Arizona isn’t the first place you’d expect to find Southern-style buffets, but they do exist if you know where to look. Over the past few years, I’ve noticed more spots blending traditional soul food flavors with buffet service, especially around Phoenix and Tucson.
Some are full buffets, others offer all-you-can-eat specials on certain days, but all serve dishes that feel warm and familiar. Here are seven soul food buffets in Arizona worth checking out.
1. Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles
If you’ve ever craved fried chicken that rivals grandma’s, Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles in Arizona is where you want to be. Every so often, especially around holidays and select Sundays, certain locations in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Gilbert transform into a buffet lover’s dream. The trays overflow with Southern classics like mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread.
While the restaurant’s usual menu is already packed with flavor, these buffet days elevate the experience with generous helpings and a sense of celebration. I stumbled upon one of their surprise Sunday buffets last year, and the energy in the room felt contagious. People lined up for seconds, everyone grinning over plates piled high…