Unearth The Voyage
Virginia knows fried chicken. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Tidewater coast, locals have been perfecting crispy, golden chicken for generations. While fancy restaurants get all the attention, some of the state’s best fried chicken hides in plain sight at hometown buffets where regulars line up for seconds. These six spots serve the kind of chicken that turns first-time visitors into lifelong fans.
1. Michie Tavern (Charlottesville)
Step back in time at this colonial treasure sitting just below Monticello. Since opening its doors centuries ago, Michie Tavern has been feeding travelers with hearty Southern fare that tastes like history on a plate.
The daily buffet centers around skillet-fried chicken that’s been the star attraction for decades. Alongside it, you’ll find stewed tomatoes, black-eyed peas, and fluffy biscuits that complete the authentic 18th-century dining experience. Heritage cooking meets unwavering consistency here.
Lunch service runs every day, but double-check the midday hours before making the trip. Regulars know the chicken is always the headliner worth coming back for again and again.
2. Wood Grill Buffet (Charlottesville)
Walk into this Charlottesville favorite and you’ll see why the buffet stretches as far as the eye can see. But seasoned diners don’t waste time browsing—they head straight for the fried chicken station like they’re on a mission.
Recent reviews consistently call out the chicken for good reason. Fresh trays arrive throughout service, each piece boasting that perfect crackle when you bite through the crust. The kitchen keeps up with demand, so you’re guaranteed hot chicken every visit.
Weekends pack the place with families and college students alike. Swing by during late lunch for the best shot at catching those frequent refills when the line isn’t three-deep.
3. Wood Grill Buffet (Harrisonburg)
The sister location carries the same reputation up to Harrisonburg, where Massanutten resort visitors mix with valley locals at the buffet line. Everyone comes for the carving station, but smart diners know the real treasure is the fried chicken standing tall beside it.
High ratings don’t lie, and steady crowds prove this spot delivers quality meal after meal. The chicken and sides maintain the same beloved standards that made the Charlottesville location famous. Consistency is everything when your name is on the line.
Weekend mornings bring a breakfast buffet that’s equally popular. Lunch and dinner service fills the rest of the week with comfort food that keeps regulars coming back.
4. Great American Buffet (Manassas & Fredericksburg)
Old-school buffet culture thrives at these two Northern Virginia locations where the comfort-food spread stretches across multiple stations. Diners and local food roundups mention the fried chicken so often it’s practically legendary in Manassas and Fredericksburg circles.
Value meets variety here, with dependable crispy chicken anchoring a lineup of homestyle favorites. Both locations remain open and serving in 2025, proving that classic buffet dining still has devoted fans. The chicken stays consistently golden and crunchy, meal after meal.
Weekend brunch adds made-to-order omelets to the usual hot line, giving you even more reasons to visit. Whether you’re local or just passing through, this place delivers exactly what you came for.
5. King’s Korner Restaurant (North Chesterfield)
Finding a beloved buffet inside an airport sounds unusual until you taste the hand-breaded fried chicken at King’s Korner. Tucked into Chesterfield County Airport, this community canteen serves up Southern cooking while small planes taxi past the windows.
Regulars rave about the chicken for good reason—it’s made with care and paired with homestyle sides and BBQ that taste like Sunday dinner. The airport setting adds unexpected charm, turning a simple meal into a memorable experience. Locals treat it like their secret clubhouse.
Hours change by day, so call ahead to confirm. Brunch buffets and special events regularly feature that famous fried chicken front and center on the line.
6. Hometown Grill & Buffet (Staunton)
Family-owned pride shows in every detail at this Staunton gem where rotating dinner buffets keep the menu fresh and exciting. Fried and baked chicken nights draw crowds, while Sunday brunch has become a weekly tradition for many local families.
Fair prices and genuinely friendly staff create the kind of welcoming atmosphere that makes strangers feel like neighbors. The buffet leans heavily into Southern comfort territory, delivering the classics done right without any fuss or pretense. Honest food served with a smile never goes out of style.
Wednesday typically spotlights chicken on the buffet board, but the lineup changes weekly. Check the schedule before heading out to catch your favorite dishes.
