Unearth The Voyage
North Carolina is home to some of the most satisfying all-you-can-eat dining experiences in the South. From smoky barbecue spreads to endless Asian cuisine, these buffets offer something special for every appetite and craving.
Whether you’re traveling through the mountains, the Piedmont, or the coast, these 12 destinations prove that buffet dining is alive, well, and absolutely worth the drive.
Casey’s Buffet — Wilmington
Pit smoke hangs in the air like a welcome invitation the moment you walk through the door. Casey’s has earned its legendary status among coastal Carolina diners by doing one thing exceptionally well: serving authentic Southern barbecue and soul food without cutting corners.
The pulled pork comes straight from the smoker, tender and tangy, while the ribs practically fall off the bone before you even pick them up.
Locals know to arrive early on weekends when the line stretches out the door. The creamy mac and cheese competes with the collard greens for most popular side, though the candied yams have their own devoted following.
Every tray on the buffet line tells a story of traditional recipes passed down and perfected over decades.
Save room for dessert because the homemade banana pudding and peach cobbler are not to be missed. The atmosphere feels like a big family gathering where everyone’s invited.
Prices remain reasonable despite the generous portions and quality ingredients. Casey’s proves that buffet dining can be both plentiful and delicious when done with care and respect for the food.
Robbins Nest — Selma
Travelers along Interstate 95 have discovered what eastern North Carolina residents have known for years. Robbins Nest serves up comfort food that makes you want to loosen your belt and settle in for a while.
The fried chicken achieves that perfect golden crust while staying juicy inside, a feat many restaurants attempt but few master.
Portion sizes here don’t play games—plates come loaded and refills are encouraged. The green beans cook low and slow with just the right amount of seasoning, while the mashed potatoes arrive creamy and buttery.
Casseroles rotate daily, giving regulars a reason to stop by multiple times each week to sample different offerings.
What sets this place apart is the genuine hospitality that makes first-timers feel like regulars. The staff remembers faces and preferences, creating a welcoming environment that extends beyond the food itself.
Prices stay budget-friendly, making it ideal for families or anyone watching their wallet. The location makes it a convenient stop for road trippers, but the food quality makes it a destination worth planning around.
River Buffet & Grill — Charlotte
Charlotte’s dining scene includes plenty of upscale options, but sometimes you just want variety without the fuss. River Buffet & Grill delivers exactly that with seafood that tastes fresh, grilled items cooked to order, and enough choices to satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your group.
The crab legs disappear quickly during dinner service, so strategic timing helps.
Seafood lovers appreciate the rotating selection that might include shrimp prepared three different ways, baked fish, and occasionally oysters. The grill station lets you watch as your steak or chicken gets cooked, adding a touch of entertainment to your meal.
Salad bar offerings go beyond basic lettuce, featuring fresh vegetables and multiple dressing options.
Families with kids find this spot particularly useful since everyone can choose exactly what they want without compromise. The space feels open and modern without being too loud or chaotic.
Weekend crowds can get substantial, so weeknight visits often provide a more relaxed experience. Value for money runs high here, especially if you arrive hungry and ready to sample multiple stations throughout your visit.
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill — Raleigh
Some people dismiss chain buffets, but this Raleigh location consistently proves the doubters wrong. Golden Corral built its reputation on reliability, and this spot maintains those standards with fresh food, clean facilities, and attentive service.
The carved meat station features slow-roasted beef and turkey that actually taste like they came from a proper kitchen, not a factory.
Sides cover every base from healthy steamed vegetables to indulgent loaded potatoes. The salad bar stocks fresh ingredients daily, while the hot food section rotates seasonal specials alongside permanent favorites.
Fried chicken stays crispy even under the heat lamps, a small miracle in the buffet world.
Dessert selection rivals many standalone bakeries with cakes, pies, cookies, and soft-serve ice cream stations. Group dinners work perfectly here since dietary restrictions and preferences don’t require complicated ordering.
Seniors enjoy discounts, and military members receive special pricing as well. The Raleigh location benefits from consistent management that clearly takes pride in maintaining quality.
For reliable all-you-can-eat dining in the capital area, this spot delivers without drama or disappointment.
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill — Smithfield
Eastern North Carolina’s Golden Corral location brings the same beloved variety that made the chain famous nationwide. Smithfield’s position along major travel routes makes it a natural stopping point for families on road trips.
The breakfast buffet alone justifies a visit, with made-to-order omelets, fluffy pancakes, and crispy bacon that doesn’t sit around getting chewy.
Lunch and dinner services showcase an impressive range from pot roast to fish fillets. The macaroni and cheese achieves that elusive balance between creamy and firm, while the green beans taste like someone’s grandmother made them.
Rolls come out warm throughout service, perfect for sopping up gravy or enjoying with butter.
Kids eat free on designated nights, making this a budget-friendly option for larger families. The atmosphere stays relaxed and unpretentious—no one’s judging if you go back for thirds.
Cleanliness standards remain high even during busy periods. Staff members keep buffet stations stocked and tables cleared efficiently.
This location demonstrates that chain restaurants can maintain quality and hospitality when properly managed. For travelers or locals seeking dependable variety, Smithfield’s Golden Corral hits the mark.
Chason’s Buffet — Fayetteville
Fayetteville’s dining scene caters to the nearby military base population, which means restaurants here can’t get away with subpar food. Chason’s Buffet has built a loyal following by serving straightforward Southern classics without pretension or inflated prices.
The fried chicken comes out hot and seasoned properly, with a coating that actually sticks to the meat.
Vegetable sides include classics like butter beans, turnip greens, and corn on the cob during summer months. The mashed potatoes taste homemade rather than reconstituted from powder.
Cornbread muffins arrive slightly sweet and crumbly in all the right ways.
Casual atmosphere makes this ideal for a relaxed dinner after exploring Fort Bragg or the Airborne Museum. Portions encourage hearty eating without waste, and servers keep drink refills coming.
The dessert selection focuses on Southern staples like peach cobbler and chocolate cake rather than trying to be fancy. Prices reflect the area’s cost of living, meaning you get substantial value for your money.
Locals treat this as their go-to spot for satisfying comfort food that doesn’t require dressing up or making reservations.
Ichiban Grill Supreme Buffet — Greensboro
Greensboro’s Piedmont location puts it at a crossroads of cultures, and Ichiban embraces that diversity beautifully. The sushi rolls come together fresh rather than sitting pre-made for hours, with rice that’s properly seasoned and fish that passes the freshness test.
Hibachi stations let you build custom stir-fry combinations while watching skilled cooks work their magic.
Traditional dishes span multiple Asian cuisines from Chinese favorites to Japanese specialties. The crab rangoon achieves crispy perfection, while lo mein noodles arrive properly seasoned without being greasy.
Seafood options rotate but typically include shrimp prepared multiple ways plus occasional squid or mussels.
Soup stations offer miso and hot and sour varieties to start your meal properly. The dessert section includes both Asian sweets and American favorites for those preferring familiar endings.
Lunch prices run significantly lower than dinner, making midday visits particularly economical. Groups appreciate the variety since everyone can explore different cuisines without compromise.
The space feels modern and clean with plenty of seating even during peak hours. For Asian buffet enthusiasts in the Piedmont, Ichiban delivers quality and selection worth the trip.
Asian Buffet & Grill — Matthews
Matthews sits just outside Charlotte proper, offering suburban diners access to diverse cuisine without downtown traffic. This Asian buffet takes an adventurous approach to its menu, mixing traditional favorites with more daring options.
The sushi selection includes basic rolls for beginners plus specialty combinations for experienced fans. Noodle dishes range from pad thai to lo mein, each prepared with distinct flavors.
Seafood gets prominent placement with multiple preparations of shrimp, fish, and occasionally crab. The grill station cooks items to order, ensuring hot food rather than lukewarm leftovers.
Spring rolls come out crispy and properly drained, avoiding that soggy texture that plagues lesser buffets.
Soup options provide warming starts to meals, particularly welcome during cooler months. Dessert offerings blend Asian treats like mochi with American classics such as soft-serve ice cream.
The casual environment welcomes families and groups without formality. Prices remain competitive for the area, making it accessible for regular visits.
While reviews vary, adventurous eaters often find hidden gems among the extensive selections. The variety ensures that return visits can yield completely different dining experiences.
Atlantic Country Buffet — Morganton
Western North Carolina’s mountain region brings its own culinary traditions, and Atlantic Country Buffet honors that heritage proudly. Morganton sits in the foothills where Appalachian cooking meets Piedmont influences, creating a unique buffet experience.
The beans cook slow with ham hocks, delivering the kind of flavor that requires patience and proper technique. Cornbread comes out slightly gritty in texture, the way mountain cooks have made it for generations.
Meat options typically include pot roast, fried chicken, and country-style steak with gravy. Vegetables arrive seasoned simply, letting natural flavors shine through.
The cabbage gets cooked down properly without turning to mush. Biscuits appear throughout service, perfect for soaking up gravies or enjoying with butter and jam.
This hidden gem doesn’t advertise heavily, relying instead on word-of-mouth from satisfied customers. Locals treat it as their special secret, though visitors who discover it often become instant fans.
Prices reflect small-town economics, meaning your money stretches further here. The atmosphere feels genuinely homey rather than attempting to manufacture coziness.
For authentic mountain-style buffet dining, Morganton’s offering stands out as something special.
River Buffet & Grill — Charlotte (Alternative Spot)
Charlotte’s size supports multiple buffet locations, and this River Buffet & Grill alternative proves the city’s appetite for variety. The seafood station features items beyond basic fried shrimp, occasionally including crab legs and steamed mussels.
Fried fare gets done properly with coatings that stay crispy and oil that tastes fresh rather than overused.
Friendly service sets this location apart from more impersonal dining experiences. Staff members check on tables regularly without hovering, and they keep buffet stations properly stocked even during rush periods.
The salad bar includes fresh vegetables and multiple protein options for those building healthier plates.
Hot food selections rotate with some seasonal variations, giving regulars reasons to return. The grill area cooks items as needed rather than letting food sit.
Desserts cover standard favorites plus occasional special items. Weekend crowds can make parking challenging, so arriving slightly off-peak helps.
The broad lineup ensures that groups with different preferences all find satisfying options. Value remains solid for the amount and variety offered.
While perhaps not destination dining, this spot serves its purpose well for satisfying big appetites without breaking the bank or requiring reservations.
Ginza Buffet — Gastonia
Gastonia’s location west of Charlotte makes it convenient for diners exploring the region’s western communities. Ginza Buffet combines Chinese staples with sushi offerings, creating a hybrid experience that appeals to varied tastes.
The sushi rice gets prepared properly—not too sticky, not too dry—while fish selections rotate based on availability and freshness.
Chinese dishes cover familiar territory from General Tso’s chicken to beef and broccoli. The egg rolls come out crispy and filled generously.
Fried rice arrives properly seasoned without being overly salty or greasy. Soup options provide lighter starts for those pacing themselves through multiple courses.
Mixed cuisine stations might include American items like pizza or chicken tenders, making this family-friendly for picky younger eaters. The space feels clean and well-maintained with adequate seating during most service periods.
Lunch pricing offers particularly good value for the selection provided. Dessert choices blend Asian sweets with ice cream and cookies.
While perhaps not the most authentic Asian dining experience, Ginza delivers solid variety and reasonable quality. For west-side diners seeking accessible all-you-can-eat options, this buffet provides satisfying meals without requiring extensive travel.
Nana Morrison’s Soul Food — Charlotte
Soul food done right requires more than just following recipes—it demands understanding tradition and respecting ingredients. Nana Morrison’s brings that authenticity to Charlotte’s dining scene with buffet-style service that showcases genuine Southern comfort food.
The collard greens cook down tender with just enough pot liquor to flavor without drowning. Candied yams achieve perfect sweetness without becoming dessert, walking that fine line expertly.
Ribs come fall-apart tender with sauce that enhances rather than masks the meat. Mac and cheese arrives creamy and rich, the kind that makes you understand why it’s a soul food staple.
Cornbread muffins provide the perfect vehicle for soaking up vegetable juices and gravies.
The atmosphere feels welcoming and unpretentious, like visiting a relative’s house for Sunday dinner. Portions encourage sampling multiple items without waste.
Prices remain reasonable considering the quality and preparation involved. While technically buffet-style in service, the food quality exceeds typical buffet standards significantly.
For anyone seeking authentic soul food in Charlotte, Nana Morrison’s delivers flavors and traditions worth preserving. This spot proves that buffet dining can honor culinary heritage while feeding hungry crowds.
