Shoney’s buffet menu offers all-you-can-eat pricing that changes by daypart and includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. If you are looking for a complete guide to Shoney’s buffet menu and prices, you have come to the right place. This article breaks down every cost, item, and tip you need to plan your visit without surprises.
Shoney’s Buffet Menu And Prices Overview
Shoney’s has been a famly favorite for decades. Their buffet is the main attraction, and the pricing is designed to fit different times of the day. You can expect a rotating selection of classic American dishes, from breakfast staples to hearty dinner entrees.
The buffet is not a fixed menu. Items change daily, but the core categories stay the same. Below, you will find the typical price ranges and what you can expect to see on the line.
Breakfast Buffet Pricing
Breakfast is the most affordable daypart. Prices usually start lower and include all the morning favorites.
- Adult breakfast buffet: $9.99 to $12.99
- Senior breakfast buffet (55+): $8.99 to $10.99
- Children (4-12) breakfast buffet: $5.99 to $7.99
- Kids under 4: Free with paying adult
What you get: scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, biscuits and gravy, pancakes or french toast, fresh fruit, yogurt, and breakfast potatoes. Coffee and juice are often included in the price, but check your local Shoney’s.
Lunch Buffet Pricing
Lunch service starts around 11:00 AM and runs until 4:00 PM. The menu shifts to more savory items.
- Adult lunch buffet: $11.99 to $14.99
- Senior lunch buffet: $9.99 to $12.99
- Children lunch buffet: $6.99 to $8.99
Lunch items: fried chicken, meatloaf, fish of the day, mashed potatoes and gravy, mac and cheese, steamed vegetables, salad bar, and soup of the day. The salad bar is always included.
Dinner Buffet Pricing
Dinner is the most expensive daypart. The selection is wider and includes more premium options.
- Adult dinner buffet: $13.99 to $17.99
- Senior dinner buffet: $11.99 to $14.99
- Children dinner buffet: $7.99 to $9.99
Dinner additions: roast beef or pot roast, baked fish, country fried steak, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, dinner rolls, and a dessert bar with puddings, cakes, and soft serve ice cream.
What Is Included In The Buffet
The buffet is not just one line. It is a multi-station experience. You get access to all stations for one price.
Hot Food Station
This is the main line. It rotates daily but always includes:
- Two to three meat options (chicken, beef, or fish)
- Two vegetable sides
- One starch (rice, potatoes, or pasta)
- Bread or dinner rolls
Salad Bar
The salad bar is available at every daypart. It includes:
- Iceberg and romaine lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and carrots
- Croutons, bacon bits, shredded cheese
- Four to six dressing options (ranch, thousand island, vinaigrette, blue cheese)
- Pre-made salads like coleslaw or potato salad
Soup Station
Two soups are usually offered. Common choices are:
- Chicken noodle
- Tomato basil
- Loaded baked potato
- Vegetable beef
Dessert Bar
The dessert bar is a highlight for many guests. It includes:
- Soft serve ice cream (vanilla and chocolate)
- Toppings: sprinkles, chocolate syrup, caramel, cherries
- Pudding cups (chocolate and butterscotch)
- Fruit cobbler (seasonal)
- Cookies or brownies
Shoney’s Buffet Menu And Prices By Location
Prices vary by location. A Shoney’s in a big city might charge more than one in a small town. The prices listed above are national averages. You should allways check your local restaurant for exact numbers.
Some locations also offer special discounts:
- Military discount: 10% off with ID
- Senior discount: Already reflected in senior pricing
- Kids eat free nights: Certain weekdays, check locally
- Birthday club: Free meal on your birthday with registration
How To Find Your Local Prices
- Go to the official Shoney’s website
- Use the “Find a Location” tool
- Call the restaurant directly
- Ask about daily specials or early bird pricing
Some locations post their menu on social media. You can also check Google Maps for recent photos of the menu board.
Breakfast Buffet Details
Breakfast is served from open until 11:00 AM. It is the best value for early birds.
Breakfast Items List
- Scrambled eggs (made fresh)
- Bacon (crispy or chewy, depends on batch)
- Sausage links or patties
- Biscuits and cream gravy
- Pancakes or french toast (syrup provided)
- Oatmeal with toppings
- Fresh fruit (melon, pineapple, grapes)
- Yogurt cups
- Breakfast potatoes (seasoned)
- Grits (southern style)
Beverages: Coffee, hot tea, orange juice, apple juice, and milk are usually included. Soda and specialty drinks cost extra.
Breakfast Buffet Tips
- Go early for the freshest eggs
- Ask for a to-go cup of coffee (most locations allow it)
- Skip the pancakes if you want to save room for biscuits and gravy
- Check if your location offers a breakfast bar on weekends only
Lunch Buffet Details
Lunch is the transition meal. It starts at 11:00 AM and goes until 4:00 PM. The menu is lighter than dinner but still filling.
Lunch Items List
- Fried chicken (legs, thighs, breasts)
- Meatloaf with ketchup glaze
- Fish of the day (usually fried catfish or tilapia)
- Mashed potatoes with gravy
- Mac and cheese (creamy style)
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Corn on the cob or creamed corn
- Rice pilaf
- Salad bar (full access)
- Soup of the day
Lunch Buffet Tips
- Arrive right at 11:00 AM for the best selection
- Try the fried chicken first, it goes fast
- Use the salad bar to add veggies to your plate
- Ask about the soup rotation if you have a favorite
Dinner Buffet Details
Dinner is the main event. It starts at 4:00 PM and runs until close. The selection is the largest of the day.
Dinner Items List
- Roast beef or pot roast (carved to order)
- Baked fish (lemon pepper or herb crusted)
- Country fried steak with white gravy
- Fried shrimp (select locations)
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Baked potatoes with toppings
- Green beans with ham
- Corn pudding
- Dinner rolls with butter
- Dessert bar (full access)
Dinner Buffet Tips
- Go for the roast beef first, it is the most popular item
- Save room for dessert, the soft serve is a must
- Ask for a fresh batch of rolls if they look dry
- Check if your location offers a seafood night on Fridays
Drinks And Extras
Most drinks are included with the buffet, but some cost extra. Here is the breakdown:
Included Beverages
- Coffee (regular and decaf)
- Hot tea
- Orange juice
- Apple juice
- Milk (whole or 2%)
- Water (self-serve)
Extra Cost Beverages
- Soft drinks (Coca-Cola products): $2.49 to $3.49
- Lemonade: $2.49
- Iced tea (sweet or unsweet): $2.49
- Milkshakes: $3.99
- Alcoholic beverages (select locations): Varies
If you want to save money, stick with the included drinks. Coffee and juice are free with breakfast, and water is always free.
Shoney’s Buffet Menu And Prices For Special Occasions
Shoney’s offers holiday buffets and special event menus. These are not allways available, but they are worth knowing about.
Holiday Buffets
On Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, Shoney’s often runs a special buffet. Prices are higher, but the selection is expanded.
- Adult holiday buffet: $18.99 to $24.99
- Senior holiday buffet: $15.99 to $19.99
- Children holiday buffet: $9.99 to $12.99
Holiday items: turkey and dressing, ham, prime rib, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie.
Birthday Club
Join the Shoney’s Birthday Club online. You get a free buffet meal on your birthday. You must show your ID and the email coupon.
Early Bird Specials
Some locations offer early bird pricing for dinner. If you arrive between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM, you might get a discount. Ask your local restaurant.
How To Save Money At Shoney’s Buffet
Buffets can add up, especially for famlies. Here are practical ways to keep costs down.
- Go for breakfast instead of dinner. It is cheaper and still filling.
- Use the senior discount if you are 55 or older.
- Sign up for the Birthday Club for a free meal.
- Check for kids eat free nights (usually Tuesday or Wednesday).
- Share a buffet with a child under 4 (they eat free).
- Look for coupons in local mailers or online.
- Visit on a weekday instead of weekend (prices are sometimes lower).
- Order water instead of soda to avoid extra charges.
What Customers Say About The Buffet
Reviews are mixed but mostly positive. Here are common comments:
Pros
- Good value for the price
- Wide variety of food
- Friendly staff at most locations
- Clean dining rooms
- Consistent quality
Cons
- Food can be lukewarm during off-peak hours
- Some items run out and are not restocked quickly
- Dessert bar can be messy
- Prices vary too much by location
Overall, most customers say the buffet is a solid choice for a casual meal. The value is best at breakfast and lunch.
Shoney’s Buffet Menu And Prices Compared To Competitors
How does Shoney’s stack up against other buffets? Here is a quick comparison.
| Restaurant | Adult Dinner Price | Breakfast Included |
|---|---|---|
| Shoney’s | $13.99 – $17.99 | Yes, separate daypart |
| Golden Corral | $12.99 – $16.99 | Yes, all day |
| Cracker Barrel | $10.99 – $14.99 (a la carte) | No buffet |
| Old Country Buffet | $11.99 – $15.99 | Yes, all day |
Shoney’s is mid-range in price. It offers a more focused menu than Golden Corral but less variety. The breakfast buffet is a standout value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shoney’s Buffet Menu And Prices Change On Weekends?
Yes, weekend prices are often higher by $1 to $3 per person. The menu may also include additional items like prime rib or seafood on Saturday nights.
Can I Get A Discount On Shoney’s Buffet Menu And Prices For A Large Group?
Some locations offer group discounts for parties of 10 or more. You should call ahead and ask. They may also require a reservation.
Are There Vegetarian Options On Shoney’s Buffet Menu And Prices?
Yes, the salad bar is vegetarian-friendly. You can also find mac and cheese, steamed vegetables, and fruit. However, most hot entrees contain meat.
What Are The Hours For Shoney’s Buffet Menu And Prices?
Breakfast is served from open to 11:00 AM. Lunch runs 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Dinner starts at 4:00 PM and goes until close. Hours vary by location.
Is The Shoney’s Buffet Menu And Prices The Same At All Locations?
No, prices and menu items vary by location. Some franchises offer different specials or regional dishes. Always check with your local Shoney’s for exact details.
Final Thoughts On Shoney’s Buffet
Shoney’s buffet is a reliable choice for a filling meal at a fair price. The menu covers all the classics, and the pricing is transparent. Breakfast is the best deal, while dinner offers the most variety.
Remember to check your local restaurant for exact prices and specials. Use the tips in this article to save money and get the freshest food. Whether you are a first-timer or a regular, the buffet has something for everyone.
Plan your visit, bring your appetite, and enjoy the all-you-can-eat experience. Shoney’s has been serving famlies for years, and the buffet remains a solid option for casual dining.