Hartz Chicken Buffet in Columbus is a beloved dining destination known for its hearty servings and classic comfort food. This restaurant specializes in providing a buffet-style experience centered around their famous fried chicken, but their menu extends far beyond just poultry.
Visitors can expect a wide variety of Southern-inspired dishes, sides, and desserts that cater to both casual diners and families looking for an all-you-can-eat feast.
The atmosphere at Hartz Chicken Buffet is welcoming and family-friendly, making it a great spot for gatherings of all sizes. Whether you are stopping by for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, the menu offers options that satisfy different tastes and dietary preferences.
Overview of the Buffet Experience
Hartz Chicken Buffet offers a fixed-price buffet where customers can enjoy unlimited servings from a selection of freshly prepared dishes. The buffet includes fried chicken as the star attraction, but also features a range of side dishes, salads, soups, and desserts.
Patrons appreciate the variety and value, making it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
“The best fried chicken in Columbus, paired with a diverse buffet that keeps you coming back for more!” – Local Food Reviewer
The buffet is served daily during lunch and dinner hours, with slight variations in the menu depending on the time of day. The restaurant prides itself on maintaining high standards of freshness and flavor across all its offerings.
Hartz Chicken Buffet Menu Categories
The menu at Hartz Chicken Buffet Columbus can be divided into several main categories: Entrees, Sides, Salads & Soups, Desserts, and Beverages. Each category has a well-rounded selection to complement the signature fried chicken.
Entrees
The fried chicken is the centerpiece of the buffet, prepared with a crispy, golden coating and juicy meat inside. Alongside the chicken, the entree section includes other protein options like meatloaf, baked fish, and occasionally barbecue ribs or ham, depending on the day.
| Entree | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Fried Chicken | Crispy, hand-breaded pieces cooked to perfection | Daily |
| Meatloaf | Homestyle meatloaf with rich tomato glaze | Selected days |
| Baked Fish | Lightly seasoned and baked fresh daily | Lunch & Dinner |
| Barbecue Ribs | Slow-cooked ribs with tangy barbecue sauce | Weekend Specials |
| Southern Ham | Sweet glazed ham slices | Lunch & Dinner |
Sides
No Southern buffet is complete without a rich assortment of sides, and Hartz Chicken Buffet delivers on this front. The side dishes rotate daily but consistently include classic favorites such as mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, and cornbread.
| Side Dish | Description | Typical Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes & Gravy | Creamy potatoes with rich brown gravy | Daily |
| Macaroni and Cheese | Cheesy baked macaroni with a golden crust | Daily |
| Green Beans | Steamed fresh green beans with seasoning | Daily |
| Cornbread | Moist and slightly sweet cornbread muffins | Daily |
| Collard Greens | Slow-cooked greens with smoky flavor | Selected days |
| Fried Okra | Crispy battered okra bites | Selected days |
Salads & Soups
To balance the hearty dishes, the buffet includes fresh salads and comforting soups. The salad bar usually features garden greens, pasta salad, and classic macaroni salad.
Soups vary daily but popular options include chicken noodle, vegetable beef, and cream of mushroom.
| Item | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Garden Salad | Fresh mixed greens with assorted toppings | Daily |
| Pasta Salad | Cold pasta with vegetables and dressing | Daily |
| Chicken Noodle Soup | Classic chicken broth with noodles and veggies | Daily |
| Vegetable Beef Soup | Hearty beef and vegetable medley | Selected days |
| Cream of Mushroom Soup | Rich, creamy mushroom soup | Selected days |
Desserts
Desserts at Hartz Chicken Buffet provide a sweet finish to the meal. The dessert section typically features pies, cakes, and puddings.
Popular choices include peach cobbler, chocolate cake, banana pudding, and assorted cookies.
| Dessert | Description | Typical Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Peach Cobbler | Warm peaches baked under a sweet crust | Daily |
| Chocolate Cake | Moist layered cake with rich chocolate frosting | Daily |
| Banana Pudding | Creamy pudding layered with bananas and wafers | Selected days |
| Assorted Cookies | Variety of freshly baked cookies | Daily |
| Apple Pie | Classic apple pie with cinnamon spice | Weekend Specials |
Beverages
To complement the meal, Hartz Chicken Buffet offers a range of beverage options. Soft drinks, iced tea, coffee, and lemonade are available at the buffet.
For those looking for something a bit different, sweet tea is a Southern staple offered regularly.
| Beverage | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Drinks | Variety of carbonated sodas | Daily |
| Iced Tea | Freshly brewed unsweetened iced tea | Daily |
| Sweet Tea | Classic Southern sweet tea | Daily |
| Coffee | Hot brewed coffee | Daily |
| Lemonade | Freshly squeezed lemonade | Daily |
Special Features of Hartz Chicken Buffet
One of the standout features of Hartz Chicken Buffet in Columbus is its ability to capture the essence of Southern cooking in a buffet format. The focus on fried chicken is complemented by a rotating selection of homestyle dishes that emphasize fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.
The buffet layout encourages diners to try a little bit of everything, making it ideal for those who want to explore a variety of flavors in one meal. This diversity also makes it accommodating for groups with different preferences, including children.
Hartz Chicken Buffet is also known for its generous portion sizes and friendly staff, which create a warm, inviting environment. The restaurant often receives praise for maintaining consistent quality even during busy hours.
“A perfect place for comfort food lovers. The fried chicken is unbeatable, and the sides keep the meal exciting.” – Food Enthusiast
Pricing and Value
The buffet is priced affordably, offering excellent value for the amount and quality of food provided. Pricing typically varies between lunch and dinner hours, with dinner being slightly higher due to the expanded menu and availability of additional items like barbecue ribs.
| Meal Time | Price (Approximate) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch Buffet | $12.99 | All-you-can-eat fried chicken, sides, salad bar, beverages |
| Dinner Buffet | $15.99 | Expanded entrees, sides, salads, desserts, beverages |
| Children (Under 10) | $7.99 | Buffet access with smaller portions |
| Seniors (60+) | $11.99 | Discounted buffet price |
Keep in mind prices may vary slightly by location or promotions. Hartz Chicken Buffet often runs special deals during holidays or special events.
Customer Tips
- Timing: Arrive early during peak hours to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.
- Variety: Take advantage of the buffet to sample both the fried chicken and the rotating daily specials.
- Portions: Start with smaller portions to explore the different dishes before filling your plate.
- Ask Staff: Don’t hesitate to ask the staff about daily specials or upcoming menu changes.
- Dietary Needs: Inform the staff if you have dietary restrictions; they can guide you to suitable options within the buffet.
Conclusion
Hartz Chicken Buffet in Columbus offers a quintessential Southern buffet experience centered around its signature fried chicken. The extensive menu of entrees, sides, salads, and desserts ensures that every diner leaves satisfied.
Its family-friendly environment, combined with affordable pricing and generous portions, makes it a standout choice for locals and visitors seeking hearty, comforting food.
Whether you are craving classic fried chicken or want to indulge in a variety of Southern staples, Hartz Chicken Buffet provides a welcoming setting and a delicious menu that honors tradition while offering variety.
It remains one of Columbus’s top dining spots for those who appreciate quality, flavor, and value in a buffet format.
