Nestled in the heart of Columbus, Georgia, Ole Times Country Buffet stands as a beacon for those who crave the authentic tastes of Southern comfort food. The moment you walk through the doors, you’re welcomed by the inviting aromas of slow-cooked meats, freshly baked breads, and an array of time-honored side dishes that evoke memories of family gatherings and Sunday dinners.
The dining experience at Ole Times is more than just a meal—it’s a journey through the culinary traditions that have defined the South for generations.
For locals and travelers alike, Ole Times Country Buffet serves as a gathering place where everyone can indulge in generous portions and a wide selection of dishes. Whether you’re seeking a hearty breakfast to start the day, a lunch packed with variety, or a dinner that satisfies every craving, the menu promises something for everyone.
The buffet concept allows diners to explore new flavors, revisit old favorites, and enjoy the freedom to create their own perfect Southern plate. With a commitment to quality, hospitality, and authenticity, Ole Times Country Buffet has secured its place as a cherished institution in Columbus, making every meal a celebration of Southern heritage.
Southern-Style Breakfast Offerings
The morning menu at Ole Times Country Buffet is a testament to the Southern tradition of starting the day with a hearty, flavorful meal. Guests are greeted by a spread that blends classic breakfast staples with unique regional specialties, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate.
The buffet format encourages diners to sample a variety of dishes, from rich and savory to light and sweet.
Breakfast at Ole Times is all about comfort and nourishment. The highlight is the array of hot items, including creamy grits, fluffy scrambled eggs, and crispy bacon.
Sausage links and patties are cooked to perfection, while golden hash browns and home fries offer both crispiness and heartiness. For those with a sweet tooth, the buffet features warm pancakes, syrup-drenched waffles, and cinnamon-laced French toast.
A defining feature of the breakfast menu is the inclusion of Southern classics that set Ole Times apart from ordinary breakfast spots. Biscuits, made from scratch each morning, are served alongside rich sausage gravy—a beloved staple.
Cheese grits and country ham bring regional flair, while fresh fruit and yogurt provide lighter, refreshing options.
- Made-from-scratch biscuits served with creamy sausage gravy
- Classic cheese grits and country ham
- Fluffy pancakes, waffles, and French toast with syrup
- Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, and home fries
- Fresh fruit, yogurt, and assorted breakfast pastries
“Nothing beats starting your day with a Southern breakfast. At Ole Times, every plate is a reminder of home.” — Local customer
The breakfast menu is available every morning and is especially popular on weekends, when families gather to kick off the day together. With its blend of traditional and innovative offerings, Ole Times Country Buffet ensures every guest leaves breakfast satisfied and ready to take on the day.
Signature Meats and Southern Entrees
A cornerstone of the Ole Times experience is its impressive selection of signature meats and entrees. Carefully prepared and seasoned, these dishes capture the essence of Southern cooking, balancing bold flavors with tender, slow-cooked perfection.
The buffet’s rotating meat selections keep the menu dynamic and exciting.
At the heart of the buffet are the classic fried and baked chicken dishes. The fried chicken, with its golden, crispy coating and juicy interior, is a crowd favorite.
Baked chicken, on the other hand, offers a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor. Roast beef, seasoned and slow-roasted, is carved fresh for guests, providing a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Southern staples like meatloaf and country-fried steak are prepared with family recipes passed down through generations. Pork chops, barbecue ribs, and pulled pork showcase the region’s love for pork in all its forms.
On select days, guests may also find turkey and dressing—a nod to traditional holiday meals, served year-round.
- Fried chicken and baked chicken
- Slow-cooked roast beef with brown gravy
- Classic meatloaf and country-fried steak
- Barbecue ribs, pulled pork, and pork chops
- Turkey and dressing (rotating special)
| Meat | Preparation Style | Flavor Profile |
| Fried Chicken | Crispy, deep-fried | Juicy, savory, peppery |
| Roast Beef | Oven-roasted, carved | Rich, tender, hearty |
| Barbecue Ribs | Slow-cooked, sauced | Smoky, tangy, sweet |
Each meat is paired with carefully chosen spices and sauces to enhance its natural flavors. The result is a buffet that invites guests to return for seconds, discovering new favorites each time.
Ole Times Country Buffet takes pride in the quality and variety of its signature meats, ensuring every visit is memorable.
Traditional Southern Sides and Vegetables
No Southern meal is complete without a generous helping of sides. Ole Times Country Buffet elevates the humble side dish to a starring role, offering a diverse selection of vegetables and accompaniments that celebrate the region’s agricultural bounty.
Each side is crafted to complement the main dishes while standing strong on its own.
From creamy macaroni and cheese to savory collard greens, the buffet features an extensive array of options. Black-eyed peas and butter beans reflect the South’s reliance on legumes, while candied yams and sweet potato casserole provide a touch of sweetness.
Mashed potatoes, topped with rich, homemade gravy, are a must-have for many guests.
“The sides at Ole Times taste just like Grandma’s—every spoonful brings back childhood memories.” — Regular diner
Many of these sides are slow-cooked or baked, capturing the deep, layered flavors that Southern cooking is known for. Cornbread, another staple, is made fresh daily and served alongside honey butter.
For those seeking lighter fare, stewed okra, steamed cabbage, and garden-fresh salads are available.
- Macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes with gravy
- Collard greens, black-eyed peas, butter beans
- Candied yams, sweet potato casserole
- Cornbread and honey butter
- Steamed cabbage, stewed okra, fresh salads
| Side Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Notes |
| Collard Greens | Collards, smoked ham hock | Savory, smoky, earthy |
| Sweet Potato Casserole | Sweet potatoes, brown sugar | Sweet, creamy, spiced |
| Macaroni and Cheese | Elbow pasta, cheddar cheese | Creamy, rich, comforting |
The careful preparation of each side dish demonstrates Ole Times’ commitment to authenticity and tradition. Whether enjoyed alone or as part of a larger plate, these vegetables and accompaniments showcase the flavors that make Southern cuisine beloved nationwide.
Salad Bar and Lighter Fare
While Ole Times is famous for its indulgent Southern fare, the salad bar provides a welcome balance with an abundance of fresh, lighter options. The buffet’s salad section is carefully curated to appeal to health-conscious diners and those seeking a refreshing contrast to the heartier dishes.
The salad bar features crisp lettuce blends, baby spinach, and a variety of fresh vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers. Guests can customize their salads with a selection of toppings, such as shredded cheese, bacon bits, croutons, and assorted dressings.
For added protein, hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken chunks, and chickpeas are available.
- Mixed greens and spinach bases
- Fresh vegetables: tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, peppers
- Protein add-ons: eggs, grilled chicken, chickpeas
- House-made dressings and classic condiments
| Salad Ingredient | Health Benefit | Popular Pairings |
| Spinach | High in iron and vitamins | Eggs, bacon bits, balsamic dressing |
| Cucumbers | Hydrating, low-calorie | Tomatoes, carrots, ranch dressing |
| Grilled Chicken | Lean protein | Cheese, croutons, honey mustard |
Beyond the classic salad bar, Ole Times occasionally offers seasonal fruit salads, pasta salads, and coleslaw. These lighter options are ideal for diners looking to balance out richer foods or build a meal that fits specific dietary preferences.
The attention to detail in the salad offerings ensures that all guests, regardless of dietary needs, can enjoy a satisfying experience.
“I love that I can enjoy a hearty meal and still create a fresh, healthy salad plate. There’s something for everyone here.” — Health-conscious guest
Homemade Breads and Biscuits
Bread has always played a central role in Southern dining, and Ole Times Country Buffet honors this tradition with an impressive assortment of homemade breads and biscuits. Baked fresh throughout the day, these offerings provide the perfect accompaniment to any meal, adding texture and flavor to every plate.
The signature biscuits are a source of pride for the kitchen staff. Flaky, buttery, and golden-brown, they are equally delicious with savory sausage gravy as they are with sweet honey butter.
Cornbread, another staple, is crafted using traditional recipes that yield a moist, slightly crumbly loaf with a hint of sweetness.
Beyond biscuits and cornbread, guests will find yeast rolls, dinner rolls, and, on occasion, sweet breads such as banana nut or cinnamon swirl. These breads are ideal for sopping up gravies, pairing with meats, or simply enjoying on their own.
- Flaky biscuits served plain or with gravy
- Moist cornbread and honey butter
- Freshly baked yeast rolls and dinner rolls
- Rotating selection of sweet breads
“The biscuits at Ole Times are the real deal—soft inside, crisp outside, and absolutely irresistible.” — Southern food blogger
For guests with dietary concerns, the buffet occasionally features gluten-free bread options, ensuring no one has to miss out on this essential part of the meal. The warm, comforting aroma of fresh bread is a constant presence in the dining room, inviting diners to take just one more piece before moving on to dessert.
Delectable Desserts and Sweet Treats
No visit to Ole Times Country Buffet is complete without sampling the dessert bar. The selection of homemade sweets pays homage to classic Southern desserts, offering the perfect finish to a hearty meal.
Each dessert is prepared with care, using traditional recipes that have stood the test of time.
The dessert bar features a rotating selection of cakes, pies, puddings, and cobblers. Banana pudding, made with layers of fresh bananas, vanilla wafers, and creamy custard, is a perennial favorite.
Peach cobbler, warm and fragrant, highlights the region’s love affair with stone fruits. Bread pudding, often spiced with cinnamon and drizzled with caramel sauce, is both comforting and indulgent.
- Banana pudding with vanilla wafers
- Peach and apple cobblers
- Bread pudding with caramel sauce
- Assorted cakes and pies, including pecan and chocolate
| Dessert | Main Flavor | Texture |
| Banana Pudding | Banana, vanilla | Creamy, layered |
| Peach Cobbler | Peach, cinnamon | Warm, gooey, crisp topping |
| Bread Pudding | Cinnamon, caramel | Soft, moist, spiced |
Ice cream and soft serve are available for those who want to keep it simple or build their own sundae. Seasonal specialties, such as pumpkin pie in the fall or strawberry shortcake in the spring, round out the offerings.
The dessert bar is a popular stop for both children and adults, ensuring everyone leaves with a sweet memory.
“Every Southern meal should end with dessert, and Ole Times delivers with flavors that feel like a warm hug.” — Sweet tooth enthusiast
Beverage Selection and Southern Refreshments
A satisfying meal at Ole Times Country Buffet is complemented by a thoughtful beverage selection. The drink menu is designed to quench thirst and enhance the flavors of Southern cuisine, with both classic and contemporary options available for guests.
Sweet tea is the undisputed star of the beverage lineup, brewed fresh and served over ice for maximum refreshment. For those who prefer a lighter option, unsweetened tea is also on hand.
Lemonade, with its blend of tartness and sweetness, provides a perfect palate cleanser between bites.
- Freshly brewed sweet and unsweet tea
- Lemonade and fruit punch
- Soft drinks, including cola, diet, and caffeine-free options
- Coffee and hot tea for breakfast or dessert
Coffee is a staple during breakfast hours and pairs well with dessert in the evenings. The buffet offers a selection of hot teas for those seeking a calming finish to their meal.
Soft drinks, available in a variety of flavors, ensure that every guest finds a beverage to their liking.
“A glass of sweet tea and a plate of fried chicken—there’s nothing more Southern.” — Ole Times regular
The beverage station is self-serve, allowing diners to refill as needed and customize their drinks with lemon wedges, sugar, and sweeteners. This attention to detail ensures that every element of the dining experience at Ole Times is tailored to guest satisfaction.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere and Hospitality
At Ole Times Country Buffet, the welcoming atmosphere is as much a part of the experience as the food. The restaurant is designed to be comfortable and inviting, making it an ideal choice for families, groups, and solo diners alike.
Southern hospitality is at the heart of every interaction, from the moment guests walk in until the last bite is enjoyed.
The spacious dining area accommodates large gatherings and special occasions, while cozy nooks provide a more intimate setting for smaller parties. The staff is known for their friendliness and attentiveness, always ready with a smile and eager to ensure that every guest’s needs are met.
- Spacious seating for family gatherings and events
- Friendly, attentive staff and servers
- Clean, welcoming environment with Southern decor
- Special accommodations for children and seniors
“It’s not just the food that keeps us coming back—it’s the way we’re treated like family every time.” — Local family
Children are especially welcome at Ole Times, with kid-friendly foods available and high chairs provided for younger guests. Seniors appreciate the relaxed pace and comfortable seating, while everyone enjoys the sense of community that permeates the dining room.
The restaurant’s commitment to hospitality ensures that every visit feels like coming home.
Conclusion: A True Southern Buffet Experience
Ole Times Country Buffet in Columbus stands as a proud ambassador of Southern culinary tradition. Its carefully crafted menu, featuring everything from hearty breakfast offerings to indulgent desserts, provides guests with an authentic taste of the region’s best flavors.
Every dish, prepared with attention to detail and respect for tradition, invites diners to savor the richness of Southern cooking in a welcoming, family-friendly setting.
What sets Ole Times apart is not just the variety or quality of its food, but the sense of belonging it fosters in every guest. The buffet encourages exploration and sharing, making it easy to create memorable moments with loved ones over a shared meal.
The genuine hospitality, coupled with a warm atmosphere, ensures that every visit is more than just a dining experience—it’s a celebration of community and culture.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Southern cuisine or a newcomer eager to discover its delights, Ole Times Country Buffet promises an experience that lingers long after the last plate is cleared. With its unwavering commitment to tradition, quality, and service, it continues to be a beloved destination in Columbus—a true taste of the South served with a side of heartfelt hospitality.
