Golden Corral Dinner Prices (Updated 2026)
Dinner prices at Golden Corral in 2026 usually range from $16.99 to $20.99 per person, depending on the day and location. Dinner costs more than lunch because it features premium buffet items, including steak, carved meats, and a wider selection of hot entrées and desserts. Weekend dinner prices are often at the higher end of the range. Drinks are not included with the dinner buffet at most locations.
In this guide, I break down Golden Corral dinner prices by age group, explain weekday vs weekend differences, cover dinner hours, and show what’s included in the dinner buffet. If you’re planning an evening visit and want to know exactly what dinner will cost before you go, this page gives you clear pricing and practical tips to help you decide if dinner is worth it.
For a complete view of breakfast, lunch, and family pricing, you can also check our main Golden Corral buffet prices guide.
Golden Corral Dinner Buffet Prices Per Person
Golden Corral dinner buffet prices are higher than lunch because dinner includes premium items and the largest food selection of the day. Pricing can vary slightly by location, but most restaurants follow similar ranges based on age group and day of the week.
Below is a simple overview of average Golden Corral dinner prices in 2026, based on national pricing trends from Golden Corral locations.
| Guest Type | Average Dinner Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | $16.99 – $20.99 |
| Seniors (60+) | $14.99 – $18.99 |
| Kids (4–12) | $10.99 – $12.99 |
| Kids (3 & Under) | Free with paying adult |
These prices typically apply to both weekday and weekend dinners, though weekend pricing often falls at the higher end of the range. Drinks are usually not included with the dinner buffet unless a local promotion applies.
Dinner pricing reflects the added value of items like steak, carved meats, and expanded hot entrées, making it the most complete buffet experience at Golden Corral.
Golden Corral Dinner Prices for Adults
Adult dinner prices at Golden Corral are the highest of the day because dinner includes premium buffet items and the widest food selection. Prices can change slightly based on whether you visit on a weekday or weekend.
Dinner service usually starts after 4:00 PM at most locations.
Adult Dinner Prices (Weekday vs Weekend):
| Day | Typical Dinner Time | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays (Mon–Fri) | After 4:00 PM | $16.99 – $19.99 |
| Weekends (Sat–Sun) | All day | $18.99 – $20.99 |
Golden Corral Senior Dinner Prices (60+)
Senior dinner prices at Golden Corral are usually lower than standard adult dinner prices, making the buffet more affordable for guests aged 60 and over. The discount is modest but consistent, and availability can vary slightly by location.
Dinner for seniors still includes full access to the dinner buffet, including premium items offered during evening hours.
| Day | Typical Dinner Time | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays (Mon–Fri) | After 4:00 PM | $14.99 – $17.99 |
| Weekends (Sat–Sun) | All day | $15.99 – $18.99 |
Golden Corral Kids Dinner Prices
Kids dinner prices at Golden Corral are age-based, which helps families estimate their total cost more accurately. Dinner pricing for kids is higher than lunch because it includes the full evening buffet with premium items.
Children get access to the same dinner buffet, with plenty of kid-friendly options alongside regular items.
| Age Group | Typical Dinner Time | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ages 3 & Under | Dinner hours | Free with paying adult |
| Ages 4–12 | Dinner hours | $10.99 – $12.99 |
What Is Included in the Golden Corral Dinner Buffet?
The dinner buffet at Golden Corral includes unlimited access to the full buffet lineup during dinner hours. This meal offers the largest and most complete selection compared to breakfast or lunch, which is why dinner prices are higher.
Dinner typically includes a wide range of hot entrées, such as chicken dishes, casseroles, pasta, and rotating comfort foods. Many locations also feature carved meats, and steak is commonly available during dinner, making it the most popular meal of the day.
The buffet also includes a variety of classic sides like mashed potatoes, vegetables, rice, mac and cheese, and freshly baked rolls. A full salad bar is available as well, offering fresh greens, toppings, and dressings for lighter options.
Desserts are included in the dinner price and usually feature cakes, pies, puddings, and soft-serve ice cream. Adults and kids can enjoy desserts without any extra charge.
The dinner buffet price does not include drinks, take-home containers, or any limited-time premium add-ons if offered. What’s available may vary slightly by location, but dinner generally includes all food items on the buffet line for that evening service.
Golden Corral Dinner Hours
Dinner hours at Golden Corral usually begin in the late afternoon and run through the evening. Exact hours can vary by location, but most restaurants follow a similar schedule for weekday and weekend service.
Typical Golden Corral Dinner Hours:
| Day | Dinner Start Time | Dinner End Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | Around 4:00 PM | 9:00–10:00 PM |
| Saturday | Late morning or 4:00 PM | 9:00–10:00 PM |
| Sunday | Late morning or 4:00 PM | 8:00–9:00 PM |
Best Time to Visit Golden Corral for Dinner
The best time to visit Golden Corral for dinner depends on whether you want lower prices, shorter lines, or the freshest food selection.
The best value time for dinner is usually weekday evenings between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. During this window, dinner pricing is active, but crowds are lighter compared to later hours, making it a good balance of price and variety.
If you want a quieter dinner experience, arriving right at dinner start time, around 4:00 PM, helps avoid peak rush hours. Food is freshly prepared, and seating is easier during early dinner.
For the full dinner atmosphere, including the busiest buffet lines and constant food refills, weekend evenings after 6:00 PM are ideal. However, prices are higher and wait times can be longer during these peak hours.
Is Golden Corral Dinner Worth the Price?
For many guests, Golden Corral dinner is worth the price if variety and unlimited servings matter more than ordering a single entrée. Dinner includes the largest buffet selection, with premium items like steak, carved meats, and a wider range of hot dishes and desserts.
Dinner offers the best value for bigger appetites and for families who want everyone to find something they like. Weekday dinners can feel especially worthwhile because prices are slightly lower than weekends, while the menu remains the same.
Tips to Save Money on Golden Corral Dinner
If you plan your visit wisely, dinner at Golden Corral can still offer good value without overspending.
Visiting on a weekday evening, especially Monday through Thursday, usually costs less than weekend dinner and comes with lighter crowds. Arriving early at dinner start time, around 4:00 PM, helps you avoid peak pricing pressure and long wait times.
Skipping extras can also lower your bill. Drinks are usually charged separately, so choosing water instead of a fountain beverage keeps the total down. Before ordering, it’s also smart to ask about local promotions or limited-time offers, as some locations run small discounts.
For families, checking kids’ pricing and free meal policies in advance helps prevent surprises at checkout. Seniors should ask if any weekday savings apply during early dinner hours.
FAQs
How much is dinner at Golden Corral per person?
Dinner prices at Golden Corral usually range from $16.99 to $20.99 per person. The final price depends on the day, location, and whether you visit on a weekday or weekend.
Why are Golden Corral dinner prices higher than lunch?
Dinner costs more because it includes premium buffet items, such as steak, carved meats, and a larger selection of hot entrées and desserts. Dinner also runs longer and attracts higher demand.
Do Golden Corral dinner prices change on weekends?
Weekend dinner pricing is often higher than weekday dinner, and some locations switch to dinner pricing earlier on Saturdays and Sundays due to increased traffic.
Is steak included in the Golden Corral dinner buffet?
Steak is commonly available during dinner hours at many locations and is one of the main reasons dinner pricing is higher than lunch.
Do seniors get a discount on Golden Corral dinner?
Senior guests aged 60 and over typically pay $1 to $3 less than standard adult dinner prices, though exact discounts depend on the location.
Can Golden Corral dinner prices vary by location?
Prices can differ by city and restaurant due to local operating costs, demand, and promotions, making local confirmation helpful before visiting.