Golden Corral Menu With Prices (Updated October 2026)
Golden Corral buffet prices for adults, kids and seniors, with breakfast, lunch and dinner times, what is on the buffet, drinks, to go pricing and current deals. Checked in October 2026.
Golden Corral Menu Prices at a Glance
James Maynard and William Carl opened the first Golden Corral in Fayetteville, North Carolina in 1973 as a steakhouse. It moved to an all you can eat buffet in the 1980s and is now the largest buffet chain in the US, with around 350 restaurants. The Endless Buffet and Grill includes a carving station, hot bar, salad bar, desserts and the chocolate fountain.
Golden Corral restaurants are mostly franchised and each sets its own prices, so the figures below are typical ranges from menu boards and pricing trackers in October 2026.
Adult Buffet Prices
| Meal | Typical price | Served |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday lunch | $13.99 to $15.99 | Monday to Friday, 11am to about 4pm |
| Weekday dinner | $16.99 to $19.99 | Monday to Friday, about 4pm to close |
| Weekend breakfast | $14.49 to $15.99 | Saturday and Sunday, 7:30am to 11am |
| Weekend lunch and dinner | $17.99 to $19.99 | Saturday and Sunday after breakfast |
| Early bird or senior price | $11.99 to $13.99 | Weekday afternoons at many restaurants |
Kids Prices by Age
| Age | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| 3 and under | Free to $1 | Free to $1 |
| 4 to 8 | $7.49 to $8.99 | $8.49 to $9.99 |
| 9 to 12 | $8.99 to $10.49 | $9.99 to $11.99 |
| 13 and over | Adult price | Adult price |
Drinks and To Go
| Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fountain drink, tea or lemonade | $2.99 to $3.49 | Free refills |
| Coffee | $2.79 to $3.29 | Free refills |
| Water | Free | |
| To go box | Priced by weight | About $8 to $10 a pound at many restaurants |
What Is on the Buffet
| Station | Typical items |
|---|---|
| Carving and grill | Sirloin steak (dinner and weekends), pot roast, carved ham or turkey |
| Hot bar | Fried and rotisserie chicken, meatloaf, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, vegetables |
| Salad bar | Salad greens, toppings, soups, fruit |
| Bakery | Yeast rolls, cornbread, cookies |
| Desserts | Chocolate fountain, soft serve, cakes, pies, cotton candy at many locations |
| Breakfast | Made to order omelets, pancakes, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy |
Golden Corral Hours
| Day | Opens | Closes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 10:30am to 11:00am | 9:00pm | Lunch then dinner pricing |
| Friday | 10:30am to 11:00am | 9:30pm to 10:00pm | Steak on the grill at dinner |
| Saturday and Sunday | 7:30am | 9:00pm to 9:30pm | Breakfast until 11am |
Dinner pricing starts around 4pm on weekdays. Breakfast is served on Saturday and Sunday mornings at most restaurants.
How to Order at Golden Corral for Less
Come at lunch on a weekday, since the same buffet costs a few dollars less than at dinner. Ask about senior or early bird pricing in the afternoon, and drink water, which is free while other drinks cost about $3. Kids 3 and under eat free or for a dollar at most restaurants.
Golden Corral Nutrition Notes
With an all you can eat buffet, the total depends entirely on your plate. Building a first plate from the salad bar and grilled meats keeps a meal lighter than starting with fried chicken, mac and cheese and dessert. Use our calorie calculator to see how a meal fits your day.
Current Golden Corral Deals and Offers
| Deal | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Senior or early bird price | $11.99 to $13.99 | Weekday afternoons at many restaurants |
| Kids 3 and under | Free to $1 | At most restaurants |
| Military Appreciation Night | Free dinner | For veterans and active military, usually in November |
| Golden Corral eClub | Free | Email coupons and birthday offers |
Golden Corral does not run national coupons on its regular prices, so the best savings come from timing your visit at lunch and from the kids and senior prices.
Military Appreciation Night is a long running tradition, and dates for the year are announced in the fall.
Golden Corral Menu FAQ
How much is Golden Corral per person?
Usually $13.99 to $15.99 for weekday lunch and $16.99 to $19.99 for dinner in October 2026, depending on the restaurant.
How much is Golden Corral for kids?
Kids are priced by age, usually $7.49 to $11.99. Children 3 and under eat free or for about a dollar at most restaurants.
Does Golden Corral have a senior discount?
Many restaurants offer a lower senior or early bird price on weekday afternoons.
What time does Golden Corral switch to dinner prices?
Around 4pm on weekdays at most restaurants.
Does Golden Corral serve breakfast?
Yes, on Saturday and Sunday mornings, usually from 7:30am to 11am.
Are drinks included at Golden Corral?
At most restaurants, no. Drinks cost about $2.99 to $3.49 with free refills.
When is Golden Corral Military Appreciation Night?
Usually in November, when veterans and active military get a free dinner.
More Restaurant Menus
Price disclaimer. USA Food Menu is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with Golden Corral. Prices and calorie counts on this page were checked in October 2026 using menu boards and pricing trackers, and they reflect in store ordering. Each restaurant sets its own prices, so check with your local Golden Corral. Calorie figures are approximate. Confirm with your local Golden Corral before you order.