If you are looking for a filling meal that won’t empty your wallet, checking the Shoney’s daily buffet menu with prices is a smart first step. Shoney’s daily buffet menu changes to feature fresh seasonal items, and the set price covers everything from salads to desserts. This guide gives you the real numbers, the current offerings, and tips to get the most value from your visit.
Shoney’s has been a staple for families across the South for decades. The buffet is their main attraction, offering a rotating selection of homestyle favorites. You pay one price, and you can go back as many times as you like. It is simple, affordable, and reliable.
Let’s break down exactly what you can expect to find, what it will cost, and how to plan your trip. We have the details on breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, plus the specials that change with the seasons.
Shoney’s Daily Buffet Menu With Prices
This section covers the core pricing structure for the buffet. Keep in mind that prices can vary slightly by location, especially in different states or near tourist areas. The numbers below are based on national averages and recent reports from customers.
Breakfast Buffet Pricing
Breakfast is served daily, usually from opening until 11:00 AM. The spread includes scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, biscuits and gravy, fresh fruit, and made-to-order omelets at some locations.
- Adult Breakfast Buffet: $9.99 to $11.99
- Senior Breakfast Buffet (55+): $8.99 to $9.99
- Kids Breakfast Buffet (ages 4-10): $5.99 to $7.99
- Children under 4: Free with a paying adult
The breakfast buffet is one of the best deals. You get hot coffee or tea included with the price at most locations. The biscuts are usually fresh and flaky, and the gravy is thick and peppery.
Lunch And Dinner Buffet Pricing
After 11:00 AM, the buffet switches over to lunch and dinner items. The selection is broader, with multiple hot entrees, vegetables, and a full salad bar. The dinner menu often includes a carving station with roast beef or turkey.
- Adult Lunch Buffet (11 AM – 4 PM): $11.99 to $13.99
- Adult Dinner Buffet (after 4 PM): $13.99 to $16.99
- Senior Lunch/Dinner Buffet: $10.99 to $12.99
- Kids Lunch/Dinner Buffet: $6.99 to $8.99
Prices tend to be higher on Friday and Saturday nights, especially for the dinner buffet. Some locations add a small surcharge for special holiday menus or seasonal events like the strawberry festival.
Drinks And Extras
The buffet price usually does not include fountain drinks, tea, or milk. Those are sold separately. Coffee and water are often included with breakfast, but not always during lunch or dinner.
- Fountain Drink or Iced Tea: $2.49 to $3.29
- Milk or Chocolate Milk: $2.49
- Juice (Orange, Apple): $2.99
- Bottled Water: $1.99
If you are on a tight budget, stick with water or coffee. The drink prices can add up quickly if you have a large family.
What Is On The Buffet Right Now?
The menu rotates, but there are core items you can almost always count on. Shoney’s keeps a steady lineup of comfort food classics. Here is what you will typically find at lunch and dinner.
Hot Entrees
The hot food bar usually has four to six options. These change daily, but common staples include:
- Fried chicken (legs, thighs, breasts)
- Meatloaf with brown gravy
- Country fried steak with cream gravy
- Baked or fried fish (often on Fridays)
- Roast beef or turkey from the carving station (dinner only)
- Spaghetti with meat sauce
Each entree is kept warm in steam tables. The fried chicken is usually crispy and well-seasoned. The meatloaf is moist and holds up well on the buffet.
Vegetables And Sides
The vegetable selection is generous. You can fill your plate with several different sides. Expect to see:
- Mashed potatoes with gravy
- Green beans (often cooked with bacon)
- Corn on the cob or creamed corn
- Macaroni and cheese
- Cole slaw
- Baked beans
- Seasoned rice
The mac and cheese is a favorite among kids. The green beans are usually tender and flavorful. The mashed potatoes are real, not instant, at most locations.
Salad Bar
The salad bar is included in the buffet price. It is not a separate charge. You will find:
- Fresh lettuce and spinach
- Chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions
- Shredded cheese and croutons
- Bacon bits and hard-boiled eggs
- Several dressing options (ranch, Italian, thousand island, blue cheese)
- Pasta salad and potato salad
The salad bar is well-stocked during peak hours. It can get a little picked over late in the evening, so go early if you want the freshest options.
Dessert Station
Dessert is included. You do not pay extra. The selection varies, but common items are:
- Fresh fruit (cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon)
- Pudding (chocolate or vanilla)
- Gelatin cups (red and green)
- Cookies (chocolate chip or oatmeal)
- Seasonal pies (apple, pecan, or strawberry)
- Ice cream (soft serve or scoopable)
The strawberry pie is a signature item during strawberry season. The soft serve ice cream is a hit with kids. The fruit is usually fresh and sweet.
Seasonal And Special Buffet Events
Shoney’s runs several seasonal promotions throughout the year. These events often feature limited-time items and slightly different pricing.
Strawberry Festival
This is Shoney’s most famous seasonal event. It usually runs from late winter through early spring. The buffet includes:
- Strawberry shortcake
- Fresh strawberries for the salad bar
- Strawberry pies and tarts
- Strawberry lemonade (extra cost)
During the Strawberry Festival, the dessert station is overloaded with strawberry items. The shortcake is light and fluffy. The strawberries are usually ripe and sweet.
Holiday Buffets
On major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, Shoney’s offers a special holiday buffet. The price is higher, usually around $18 to $22 for adults. The menu includes:
- Roasted turkey with stuffing
- Ham with pineapple glaze
- Prime rib (select locations)
- Traditional sides like sweet potato casserole and green bean casserole
- Pumpkin pie and pecan pie
These holiday buffets are popular. They often require a wait, especially around noon. Go early or late to avoid the crowd.
Local Specials
Many individual Shoney’s locations run their own specials. These are not national promotions. Examples include:
- Two-for-one buffet coupons (often in local mailers)
- Early bird dinner discounts (before 5 PM)
- Military or first responder discounts (check with your local store)
- Birthday club (free buffet on your birthday with purchase)
It is worth asking your local Shoney’s if they have any current specials. The staff is usually happy to tell you about deals.
Tips For Getting The Best Value
You can save money and enjoy the buffet more with a few simple strategies. Here is how to make the most of your visit.
Go For Breakfast Or Early Lunch
Breakfast is the cheapest meal. If you want to save money, go before 11:00 AM. The breakfast buffet has plenty of protein and carbs to keep you full.
If you go for lunch, aim for the 11:00 AM opening. The food is freshest, and the buffet is fully stocked. You avoid the rush and get first pick of the fried chicken.
Use The Senior Discount
If you are 55 or older, always ask for the senior price. It is usually $1 to $2 cheaper than the adult price. You do not need to show ID at most locations, but it is good to have it handy.
Seniors also get a smaller portion of the buffet, but the selection is the same. You can still go back for seconds.
Skip The Drinks
Drinks can cost as much as a kids buffet. If you are on a budget, stick with water or coffee. Coffee is often free with breakfast. Water is always free.
If you want a soda, consider ordering one and sharing it with a family member. The cups are large.
Check For Coupons
Shoney’s often has coupons on their website or in local coupon books. You can find buy-one-get-one-free offers or $2 off adult buffets. Search online before you go.
Some locations also have a loyalty program. You earn points for every visit. After a certain number of points, you get a free buffet.
Go On Weekdays
Weekend dinner buffets are more expensive. If you can, go on a Monday through Thursday. The price is lower, and the crowd is smaller.
Weekday lunch is the sweet spot. You get the full buffet at the lowest dinner price. The food is still fresh and hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about the Shoney’s buffet.
Does Shoney’s have a senior discount on the buffet?
Yes, most locations offer a senior discount for guests 55 and older. The discount is usually $1 to $2 off the adult buffet price. It applies to breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Can I get takeout from the Shoney’s buffet?
No, the buffet is dine-in only. You cannot take food home from the buffet line. However, you can order from the regular menu for takeout.
Is the Shoney’s breakfast buffet available all day?
No, the breakfast buffet is only served until 11:00 AM. After that, the buffet switches to lunch and dinner items. Some locations may offer breakfast items on the regular menu all day.
Does Shoney’s buffet price include dessert?
Yes, dessert is included in the buffet price. You can eat as much dessert as you want. The dessert station has fruit, pudding, cookies, and seasonal pies.
Are there any gluten-free options on the Shoney’s buffet?
There are limited gluten-free options. The salad bar and fresh fruit are safe choices. Some locations have grilled chicken or plain vegetables. Ask the manager for guidance.
Final Thoughts On The Buffet
Shoney’s daily buffet menu with prices offers a solid value for a casual meal. The food is consistent, the portions are generous, and the variety keeps things interesting. You get a full meal from salad to dessert for one price.
The key is to go at the right time. Breakfast is the cheapest. Lunch is the best value for the selection. Dinner is the most expensive but includes the carving station.
Remember to check for local specials and senior discounts. A little planning can save you several dollars. The buffet is not gourmet, but it is reliable comfort food that fills you up.
If you have not been to Shoney’s in a while, it is worth a visit. The buffet is still the same affordable, all-you-can-eat experience that families have enjoyed for decades. Just go hungry and leave satisfied.