How much does Golden Corral cost for adults?

There are close to 400 Golden Corral restaurants in the United States, as of this writing. So it’s safe to assume most Americans are familiar with this all-you-can-eat buffet chain. I have fond memories of family dinners at their Fayetteville location as a kid.

We would go there usually when someone in our family is celebrating their birthday. As a family of 6, it was a lot cheaper for us to have a special dinner at GC than say a steakhouse. With so many appetizers, mains and desserts to choose from, we were always guaranteed a full (and happy) tummy after.
Operating hours are: The following table is for Golden Corral adult prices:

But that was 20 years ago and now as a mom myself with two teenage kids, even going to a relatively inexpensive buffet place is a decision that my husband and I always have to discuss. The price of the buffet for adults is higher than the children’s rates so this is something we have to consider every time we make plans to eat out.

So if you’re wondering, how much is it for adults at Golden Corral, then this post will definitely have the answers you are looking for.

TLDR, the Golden Corral buffet costs anywhere between $11.99 to $16.99.

But there are factors that can affect the price. For example, the price of the buffet is different for lunch and dinner. There’s also a different price for weekdays and weekends.

Is Golden Corral Expensive?

Price is always a major consideration when you’re dining out on a budget, right? So of course you’d want to figure out first if Golden Corral is expensive compared to other restaurants. Compared to a traditional restaurant, where a typical meal might include an appetizer, main course, and dessert, dinner could easily tally up to $20 to $50 per person or more.

Now, let’s consider buffet chains like Hometown Buffet or regional favorites such as Ryan’s Buffet. These establishments often offer all-you-can-eat options, where diners pay a set price for access to a variety of dishes. While prices can vary by location, a typical dinner buffet might cost around $15 to $25 per person.

Golden Corral offers dinner buffet for around $12 to $15 per adult depending on location and day of the week. This price includes access to a wide range of dishes, from savory entrees to decadent desserts. Clearly Golden Corral offers a compelling combination of variety and value. While traditional restaurants may offer a more intimate dining experience, they often come with a higher price tag per dish. On the other hand, buffet chains may provide all-you-can-eat options, but their prices can be comparable to or even higher than Golden Corral.

Golden Corral Weekday vs. Weekend Prices

A few years ago, when most restaurants decided in increase their prices, Golden Corral did the opposite: it increased its weekend prices and hired more staff. But they had a good reason to boost weekend rates. Golden Corral’s “Premium Weekend” deal included premium items like prime rib, jumbo butterfly shrimp and glazed salmon.

So if you’re wondering how much is Golden Corral for adults on weekends and weekdays, here are the price ranges. Take note that prices may differ depending on location, as some of its restaurants may offer other promotions as well:

• Weekday Lunch Adults $10.99 – $11.99
• Weekend Lunch Adults (Saturday) $13.99 – $14.99
• Weekday Dinner Adults $15.99 – $16.99
• Weekend Dinner Adults $15.99 – $16.99

How Much Does a Beverage Cost at Golden Corral?

Drinks are an additional charge to Golden Corral’s buffet prices, although sometimes they may offer free drinks as part of a promotion. For example, in some locations, seniors may get a drink for free if they go at a certain time. The cost of beverage at Golden Corral also varies. In some locations it is $2.69 while in others its $2.99.

What’s Included in Golden Corral’s Endless Buffet?

Golden Corral prides itself with its wide array of choices. Believe it or not, but there are approximately 150 choices in their buffet spread. Some of the items you can expect to find at the buffet are:

• Sirloin steak
• Fried chicken
• Baked Chicken
• Burger bar
• Butterfly shrimp
• Fried fish
• Roast Beef
• Meat Loaf
• BBQ Ribs
• Mashed potatoes
• Macaroni & cheese
• Corn bread
• Clam Chowder
• Tomato Soup
  Noodles
• Pasta
• Garden Salad
• Caesar Salad
• Pasta Salad
• Potato Salad
• Coleslaw
• Fruit Salad
• Carrot cake
• Cotton candy
• Chocolate fountain
• And a whole lot more!
• Not bad for $12 right?

Does Golden Corral Have Steaks?

If you’re craving a sizzling steak that’s cooked just the way you like it, Golden Corral doesn’t disappoint. Obviously, steak is a star attraction in their dinner buffet. Whether you prefer it rare, medium, or well-done, their USDA sirloin steak delivers.

The dinner service kicks off at 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday, while on Saturdays and Sundays, our dinner service begins bright and early at 11 a.m., making it ideal for those who prefer a hearty brunch over a traditional lunch.

According to their website:

Monday-Saturday after 4pm + Sunday after 11am

At Golden Corral, our signature sirloin steaks are cooked-to-order every night of the week. Enjoy a perfectly grilled steak, just how you like it, along with all the salads, sides and buffet favorites you love.

Is the Golden Corral Buffet Worth It?

You’ll find a lot of Golden Corral reviews on sites like Yelp and TripAdvisor. The general concensus is that it’s worth the price and you can get a more than satisfying meal for just a little over ten bucks.

Here are some excerpts we’ve gathered from Yelp customer reviews:

Ruth B.Elite 24

Concord, CA

I wasn’t sure what to expect since the reviews were mixed but I was pleasantly surprised. The food was actually pretty good quality. service was friendly and the bathroom was clean.

We came a little after 7pm on Saturday and there was no line and plenty of seats. The pot roast and bbq chicken were tender. The mac and cheese was creamy. The fried shrimp was crunchy. The fried chicken was hot and juicy. The salad bar included fresh spinach. The dessert selection was decadent.

There is one star off is more because there were a few misses. The boiled brussel sprouts were bland and the steak was a bit tough and dry. But considering the variety, there is something for everyone. We ate until we burst! Oh and the horchata was one of the many nice drink selections. Yum!

Robert G.Elite 24

Fairfield, CA

Tonight was our 2nd time we have visited. First one was at least a few years ago.

I didnt have high expectations but i was surprised with how they maintain their steam tables clean and neat. Someone was frequently wiping the tables.

Food quality was not bad either. The pork bbq was flavorful and not dry. The fried chicken didnt disappoint. The other food selection are not bad either.

What set this experience apart and why it deserves a 5 star is the service. We were here to celebrate my sister in law’s bday and the crew ( Juan and Ale and the other one) were amazing. Ale always cleans our table then Juan keeps checking on us. The service was really outstanding. These people are worth keeping.

Please keep golden corral this way.

And here are more from TripAdvisor reviews:

PhlegmMaster

Phoenix, Arizona

A much better deal than the buffets on the Strip

We were in Vegas again, so we swung by the Golden Corral for a hearty dinner. Sure, it’s not all fancy & glittery like the buffets on the Strip, but the food is superb, and the price is right! We fed (stuffed!) a family of 8 for under $150.

gazzalad76

Staffordshire

My wife and myself were staying in vegas downtown for a week and we got the bus 206 east i think and got off just by the home depot on E.Charlston blvd.

We made the short walk to the golden coral.very good price and a good selection of hot food lots of desserts i would 100% recommend this place.

The Best Time To Eat At Golden Corral If You Want To Save Money

The phrase ‘timing is everything’ holds true in many situations, especially when it comes to dining out.

Some restaurants offer discounts depending on the time you choose to dine. What this means is that you can enjoy the same delicious menu items for less, just by picking the right time.

Golden Corral, with 397 locations nationwide, has been a go-to for buffet lovers since 1973. They even proudly dub themselves ‘America’s #1 Buffet Restaurant.’

It might be hard to definitively prove that claim, obviously. But the point is, you can have a really big meal for less money if you time it right.

Golden Corral prices dinner for adults at $16.99 Monday through Saturday, but these prices don’t kick in until 4:00 p.m. (except on Sundays, when dinner starts at 11:00 a.m.). If you dine between 10:45 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays or 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays, you’ll pay just $11.49 – the lunchtime price for the full buffet.

While lunch and dinner menus may differ slightly (dinner often includes a carving station and fried shrimp), many main dishes, desserts, and side offerings remain the same.

With so many similar dishes available for both lunch and dinner, it’s a smart move to visit Golden Corral during lunch hours. Here’s a handy tip for you: a reservation at 3:45 p.m. might just hit the spot, especially for caregivers dodging toddler meltdowns.

This timing offers the best value for your all-you-can-eat experience at Golden Corral, without even factoring in discounts for seniors or free dining for kids under three. Even their standard breakfast prices, only available on weekends, are higher at $12.99.

Indeed, timing is everything. And when it comes to enjoying the extensive offerings of our beloved buffet chain, it couldn’t be more true.