Tucked away at 209 Stephenson Ave in Savannah, Georgia, Ole Times Country Buffet has earned a loyal following for serving up hearty Southern comfort food at prices that won’t break the bank. With a 4.3-star rating from over 4,600 reviews, this buffet clearly knows how to keep its customers happy.
Whether you’re a Savannah local or just passing through, this spot delivers the kind of home-cooked warmth that’s hard to find anywhere else. Here’s a closer look at what makes Ole Times Country Buffet a true Savannah gem.
A Southern Spread That Goes On and On
Walking up to the buffet line at Ole Times Country Buffet feels like stepping into a Southern grandmother’s kitchen on a Sunday afternoon. The sheer variety of dishes is enough to make your head spin in the best possible way.
From slow-cooked vegetables to crispy fried proteins, every tray seems to hold something worth trying.
Reviewers consistently praise the wide selection, with one guest calling it “a huge spread” that goes well beyond what typical buffets offer. Options range from classic Southern staples to rotating daily specials that keep regulars coming back to discover something new.
Whether you’re loading up on comfort food classics or sampling something unexpected like pig feet, the buffet line at Ole Times rarely disappoints. It’s the kind of spread that makes choosing just one plate feel like a real challenge.
Fried Chicken Worth the Drive
Ask almost anyone who’s visited Ole Times Country Buffet what they recommend, and fried chicken will almost always top the list. One reviewer put it perfectly, saying the chicken was “nice and moist while still being super crispy” — the exact combination that makes Southern fried chicken legendary.
Getting that balance right isn’t easy. Too long in the fryer and you lose the moisture; pull it too early and the coating goes soft.
The kitchen here seems to have cracked the code, keeping the pieces hot and fresh throughout service hours.
A few guests did mention that quality can vary depending on when you visit, so arriving early or after the lunch rush is a smart move. Still, on its best days, the fried chicken at Ole Times is the kind that makes you forget fast food ever existed.
Mac and Cheese That Feels Like a Hug
There’s something almost magical about a really good mac and cheese, and Ole Times Country Buffet serves up a version that regulars genuinely rave about. One five-star reviewer described it as “creamy and comforting,” which pretty much sums up exactly what you want from this Southern classic.
Made with a rich, cheesy sauce and cooked to that perfect tender-but-not-mushy texture, this dish has become one of the buffet’s most talked-about items. It pairs beautifully with fried chicken, collard greens, or honestly just about anything else on the line.
Fair warning: if you visit during the busy lunch rush, the mac and cheese tray can empty out fast. Staff do rotate fresh trays regularly, but arriving early gives you the best shot at scooping up a generous helping while it’s still piping hot and at its very best.
Slow-Cooked Vegetables Done the Southern Way
Not every buffet takes its vegetables seriously, but Ole Times Country Buffet treats its veggie dishes with the same care as its proteins. Tender green beans, buttery lima beans, and perfectly seasoned black-eyed peas have all earned special shout-outs in customer reviews, with one guest saying they tasted “straight out of a family Sunday dinner.”
Southern-style vegetables are slow-cooked low and long, which draws out deep, savory flavors that steamed or lightly sauteed veggies just can’t match. That cooking style is clearly alive and well in the Ole Times kitchen.
Collard greens also make a regular appearance on the buffet line. Most reviewers love them, though a handful have noted that seasoning can vary from visit to visit.
Going during peak cooking hours — right around lunchtime when everything is freshest — tends to deliver the most flavorful results across the board.
Desserts That Steal the Show
Saving room for dessert at Ole Times Country Buffet is practically mandatory. The sweet section of the buffet features a rotating lineup that has made a serious impression on guests, with peach cobbler and banana pudding earning the most enthusiastic praise from reviewers.
One guest described the peach cobbler as standing out in “flavor and quality” compared to other buffet desserts, which is high praise in a state famous for its peaches. The banana pudding, meanwhile, has developed its own fan base among regulars who make a beeline for it every single visit.
The dessert spread tends to be generous, with multiple options available at once. Pies, cobblers, and puddings rotate depending on the day, so you might discover a new favorite on any given visit.
One thing is consistent though: the desserts at Ole Times are genuinely worth saving space for.
Prices That Make Your Wallet Happy
One of the most repeated compliments across Ole Times Country Buffet reviews isn’t about a specific dish — it’s about the price. Guest after guest mentions being pleasantly surprised by how affordable the meal is, especially given the volume and quality of food available.
One reviewer put it memorably, saying you’ll pay about what a fast food combo costs but get something “so much better.” Another noted that the per-person price comes in well below the $15 mark that many competing buffets charge, making it one of the better deals in Savannah for a full sit-down meal.
For families, budget travelers, or anyone who just appreciates getting real value for their money, Ole Times delivers in a big way. You walk out stuffed with home-cooked Southern food and still have change left over.
That combination is genuinely hard to beat anywhere in the city.
Fresh Food Rotating Every Few Minutes
One of the things that separates a great buffet from a mediocre one is how often the food gets refreshed. At Ole Times Country Buffet, staff reportedly bring out new dishes roughly every ten minutes during busy service periods, keeping everything hot, fresh, and at its peak flavor.
A reviewer who was clearly impressed noted watching the team hustle out fresh food constantly, adding that “all workers were super kind and easy going” while keeping the line stocked. That kind of attentive kitchen management makes a real difference in the overall dining experience.
Even late in the evening, the quality holds up. One guest visited at 7 PM on a Tuesday and reported that “everything is hot, fresh and seasoned to perfection.” That kind of consistency is a sign that the kitchen takes its job seriously, no matter the hour or crowd size.
The Smoked Ribs That Get People Talking
Here’s a fun detail that not every visitor notices right away: Ole Times Country Buffet has smokers set up outside the building where they slow-cook their ribs. One reviewer spotted them and immediately understood why the ribs tasted so exceptional, writing “good lord they were delicious” in an enthusiastic five-star review.
Smoked ribs at a buffet are a rare treat. Most places cut corners with oven-baked versions, but the outdoor smokers at Ole Times signal a real commitment to doing things the traditional Southern way.
That low-and-slow smoking process produces meat that falls off the bone with a deep, wood-kissed flavor.
Not every visit guarantees ribs on the line since they’re a specialty item, but when they’re available, multiple reviewers agree they’re among the best things on the entire buffet. If you spot them during your visit, don’t hesitate — load up your plate.
Unique Southern Dishes You Won’t Find Everywhere
Part of what makes Ole Times Country Buffet special is its willingness to go beyond the standard buffet playbook. While most places stick to the same familiar lineup, Ole Times regularly features dishes like beef liver and pig feet — items rooted deeply in Southern culinary tradition that are increasingly hard to find on restaurant menus.
One out-of-town visitor from Virginia was genuinely thrilled to find pig feet on the menu, saying it reminded them of home and the “Southern favorites” they grew up eating. That kind of authentic regional cooking is exactly what separates Ole Times from generic chain buffets.
Beef liver has also earned its own fan base, with at least one reviewer specifically calling it out as a personal highlight of the meal. For anyone who appreciates old-school Southern cooking in its most honest, unfiltered form, these specialty dishes are a major reason to visit Ole Times.
A Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere
From the moment you walk through the door, Ole Times Country Buffet has a vibe that feels less like a commercial restaurant and more like a community gathering spot. Multiple reviewers use words like “warm,” “welcoming,” and “Southern” to describe the atmosphere, which clearly plays a big role in why people keep coming back.
The restaurant also features a private dining area, which one guest appreciated during their visit, noting it added a more personal feel to the experience. For groups, families, or anyone who just wants a quieter corner to enjoy their meal, that option is a nice touch.
The decor and layout are straightforward and unpretentious, which fits the honest, no-frills spirit of the food itself. You’re not paying for fancy ambiance here — you’re paying for good Southern cooking served in a space that genuinely feels like it’s glad you showed up.
Hours and Location That Work for Most Schedules
Convenience matters when you’re hungry, and Ole Times Country Buffet scores well on that front. Located at 209 Stephenson Ave in Savannah, the restaurant opens at 10:30 AM every day of the week, making it a solid option for an early lunch or a mid-afternoon meal when other spots might be closed or winding down.
On weekdays, the buffet closes at 8 PM, while Friday and Saturday hours extend to 9 PM, giving you a little extra time to squeeze in a late dinner on the weekend. That Friday and Saturday extension is a small but thoughtful detail that regulars appreciate.
The location is also easy to reach from various parts of Savannah, and parking is available on site. One tip from seasoned visitors: try to arrive either early or well after the lunch rush to avoid long lines and depleted buffet trays during the busiest hours.
Service That Keeps Guests Coming Back
Service at a buffet might seem like a minor detail, but at Ole Times Country Buffet, the servers play a real role in shaping the overall experience. Many reviewers go out of their way to praise specific staff members, mentioning attentive waitstaff who keep drinks filled, check in regularly, and bring a genuine warmth to the table.
One guest highlighted a server named Ms. Queen as a standout, calling her “a jewel of a waitress.” Another mentioned that arriving early meant being greeted by staff who were “in a great mood” and said hello to everyone walking in. Those little human touches add up quickly.
Like any restaurant, experiences can vary depending on who’s working and how busy the floor is. But the overwhelming majority of reviews describe the service positively, suggesting that Ole Times has built a team that genuinely cares about making guests feel at home.
Why Locals and Visitors Keep Returning
With over 4,600 reviews and a 4.3-star average rating, Ole Times Country Buffet has clearly built something that resonates with a wide range of people. Locals treat it like a regular stop, with some guests mentioning they return multiple times a week.
Out-of-towners drive more than an hour just to eat here, calling it well worth the trip.
The combination of affordable pricing, authentic Southern cooking, and a rotating menu that keeps things interesting creates a dining experience that’s genuinely hard to replicate. One reviewer summed it up simply: “For the value, you can’t beat it.”
Whether you’re a Savannah resident looking for a reliable weeknight dinner or a visitor wanting one truly memorable Southern meal, Ole Times Country Buffet delivers. Call ahead at +1 912-356-1630 or visit oletimescountrybuffets.com to plan your visit and see what all the buzz is about.