the star attraction, with chefs flipping shrimp and slicing vegetables with precision and flair.
But the buffet itself is no sidekick—it’s loaded with sushi, dumplings, teriyaki beef, and a dessert bar that could be a meal on its own.
Find this spot at 4600 Durham Chapel Hill Boulevard in Durham, where the energy is lively and the food is fresh. The crab rangoon is crispy and creamy, the lo mein is savory and satisfying, and the selection of sauces lets you customize every bite.
Kids love the ice cream station, while adults appreciate the bourbon chicken and steamed fish.
Ichiban manages to feel both fun and refined. The space is clean, the service is attentive, and the variety ensures you’ll never get bored.
It’s a buffet that delivers on both experience and taste.
8. Hibachi China Buffet
Raleigh’s Hibachi China Buffet brings together classic Chinese flavors and fresh seafood in one convenient location. The buffet line stretches far and wide, offering everything from crispy spring rolls to buttery crab legs.
It’s a solid choice for families, date nights, or anyone who just wants to eat well without breaking the bank.
Located at 4500 Marriott Drive in Raleigh, this buffet keeps things fresh and flavorful. The Mongolian beef is tender and savory, the fried rice is perfectly seasoned, and the sushi selection is surprisingly good.
Don’t miss the coconut shrimp or the honey chicken—they’re crowd favorites for a reason.
Hibachi China Buffet doesn’t overcomplicate things. It focuses on what matters: good food, friendly service, and a clean, comfortable space.
Whether you’re grabbing lunch or settling in for dinner, you’ll find plenty to love and even more to fill your plate with.
9. China Buffet
Charlotte’s China Buffet keeps things simple, affordable, and consistently delicious. It’s the kind of place where you know exactly what you’re getting: generous portions, familiar flavors, and a buffet that never seems to run out.
Whether you’re craving orange chicken, beef and broccoli, or a plate full of fried wontons, it’s all here.
You’ll find China Buffet at 7804 South Tryon Street in Charlotte, serving up comfort food with an Asian twist. The egg drop soup is warm and soothing, the pepper steak is savory and tender, and the crab rangoon is crispy perfection.
The dessert bar offers cookies, fruit, and soft-serve ice cream to finish things off sweetly.
What makes China Buffet a local favorite is its reliability. The food is hot, the service is quick, and the atmosphere is relaxed.
It’s not fancy, but it doesn’t need to be. Sometimes you just want good food at a great price, and that’s exactly what this place delivers.
10. Dragon Buffet
Another Charlotte gem, Dragon Buffet stands out for its fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The buffet line is packed with options, from crispy General Tso’s chicken to delicate steamed dumplings.
It’s a place where you can explore different tastes without committing to just one dish.
Located at 1716 East Seventh Street in Charlotte, Dragon Buffet keeps the food rotating and the flavors on point. The Szechuan shrimp has just the right amount of kick, the sweet and sour chicken is tangy and satisfying, and the noodle dishes are always a hit.
The sushi bar adds a nice touch, offering fresh rolls that rival standalone sushi spots.
Dragon Buffet balances variety with quality, ensuring every trip to the buffet line is worth it. The staff is attentive, the space is clean, and the food speaks for itself.
It’s a reliable choice for anyone craving Asian cuisine with plenty of options.
11. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet
Durham’s Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet is where you go when you want it all—and then some. The buffet spans multiple stations, each one loaded with fresh, flavorful options.
From the hibachi grill to the sushi bar, from the seafood spread to the dessert table, there’s something here for every craving.
You’ll find this expansive buffet at 3600 North Duke Street in Durham. The hibachi station lets you customize your stir-fry with fresh veggies and your choice of protein, while the sushi bar offers creative rolls and classic favorites.
The crab legs are a major draw, and the bourbon chicken is sweet, savory, and irresistible.
Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet doesn’t cut corners. The food is fresh, the selection is huge, and the atmosphere is lively without being overwhelming.
It’s perfect for big groups, celebrations, or just a night when you want to eat really, really well.
12. Sylvia’s Restaurant Buffet
Wilson’s Sylvia’s Restaurant Buffet is a soul food paradise where every dish tells a story. Fried chicken, collard greens, candied yams, and cornbread—this is the kind of food that fills your belly and warms your heart.
Sylvia’s doesn’t just serve meals; it serves tradition, comfort, and a whole lot of flavor.
Located at 1918 Tarboro Street Southwest in Wilson, Sylvia’s has been a community staple for years. The mac and cheese is creamy and cheesy, the fried fish is crispy and flaky, and the sweet potato pie is the perfect ending to any meal.
Everything tastes like it was made with care, because it was.
What makes Sylvia’s special is the soul that goes into every dish. It’s not fancy, but it’s real.
The kind of place where you feel welcomed, fed, and satisfied in every sense of the word. It’s a buffet that honors Southern cooking at its finest.
13. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant
Kill Devil Hills is home to Captain George’s, a seafood buffet that’s practically legendary along the Outer Banks. This isn’t just a meal—it’s an event.
The buffet stretches as far as the eye can see, loaded with crab legs, shrimp, oysters, scallops, and fish prepared every way imaginable.
Find Captain George’s at 3117 South Croatan Highway in Kill Devil Hills, where the seafood is fresh and the portions are unlimited. The steamed crab legs are sweet and succulent, the fried shrimp are golden and crispy, and the clam chowder is rich and creamy.
Don’t skip the hush puppies—they’re light, fluffy, and perfectly seasoned.
Captain George’s is the kind of place that makes you understand why people love buffets. The quality is high, the variety is staggering, and the experience is unforgettable.
Whether you’re a seafood fanatic or just looking for a great meal by the beach, this is the spot.
14. Carolina Beach All-You-Can-Eat Crab Legs
Carolina Beach knows how to do seafood right, and this all-you-can-eat crab leg experience is proof. Imagine sitting down to endless plates of sweet, tender crab legs, cracked open and ready to devour.
It’s a seafood lover’s dream come true, served up in a relaxed, beachy setting that feels like vacation even if you live nearby.
Located right in the heart of Carolina Beach, this spot keeps the crab legs coming hot and fresh. Pair them with buttery corn on the cob, seasoned potatoes, and coleslaw for the full coastal feast.
The atmosphere is casual and fun, with a laid-back vibe that encourages you to take your time and enjoy every bite.
What sets this place apart is the focus on quality over gimmicks. The crab legs are the star, and they deliver every single time.
It’s simple, satisfying, and exactly what a beach buffet should be.