Where do you go in Alabama when you’re craving not just a delicious, home-cooked meal, but one with epic portions? There’s really one clear winner: Nelson’s Barnyard Buffet. Adored by locals and out-of-towners alike, this restaurant has earned a reputation as “best buffet in Alabama,” “best fried-chicken in Alabama,” “best soul food,” and more. Just be sure to bring your appetite—this all-you-can-eat restaurant in Alabama promises to fill your plate and then some!
Welcome, one and all, to Nelson’s Barnyard Buffet, established in 2005. Tucked away in Saraland, this beloved restaurant is a family-run haven for anyone looking for an authentic Southern-style all-you-can-eat buffet in Alabama. Don’t be fooled by its unassuming exterior; inside this establishment awaits some of the best comfort food the state has to offer.
So, how does it work, exactly? Diners pay a single price and then can choose whatever their heart desires from the buffet, an impressive spread that will catch your eye the moment you walk inside. The buffet is a wonderful way to sample lots of different items, rather than just a few, and the offerings are so good you may just have to make a second—and then a third—trip down the buffet line.
It’s hard to pick a single item as the best thing to eat at Nelson’s Barnyard Buffet, but there are two dishes that are consistently praised as must-trys: the fried chicken and the fried catfish. Other items that you’ll see on any given day include yeast rolls, cornbread, hush puppies, fried okra, mac and cheese, vegetables, fried apples, lima beans, turnip greens, meatloaf (on weekends only), fried fish filets, chicken and dumplings, pot pie, and much more.
Another can’t-miss meal is the “Thanksgiving” buffet on Sundays, where specials include roasted turkey, baked ham, cornbread dressing, cranberry sauce, and more. If you saved room for dessert, there’s an entire dessert bar just waiting for you, with favorites like a banana split bar, chocolate chip cookies, blackberry cobbler, the cake of the day, and much, much more. Still on the fence? Let this rave review convince you to plan your visit:
“Can’t believe I just discovered this place! There are a million choices, and it was all fresh and delicious. Best catfish, meatloaf, and fried chicken I’ve ever had. The salad bar was all amazingly fresh produce. I had a huge banana split afterwards. Service was incredibly friendly. You won’t find a better value anywhere!”
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