Carolina Buffet — Restaurant in Springdale

The Mac this time is a 'hit and miss'. Last time it was great! This time didn't taste a thing. Look the same though. Normally, the food is well seasoned. Not too much but just right. They constantly bring out hot food as we're getting food. The rutabagas and fried squash and gumbo and hot water corn bread and the beef stew are my faves. I've been here twice but I plan on coming back. My cousin comes a few times a week for small portions of sides. She lives around the corner. I used to live about 30 minutes away so that's probably why it's new to me. We haven't tried desserts or drinks. But it's offered.

There are styrofoam to-go plates and bowls and regular styro plates and bowls and plastic utensils (given at register) and plastic gloves to put on before you get your food. I double up every time, just in case, because when we go in we are usually coming from somewhere to go home. I would hope everyone else at least put on one. There's a big hand sanitizer and no masks required but I see small portion of people wearing them.

It's crowded so we don't sit. I think being crowded is great for business and for people who like that kind of atmosphere. It's very ....🤔.....home-y? Yeah...very much like it's been around forever. I can imagine my elders saying they've been coming there for generations. I'm from Atlanta so I know mom and pop shops. This definitely seems like one. (Even more full on a Sunday).

The employees don't seem like employees. They seem like friends and family in a small town. Very sweet and kind and organized when you get to the scale and register.

The price makes sense. You get a lot, you pay a lot 🤷🏽‍♀️. We usually spend about $5-10 on a plate depending on how hungry.

Oh and at the register there is a cute little pocket Bible tiny book thing. I carry it everywhere. I got several and gave to my friends and parents and siblings when I came back home. They like it too.

Next time I must post photos.

Excuse the typos. I don't feel like fixing at this...

We recently had the pleasure of dining at Carolina Buffet in West Columbia, and it was an exceptional experience. We were greeted with a warm and friendly atmosphere from the moment I walked in. The staff was attentive and made sure that I felt welcome. The buffet selection at Carolina Buffet was impressive. There was a wide variety of dishes, including Southern classics and comfort food favorites. The food was fresh, flavorful, and prepared with care. Alot of the dishes are homemade; you can tell that an old soul is working in the kitchen. The attention to detail and commitment to quality impressed us the most. The buffet area was clean and well-organized, making navigating and selecting from the different options easy. The service was exceptional. The staff was friendly and helpful, always ready to assist with any requests or questions. Overall, We highly recommend Carolina Buffet in West Columbia. Whether looking for a hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner, this place has everything. The delicious food, welcoming atmosphere, and outstanding service make it a standout dining...

You won't be dissapointed in the food at Carolina Buffet. It is clear the food is made with care from some old-time, tried and true recipes. This is southern comfort food and soul food like it should be. Fried chicken is great, stew beef, roast chicken, a great salad bar, lots of home cooked vegetables, cooked the southern grandma way with hearty juices and a little side meat thrown in for flavoring. Desserts are good as well. Be aware they are only a few days during the week. NOT open on Saturday, Sunday or Monday. When they are open it's usually busy, so be prepared for a wait, especially if you have a large party. You will be using plastic utensils and disposable plates, so if you are looking for fancy, this is not it. There is not allot of parking out front, and the stores beside Carolina Buffet are pretty serious about having your car towed if you park in their spots. But the food is very good and very worth it. I think if you are looking for old- school, down-home, southern cooking, you won't go wrong...