Carolina Buffet

Carolina Buffet

3122 Platt Springs Rd, West Columbia, SC 29170, United States

+1 803-661-7881

Southern restaurant (US), Buffet restaurant
(1789)
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About This Place

Carolina Buffet in West Columbia, SC, is a cherished gem for lovers of authentic Southern cuisine served in a warm, no-frills buffet setting. Nestled at 3122 Platt Springs Rd, this Southern restaurant warmly welcomes guests craving comfort food that truly tastes like a loving home-cooked meal. The moment you step inside, you are greeted by friendly staff who take pride in offering hearty dishes that satisfy both soul and appetite.

The menu is a vibrant celebration of classic Southern favorites, showcasing rich, savory flavors and generous portions. Fried chicken reigns supreme here—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, it’s a dish that customers consistently rave about. Alongside the signature fried chicken, you’ll find tender pork chops that boast a perfectly seasoned crust and fall-off-the-bone goodness. The buffet also shines with homestyle staples like creamy macaroni and cheese, smoky pulled pork, and mouthwatering meatloaf, bringing decades-old family recipes to your plate.

Vegetable lovers won’t be disappointed either. The buffet’s vegetable plate and veggie platter offer fresh takes on Southern produce, featuring favorites like collard greens simmered to tender perfection, green beans bursting with flavor, fried squash with a delicate crunch, buttery lima beans, and vibrant corn on the cob. The daily rotating sides—like baked beans, stewed tomatoes, and yams—round out the array of authentic comfort foods that deliver warmth with every bite.

For those with a sweet tooth, Carolina Buffet serves up quintessential Southern desserts like peach cobbler and silky banana pudding, a delightful finale that perfectly balances the rich, savory dishes. Refreshing lemonade is a popular choice to wash down the hearty fare, adding a bright, citrusy contrast to the meal.

Dining here is a trip back in time, with an atmosphere some might call dated, reflecting the cozy, unpretentious charm of down-home Southern eateries. While the décor feels more cafeteria-style than chic, it adds to the authentic experience, emphasizing the focus on comfort and satisfied appetites over flashiness. Customers appreciate the modest ambiance, especially when paired with reasonable prices and generous food portions perfect for a quick lunch or a casual family meal.

Regulars wholeheartedly recommend Carolina Buffet for its honest-to-goodness, old-school Southern cooking that reminds many of cherished roots and simpler times. Whether it’s a Wednesday special featuring meatloaf, baked chicken, and yams or the Friday BBQ extravaganza with fried catfish, BBQ pork, and corn on the cob, every visit promises familiar flavors that comfort and delight.

If you're seeking a hearty, no-nonsense Southern buffet experience where the food speaks volumes and hospitality feels genuine, Carolina Buffet is a rewarding destination. It’s not just a meal; it’s a flavorful journey through Southern tradition with every bite.

Service options
Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Great coffee Great dessert Great tea selection Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
All you can eat Coffee Comfort food Quick bite
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    11:00 AM - 02:30 PM 04:30 PM - 08:30 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:00 AM - 02:30 PM 04:30 PM - 08:30 PM
  • Thursday
    11:00 AM - 02:30 PM 04:30 PM - 08:30 PM
  • Friday
    11:00 AM - 02:30 PM 04:30 PM - 08:30 PM
  • Saturday
    Closed
  • Sunday
    Closed

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Dee D
    2 week ago

    Food is pretty good and the staff is super friendly. Atmosphere feels very dated and could really use some help. Its like they went to Good Will got what tables they had and put them in there. Cost of food is very reasonable. Can't go wrongnfor grabbing a quick lunch.

  • Blissful Magical Goddess
    2 week ago

    Omg..the southern menu here everything is delicious. My first time was March 20. I wanted some good veggies but got more than I expected. The food here is beyond delicious. And it is buffet.

  • Long Legged One
    1 month ago

    Old cafeteria style buffet here with decent food. Not a lot of bbq mostly fried food. The fried pork chops were the best I feel. The Mac and cheese and other fixtures but for what I was looking for, some stuff was limited but I highly recommend still at the same time. Nice people in here.

  • Robie Hiott
    2 month ago

    First time eating here!! It is amazing and I would highly recommend it. Good old southern cooking that brought me back to my roots!

  • Kevin Glover
    2 month ago

    This place made me remember how good old school southern county cooking is supposed to be! What happened to all the good restaurants of this caliper? The food was amazing, & service was great! If you leave w/o a full belly, it's your fault. From the chicken to the fish, to the beans and the pork. It was all amazing! Even the desserts. I HIGHLY recommend a visit for good down home southern cooking. Thank you for the great dinner!

  • Alicia Brown
    2 month ago

    Love coming here on Wednesdays and Fridays. Good food and better than Lizard's Thicket. Affordable price as well.

  • Robert Kinlaw
    3 month ago

    Excellent place to sit down and enjoy a delicious buffet with plenty of home cooking options to choose from. Excellent tasting food and deserts. Friendly staff. Good ole community people whom all were so nice. (Equivalent to the town Barbershop)

  • Leonard Burnette
    3 month ago

    We recently had the pleasure of dining at Carolina Buffet in West Columbia, and it was an exceptional experience. We were greeted with a warm and friendly atmosphere from the moment I walked in. The staff was attentive and made sure that I felt welcome. The buffet selection at Carolina Buffet was impressive. There was a wide variety of dishes, including Southern classics and comfort food favorites. The food was fresh, flavorful, and prepared with care. Alot of the dishes are homemade; you can tell that an old soul is working in the kitchen. The attention to detail and commitment to quality impressed us the most. The buffet area was clean and well-organized, making navigating and selecting from the different options easy. The service was exceptional. The staff was friendly and helpful, always ready to assist with any requests or questions. Overall, We highly recommend Carolina Buffet in West Columbia. Whether looking for a hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner, this place has everything. The delicious food, welcoming atmosphere, and outstanding service make it a standout dining destination.

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