Golden Corral, the beloved all-you-can-eat buffet chain, continues to delight diners with its extensive array of home-style favorites, signature sirloin steaks, fresh salads, and delectable desserts. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the latest Golden Corral menu prices for 2024, uncover valuable discounts, and reveal insider menu hacks to enhance your dining experience.
Adult Buffet Prices
Golden Corral’s adult buffet prices vary depending on the time of day and the specific offerings. Here’s a breakdown of the current pricing structure:
Breakfast Buffet
The breakfast buffet at Golden Corral is a morning feast that caters to early risers and brunch enthusiasts alike. Priced at $9.99, this spread offers a wide variety of breakfast staples and unique dishes to start your day right.
Breakfast Offerings
- Made-to-order omelets
- Fluffy pancakes and crispy waffles
- Bacon, sausage, and ham
- Fresh fruit and yogurt bar
- Hot and cold cereals
The breakfast buffet is an excellent value for those who enjoy a hearty morning meal. With the ability to sample multiple dishes, it’s perfect for satisfying diverse palates and appetites.
Lunch Buffet
Priced at $11.49, the lunch buffet offers a midday dining experience that won’t break the bank. This option is ideal for those looking for a quick, satisfying meal during their workday or a leisurely weekend lunch.
Lunch Selections
- Rotating selection of entrees
- Extensive salad bar
- Soup of the day
- Sandwich fixings
- Light dessert options
The lunch buffet provides a balance of lighter fare and heartier options, catering to those who want a substantial meal without the heavier dinner offerings.
Dinner Buffet
The dinner buffet, priced at $16.49, is the most comprehensive offering at Golden Corral. This evening spread showcases the restaurant’s full range of culinary delights.
Dinner Highlights
- Carved meats (roast beef, turkey, ham)
- Seafood options
- Extended salad bar
- Full dessert bar
- Signature sides and casseroles
The dinner buffet is perfect for those seeking a diverse and filling meal, with options to satisfy every craving.
Premium Dinner Buffet
On special occasions and holidays, Golden Corral offers a premium dinner buffet priced at $16.99. This upgraded experience includes additional high-end items and seasonal specialties.
Premium Offerings
- Prime rib
- Specialty seafood dishes
- Holiday-themed desserts
- Expanded selection of premium sides
The premium dinner buffet is an excellent choice for celebrating special occasions or indulging in a more luxurious dining experience.
Kids Buffet Prices
Golden Corral offers tiered pricing for children, making it an affordable option for families dining out. The pricing structure is as follows:
Age-Based Pricing
- 12 – 15 years of age: $12.99
- 9 – 12 years of age: $8.99
- 4 – 8 years of age: $5.99
- 3 years of age and younger: Free
This age-based pricing system allows families to enjoy a meal out without breaking the bank. It’s particularly beneficial for larger families or those with children of varying ages.
Kid-Friendly Options
Golden Corral ensures that younger diners have plenty of options to choose from, including:
- Kid-sized entrees
- Macaroni and cheese
- Chicken nuggets
- Pizza slices
- Mini hot dogs
- Fruit and vegetable options
The variety of kid-friendly foods helps ensure that even picky eaters will find something they enjoy.
Educational Value
Buffet-style dining can be an educational experience for children, teaching them about:
- Making choices
- Trying new foods
- Portion control
- Restaurant etiquette
Parents can use the buffet experience as a teachable moment, guiding their children through the selection process and encouraging them to try new dishes.
Individual Meals
While Golden Corral is known for its buffet offerings, they also provide individual meal options for those who prefer a more traditional dining experience or for takeout orders.
Entree Selection
Golden Corral’s individual meals showcase some of their most popular dishes:
- Holiday Roasted Turkey: $8.79
- Holiday Glazed Ham: $8.79
- Holiday Beef Roast: $5.99
- Fried Chicken: $8.99
- Pot Roast: $9.99
- Bourbon Street Chicken: $8.99
- Meatloaf: $8.99
These individual entrees allow diners to enjoy Golden Corral’s flavors without committing to the full buffet experience.
Steak Options
For those craving a hearty steak meal, Golden Corral offers several sirloin options:
- 5oz Sirloin Steak: $10.99
- 8oz Sirloin Steak: $9.99
- 10oz Sirloin Steak: $12.49
The varying sizes cater to different appetites and budgets, ensuring there’s a steak option for everyone.
Seafood Choices
For seafood lovers, Golden Corral provides both fried and baked fish options:
- Fried Fish: $7.99
- Baked Fish: $7.99
These seafood selections offer a lighter alternative to the meat-heavy options, appealing to health-conscious diners or those observing dietary restrictions.
Family Meals
Golden Corral’s family meals are designed to feed groups of 4 or 6 people, offering a convenient and cost-effective option for larger parties or families dining at home.
4-Person Meals
These meals are perfect for small families or intimate gatherings:
- Bourbon Street Chicken: $33.00
- Fried Chicken: $33.00
- Pot Roast: $33.00
- Meatloaf: $33.00
- 5 oz. Sirloin Steak: $37.00
- Smoked Pulled Pork: $33.00
- Baked Fish: $32.00
- Fried Fish: $30.00
Each meal comes with appropriate sides and accompaniments, providing a complete dining experience.
6-Person Meals
For larger families or groups, the 6-person meals offer even more value:
- Bourbon Street Chicken: $43.00
- Fried Chicken: $40.00
- Pot Roast: $49.00
- Meatloaf: $46.00
- 5 oz. Sirloin Steak: $55.00
- Smoked Pulled Pork: $49.00
- Baked Fish: $36.99
- Fried Fish: $36.99
These larger portions ensure that everyone at the table gets their fill of Golden Corral’s delicious offerings.
Customization Options
Many of these family meals allow for customization, such as:
- Choice of sides
- Substitution of proteins
- Addition of desserts or beverages
This flexibility allows families to tailor their meals to their specific preferences and dietary needs.
Famous Fried Chicken
Golden Corral’s fried chicken is a standout menu item, beloved by many patrons for its crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Fried Chicken Options
- Fun Box (6 Piece): $12.00
- Whole Bird Box (8 Piece): $15.99
- Family Box (12 Piece): $23.99
- Crowd Pleaser (20 Piece): $39.99
- Individual Pieces: $1.69 each
These options cater to various group sizes and appetites, from individual servings to large gatherings.
Cooking Process
Golden Corral’s fried chicken is prepared using a proprietary blend of seasonings and a carefully controlled frying process. This results in chicken that is:
- Consistently crispy on the outside
- Tender and juicy on the inside
- Full of flavor throughout
The attention to detail in the preparation process contributes to the popularity of this menu item.
Pairing Suggestions
To complete your fried chicken meal, consider adding:
- Classic sides like mashed potatoes and gravy
- Crisp coleslaw for a refreshing contrast
- Fluffy biscuits or cornbread
- A selection of dipping sauces
These pairings enhance the fried chicken experience, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Pizza
While not traditionally associated with buffet-style restaurants, Golden Corral’s pizza offerings have become a popular addition to their menu.
Pizza Options
- Pepperoni Pizza: $8.49
- Cheese Pizza: $7.99
These pizzas are available for individual purchase or as part of the buffet spread.
Pizza Quality
Golden Corral’s pizzas are made with:
- Fresh dough prepared daily
- High-quality cheese blend
- Flavorful sauce
- Generous toppings
The focus on quality ingredients ensures that the pizzas stand up to those from dedicated pizzerias.
Customization
At some locations, guests can request customized pizzas with their choice of toppings. This allows for a personalized pizza experience within the buffet setting.
Signature Salads
Golden Corral’s signature salads offer a lighter option for those seeking a fresh and healthy meal.
Salad Varieties
- Chicken Caesar Salad
- Garden Salad
- Spinach Salad
Each of these salads is available in three sizes:
- Individual: $8.99
- Family: $12.99
- Party: $17.99
This range of sizes makes these salads suitable for individual meals or as shared dishes for larger groups.
Salad Bar
In addition to the signature salads, Golden Corral offers an extensive salad bar as part of its buffet. This allows guests to create their own custom salads with a wide variety of fresh ingredients.
Salad Bar Offerings
- Fresh greens (lettuce, spinach, kale)
- Vegetable toppings (tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots)
- Protein options (grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs)
- Croutons and nuts for added crunch
- Various dressings
The salad bar provides a healthy option for those looking to balance their meal with fresh vegetables and lighter fare.
Health-Conscious Options
These signature salads and the salad bar cater to health-conscious diners by offering:
- Low-calorie meal options
- High-fiber choices
- Customizable portions
- Fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients
This focus on healthier options helps Golden Corral appeal to a wider range of dietary preferences and needs.
Desserts
No meal at Golden Corral is complete without indulging in their tempting array of desserts. From classic cakes to fruit pies, there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth.
Cake Options
Golden Corral offers two popular cake varieties:
- Carrot Cake
- Slice: $2.49
- Half: $8.99
- Whole: $11.99
- Chocolate Cake
- Slice: $2.49
- Half: $8.99
- Whole: $12.99
These cakes are moist, flavorful, and perfect for celebrations or simply treating yourself.
Pie Selections
For pie lovers, Golden Corral provides two classic options:
- Apple Pie
- Slice: $2.49
- Half: $6.99
- Whole: $8.99
- Blueberry Pie
- Slice: $2.49
- Half: $5.99
- Whole: $8.99
These pies feature flaky crusts and generous fruit fillings, offering a taste of homemade goodness.
Other Sweet Treats
- Brownies
- Single Serving (2 each): $1.25
- Half Pan: $6.99
- Full Pan: $11.99
- Cookies: $3.99 per dozen
These additional dessert options provide variety and are perfect for sharing or taking home.
Dessert Bar
In addition to these individual dessert options, Golden Corral’s buffet features a full dessert bar with items such as:
- Soft-serve ice cream with toppings
- Puddings and jellies
- Fresh fruit
- Cobblers and crisps
The dessert bar allows guests to create their own dessert combinations or sample small portions of multiple sweet treats.
Sides
Golden Corral’s side dishes are a crucial component of their menu, complementing main courses and allowing diners to customize their meals.
Potato-Based Sides
- Baked Potato: $3.99
- Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
- Individual Size (10 oz.): $3.99
- Family Size (24 oz.): $6.99
- Potato Salad
- Individual Size (10 oz.): $3.99
- Family Size (24 oz.): $6.99
- Red Bliss Potatoes
- Individual Size (10 oz.): $3.99
- Party Size (96 oz.): $17.99
These potato options offer a range of textures and flavors to suit different preferences.
Vegetable Sides
- Buttered Corn
- Individual Size (10 oz.): $3.99
- Family Size (24 oz.): $6.99
- Party Size (96 oz.): $17.99
- Green Beans
- Individual Size (10 oz.): $3.99
- Family Size (24 oz.): $5.99
- Party Size (96 oz.): $17.99
- Steamed Broccoli
- Individual Size (10 oz.): $2.99
- Family Size (24 oz.): $7.99
- Party Size (96 oz.): $14.99
- Steamed Carrots
- Individual Size (10 oz.): $3.99
- Family Size (24 oz.): $7.99
- Party Size (96 oz.): $14.99
These vegetable sides provide nutritious options to balance out meals.
Other Popular Sides
- Macaroni & Cheese
- Individual Size (10 oz.): $3.99
- Family Size (24 oz.): $9.99
- Party Size (96 oz.): $24.99
- Baked Beans
- Individual Size (10 oz.): $3.99
- Family Size (24 oz.): $5.99
- Coleslaw
- Individual Size (10 oz.): $3.99
- Family Size (24 oz.): $7.99
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Individual Size (10 oz.): $3.99
- Family Size (24 oz.): $9.99
- Party Size (96 oz.): $24.99
These additional sides offer a mix of comfort foods and traditional accompaniments to round out any meal.
Beverages
To complement their extensive food offerings, Golden Corral provides a variety of beverage options to quench your thirst.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
- Minute Maid Lemonade
- Half Gallon: $6.99
- Gallon: $9.99
- Freshly Brewed Unsweetened Tea
- Half Gallon: $4.99
- Gallon: $6.99
- Fountain Drinks: $2.99
These beverage options cater to different tastes and are available in various sizes to accommodate different group sizes.
Beverage Bar
As part of the buffet experience, Golden Corral typically offers a self-serve beverage bar featuring:
- Soft drinks
- Iced tea (sweetened and unsweetened)
- Coffee (regular and decaf)
- Hot tea
- Water
The beverage bar allows guests to refill their drinks as needed throughout their meal.
Specialty Drinks
Some Golden Corral locations may offer specialty drinks on a seasonal basis or for limited times. These could include:
- Fruit punch
- Flavored lemonades
- Smoothies
- Hot chocolate (during colder months)
These specialty offerings add variety to the beverage selection and can enhance the dining experience.
FAQs about the Golden Corral Buffet
What menu items have been discontinued at Golden Corral?
Over the years, Golden Corral has made changes to its menu, discontinuing some items while introducing new ones. Here are some popular items that are no longer available:
All-You-Can-Eat Wings & More
This promotion allowed diners to enjoy unlimited wings in various flavors along with sides and dessert for a fixed price. The discontinued wing flavors included:
- Buffalo Wings
- Classic Fried Chicken
- Honey Chicken Tenders
- Mandarin Orange Chicken Bites
ICEE Desserts
This build-your-own ice cream dessert allowed guests to combine their choice of ice cream flavors with various toppings and syrups. Unfortunately, this dessert option has been removed from the menu.
Seafood Buffet Nights
In the past, some Golden Corral locations offered special seafood buffet nights where guests could enjoy an array of seafood dishes such as shrimp scampi, fried fish, and crab legs. However, due to logistical challenges and fluctuating seafood prices, these themed nights have been discontinued at many locations.
Are there any menu hacks or discounts to claim at Golden Corral?
While Golden Corral already offers affordable buffet pricing, there are a few tips and tricks that can help diners save even more:
Early-Bird Specials
Some Golden Corral locations may offer early-bird specials for diners who arrive during off-peak hours. These specials typically provide discounted pricing for the buffet, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to dine out without breaking the bank.
Senior Discounts
Golden Corral often provides discounts for seniors, typically those aged 60 and above. Seniors can enjoy reduced pricing on the buffet, making it a great option for older diners looking to enjoy a variety of dishes at a lower cost.
Military Discounts
As a way to show appreciation for those who have served in the military, Golden Corral frequently offers discounts for active-duty military personnel and veterans. By presenting a valid military ID, service members can access special pricing on meals, including the buffet.
Menu Hacks to Help you Save Even More
Share Plates
If you’re dining with a group, consider sharing plates to sample a wider variety of dishes without overeating. By splitting entrees and sides among your party, you can taste more items from the buffet while keeping costs down.
Takeout Boxes
Golden Corral often allows diners to take home leftovers in convenient takeout boxes. If you find yourself unable to finish everything you’ve piled on your plate, don’t hesitate to ask for a box to enjoy your favorites later.
Loyalty Programs
Some Golden Corral locations may offer loyalty programs or rewards cards that provide discounts or special offers to frequent diners. By signing up for these programs, you can access exclusive deals and savings on future visits.
What are the most popular menu items at Golden Corral?
While the buffet offers a wide selection of dishes to choose from, some menu items stand out as perennial favorites among diners:
Famous Fried Chicken
Golden Corral’s signature fried chicken is a beloved menu item known for its crispy coating and juicy meat. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with sides like mashed potatoes and gravy, this classic dish is a must-try for fried chicken enthusiasts.
Pot Roast
Tender and flavorful, Golden Corral’s pot roast is a comforting choice for diners seeking hearty, homestyle fare. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish pairs well with vegetables and mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Yeast Rolls
Soft, fluffy, and served warm, Golden Corral’s yeast rolls are a crowd-pleaser at every meal. Slathered with butter or honey, these rolls make a delightful addition to any plate.
Is there a secret menu at Golden Corral?
While Golden Corral does not officially have a secret menu, some locations may offer off-menu items or special promotions from time to time. It’s always worth asking your server if there are any hidden gems or limited-time offers available during your visit.
Are there any menu items for specialty diets?
Golden Corral strives to accommodate a range of dietary preferences and restrictions by offering:
Vegetarian Options
The buffet includes a variety of vegetarian dishes such as salads, steamed vegetables, pasta, and bread rolls. Vegetarian diners can create a satisfying meal from these options without compromising on flavor.
Gluten-Free Choices
For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, Golden Corral labels gluten-free items on their buffet to help diners make informed choices. Look for dishes like grilled meats, fresh fruits, and select sides that are free from gluten-containing ingredients.
Low-Carb Selections
Diners following a low-carb or keto diet can opt for protein-rich dishes like grilled chicken, roasted turkey, and salad greens at Golden Corral. By avoiding breaded items and sugary sauces, low-carb eaters can enjoy a filling meal while staying within their dietary guidelines.
Who is the target audience of this Golden Corral’s menu?
Golden Corral’s menu caters to a diverse audience, including families, seniors, budget-conscious diners, and individuals looking for a wide variety of comfort food options. With its all-you-can-eat buffet format, Golden Corral appeals to those seeking value, convenience, and a range of choices to satisfy different tastes and appetites.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Golden Corral’s menu offers a wealth of options to please every palate. From hearty main courses to fresh salads, tempting desserts, and comforting sides, there’s something for everyone at this popular buffet chain. By exploring the menu hacks, discounts, and specialty offerings available, diners can make the most of their Golden Corral experience while enjoying a satisfying meal at an affordable price. Whether you’re a fried chicken aficionado, a salad enthusiast, or a dessert lover, Golden Corral’s menu is sure to delight and satisfy your cravings. So gather your family and friends, head to your nearest Golden Corral location, and prepare to indulge in a feast fit for any occasion.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings