What a find! Don't let appearances turn you away - yes, it's a cafeteria-style buffet and you'll probably be sharing a table with others, but the FOOD...wow! The catfish was incredible and my wife loved the fried chicken. There are also plenty of delicious sides to choose from and the salad bar is well-stocked with everything you need. There are also several excellent dessert options, including banana pudding and a couple different cobblers. And all of this cost us less than $20 per person, including beverages!! If you're in the area and want a hearty, home-cooked meal, you have to try the Dinner Bell! read more

Maybe the most unique restaurant I've ever been to in all the best ways. Communal seating at long picnic benches, salad bar runs down the middle of the room and old time stoves in the back where all the food is served cafeteria style. Eat what is served, serve yourself. You definitely wont leave hungry. read more

The old times stoves are filled with deliciousness just like my husband remembered when he visited here back in the 80's during fishing tournaments at Kentucky Lake! The original owner passed away in 2020 and her grandson has kept her famous Dinner Bell restaurant going with the same delicious recipes! The menu is solid and won't disappoint! The staff is amazing and keeps the buffet fresh! The fried chicken and catfish are the main items that will keep you coming back! The sides taste like my grandmas cooking which makes this place an even better experience! White beans, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, collard greens and fries! The cherry and apple cobbler are fresh out of the oven and you can request vanilla icecream! The salad bar has so many fresh and healthy choices. They also have the old fashioned Watergate salad and banana pudding! The dinning room is cozy and quaint! You will be seated with others at picnic tables! The servers keep your glass full and have been working here for many years! They care about this restaurant and make you feel special and you will want to come back. Prices are amazing for all the food you can eat! even though they said they had to raise prices last year: Adults are $14.95 and kids 12 and under $7.95 and 6 and under $4.95. You can walk off all the calories you will just have to consume by visiting any of the local parks at Land Between the Lakes and the Kenlake State park! You can even buy a sweatshirt to remember this walk back in time! read more

See all

My favorite place to eat. Food is more like home cooking served buffet style. Hours are limited.

Good home cooked food, friendly servers, the restaurant has been there for decades.I eat there whenever I am near Aurora.

Great food home cooking it's small but has a cozy feel to it coming from California I must say it was a great experience read more

Dinner Bell Restaurant - Salad buffet in the back is the hot food - Buffets Near Me - Benton, Kentucky

See all

Very good southern home cooked buffet! We've eaten there several times in the past year & the food never disappoints! read more

Great home style cooking with farm fresh ingredients, friendly service, and a great price.

Last Sunday for lunch: Service staff is friendly but not outgoing. It's a quaint little restaurant with a local, small operation feel. Nothing fancy here.. Just a country cooking buffet with the expected protein & sides; fried chicken, catfish, turkey & dressing, mashed potatoes, and turnip greens. One thing that is certainly disappointing is the catfish. The breading is way too mealy. The restaurant is literally a few thousand feet from the lake. Bad catfish is simply not an acceptable presentation. read more

Tried everything and it was not edible. Even my husband who loves places like this, put his fork down and gave up. Don't understand why people down here like these places so much. I guess it's cute and the people are friendly. read more

Great country cooking! Everything is hot and fresh. Delicious cherry cobbler, fish and fried chicken. If you are looking for great home cooked country food you have to eat here. read more

Food was fantastic. We went to a place last night that had the word "Catfish" in the name and I left thinking it was very good...until tonight. The catfish here...now that was good! Fried chicken with a little hot sauce...Mmm. Salad bar was fresh and offered quite a few items. The meal items consisted of Fried Chicken, pan fried Pork Chops and Southern Style fried Catfish. Side items were mashed potatoes, chicken gravy, Mac and cheese, southern style green beans with ham, carrots, collard greens and baked apples. Oh, don't let me forget about the banana pudding made with vanilla wafers (like mom), apple and cherry cobbler. Originally, I was going to give it a 4 because the bathroom definitely has lackluster, but after I thought about how stuffed I was after, I decided on 5 Star . After all, I wasn't there to go pee, I was there to get my grub on. read more

See all

This was my first time at Dinner Bell! The food was great! Variety, hot, plenty available.it was smorgasbord style. Waitress for drinks was very nice and friendly. Would love to go back. It was a 2 hour trip from my house. read more

Amazing home-style cooking! We typically avoid buffet style, so wasn't so sure when we came in. Oh man - it did NOT disappoint! So glad we didn't sleep on this place! read more

Kentucky Country cooking and atmosphere at its finest. Set at a picnic table and eat all you want. Great fried chicken, catfish, and the cobblers are great. . read more

Very good southern food!! Yummy I will be back!! Wish this was closer to my home, which is 40 min away! Thank you read more

Dinner Bell Restaurant - Green beans, turnip greens, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, fried catfish, fries, creamed corn, muffin, sweet tea - Buffets Near Me - Benton, Kentucky

See all

Really great food and very friendly staff and great service . So glad we stop the catfish was great

Absolutely awesome country cooking. Do not miss an opportunity to eat there and enjoy the quaint atmosphere.

The atmosphere and food is like you went to a family reunion at your Southern Grandma's House.

As other reviewers have noted this is a smorgasbord featuring home cooked victuals and accoutrements. Perhaps the only piece of information lacking in the other reviews is a word of caution to pace yourself and not to over do it. In terms of specifics, had the catfish which was amazingly good. Sides that I had that I especially enjoyed were the collard greens, sweet potato casserole and stuffing. There were cherry and peach cobbler for dessert as well as banana pudding. read more

Unique setting for buffet Love all their food especially, chicken & fish! Huge treat for us when we go! We miss seeing Martha!

This is the best place in Marshall county for good southern cooking. 25 dollars for 2 people and ice tea and the quality of the chicken and fish alone (besides the specialty - Thurs - dumplings, Fri - steak somethin, Sat - pork chops, Sun - thanksgiving dinner every Sunday - plus the catfish/chicken) is worth the amount you can eat - and none of its mediocre. Every night is great no matter the special because they have fried catfish, fried chicken, French fries, green beans with ham, white beans with hammock pieces, Salad bar, desserts and everything else. Service is great Never liked cherry pie/cobbler and used to get apple cobbler until they were out of apple - let me tell you I don't get the apple anymore, the crust is rolled over/doubled near the corners and has butter sugar sprinkled on top of 9 x 13 aluminum pan. I take corners, watch out! If you want the Guarantee of good people and food then get rung up at the Dinner Bell - momma couldn't cook it any better than this family team - and I don't know any of them except they have had an outstanding restaurant for the last 6 years since I have moved here. We eat in Murray at jasmine and spend 48 dollars almost everytime - you can't get momma's cooking anywhere for 25 dollars for 2 people, tea, and all you can eat fresh salad bar, cobbler, EAT EVERYTHING U TAKE BRING CASH - NO CHECKS OR CARDS!!!!!!!!!! 4pm - 8pm Th, Fri, Sat, Sunday 2nd week March-October - me thinkest read more

My dad walks in first, carrying a bottle of wine in a bag, as we've done EVERYWHERE in this dry county without any problems (or issues getting glasses to drink the wine in). Wrinkled old prune at the counter: "What is THAT???" (pointing at the wine.) You cain't bring that in here. This is a DRY COUNTY! NO LIQUOR ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTY!! Take that outside IMMEDIATELY!" Ma'am, I have a surprise note here from Jesus. It reads as follows: "Your 'place in heaven' is temporarily full, but they can put you on a waiting list. Right now the wait is approximately 1million years, but feel free to sit at the bar while......oh sorry...I guess you won't be dining with us after all." read more

When I first drove up to this small place I was'nt sure if it was going to be any good. I was really surprised and delighted with the food. We were there on a Sunday for the cafeteria style dinner. All you can eat for 12.95!!! There is a salad bar plus a great variety of home cooked items. It's the real deal. I'm coming back next chance I get. read more

I wish I could give a 10/10 stars.........phenomenal meal. My family and I came in from Chicago for vacation on Kentucky Lake. We had been to lunch and dinner on several occasions and NOT ONE restaurant off the lake, or in the city of Benton even COMPARED to The Dinner Bell. The staff was patient and kind with our large & loud group of 8 stumbling in 30 minutes before closing. They had a absolutely OUT OF THIS WORLD spread of both warm & cold food. The salad bar was unbelievably fresh. The tomatoes were incredible....the lettuce and condiments were great too (the fact that I mention something as simple as salad condiments, you just know the place is good.) Cole slaw, potato salad, banana cream pudding, apple pie, cherry pie, baked cinnamon apples...........the cube steak, fried catfish, mashed potatoes, corn, fried chicken.......corn bread, muffins, hush puppies...AND EVERY SINGLE THING IS HOMEMADE!!.....I swear it was one of the best meals I've eaten in a long time. If you've gotten this far in my review then let me tell you people, THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO. Every night they switch their meals up. So, if you go on Sunday it's going to be a different meal then when you go on Wednesday. The thing you need to account for is that this is a buffet, not a menu restaurant. You get what they serve that night. I'm sure EVERYTHING they pump out of there is good though, so I wouldn't worry what day you go. But if your worried about what they are serving I would just call ahead and ask. I'm judging that off of a single meal, but I would hope you'd all trust me at this point after my long review here. Joking aside, this place is the real deal. You are missing out if you don't stop at The Dinner Bell if you are in the area! read more

Absolutely this place!! It's so clean and everyone is so friendly and kind!! The food is mouth watering good!! If u r looking for home cooking go to the Dinner Bell!!! You seat at picnic tables and the salad bar is in the center of the room. All very inviting!! LOVE the Dinner Bell!!! The owner is the Sweetest Little Lady!!! read more

Absolutely the best home style dinner anywhere around!!! True home cooking in a very unique atmosphere. Picnic tables for your dinner.. (Located inside) Very nice employees.... read more

It's not a large place and the seating is picnic table type so don't expect "intimate seating". The food selection is not huge but I was pleasantly suprised to find "home cooked southern style" food instead of the usual buffet re-heated mass produced food. There was Fried pork chops, Fried Chicken, fried catfish real mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet apples, green beens I'm not a fish fan so for me to like the fish was an accomplishment. If they have it when you visit, the cherry cobbler and banana pudding was outstanding. I saw on a sign that they close for the winter at the end of October I'm not sure when they re-open in the spring. read more

Stopped here after long day of fishing. Food was great. Good fresh salad bar with all the fixin's. they always have catfish and fried chicken on the menu with green beans, collard greens, sweet potato's, etc. This place is not fancy, however all the food was homemade, the fried chicken was moist and tasty and the catfish was good also. They also have homemade dessert. As for the other review, we found the old lady pleasant. She wanted to make sure we enjoyed the food and had enough to eat. It is a buffet, $11.95 per adult. For around here with nothing else good to eat, we thought it was great. Might go back tomorrow for the pork chops! read more

Food was excellent and plenty to eat. The service was great as well. They on.y take cash and you have to sit at a picnic bench. For some it will be hard to maneuver into the sears. But more important is the food. Really good. read more

Best service ever! Best homemade down home cooking! Prices are great for the food and service.

Have been here 3x great restaurant will continue to come back. Kid friendly home cooking. Pork chops were great

The Dinner Bell is a culinary trip down memory lane. Wonderful comfort food made fresh with high quality ingredients. EVERYTHING is good. We came 2 nights in a row because we were all still dreaming about the food from the night before. The special the first night was country fried steak, which was well prepared with nice cuts of meat being used. The second night we were blessed with prom chips which were phenomenal with the baked spiced apples. Add the homemade mashed potatoes& gravy and it was heavenly! Fried chicken & catfish are staples on the menu with a nice assortment of sides and an extensive very fresh salad bars. Finish with an assortment of fresh baked cobblers and it would have been perfect. But alas they even have great coffee! Can you believe it? Don't be put off by the fact that it's a smorgasbord. That just means you get all this great food faster! read more

We use to love to go to the Dinner Bell. We always have a large group. This last time we found out they cook everything in peanut oil. We had a member of our group who is allergic. We will not be going back. read more

Wonderful down-home country cooking like Granny used to make. In fact, Granny greets you, and her grandson is the cook. EVERYTHING is tasty and good. Great salad bar, and don't miss the luscious banana pudding on the end of the salad bar. Serve yourself from big cast iron Dutch ovens on old-fashioned stoves. Seating is at long picnic tables which adds to the neighborly atmosphere. The waitresses are so sweet, attentive, and friendly. I dream about this place when we're not at the lake. read more

Just plain good country cooking. Serve yourself right off the stove. Enjoy on a picnic table family style. You'll go back.

Good home style Buffett. Ambience is folksy and you eat at long picnic tables with other guests. Food is good and Buffett is served off of an old cook stove. Salad bar was well stocked with many different items. Desserts were delicious with banana pudding, apple and cherry cobbler. read more

The Dinner Bell is a little gem near Jonathan Creek at Kentucky Lake. You won't find better southern home cooking. It's a family owned business that has been around for decades. The owner and staff are very friendly and attentive. Tonight my main selections included the catfish, pork chops and gravy, and a couple of fried chicken legs (all absolutely amazing). You will find a good selection of sides and hot vegetables. I typically skip the salad bar to leave room for more hot food. The desserts are excellent. I'm full... but have no regrets. read more

Best home cooking you will find! Love Friday nights country steak and gravy just like Momma made! Saturday night Pork chops are wonderful and then Sunday the turkey and dressing!! Mum mum good!!Always have to have a piece of fish or fried chicken after the nightly special. Worth the drive from anywhere to eat here! Made lots of new friends sharing a picnic table with them! Fun to see where everyone is from. Then you have the locals that drive 5-45 minutes to get there. We are lucky we are only 20 mins away so we indulge anywhere from every other week to twice a week!! All you can eat and worth every bite! read more

Just returned from a fishing trip to KY Lake and stayed at the Dinner Bell for two nights. The rooms are clean and well taken care of. Great value for the money at $65 a night. The best part is being able to eat at the Dinner Bell restaurant. Although I live up north I grew up in the south and this place is has as good of southern cooking as I've ever had. Fried chicken, catfish, chicken & dumplings, turnip greens, fried okra, green beans, cherry& apple cobbler, and I could go on and on and all for $11.95. If you are within 50 miles of this place you'd be crazy not to eat here often! The person who didn't get to have there wine is nuts, they missed a fantastic meal. This place is a slice of Americana! read more