Fried chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and a roll still warm from the oven—Hartz Chicken Buffet builds its reputation on the comfort of a home-cooked spread. If you are looking for the full Hartz Chicken Buffet Menu with Prices, you have landed in the right place. This guide breaks down every item, platter, and family meal so you know exactly what to expect before you walk in the door.
Hartz has been a Texas staple since 1972, serving up Southern classics in a casual, all-you-can-eat style. The menu is simple, but the options can feel overwhelming if you are new. Below, we cover the current pricing structure, portion sizes, and daily specials to help you plan your visit.
Hartz Chicken Buffet Menu With Prices
Prices at Hartz can vary slightly by location, but the figures below reflect the standard rates seen across most Texas stores. The buffet is the main attraction, but you can also order à la carte or grab a family pack to go. We have organized the menu into clear sections for easy reading.
Buffet Pricing Breakdown
The buffet is where Hartz shines. You pay one price, and you can load up your plate as many times as you like. Here is the typical cost structure:
- Lunch Buffet (Monday–Friday, 11 AM–3 PM): $12.99 per adult
- Dinner Buffet (Monday–Friday, after 3 PM): $14.99 per adult
- Weekend Buffet (Saturday & Sunday, all day): $15.99 per adult
- Senior Citizen Discount (65+): $1.50 off any buffet price
- Kids Buffet (Ages 4–10): $7.99
- Children Under 4: Free with a paying adult
Drinks are not included in the buffet price. A soft drink, tea, or lemonade will run you about $2.89. You can also opt for a bottled water at $1.99.
What Is On The Buffet Line
The buffet spread changes slightly depending on the day, but the core items are always present. You will find a rotating selection of fried and baked chicken, plus a full roster of Southern sides. Here is the standard lineup:
- Fried Chicken: Original recipe, crispy, and cooked to order in small batches
- Baked Chicken: A lighter option, seasoned with herbs and roasted
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, with optional brown gravy on top
- Macaroni and Cheese: Baked, with a golden crust
- Green Beans: Cooked with bacon bits for flavor
- Corn on the Cob: Buttered and seasoned
- Cole Slaw: Tangy and crisp
- Potato Salad: Classic mustard-based recipe
- Rolls: Warm yeast rolls with butter packets
- Dessert: Usually a cobbler or pudding, rotates daily
On weekends, the line often expands to include fried fish and sometimes a pasta dish. You can always ask the staff what is fresh out of the kitchen.
À La Carte Chicken Platters
If you are not in the mood for the full buffet, Hartz offers platters that come with two sides and a roll. These are perfect for a quick lunch. The pricing is straightforward:
- 2-Piece Chicken Platter: $8.49
- 3-Piece Chicken Platter: $9.99
- 4-Piece Chicken Platter: $11.49
- Chicken Tender Platter (4 pieces): $8.99
- Fried Fish Platter (2 pieces): $9.49
Each platter includes your choice of any two regular sides from the list above. You can upgrade a side to a baked potato for an extra $0.99. The rolls come with every platter, no exceptions.
Family Meals And Buckets
Feeding a crowd? Hartz makes it easy with bucket options. These are designed for takeout and are priced lower per piece than individual platters.
- 8-Piece Bucket (Mixed or All White): $15.99
- 12-Piece Bucket (Mixed or All White): $21.99
- 16-Piece Bucket (Mixed or All White): $26.99
- Family Feast (12 pieces + 4 large sides + 6 rolls): $34.99
- Big Family Feast (16 pieces + 6 large sides + 8 rolls): $42.99
The Family Feast is the best value if you are feeding four to six people. It saves you roughly $8 compared to ordering everything separately. All white meat buckets cost about $2 more than mixed.
Side Dishes To Go
Sometimes you just need the sides. Hartz sells them in pint and quart sizes. This is great for potlucks or holiday dinners.
- Pint (serves 2–3): $3.49
- Quart (serves 4–6): $5.99
- Large Tray (serves 10–12): $12.99
You can order any of the standard sides in these sizes. The mac and cheese and mashed potatoes are the most popular choices for takeout. Call ahead to ensure they have enough prepared.
Daily Specials And Discounts
Hartz runs a few recurring specials that can save you money. These are not advertised heavily, so you have to ask or check the local store board.
- Tuesday Senior Day: Additional 10% off for seniors all day
- Wednesday Family Night: Free kids buffet with each adult buffet purchase
- Thursday LTO (Limited Time Offer): Often a specialty chicken flavor like spicy or honey-butter
- Military Discount: 10% off with valid ID, every day
These specials are subject to change by franchise owner. It is always smart to call your local Hartz before visiting to confirm the daily deal.
Drinks And Desserts
The drink station is self-serve. You have the usual soda fountain options, plus sweet and unsweet tea. Desserts are typically included only if you purchase the buffet. On the à la carte menu, you can add a dessert for $1.99.
- Soft Drinks (Large): $2.89
- Sweet Tea (Large): $2.89
- Unsweet Tea (Large): $2.89
- Lemonade (Large): $2.89
- Bottled Water: $1.99
Dessert options rotate. You might find peach cobbler on Monday, chocolate pudding on Wednesday, or a simple yellow cake with frosting on the weekend. The buffet dessert is included in your price, so grab a plate.
Nutritional Information And Allergens
If you have dietary restrictions, Hartz publishes a full allergen guide at the counter. The fried chicken contains wheat and soy. The mashed potatoes contain dairy. The green beans are cooked with pork (bacon).
For lower sodium options, the baked chicken and the corn on the cob are your best bets. The cole slaw is made with egg-based mayo, so it is not vegan. There are no gluten-free fried items due to cross-contamination in the fryer.
How To Order Efficiently
If you are visiting during peak hours (12 PM–1 PM or 6 PM–7 PM), the line can be long. Here is a step-by-step approach to make your visit smooth:
- Decide first: Know if you want the buffet or a platter before you reach the register.
- Ask about the daily special: The cashier will tell you if there is a discount available.
- Pay at the counter: Hartz is not a full-service restaurant. You pay first, then find a table.
- Hit the buffet: If you paid for the buffet, grab a plate and start at the chicken station.
- Get your drinks: The drink station is usually near the buffet line. Fill up before you sit down.
If you are dining in, the staff will clear your plates and refill your drinks. You do not need to tip heavily, but 10-15% is appreciated for the table service on drinks and cleanup.
Is The Buffet Worth It?
For the average adult who eats two to three pieces of chicken plus sides, the buffet is a good deal. Compare that to a 3-piece platter at $9.99, and you only need to eat one extra piece of chicken to break even. If you have a big appetite, the buffet is clearly the winner.
For light eaters or children who only want a drumstick and a roll, the platter is more cost-effective. The kids buffet at $7.99 is reasonable if your child eats more than one plate.
Locations And Hours
Hartz Chicken Buffet operates primarily in the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth metro areas. There are also locations in Louisiana and Mississippi. Most stores open at 11 AM and close at 9 PM Sunday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday hours extend to 10 PM.
Check the official website for the nearest location to you. Some franchise stores have slightly different hours, especially on holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve often have reduced hours, so call ahead.
Payment Methods Accepted
All Hartz locations accept cash, major credit cards, and debit cards. Most stores also accept Apple Pay and Google Pay at the counter. Gift cards are available for purchase in-store and online. There is no third-party delivery service like DoorDash or Uber Eats linked to the official menu, so you will need to order takeout by phone.
Tips For First Timers
If you have never been to a Hartz, here are a few insider tips to get the most out of your meal:
- Go early for the freshest chicken: The fryer runs constantly, but the first batch after opening is always the best.
- Check the buffet timer: Each food tray has a small timer showing when it was set out. Look for the freshest tray.
- Ask for dark meat: If you prefer thighs and legs, request them at the carving station. They often have them in the back.
- Save room for the rolls: The rolls come out of the oven every 15 minutes. Wait for a fresh batch if you can.
Do not be afraid to ask for a sample of a side dish you have not tried. The staff is usually happy to let you taste before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hartz Chicken Buffet have a senior discount?
Yes, seniors aged 65 and older receive $1.50 off the buffet price every day. On Tuesdays, they get an additional 10% off.
Can I order just chicken without sides?
Yes, you can order chicken by the piece at the counter. A single piece of fried chicken costs about $2.49. However, the platter with sides is a better value.
Are the prices the same at every location?
No, franchise owners set their own prices. The rates listed here are averages. Urban locations in Houston tend to be slightly higher than rural Texas stores.
Does the buffet include drinks?
No, drinks are always separate. The buffet price only covers the food on the line. You pay for beverages at the register.
Is there a gluten-free option on the menu?
The baked chicken is gluten-free, but it is cooked in the same kitchen. If you have celiac disease, inform the manager. They can prepare a plate from the back to avoid cross-contamination.
Final Thoughts On Pricing
Hartz Chicken Buffet remains one of the most affordable sit-down chicken restaurants in Texas. The Hartz Chicken Buffet Menu with Prices is straightforward and honest. You get hearty portions of Southern comfort food without the premium price tag of fast-casual chains.
Whether you choose the all-you-can-eat buffet or a simple 2-piece platter, you are getting solid value. The food is consistent, the service is friendly, and the prices have not inflated like many competitors. Next time you are driving through Texas and see the yellow Hartz sign, pull in. Your wallet and your stomach will both thank you.