There’s a buffet in Texas where the fried chicken comes out in steady waves, the banana pudding disappears almost as fast as it hits the table, and nobody judges you for going back for more.
This is the kind of place where the mac and cheese is creamy and the chicken fried steak is covered in thick peppered gravy.
You walk in hungry and leave wondering how it’s even possible to be that full.
The line is stacked with comfort food classics like fried catfish, mashed potatoes, and green beans.
And just when you think you’re done, you spot peach cobbler bubbling in a deep pan and banana pudding layered with vanilla wafers.
It’s loud, it’s busy, and it smells like someone’s grandma has been cooking all morning.
If you love all-you-can-eat Southern comfort food done the old-school way, you’re going to want to keep reading.
Where Is It?
Mama Jack’s is located in Kountze, Texas, a small town in Hardin County in Southeast Texas.
You’ll find it about a 30-minute drive from Beaumont, 1 hour and 35 minutes from Houston, and nearly 4 hours from Austin.
About
If you show up to Mama Jack’s hungry, you’re doing it right.
This place is known for its all-you-can-eat Southern comfort food buffet that feels like a greatest hits album of Texas home cooking.
We’re talking crispy fried chicken with golden skin, chicken fried steak smothered in peppery cream gravy, and their house specialty, hand-cut homemade onion rings.
The lunch buffet line is stacked with sweet potatoes, fries, baked beans, pinto beans, and mac & cheese.
You’ll usually spot big trays of fried catfish too, with that perfectly crunchy coating that cracks when you bite into it.
And yes, there’s barbecue in the mix, because this is Texas, after all.
Expect sausage links with a snap and BBQ pork roast.
The salad bar gives you a quick break if you need one, but let’s be honest, you’re here for the hot line.
Dessert is a whole situation on its own.
Think banana pudding, ice cream, and peach cobbler bubbling under a golden crust, or classic chocolate cake.
The vibe is casual, loud in the best way, and packed with families, church groups, road trippers, and locals who have clearly made this part of their regular routine.
Tables fill up fast, especially after Sunday services, and the buffet gets refreshed constantly so the trays stay hot and stocked.
You grab a plate, make your first round, and then immediately start planning your second.
Portions are generous, the flavors are bold and familiar, and nobody is counting how many times you go back for more.
If you’re craving Southern comfort food done the old-school way, Mama Jack’s in Kountze is exactly where you want to be.
Know Before You Go
Mama Jack’s is open daily, with hours that can shift a bit depending on the day as follows:
Business Hours
| Monday | 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
If you’re aiming for a quieter experience, go right when they open or try a weekday instead of Sunday after church, when the line can stretch out the door.
Pricing is a flat rate for the all-you-can-eat buffet, with different prices for lunch and dinner, and a lower rate for kids.
The breakfast buffet is $9.99 per adult, lunch is $13.85, and the seafood buffet costs $35.95.
Drinks are typically charged separately, and sweet tea is basically mandatory in this part of Texas.
Bring your appetite because this is not the place for a light snack.
Wear something comfortable and maybe skip the skinny jeans, because round two and round three are very real possibilities.
Parking is available on site, but it can fill up fast during peak hours, so give yourself a few extra minutes if you’re visiting on the weekend.
If you’re making a day of it, you’re just minutes from the Big Thicket National Preserve, which covers more than 113,000 acres of protected land with hiking trails like the 2.5 mile Kirby Nature Trail.
Village Creek State Park is about 20 minutes away and offers canoeing on Village Creek, fishing, and more than 20 miles of hiking and equestrian trails.
You could easily spend the morning exploring the trails, then reward yourself with a buffet feast.
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