Ole Times Country Buffet in Auburn offers a delightful culinary experience that celebrates the rich flavors of traditional Southern cooking. Known for its extensive menu and warm, welcoming atmosphere, this buffet is a haven for food lovers seeking hearty meals that evoke the comfort of home-cooked dishes.
The restaurant prides itself on using fresh ingredients, generous portions, and a diverse selection that caters to all tastes, whether you’re craving savory meats, fresh vegetables, or decadent desserts.
Walking into Ole Times Country Buffet, guests are greeted by the enticing aromas of classic Southern fare, from slow-cooked barbeque to creamy mashed potatoes. The menu is thoughtfully crafted to provide a balance of flavors and textures, ensuring every visit offers something new to savor.
Whether you’re dining with family or grabbing a quick lunch, the buffet’s variety and quality promise a satisfying meal that honors country traditions.
Beyond just the food, Ole Times Country Buffet emphasizes a friendly and comfortable dining environment. The Auburn location reflects the community’s spirit, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking for a genuine taste of Southern hospitality.
The menu’s variety extends beyond dinner classics to include lighter options and kid-friendly choices, making it an ideal destination for all ages.
Hearty Main Courses
The backbone of the Ole Times Country Buffet Auburn menu lies in its hearty main courses. These dishes showcase the restaurant’s commitment to traditional Southern recipes prepared with care and authenticity.
Each entrée is designed to provide warmth and satisfaction, perfect for anyone seeking a fulfilling meal.
Signature dishes include slow-roasted meats like barbeque beef brisket, southern fried chicken, and baked ham. These mains are often accompanied by rich gravies or sauces that enhance the natural flavors of the proteins.
The quality of the meat, combined with the skillful preparation, ensures every bite is tender and flavorful.
Vegetarian options are thoughtfully integrated into the main course offerings as well, featuring items such as vegetable lasagna and seasoned tofu dishes. This inclusivity ensures that all diners can enjoy the buffet without compromising on taste or satisfaction.
- Barbeque Beef Brisket: Slow-cooked for hours to achieve tenderness
- Southern Fried Chicken: Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned
- Baked Ham: Glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce
- Vegetable Lasagna: Layers of fresh vegetables and cheese
Meat Quality and Preparation
Ole Times Country Buffet places a strong emphasis on sourcing quality meats. The brisket and ham are procured from trusted suppliers who prioritize humane practices and freshness.
Each meat option is prepared daily to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
The restaurant’s chefs employ traditional Southern cooking methods, such as slow roasting and deep frying, to bring out the best in every dish. This attention to detail in preparation reflects the deep-rooted culinary traditions that Ole Times honors.
“The secret to our mouth-watering brisket is patience and quality — slow smoked to perfection every day,” says the head chef.
Comforting Side Dishes
Complementing the main courses, Ole Times Country Buffet offers a variety of comforting side dishes that round out the meal. These sides are staples of Southern cuisine, crafted to deliver familiar, satisfying tastes that guests return for time and again.
From creamy mashed potatoes to seasoned green beans, the side dishes provide both texture and flavor contrasts. Many of these items are prepared using family recipes passed down through generations, ensuring authenticity and a homey feel.
Health-conscious diners will appreciate the inclusion of fresh salads and steamed vegetables alongside the richer options. This balance allows guests to customize their plates according to dietary needs and preferences.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery with a hint of garlic
- Green Beans: Lightly seasoned and steamed for freshness
- Macaroni and Cheese: Rich, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection
- Fresh Garden Salad: Crisp greens with an assortment of toppings
Traditional vs. Healthier Sides
| Traditional Sides | Healthier Options |
| Macaroni and Cheese | Steamed Broccoli |
| Fried Okra | Mixed Green Salad |
| Potato Salad | Fresh Fruit Cup |
Offering both types of sides ensures that Ole Times caters to a broad audience, from those seeking indulgence to those aiming for balanced nutrition.
Freshly Baked Bread and Rolls
One of the highlights at Ole Times Country Buffet is the selection of freshly baked bread and rolls. These items add a comforting, homemade touch to the meal and complement the rich flavors of the main dishes and sides.
Guests can enjoy a variety of breads, including classic buttermilk biscuits, cornbread, and soft dinner rolls. Each bread type is baked on-site daily, ensuring freshness and quality that elevates the dining experience.
These breads are often served warm, with butter or honey available as accompaniments. Their texture ranges from flaky and tender to slightly sweet and dense, catering to different taste preferences.
- Buttermilk Biscuits: Fluffy, flaky, and perfect for soaking up gravy
- Cornbread: Slightly sweet with a golden crust
- Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm, and buttery
Enhancing the Meal with Breads
Breads play a crucial role in Southern meals by providing a vehicle for sauces and gravies. Ole Times encourages diners to pair the breads with their entrees for a truly satisfying combination.
Many guests find that a warm biscuit paired with barbeque brisket or fried chicken creates a mouthwatering harmony of flavors and textures. The cornbread, with its subtle sweetness, is often chosen to balance the savory sides.
“Never underestimate the power of a good biscuit — it’s the soul of a Southern meal,” shares a longtime customer.
Decadent Desserts
The dessert offerings at Ole Times Country Buffet highlight the sweet side of Southern cuisine. These treats finish the meal on a high note, offering indulgent flavors and nostalgic comfort.
Classic desserts such as peach cobbler, banana pudding, and chocolate cake are staples on the dessert table. Each item is made using traditional recipes that emphasize rich, home-cooked flavors.
Desserts are refreshed regularly throughout service to guarantee freshness and maintain visual appeal. The variety caters to different preferences, from fruity and light to rich and chocolatey.
- Peach Cobbler: Warm, spiced peaches with a flaky crust
- Banana Pudding: Creamy layers with vanilla wafers
- Chocolate Cake: Moist with a rich chocolate frosting
- Apple Pie: Classic Southern style with a buttery crust
Popular Desserts and Their Origins
Many of the desserts at Ole Times have deep roots in Southern culinary history. Peach cobbler, for example, traces back to pioneer days when fresh fruit and simple ingredients created memorable desserts.
Banana pudding, a crowd favorite, offers a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of vanilla wafers. Chocolate cake provides a classic indulgence that appeals to guests of all ages.
| Dessert | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Peach Cobbler | Peaches, sugar, flour, butter | Sweet, fruity, and slightly spiced |
| Banana Pudding | Bananas, vanilla pudding, wafers, cream | Creamy, sweet, and smooth |
| Chocolate Cake | Cocoa, flour, sugar, eggs, butter | Rich, moist, and chocolatey |
Beverage Selection
Ole Times Country Buffet complements its food offerings with a thoughtfully curated beverage selection. Drinks range from traditional Southern favorites to refreshing modern options.
Sweet tea is a cornerstone of the beverage menu, embodying Southern hospitality. Alongside sweet tea, unsweetened iced tea, lemonade, and soft drinks are readily available.
For guests desiring a warm drink, coffee is served with various creamers and sweeteners.
Alcoholic beverages are limited but include select beers and wines that pair well with the hearty menu. This selection supports the casual, family-friendly atmosphere of the restaurant.
- Sweet Tea: Classic Southern staple, brewed fresh daily
- Lemonade: Tart and refreshing, perfect for warm days
- Coffee: Freshly brewed with customizable add-ons
- Soft Drinks: Variety of popular sodas and sparkling waters
Pairing Drinks with Food
Choosing the right beverage can enhance the flavors of a meal. Sweet tea’s subtle sweetness pairs exceptionally well with spicy or savory Southern dishes, balancing heat and richness.
Lemonade offers a clean, citrusy counterpoint to heavier foods like fried chicken or barbeque. Coffee is ideal for those finishing their meal with dessert or seeking a comforting warm drink.
“A glass of sweet tea makes any meal feel like a Southern celebration,” notes a frequent patron.
Kid-Friendly Options
Understanding the importance of family dining, Ole Times Country Buffet includes a variety of kid-friendly options on its menu. These dishes are designed to appeal to younger palates without compromising nutritional value.
Children can enjoy favorites such as chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, and mini corn dogs. The buffet style also allows kids to sample smaller portions of many dishes, encouraging diverse tastes and reducing food waste.
The buffet staff are attentive to families, ensuring that the dining experience is comfortable and enjoyable for guests of all ages. Special seating and accommodating service contribute to a positive environment for children.
- Chicken Tenders: Crispy and tender, a kid-favorite
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy and cheesy, made fresh daily
- Mini Corn Dogs: Perfect size for little hands
- Fresh Fruit Cups: Healthy and sweet snack option
Nutrition and Variety for Kids
While comfort is key, Ole Times also pays attention to nutritional balance in their kid-friendly offerings. Fresh fruit cups and steamed vegetables provide essential vitamins alongside classic favorites.
The variety helps children develop a palate for different foods while enjoying familiar tastes. Parents appreciate having options that satisfy picky eaters and encourage healthy choices.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Health Benefits |
| Chicken Tenders | Chicken breast, breading, seasoning | High protein, moderate fat |
| Fresh Fruit Cups | Seasonal fruits | Rich in vitamins, fiber |
| Macaroni and Cheese | Pasta, cheese, milk, butter | Calcium, carbohydrates |
Conclusion
Ole Times Country Buffet in Auburn offers an inviting and memorable dining experience steeped in Southern tradition. Its extensive menu showcases a thoughtful balance of hearty main courses, comforting sides, freshly baked breads, and indulgent desserts.
Each dish reflects a dedication to quality and authentic flavors that celebrate the heart of country cooking.
The variety on the buffet accommodates diverse tastes and dietary preferences, with options for meat lovers, vegetarians, children, and health-conscious guests alike. Complemented by a well-curated beverage selection and a warm, family-friendly environment, Ole Times goes beyond simply serving food — it creates a welcoming space where guests can connect over shared meals and comforting flavors.
Whether you’re drawn by the slow-smoked barbeque, the flaky buttermilk biscuits, or the classic peach cobbler, the Auburn location delivers consistently satisfying meals that honor Southern culinary heritage.
For anyone seeking a flavorful, relaxed dining experience that feels like a homecoming, Ole Times Country Buffet remains a top choice.
