Oneal's Country Buffet — Restaurant in Madison

Just before lunch while traveling on the Interstate we searched Google maps for a restaurant near us. The highest rated was O’Neal’s Country Buffet located at 558 Base St. in Madison, FL. It’s a bit off the interstate but but it was well worth the short drive.

Upon getting out of our vehicle at the simple building I told my husband that I knew we’d made a good choice because I could smell the chicken frying. I was right, there was nothing fancy inside either but the staff, owners and food were amazing!

They serve the best fried chicken I’ve had in many years and I fry up some pretty good chicken. It’s not covered in thick batter, just thin and crispy outside and so tasty, juicy and tender inside, YUM! The white peas, butter peas, boiled cabbage, mashed potatoes, fried okra and creamed corn we had tasted like fresh southern home cooked vegetables to us and both the biscuits and the cornbread were very good. My husband had a fresh mixed salad, the baked chicken, dressing which was moist and had pieces of chicken in it, rice and several vegetables. He enjoyed his meal and said it was very good. I did get a serving of old fashioned peach cobbler but in a “to go container” as I had no room for it after the meal. There were other vegetables, meats such as fried pork chops, a sausage dish and several desserts including ice cream to choose from as well as a salad bar.

We were welcomed when we entered and the service was very attentive. Our waitress was friendly with happy personality and made us feel very comfortable. One of the owners came by to check on us and chat for a minute thanking us for coming by and inviting us back.

All in all this was a wonderful experience and we highly recommend O’Neal’s Country Buffet if you like old fashioned southern cooking. We will definitely come back if we’re anywhere...

Just before lunch while traveling on the Interstate we searched Google maps for a restaurant near us. The highest rated was O’Neal’s Country Buffet located at 558 Base St. in Madison, FL. It’s a bit off the interstate but but it was well worth the short drive.

Upon getting out of our vehicle at the simple building I told my husband that I knew we’d made a good choice because I could smell the chicken frying. I was right, there was nothing fancy inside either but the staff, owners and food were amazing!

They serve the best fried chicken I’ve had in many years and I fry up some pretty good chicken. It’s not covered in thick batter, just thin and crispy outside and so tasty, juicy and tender inside, YUM! The white peas, butter peas, boiled cabbage, mashed potatoes, fried okra and creamed corn we had tasted like fresh southern home cooked vegetables to us and both the biscuits and the cornbread were very good. My husband had a fresh mixed salad, the baked chicken, dressing which was moist and had pieces of chicken in it, rice and several vegetables. He enjoyed his meal and said it was very good. I did get a serving of old fashioned peach cobbler but in a “to go container” as I had no room for it after the meal. There were other vegetables, meats such as fried pork chops, a sausage dish and several desserts including ice cream to choose from as well as a salad bar.

We were welcomed when we entered and the service was very attentive. Our waitress was friendly with happy personality and made us feel very comfortable. One of the owners came by to check on us and chat for a minute thanking us for coming by and inviting us back.

All in all this was a wonderful experience and we highly recommend O’Neal’s Country Buffet if you like old fashioned southern cooking. We will definitely come back if we’re anywhere...

This place has some amazing reviews and apparently is adored by the locals. Regarding my review, this review is my opinion and based on my visit on Saturday May 15.

I was just passing through and may have a different opinion than the locals. When I see a sign that says “country cooking” I think of comfort food. All the meat was fried except the ribs and they were severely overcooked. The Mac and cheese was overcooked and dry. The hush puppies were overcooked to the point they were hard on your teeth when you bite into them. The shrimp.....I have never in my life had boiled shrimp that was greasy. How can boiled shrimp possible be greasy unless it has oil added to it and that is exactly what it appeared to have in it.

For desert there was apple, peach and cherry cobbler. Yes, it was overcooked and quite dry.

Now to the positive things. Staff was friendly and attentive. It truly has a small town feel and everyone was quite friendly and cordial. The building and surrounding area are “old Florida” at its best and this is what made my visit pleasant. Pricing is fair based on what is offered and the simple fact that it is an all u can eat buffet.

SUMMARY: If you enjoy a buffet that consists of mostly friend food and some veggies, this may be for you. I...