Scott Semler / Good Times Country Buffet
If you are tired of spending half your paycheck on a single dinner, we have some incredible news.
A brand-new all-you-can-eat Southern country buffet just officially opened its doors in the East Village, and it is bringing massive portions and deep nostalgia straight to downtown Manhattan.
Good Time Country Buffet is the third highly anticipated restaurant from Good Time Hospitality. This is the exact same talented team behind Kisa (which landed on the NYT’s 100 Best Restaurants in NYC) and C as in Charlie (a Michelin Bib Gourmand winner).
Instead of a typical upscale dining experience, the team is pivoting to something beautifully simple. They are celebrating the golden era of the classic country buffet.
Reviving a disappearing dining culture
The inspiration behind this new neighborhood staple is deeply personal. The founders, who were born in Korea and raised in Atlanta, grew up frequenting Southern country buffets in the ’90s.
For co-owner David Yun, the connection runs even deeper. He grew up riding produce delivery routes to Georgia country buffets with his father.
Scott Semler / Yong Min Kim, David Yun, Steve Choi
In a heartwarming full-circle moment, his father still works in that role today and actually helped with the restaurant’s R&D process by revisiting those same routes with David.
As these traditional all-you-can-eat spots continue to shutter across the South, the Good Time team is keeping the tradition alive right here in New York.
A true self-serve Southern feast
Skip the ordering anxiety and grab a tray. This is a true fixed-price, self-serve affair.
The buffet line is packed with absolute classics, including crispy fried chicken, savory collard greens, warm cornbread, and baked mac and cheese.
If you need something to wash it all down, you can order incredibly refreshing boozy peach frozens. Be sure to save room for dessert, because they are serving up decadent, classic ice cream sundaes to order.
Transportive retro design
Walking into Good Time Country Buffet feels like stepping into a time machine. The space was brilliantly designed by Two Point Zero to feel completely authentic and lived-in.
You will find nostalgic wood paneling, quirky patterned wallpapers, and classic carpeted floors. Why the carpets? It’s a hallmark feature of traditional country buffets designed to ensure seniors don’t slip and fall.
Scott Semler / Good Times Country Buffet
Speaking of seniors, the restaurant is keeping with true buffet tradition by offering a special discounted price for guests 65 and older!
With space for walk-ins and limited tables on Resy, this is exactly the kind of value-driven, high-comfort meal New Yorkers are constantly hunting for.
📍 166 First Ave, New York, NY 10009
🕒 Weds-Sun: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
💸 Adults: $26.99 | Seniors (65+): $23.99 | Kids (4–9): $13.99