17 Dishes You Should Avoid At Golden Corral

Golden Corral may be the king of all-you-can-eat buffets, but not every item on the steam table is worth the plate space. With such a wide range of dishes constantly rotating under heat lamps, a few just don’t hold up in flavor, texture, or nutrition. Whether you’re trying to avoid disappointment—or a food coma—here are 17 dishes better left untouched at Golden Corral.

1. Fried Fish

Fried fish at buffets can often become soggy, resulting from sitting too long under heat lamps. This causes the batter to separate from the fish itself. While it might appear crispy and golden initially, appearance can be deceiving. Flavor and texture are compromised when the fish loses its freshness. The batter turns soft and unappealing, lacking the satisfying crunch one expects from fried foods. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to pass on this dish unless it’s just been freshly brought out. Timing is everything with fried fish, ensuring it retains its intended taste and texture.

2. Meatloaf

Meatloaf can be an unpredictable choice at buffets. It’s often a hit or miss, with the potential to turn out dry and bland. Many times, the meatloaf is slathered in a ketchup glaze that fails to compensate for the lack of seasoning. This dish might remind one of home-cooked meals but rarely meets expectations. The texture can be off-putting, with an unappealing crumbly consistency. At Golden Corral, the meatloaf is often best avoided unless you’re sure it’s freshly prepared. Otherwise, it tends to disappoint those seeking comfort in familiar flavors.

3. Pot Roast

Pot roast sounds like a comforting choice but can be deceiving at buffets. Often greasy and overly salty, the dish suffers from stringy beef and mushy vegetables. The gravy, meant to enhance the meal, can overpower with its saltiness. Rather than offering a heartwarming experience, the pot roast often leaves diners unsatisfied. Those seeking the cozy flavors of a well-cooked roast may find themselves disappointed. It’s a classic case of expectations failing to meet reality, as the dish lacks the rich, savory depth it promises.

4. Buffet Pizza

Buffet pizza rarely lives up to its potential. Often low on sauce and heavy on cheese, the crust can resemble cardboard more than a freshly baked pizza. The lack of freshness and flavor leaves much to be desired. Pizza lovers might find the experience underwhelming, with a texture that fails to deliver the expected delight. The toppings can appear sparse, and the overall appeal is limited. If you’re craving a satisfying pizza experience, the buffet’s offering might not suffice. It’s best to save your calories for more rewarding options.

5. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes at buffets can be a gamble. While they have the potential to be creamy and delightful when fresh, they quickly dry out under heat lamps. This results in a gluey texture that’s far from appetizing. The once-smooth consistency becomes thick and unyielding, making for an unsatisfying side dish. Timing is crucial, as freshly made mashed potatoes can be a comforting addition to any meal. However, once they sit too long, they transform into a sticky mess, losing their appeal entirely.

6. Baked Fish with Lemon Butter

Baked fish with lemon butter might sound appealing, but at buffets, it often disappoints. The term ‘lemon butter’ can be misleading, as it frequently translates into a pool of mystery oil. Overcooked and devoid of flavor, the fish fails to deliver on its promise of a zesty, buttery delight. The texture becomes dry, and the lemon flavor doesn’t always come through, leaving diners wishing for more. Rather than a culinary treat, this dish frequently falls short of expectations, lacking the vibrant flavors it’s meant to embody.

7. Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken fried steak at buffets can be more of a miss than a hit. With an abundance of breading that often overshadows the meat, the texture quickly becomes soggy. The gravy, intended to enhance the dish, sometimes fails to save it from its lackluster presentation. Those expecting a crunchy and satisfying meal might find themselves disappointed. The balance between breading and meat is frequently off, leaving little to enjoy. For those seeking a fulfilling dining experience, this dish may not meet the mark.

8. Breaded Shrimp

Breaded shrimp, a tempting seafood option, can fall flat at buffets. Often heavy, oily, and rubbery, the shrimp suffer from over-frying and long holds under heat lamps. The once-crispy breading becomes a burden rather than a delight. Diners seeking seafood satisfaction might encounter disappointment as the shrimp lose their intended texture and flavor. The promise of a light and crispy treat is far from the reality of this buffet offering, leading to a less-than-stellar dining experience.

9. Potatoes Au Gratin

Potatoes au gratin often suffer at buffets due to their tendency to become overly salty with a plasticky cheese flavor. The dish, meant to be creamy and indulgent, quickly dries out on the buffet line. Rather than offering a rich, cheesy delight, diners might find the experience less than satisfying. The textures and flavors fail to harmonize, leaving much to be desired. Those seeking a comforting side dish might be better off exploring other options, as this au gratin frequently disappoints.

10. Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese, often a kid favorite, can miss the mark at buffets. Under-seasoned and mushy, it lacks the real cheese flavor that many crave. The texture becomes more of a letdown than a delight, with a consistency that’s far from creamy. Those expecting a satisfying bite of cheesy goodness may find themselves disappointed. The dish fails to capture the rich, comforting essence that makes macaroni and cheese a beloved staple. Instead, it leaves diners yearning for a more fulfilling version.

11. BBQ Ribs

BBQ ribs, a potentially mouthwatering choice, often fall short at buffets. Tough and fatty, they’re frequently coated in an overly sweet sauce that overwhelms rather than enhances. The promise of tender, flavorful meat is unmet, leaving diners craving something more. Rather than a barbecue delight, the ribs can be a challenge to enjoy. The balance between meat and sauce misses the mark, resulting in a less-than-satisfying experience for those seeking a true rib feast.

12. Salisbury Steak

Salisbury steak, a classic dish, often disappoints at buffets due to its processed taste and unappetizing appearance. The gray gravy, meant to complement, instead highlights its lack of flavor. Rather than offering a savory and satisfying meal, this dish resembles something far from homemade. Those seeking a comforting, hearty bite might find themselves disillusioned. With its uninspiring presentation and taste, Salisbury steak at the buffet frequently leaves much to be desired.

13. Chicken Livers

Chicken livers, beloved by some, can be a letdown at buffets. Overcooked and grainy, they lack the rich flavor that liver aficionados crave. Rather than providing a tender and savory experience, the dish often disappoints. Those who appreciate the unique taste of liver might find themselves yearning for more. The preparation fails to highlight the potential of this dish, leading to an underwhelming culinary encounter at the buffet.

14. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs, a staple of Southern-style buffets, can fall flat due to a weird texture and overly tangy filling. While they may look appealing, the taste often fails to live up to expectations. The balance of flavors is off, leading to an unsatisfying experience for egg enthusiasts. Rather than offering a delightful bite, these deviled eggs frequently disappoint, leaving diners wishing for a more balanced version of this classic dish.

15. Chocolate Fountain Items

Chocolate fountain items, such as bananas and marshmallows, often suffer from prolonged exposure on buffet lines. Unless refreshed frequently, they can become stale and unappealing. The allure of a chocolate-dipped treat fades when the quality of the dipping items is compromised. Diners seeking a sweet delight might find themselves let down by the lack of freshness and appeal. It’s essential to catch these items when newly replenished for the best experience.

16. Fried Chicken

Fried chicken, a buffet favorite, can lose its charm during off-peak hours. While it can be excellent when fresh, sitting too long causes it to lose crispiness and turn greasy. The promise of a crunchy, savory delight diminishes as the chicken fails to maintain its initial allure. Diners might find themselves disappointed by the lackluster texture and flavor. For those seeking the classic satisfaction of freshly fried chicken, timing is crucial to ensure a rewarding experience.

17. Steamed Vegetables

Steamed vegetables at buffets can be a letdown due to overcooking and lack of seasoning. Rather than offering a fresh, vibrant bite, they often appear watery and unappetizing. The potential for a healthy side is lost as the vegetables become bland and uninspiring. Those seeking a nutritious addition to their meal might be better served by the salad bar, where freshness and flavor are more likely to be found.