- Golden Corral is an American family-style restaurant chain offering an extensive buffet and grill featuring a variety of hot and cold dishes, a carving station, and more.
- Golden Corral buffet prices depend on the time, age, and day you’re ordering; discounts are available for early birds (2 PM - 4 PM) and kids meals.
- The Golden Corral buffet price for seniors is usually lower than regular pricing, which can still be lowered through early bird and weekday pricing.
Introduction to Golden Corral Buffet
Golden Corral Buffet is a family-friendly chain famous for its extensive all-you-can-eat buffet. It offers a diverse selection of American classics, including grilled-to-order steaks, a variety of hot vegetables, a fresh salad bar, and a decadent dessert station. The dessert station features a range of options, from baked goods to soft-serve ice cream.
Golden Corral operates across 397 locations in the United States. It has operated since 1973 and is headquartered in Fayetteville, North Carolina. It is known for offering discounted lunches and dinners for children and senior patrons.
Beside their endless buffet, they also provide various ordering options, including curbside, weight & pay, and online delivery. They are known for being an affordable choice for groups and families. They also offer holiday buffets, but this needs reservations.
You can choose from over 150 food items at the buffet, including American favorites such as fried chicken, sirloin steak, pizza, and healthier options. Catering to various tastes and dietary needs, their extensive menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner options and specialty stations like salad and dessert bars.
Understanding The Price of Golden Corral
Golden Corral offers an affordable and diverse buffet with healthy options, signature favorites, and desserts. The buffet offers different menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The pricing model for buffets is usually a flat rate where customers pay a single fee and get access to a wide variety of dishes available on the buffet. The Buffet To Go service has a “Weigh + Pay” system where customers only pay for the total weight of the food they take.
Golden Corral Prices
Golden Corral’s buffet from Monday to Thursday offers a varied selection at a consistent value, ideal for regular dining. Golden Corral expands its buffet offerings on Fridays and Saturdays, reflecting the weekend’s festive mood with a slightly higher price point.
The price of the Golden Corral buffet depends on the date, customer age, and service available.
Here is the breakdown for Golden Corral price per person.
How Much Is Golden Corral for Adults?
Customers can avail of three regular pricing options: Regular, Senior, and Early Bird, applied in weekend and weekday pricing options.
- From Monday to Thursday – Customers can enjoy an endless buffet for lunch for as low as $11.49 per person, while dinner costs $16.49.
- On Fridays – The price stays the same for Lunch on Fridays (Lunch is $11.49), but dinners are a bit more expensive at $16.99).
Golden Corral Senior Buffet Price
The Golden Corral buffet prices for senior adults can be discounted by up to 8 to 12%, depending on the service. Dinner services often give the best discounts.
- Senior Early Bird Special – Patrons aged 60 and above can enjoy their dinner at a significantly discounted price with beverages from 2 PM to 4 PM (Mon to Fri).
- Senior Discounts – Lunch starts at $10.49 (discount of $1), and dinner services are available for $14.49 (discount of $2).
- Weekend – The weekend-only breakfast service is available at $9.49 (discount of $1). Lunch and dinner services retain Friday pricing (Lunch $10.49, Dinner $14.99).
Golden Corral Prices for Kids
Typically, children under 3 eat for free, with a limit of one free meal per adult purchase. For children aged 4 to 8, the cost increases on weekends compared to weekdays.
Kids aged 9 to 12 also pay more during the weekend. The prices vary, so checking with the local restaurant for current rates is best.
- Free Meal – Meals for 3-year-olds and below are free of charge. Only one free meal is available per regular buffet order (if you’re a solo adult with two toddlers, you will only get one free meal).
- Ages 4-8 – Toddler meals are priced at $8.49 on weekdays and weekends.
- Ages 9-12 – Pre-teens can join the buffet with a $9.49 entry.
- Ages 13-14 – The price for this meal is $10.99 and $12.99 on weekends.
Golden Corral Breakfast Hours & Prices on Weekends
Join Golden Corral for a delicious weekend breakfast from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM, offering a leisurely start compared to weekdays (7:30 AM to 11:00 AM). Confirm local hours, as they may vary. The breakfast buffet includes eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, waffles, and more, catering to various tastes.
The restaurant only opens its breakfast buffet on Saturdays, making it a memorable weekend feature priced at $10.49. If you’re heading there for dinner, the buffet costs the same as their Friday pricing at $16.99.
Discover Golden Corral’s Weekend Breakfast in this brief video.
Golden Corral Menu Prices
Explore the latest pricing for adults, seniors, and the kids’ menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Golden Corral in Murrieta, CA below.
Golden Corral Buffet Prices List (Adult): | |
|---|---|
Item: | Price: |
Monday to Thursday: | |
Lunch Buffet (10 AM - 4 PM) | $11.49 |
Dinner Buffet (4 PM - Closing) | $16.49 |
Friday: | |
Lunch Buffet (10 AM - 4 PM) | $11.49 |
Dinner Buffet (4 PM - Closing) | $16.99 |
Saturday: | |
Breakfast Buffet (7:30 AM - 11 AM) | $10.49 |
Lunch Buffet (11 AM - 4 PM) | $11.49 |
Dinner Buffet (4 PM - Closing) | $16.99 |
Sunday: | |
Breakfast Buffet (7:30 AM - 11 AM) | $10.49 |
Dinner Buffet (11 AM - Closing) | $16.99 |
Golden Corral Buffet Prices List (Senior): | |
|---|---|
Item: | Price: |
Monday to Thursday: | |
Senior Lunch (10 AM - 4 PM) | $10.49 |
Senior Dinner (4 PM - Closing) | $14.49 |
Friday: | |
Senior Lunch (10 AM - 4 PM) | $10.49 |
Senior Dinner (4 PM - Closing) | $14.99 |
Saturday: | |
Senior Breakfast (7:30 AM - 11 AM) | $9.49 |
Senior Lunch (11 AM - 4 PM) | $10.49 |
Senior Dinner (4 PM - Closing) | $14.99 |
Sunday: | |
Senior Breakfast (7:30 AM - 11 AM) | $9.49 |
Senior Dinner (11 AM - Closing) | $14.99 |
Golden Corral Buffet Prices List (Kids): | ||
|---|---|---|
Age Range: | Price: | Weekend Price: |
3 & Under | Free | Free |
Ages 4 - 8 | $8.49 | $8.49 |
Ages 9 - 12 | $9.49 | $9.49 |
Ages 13 - 14 | $10.99 | $12.99 |
Golden Corral Buffet Prices List (Early Bird): | |
|---|---|
Item: | Early Bird Price: |
Monday to Friday: (2 PM to 4 PM) | |
Senior Early Bird (includes beverage) | $10.49 |
Golden Corral Drink Prices
At Golden Corral, the breakfast buffet pricing, starting at $10.49, typically includes coffee and juice. However, it’s important to note that outside of this breakfast offering, beverages are not generally included in the buffet price.
For example, during specific hours (2 PM to 4 PM) designed for seniors, beverages are included. Otherwise, fountain drinks like Gold Peak Tea, Sprite, Barg’s, Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Fanta, and Dr. Pepper are available for purchase separately, with a large to-go cup priced at $2.79.
Golden Corral To Go (Take Out) Prices
The prices for Golden Corral’s To Go options vary based on location and the items ordered. Typically, these prices are comparable to their dine-in buffet prices. For instance, entrees generally start at around $8-$10, and sides are priced around $2-$3 each. Golden Corral also offers “Pick-Up Packs,” which are a great value starting at around $25 for a family of four. Additionally, a dozen of Golden Corral’s famous yeast rolls can be purchased for around $5.
Golden Corral Weigh And Pay Price
For those interested in weight & pay options, the To Go prices per pound are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8.99/lb
- Lunch (Monday – Friday): $6.99/lb
- Dinner (Monday – Friday & all day): $8.99/lb
- Dinner (Saturday & Sunday): $8.99/lb
Group Prices and Reservations
Golden Corral offers special group sales for parties of 25 or more guests paying on one ticket. Prices and availability vary by location, and an advanced reservation is required. Reservations are secured with a credit card on file, and groups can pay by cash or check (must arrive at least 7 days before the visit).
Special rates and large seating capacities are available for group reservations. For more information or to make a reservation, you can contact Golden Corral Group Sales through their website.
Special Discounts & Promotions
There are various methods to save on your next visit to Golden Corral restaurant. Promotions and discounts can be subject to change and vary by location, so it’s always a good idea to check with the local Golden Corral restaurant for the most current offerings.
Take-out promotions:
- Steak & Jumbo Fried Shrimp + Veggie Medley ($10.99)
Gift card bonus
- Free $10 for every $50 Gift Cards
Golden Corral Reward
- Earn points to get free good ($1 = 1 point, 100 points = $10 off reward)
Signup Bonus
- $5 off your next $25 purchase if you sign up for the Golden Corral mobile app.
Good as Gold Club
- You can get free beverages, special birthday offers, exclusive coupons, and more.
Always capitalize on Golden Corral prices for senior adults, kids, and early hours to get the most satisfaction from your purchases.
Do You Tip at Golden Corral?
At Golden Corral, there’s no set percentage for tipping, given the self-service approach where you get your own food and find your seat.
If the staff excels in providing drink refills and hot rolls, a tip of one or two dollars per adult diner is considered appropriate. Requesting 15 or 20% would be considered excessive.
Tipping is optional, but many patrons choose to leave a modest tip for good service, aligning with the self-service buffet experience.
Golden Corral Locations & Hours Near Me
Currently, there are 397 Golden Corral outlets across the United States. Houston leads with 5 locations, constituting 2% of the total.
Golden Corral’s operating hours fluctuate by location. Typically, they open around 10 or 11 AM and close by 9 PM, but variations exist, especially on weekends or holidays.
For precise Golden Corral hours, visit their website or contact your nearby restaurant.
Additionally, you can use Google Maps to find the nearest Golden Corral buffet restaurant to your location.
Golden Corral Buffet Reviews
Most positive reviews come from the quality of service and the low prices. The nice comments are also almost during their Breakfast service.
It is worth noting that Yelp reviews from various locations report sanitation problems. Some reports are related to unsanitary cooking areas and unmaintained bathroom facilities.
Customer experience may vary greatly, as seen on the scale below. While many people enjoy the great service, there are also reports of unsatisfactory sanitation. Note that these are not definitive, and your experience might not reflect the reviews mentioned above.
Watch a review of a first-time experience at Golden Corral Buffet in this video.
Conclusion: Cost at Golden Corral
Overall, Golden Corral is targeted for low-cost group and family dining due to its variety of choices and endless offerings. You can enjoy a buffet for as low as $9.49 (with a senior discount at breakfast service) to $16.99 (regular weekend dinner pricing).
It’s better to time your visit to get the most discount on your order. While breakfast service is the cheapest, you can also enjoy an early bird discount if you’re a senior patron to dine out later in the day. Although pricing is excellent, your experience might vary from one location to another.
For more information, please visit the official Golden Corral website.
Todays visit to Golden Corral was good. The salad bar was fresh and lacked nothing. Food was good. Rolls were great. However, I wanted to take food to a sick neighbor. I had one bowl of soup, 2 small pieces of chicken and a portion of mashed potatoes. The price for the takeout was $19.00. I was in shock. I could have gone to KFC and bought a whole tub of chicken and sides for just one dollar more. I paid for it but it put a big dent in my budget. I will never get takeout there again.
Hi Debra,
I’m sorry to hear, though, that the cost of your takeout order was unexpectedly high and impacted your budget.
Golden Corral’s takeout pricing is indeed based on the weight of the food, which can sometimes result in higher than anticipated costs, especially for smaller portions.
This is different from places like KFC, where pricing is typically per item or meal combo. I completely understand how this could be surprising, especially when you’re doing something kind as getting food for a sick neighbor.
Best regards,
The Buffet Prices Team
I was told they don’t have the early bird special during the week any more. Do they still offer that for seniors?
Hi David,
Thank you for reaching out with your query about Golden Corral Buffet’s Early Bird Special for seniors.
As of 2024, Golden Corral does indeed offer a Senior Early Bird Special. This special is available from Monday to Friday, typically between 2 PM and 4 PM. During this time, seniors aged 60 and above can enjoy a discount on the buffet price, which includes a buffet and a beverage. The specific discount offered can vary by location, but it generally provides a reduced price compared to the regular buffet cost. For instance, the Senior Early Bird Special might be priced around $10.49, offering a delightful opportunity for seniors to enjoy a wide range of dishes at a more affordable rate.
It’s important to note that the availability and specifics of the Senior Early Bird Special can vary by location, so I recommend checking with your local Golden Corral restaurant to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Golden Corral also offers various discounts and specials for seniors outside of the Early Bird hours, so it could be worthwhile to inquire about those as well if you’re planning a visit outside the Early Bird Special hours.
For the most accurate information, it’s always best to contact your nearest Golden Corral directly, as they will have the latest details on their specific offerings and promotions.
Enjoy your meal!