Golden Corral Menu Prices 2026 | Complete Breakfast, Adults, Kids, Seniors, Lunch & Dinner Guide
Golden Corral is a well-known buffet restaurant in the United States, offering a large selection of meals at family-friendly prices. From breakfast and lunch to dinner, guests can enjoy a variety of popular dishes and buffet favorites in one place.
In this guide, you’ll find the latest Golden Corral buffet prices for 2026, along with information about breakfast, lunch, dinner, menu options, operating hours, and current deals. We’ve organized the details in a simple way so you can easily check prices and plan your visit.
Whether you’re visiting with your family, stopping by for lunch, or planning a weekend dinner, this guide can help you understand what Golden Corral offers and choose the best time and meal option for your visit.
We regularly update this information to make it easier to check the latest Golden Corral prices and dining details before you go.
Golden Corral Menu with Prices
Golden Corral prices are set at the local franchise level, so the numbers below reflect typical national ranges rather than a fixed price everywhere. Confirm exact pricing with your nearest restaurant before visiting. Calorie ranges are included with every item so you can plan your plate before you sit down.
Buffet Prices by Meal
Golden Corral charges one flat price per person based on the meal period — breakfast, lunch, or dinner — rather than pricing individual buffet items. This is the number most guests search for first, since it decides the total cost of the visit before anyone even picks up a plate.
| Meal | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | $10.99 – $12.99 |
| Lunch | $11.99 – $14.99 |
| Dinner | $15.99 – $18.99 |
| Weekend Dinner | $16.99 – $19.99 |
Breakfast is the most affordable meal since it skips the higher-cost dinner proteins. Lunch is widely considered the best value — most of the hot buffet, salad bar, and dessert station, without the dinner-only premium items. Dinner is the priciest meal since it typically adds carved meats, sirloin steak, and sometimes shrimp.
Buffet Prices by Age
Pricing also shifts by age group, which is how families and seniors end up paying noticeably less than a table of adults ordering the same meal. Kids’ pricing in particular is tiered by age rather than a single flat rate, so a family with a toddler and a pre-teen will see two different price points on the same visit.
| Category | Meal | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner | $10.99 – $18.99 |
| Seniors (60+) | Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner | $9.99 – $17.99 |
| Kids 3 & Under | Any Meal | Free with paying adult |
| Kids 4–8 | Any Meal | $7.99 – $8.99 |
| Kids 9–12 | Any Meal | $9.99 – $10.99 |
Beverages are usually priced separately from the buffet — budget an extra $3.49 or so per drink.
What’s on the Hot Buffet
The Hot Buffet is the centerpiece of every Golden Corral visit — a continuously refilled lineup of comfort-food classics that stays largely the same from lunch into dinner, with a few premium items added once evening service begins. Most guests build their plate around one or two proteins here before moving on to the salad bar or dessert station.
| Menu Item | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fried Chicken | 220–380 per piece | Golden Corral’s signature crispy, juicy fried chicken |
| Pot Roast | 210–350 per serving | Slow-cooked, tender beef with vegetables |
| Meatloaf | 190–310 per serving | Classic homemade-style loaf with rich gravy |
| Bourbon Street Chicken | 230–360 per serving | Sweet, smoky grilled chicken strips |
| Steak (Dinner Only) | 350–600 per serving | Grilled-to-order steak, evenings only |
| Baked Fish | 150–250 per fillet | Light, flaky white fish seasoned daily |
| Fried Fish | 220–340 per fillet | Crispy breaded fish fillets |
| Mashed Potatoes | 160–220 per serving | Creamy potatoes with brown gravy |
| Mac & Cheese | 230–320 per serving | Cheesy, rich, kid-friendly pasta |
| Green Beans | 40–70 per serving | Steamed and butter-seasoned |
| Cornbread | 180–240 per piece | Soft, warm Southern-style bread |
| Steamed Vegetables | 30–60 per serving | Broccoli, carrots, or seasonal veggies |
Soup Station
The soup station rotates a couple of times through the week, so it’s worth checking what’s out on the day you visit if you’re after something specific like chili. It’s a good stop for a lighter starter before heading into the heavier hot buffet items, and it’s popular with guests eating on the smaller side.
| Soup | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Noodle Soup | 90–140 per cup | Light broth with chicken, noodles, and vegetables |
| Chili | 180–260 per cup | Thick, hearty beef chili with seasoning |
| Vegetable Soup | 70–120 per cup | Mixed vegetables in a warm broth |
| Potato Soup | 160–230 per cup | Creamy soup with soft potato chunks |
| Seasonal Soup | Varies | Rotating special flavors on select days |
Breakfast Buffet (Morning Hours Only)
Breakfast runs only until around 11:00 AM at most locations, so this section of the buffet disappears once lunch service begins. It’s built around classic morning staples rather than anything fancy, which is part of why it’s the lowest-priced meal of the day.
| Item | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scrambled Eggs | 90–160 per serving | Light, fluffy, made fresh (100% cage-free) |
| Bacon | 80–150 per serving | Crispy or soft strips |
| Sausage Links | 150–220 per serving | Classic breakfast-style sausages |
| Hash Browns | 150–210 per serving | Golden, crispy shredded potatoes |
| Pancakes | 200–280 per serving | Soft, warm, served with syrup |
| Waffles | 220–310 per serving | Fresh waffles with toppings |
| Biscuits & Gravy | 250–380 per serving | Southern-style biscuits with creamy gravy |
| Cinnamon Rolls | 280–400 per roll | Warm rolls with sweet icing |
| French Toast | 200–290 per serving | Soft slices, griddled |
| Oatmeal | 130–190 per bowl | Warm bowl with optional toppings |
| Fresh Fruit | 40–90 per serving | Seasonal fruit mix |
Seasonal & Limited-Time Items
These items don’t show up every day — they rotate in around holidays, weekends, or specific seasonal promotions, so availability depends heavily on timing and location. They’re generally the closest thing Golden Corral has to a “special occasion” menu within the regular buffet.
| Item | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Steak & Butterfly Shrimp | 400–650 per serving | Evening special pairing steak with crispy shrimp |
| Seafood Cakes | 180–280 per cake | Golden-fried seafood patties |
| Carved Holiday Turkey | 140–220 per serving | Roasted turkey, holiday months |
| Holiday Glazed Ham | 200–300 per serving | Sweet, oven-baked ham slices |
| Pork Roast | 220–340 per serving | Bone-in roast during select seasonal events |
| Sweet Potato Casserole | 260–380 per serving | Topped with pecans or marshmallows |
| Flan | 190–260 per slice | Smooth caramel dessert, seasonal |
Individual Meals
For guests who’d rather order a single plate than pay the buffet price, Golden Corral offers a full menu of individual entrées. Each comes with a soft yeast roll and your choice of two side dishes, so the calorie range below already reflects a fairly complete plate rather than just the protein alone.
| Entrée | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fried Chicken | 933–1253 | $18.99 |
| Pot Roast | 597–917 | $16.99 |
| Bourbon Street Chicken | 826–1146 | $16.49 |
| Meatloaf | 370–690 | $16.49 |
| 5 oz. Sirloin Steak | 469–789 | $16.99 |
| 8 oz. Sirloin Steak | 1450–1740 | $18.99 |
| 10 oz. Sirloin Steak | 1510–1800 | $19.99 |
| 12 oz. Sirloin Steak | 1590–1880 | $22.99 |
| Smoked Pulled Pork | 966–1286 | $15.99 |
| Fried Fish | 550–870 | $15.99 |
| Baked Fish | 530–850 | $15.99 |
Combo Meals
Combo meals are built for guests who want a complete meal in one price without the commitment of buffet access. Each one bundles an entrée, two sides, a 32 oz. beverage, two cookies, and a yeast roll with honey, which is why the calorie totals run noticeably higher than the individual meals above.
| Combo Meal | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fried Chicken Meal | 943–1623 | $13.99 |
| Pot Roast Meal | 607–1287 | $14.99 |
| Meatloaf Meal | 370–1060 | $14.99 |
| Bourbon Street Chicken Meal | 836–1516 | $13.99 |
| Smoked Pulled Pork Meal | 976–1656 | $17.99 |
Kids Menu
The kids menu keeps things simple — a couple of protein-forward options sized for smaller appetites, with fun dipping sauces on the side. It’s separate from the discounted kids’ buffet pricing, so families can choose whichever option better fits their child’s eating habits.
| Kids Meal Item | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tenders | 210–320 | $11.99 |
| Fried Chicken | 200–325 | $5.00 |
Family Meals (Feeds 4–6)
Family meals are designed for guests who want the Golden Corral flavor at home without dining in. Each one comes with assorted sides and signature yeast rolls, and because portions are sized to feed a group, the calorie ranges below reflect the entire meal rather than a single serving.
| Family Meal | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bourbon Street Chicken Family Meal | 3450–6975 | $49.99 |
| Fried Chicken Family Meal | 3878–7599 | $45.99 |
| Pot Roast Family Meal | 2534–5583 | $59.99 |
| Meatloaf Family Meal | 1626–4221 | $49.99 |
| 5 oz. Sirloin Steak Family Meal | 2022–4815 | $59.99 |
| Smoked Pulled Pork Family Meal | 4010–7797 | $39.99 |
| Baked Fish Family Meal | 2266–4101 | $39.99 |
| Fried Fish Family Meal | 2364–5301 | $39.99 |
Famous Fried Chicken (Boxed)
Golden Corral’s fried chicken is popular enough to have its own boxed lineup, separate from the buffet and individual meal options. It’s a common pick for takeout, tailgates, and family gatherings where you want something familiar that travels well.
| Item | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 12-Piece Family Box | 4980–5220 | $29.99 |
| 20-Piece Crowd Pleaser | 8300–8700 | $59.99 |
| Individual Piece | 200–325 | $5.00 |
Pizza
The pizza station rounds out the buffet’s pizza and pasta corner, and it’s one of the most consistently popular stops for kids. Both pizzas are hand-tossed with a house-made dough and tomato sauce, so the calorie count reflects a fairly generous slice size.
| Pizza Type | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese Pizza | 1670 (whole) | $9.99 |
| Pepperoni Pizza | 1970 (whole) | $10.99 |
Also on the pizza & pasta station: Mac & Cheese, Spaghetti, Alfredo Pasta (select locations), and Garlic Bread — all included in the buffet price.
Signature Salads
The salad bar is where guests looking for a lighter meal tend to spend most of their time, and it’s fully customizable — you choose the base, toppings, and dressing, which is why the calorie range for each salad size is so wide depending on how it’s built.
| Salad Type | Size | Calories Added | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden Salad | Individual | 350–720 | $13.99 |
| Garden Salad | Family | 770–2000 | $12.99 |
| Garden Salad | Party | 1250–3700 | $17.99 |
| Spinach Salad | Individual | 380–750 | $8.99 |
| Spinach Salad | Family | 840–2070 | $12.99 |
| Spinach Salad | Party | 1250–3700 | $17.99 |
The salad bar also includes fresh lettuce mix, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded cheese, croutons, pasta salad, Cobb salad, Caesar salad, fruit salad, and dressings like ranch, Caesar, and Italian.
Sides
Sides are prepared fresh daily and sold separately from the buffet if you’re ordering an individual or family meal, though they’re included automatically when you pay the buffet price. Portion sizes are standardized at 10 oz. across the board, which makes it easy to compare calories side by side.
| Side Dish | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Baked Potato 10 oz. | 160 | $2.49 |
| Baked Beans 10 oz. | 420 | $4.49 |
| Buttered Corn 10 oz. | 330 | $3.99 |
| Coleslaw 10 oz. | 350 | $4.49 |
| Green Beans 10 oz. | 90 | $3.99 |
| Macaroni & Cheese 10 oz. | 460 | $4.49 |
| Mashed Potatoes & Gravy 10 oz. | 530 | $3.99 |
| Potato Salad 10 oz. | 520 | $4.49 |
| Seafood Salad 10 oz. | 350 | $4.99 |
| Steamed Broccoli 10 oz. | 80 | $4.49 |
| Steamed Carrots 10 oz. | 158 | $3.99 |
| Stuffing 10 oz. | 420 | $3.99 |
| Sweet Potato Casserole 10 oz. | 520 | $4.99 |
| White Rice 10 oz. | 300 | $3.99 |
| Yeast Rolls – 6 pieces | 1070 | $3.99 |
Desserts
Desserts are baked fresh daily and easily the most photographed part of any Golden Corral visit, thanks to the chocolate fountain and the full case of whole pies and cakes. Calorie counts vary widely here since several items are sold as whole pies or cakes rather than single slices.
| Dessert | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cookie Cake | Varies | $5.99 |
| Pecan Pie (Whole Pie) | Varies | $12.99 |
| Pumpkin Pie (Whole Pie) | Varies | $12.99 |
| Carrot Cake (Whole Cake) | 240–3640 | $14.99 |
| Cheesecake Slice | 210–3410 | $3.99 |
| Chocolate Cake (Whole Cake) | 210–3340 | $12.99 |
| Apple Pie (Whole Pie) | 330–3650 | $12.99 |
| Blueberry Pie | 280–3370 | $12.99 |
| Brownie Bites Full Pan (20 each) | 320–15330 | $17.99 |
| Banana Pudding Family Size | 380 | $6.99 |
| Bread Pudding Family Size | 530 | $9.99 |
| Mini Cookies | 740 | $3.49 |
The in-restaurant dessert bar also has a chocolate fountain, soft-serve ice cream with toppings, fresh-baked cookies, and pudding cups, all included in the buffet price.
Beverages
Beverages are almost always priced separately from the buffet, whether you’re ordering a fountain drink in the restaurant or a take-home jug for later. Unsweetened and diet options are available for guests watching their calorie intake, sitting well below the sweetened versions.
| Beverage | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Peak Sweet Tea | 340 | $3.49 |
| Gold Peak Unsweet Tea | 10 | $3.49 |
| Minute Maid Lemonade | 370 | $3.49 |
| Barq’s Root Beer | 430 | $3.49 |
| Coca-Cola | 430 | $3.49 |
| Diet Coke | 0 | $3.49 |
| Dr Pepper | 360 | $3.49 |
| Fanta Orange | 430 | $3.49 |
| Sprite | 370 | $3.49 |
Take-home jugs: Sweet Tea – Half Gallon (675 cal, $3.99) / Gallon (1350 cal, $6.99); Unsweetened Tea – Half Gallon (20 cal, $3.99) / Gallon (35 cal, $6.99); Minute Maid Lemonade – Half Gallon (750 cal, $6.99) / Gallon (1490 cal, $10.99). Hot coffee, hot tea, milk, chocolate milk, and juice are also available and vary by location.
Condiments
Condiments are included at no extra charge and are self-serve at most locations. Calories here are small on their own, but they can add up quickly if you’re using several on one plate, so it’s worth keeping an eye on portions if you’re tracking intake closely.
| Item | Calories |
|---|---|
| Butter | 35 |
| Honey Butter | 50 |
| Honey | 35 |
| Ketchup | 35 |
| Mustard | 5 |
| Sour Cream | 60 |
| Mayonnaise | 80 |
| Ranch Dressing | 110 |
| Honey Mustard | 130 |
| Red Wine Vinegar | 5 |
| Steak Sauce | 60 |
| BBQ Sauce | 70 |
| Au Jus | 30 |
| Cocktail Sauce | 35 |
| Tartar Sauce | 150 |
| Lemon Wedges | 5 |
[View the Full Interactive Menu →]
How Much Will Golden Corral Cost You? (Quick Estimate)
Wondering what a visit will actually run you? Based on 2026 pricing, before tax and tip:
- Solo visit, breakfast: roughly $11 – $13
- Solo visit, dinner: roughly $16 – $19
- Couple, lunch: roughly $24 – $30 total
- Family of 4, dinner (2 adults + 2 kids ages 4–8): roughly $50 – $65
- Family of 4, lunch: roughly $45 – $55 — one of the easiest ways to save without changing where you eat
- Senior couple, early-bird lunch: roughly $20 – $26
- Large group (4 adults + 3 kids, dinner): roughly $110 – $140
These are national averages — your local restaurant’s exact pricing, plus sales tax and tip, will move the final number slightly.
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Deals, Coupons & Rewards
Rewards App: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Once you hit 100 points, that’s $10 off your next visit. New members typically get a welcome bonus (often $5 off a $25 purchase). Earn points by scanning your receipt in the app or scanning directly at the register.
Good As Gold Club: A separate, free email loyalty program. Joining usually gets you a free beverage, plus birthday coupons, exclusive deals, and early access to seasonal promotions. Many regulars join both programs to maximize savings.
Age-based discounts: Seniors (60+) get reduced pricing at every meal, and many locations offer a weekday early-bird special (typically 11 AM–3 PM). Kids 3 and under eat free with a paying adult (limit 2 per adult); kids 4–12 get discounted pricing that usually includes a drink.
Seasonal deals: Watch for gift card bonus offers (buy a $50 gift card, get a free $10 bonus card), discounts on app orders around the holidays, Holiday Feast meals for pickup, and an annual Military Appreciation Night offering a free meal to active and retired military guests.
Catering, Takeout & Delivery
Catering: Trays typically serve about 15 people — a solid option for office events, birthdays, church events, and holiday gatherings. Popular picks include Fried Chicken, Pot Roast, Carved Ham, Mac & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Sweet Potato Casserole, and warm Yeast Rolls. Around Thanksgiving and Christmas, Holiday Meals To Go typically feature roasted turkey or glazed ham with sides, rolls, and a full pie.
Weigh & Pay (To-Go Buffet): Fill a container from the buffet and pay by weight instead of the flat per-person price.
| Meal Option | Price Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | $6.99 – $8.99/lb |
| Lunch (weekdays) | $7.99 – $9.99/lb |
| Dinner | $8.99 – $10.99/lb |
Online ordering & delivery: Order individual plates, family meals, fried chicken boxes, sides, and desserts through the app or website for curbside or in-store pickup. Delivery is available in most areas through DoorDash, UberEats, and GrubHub — note that delivery orders typically don’t earn Rewards App points.
[Order Catering or Takeout →]
What to Expect at Golden Corral (First-Timer Guide)
How buffet pricing works: You pay one flat price per person based on the meal period and your age group. Once you’ve paid, you can return to the buffet as many times as you like — there’s no limit on portions. Drinks are usually the one thing priced separately.
Buffet etiquette: Grab a clean plate every time you go back to the line rather than reusing one, and leave each dish’s serving spoon in its own tray. It’s normal to take small portions of several items on your first pass before deciding what to go back for. Standard tipping (15–20%) still applies, since your server is refilling drinks and clearing plates throughout the meal.
Group visits: Many locations have party rooms or group seating for birthdays and reunions — call ahead to check availability, since the restaurant is otherwise generally walk-in only.
Golden Corral vs. Other Buffet Restaurants
| Restaurant | Dinner Price Range | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Corral | $15.99 – $18.99 | Largest menu variety, carved steak nights, chocolate fountain, biggest national footprint |
| Ryan’s / Fire Mountain | $13.99 – $17.99 | Similar comfort-food buffet, smaller regional presence |
| Old Country Buffet | $12.99 – $16.99 | Home-style cooking, smaller overall menu |
| Hometown Buffet | $12.99 – $16.99 | Regional chain, similar pricing tier |
Golden Corral generally wins on variety — 200-plus items across the hot buffet, salad bar, soup station, pizza and pasta section, breakfast bar, and dessert case — and its 400-plus locations make it the easiest of these chains to actually find near you.
Nutrition, Allergens & Diet-Friendly Options
The buffet format makes it genuinely easier to build a plate around your dietary needs than a typical sit-down restaurant, since you see exactly what goes on your plate.
Diets you can follow: Low-Carb, Low-Calorie, Low-Fat, Weight Watchers, Atkins, Keto, Mediterranean, Plant-Based, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Vegan, Paleo, Primal, DASH, MIND, TLC, Gluten-Free, and Jenny Craig-compatible plates are all achievable using the salad bar, vegetable sides, lean proteins, soups, and seafood options.
Nutrition Facts Tool: Golden Corral’s official tool lets you look up any menu item’s serving size, calories, carbs, fat, protein, sugar, and sodium, filterable by category and printable if you’re tracking closely.
Allergen notice: Because it’s a shared buffet, cross-contamination is possible even for dishes that don’t naturally contain allergens. Items may contain or contact peanuts and tree nuts, shellfish and fish, eggs, wheat/gluten, soy, dairy, and sesame. Ask to speak with a manager if you have a serious allergy.
Cage-free eggs: As of March 2025, all locations use 100% cage-free shell eggs across breakfast items, baked goods, and any dish prepared with shell eggs.
[Use the Nutrition Search Tool →]
Customer Reviews & Ratings
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.2 / 5 average rating across locations nationwide
Reviews tend to follow a pattern: guests consistently praise the variety of the buffet and the value of the dinner price when it includes steak, while occasional complaints focus on food temperature during peak rush hours or longer waits on holidays. Because Golden Corral is franchise-operated, quality can vary meaningfully by location — worth checking reviews for your specific nearest restaurant before a first visit.
[Find Reviews for Your Nearest Location →]
About Golden Corral
Golden Corral was founded in 1973 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, starting as a small family-style steakhouse. Over five decades it grew into one of the largest buffet chains in the country, with more than 400 locations nationwide. The core appeal has stayed the same since day one: a wide variety of freshly prepared food at an affordable, all-you-can-eat price, in a setting built for families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Golden Corral near me open right now?
Most locations are open daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM (later on Friday and Saturday nights). Use the locator at the top of this page to confirm your nearest restaurant’s exact hours.
How do I find the closest Golden Corral?
Enter your zip code or city in the search box at the top of the page, or browse the state and city directory above.
Do all locations have the same prices?
No. Golden Corral is franchise-operated, so pricing is set locally and varies by city and state. The ranges on this page reflect typical 2026 national averages.
What’s included in the buffet price?
One flat price gets you unlimited visits to the hot buffet, salad bar, soup station, pizza and pasta station, and dessert bar for that meal period. Beverages are usually priced separately.
How much are individual meals if I don’t want the buffet?
Individual entrées run $15.99–$22.99 with a roll and two sides. Combo meals ($13.99–$17.99) add a drink, cookies, and a roll.
Do kids eat free at Golden Corral?
Yes — kids 3 and under eat free with a paying adult (limit 2 per adult). Kids 4–12 get discounted pricing rather than a free meal.
Does Golden Corral offer senior discounts?
Yes, guests 60+ get reduced pricing at every meal, and many locations offer a weekday early-bird special.
Can I order Golden Corral for takeout or delivery?
Yes — order through the app or website for pickup, or use DoorDash, UberEats, or GrubHub for delivery. Delivery orders may not earn Rewards points.
Does Golden Corral take reservations?
Most locations are walk-in only, though many have party rooms available for larger group events if you call ahead.
What payment methods are accepted?
Credit and debit cards, cash, and gift cards everywhere; many locations also support tap-to-pay and digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.