Tucked just off I-75 at Exit 201, Buckner’s Family Restaurant turns weekend plans into cherished traditions.
With a 4.7-star rating and crowds lining up before the doors open, this Jackson gem serves family-style Southern comfort on iconic Lazy Susans.
Every spin reveals scratch-made classics, golden fried chicken, and desserts worth the detour.
Hungry locals return weekly for the warm hospitality, generous value, and flavors that taste like home.
The Lazy Susan Experience
At Buckner’s Family Restaurant, the famed Lazy Susan is the centerpiece of every meal and memory. Spinning with steaming bowls and platters, it turns strangers into tablemates and seconds into traditions.
Favorites glide by—fried chicken, creamed corn, ham, lima beans—inviting another taste. The rhythm is simple: pass, share, laugh, repeat. Staff keep dishes replenished and conversation friendly, making the table feel like Sunday supper.
It’s family-style without pretense, just generous Southern hospitality. Locals love the ease, travelers love the charm, and everyone leaves feeling welcome. The Lazy Susan is more than service; it’s the Buckner’s signature ritual.
The Legendary Fried Chicken
Talk to any regular and the fried chicken will be the first thing they mention. Lightly breaded, beautifully seasoned, and astonishingly crisp, it stays juicy without the greasiness. Locals swear by a drizzle of honey, while others swear by both house barbecue sauces.
Either way, the crunch-to-juiciness ratio is near perfect. Reviewers routinely rank it among Georgia’s best, and it anchors the weekend buffet. Pair it with creamy potatoes or tangy stewed tomatoes for balance. Many arrive craving chicken and schedule return trips around it.
One bite in, you’ll understand the buzz—and why plates never linger long.
Scratch-Made Sides, Every Day
Buckner’s builds its reputation on sides crafted from scratch daily, and it shows in every spoonful. Cream-style “shoe peg” corn leans peppery and savory, while lima beans, green beans, and stewed tomatoes offer lighter balance.
Boiled potatoes arrive tender and buttery; macaroni and cheese brings comfort by the forkful. Each dish tastes like a recipe refined over decades, not mass-produced. The selection rotates, yet the quality remains remarkably consistent.
You’ll discover new favorites each visit. It’s an all-you-can-eat lineup with integrity, guided by freshness. Together, these sides transform the table into a survey of Southern flavor.
Peach Cobbler You Plan Around
Save room—locals know the meal isn’t complete until the peach cobbler arrives. Warm, fragrant, and crowned with a golden crust, it captures Georgia in a spoon. Some guests request a scoop of ice cream to melt into the fruit and syrupy edges.
The sweetness balances the savory spread, offering a satisfying finale. Reviewers routinely call it “mandatory,” especially after a platter of chicken. Plan your portions accordingly; you’ll want more than a polite taste.
It’s simple, classic, and executed with care. Like the rest of Buckner’s, cobbler turns a meal into comfort and a visit into tradition.
Weekend Hours, Big Crowds, Easy Access
Buckner’s is open Thursday through Sunday, drawing steady weekend crowds. Hours run 11 AM to 4 PM Thursday, 11 AM to 8 PM Friday and Saturday, and 11 AM to 7 PM Sunday. The location off I-75 at 1168 Bucksnort Rd makes it an easy stop from Atlanta or Macon.
Expect a friendly wait during peak times—worth it for hot, freshly replenished dishes. Prices land around $10–$20, delivering exceptional value for family-style, all-you-can-eat dining.
Pro tip: arrive near opening or mid-afternoon for shorter lines. With simple access and generous hours, weekend plans practically make themselves.
Welcoming Service and Community Vibe
Hospitality is core to Buckner’s charm. Reviewers highlight friendly smiles, quick refills, and staff who treat you like a regular, whether it’s your first visit or fiftieth. The room hums with family chatter and clinking dishes, creating a warm, communal energy.
Owner involvement and attentive servers keep tables stocked and conversations easy. It’s a place where travelers swap stories with locals, and kids feel right at home. The dining room may grow lively, but service stays personal and patient.
That consistent kindness, alongside great food, is why guests return weekly. Here, community is always on the menu.
What To Order First (And Second)
Start with fried chicken—then spin to country ham for smoky-salty contrast. Scoop creamed corn for peppery richness, followed by lima or green beans to lighten things up. Grab boiled potatoes to soak up flavors; add stewed tomatoes for bright acidity.
If biscuits appear, butter them and don’t look back. Ask for both barbecue sauces and try a honey drizzle on the chicken. Balance bites so you can circle back for favorites.
Finish with peach cobbler—ideally crowned with ice cream. This order of operations sets you up for a satisfying, well-rounded Buckner’s experience from first plate to last.
Plan Your Visit Like A Local
Veterans time their visit around openings and mid-afternoons for shorter waits. If you’re road-tripping, I-75 Exit 201 makes Buckner’s an easy, delicious detour. Bring an appetite and a flexible mindset—family-style dining shines when you share space and conversation.
Budget $10–$20 per person, a standout value for scratch-made abundance. Check hours: closed Monday–Wednesday, open Thursday–Sunday. Consider calling ahead for current offerings, then plan that cobbler.
Finally, linger a bit—hospitality is part of the experience. You’ll leave full, happy, and plotting your next weekend return like the locals do.