Sensation Restaurant Bar & Grill

We saw billboard on I-​40 and thought our party of 4 would give it a try. The food was very good. A family run business that serves home cooking, soul food served to you buffet style. Staff was very friendly and we even got a impromptu performance by one of the owners who is a aspiring singer. When in the area again we will eat there.

Sometimes you’re in a hurry on the short drive from between the beach and the Triangle. Sometimes you just peel off the highway for fast food. But sometimes it’s actually worth it to stop and sit down. Sensations is worth it.
During the lunch buffet you can be in and out of here as quickly as you want. Pay at the front and pick up a plate. The food is fresh, classic southern fare. It’s seasoned well, not too salty — maybe a tad sweet on the bbq sauce and hush puppy mix. The staff are so friendly, the way southern hospitality is supposed to be.
And it has one of my favorite things about down home eateries– you see all kinds of people in here. Young and old, black and white, rich and poor. This is North Carolina.

Just wow. Old southern cooking that makes memories of childhood return and may cause you to look in the kitchen for long lost relatives. Perfect vegetables. Yams that have just the right sweet and savory, and texture that melts in your mouth. Luscious!

We stopped here on our drive from Raleigh to Wilmington and absolutely loved it. Best hush puppies I have ever eaten! The buffet had excellent choices and the food was fresh and delicious. As good as the food was, the service was even better. Our friendly singing waitress was awesome and serenaded us for our anniversary. Definitely a complete soul experience! And the price was great too.

Worth the detour off I 40 to experience fantastic home cooking and friendly staff. Best fried chicken of anywhere. We loved it! Thank you so much for the warm welcome and excellent service.

Pleasant and accommodating staff. Great sweet tea, tender and tasty baked chicken, moist cakes. Wear elastic pants :) Good country cooking. Gave five stars for the staff and price. Selection could have been a little better but I went on a Saturday and heard it was better on Sunday. Not fancy at all, but I go to a restaurant for the food not atmosphere.

If you’re looking for good homemade soul food, pay the $ 7.50 so you can get seconds… and dessert here! This place is about the food. So try as many different dishes as you can fit on your plate. And don’t ignore the banana pudding! Get it. Enjoy it. And enjoy the warm-​hearted service while you’re here.

It’s a place we would have just driven by but the Unilocal review made us come in— it’s a buffet — southern style and a salad bar — everything was great! Super friendly staff and my hubby got a «happy birthday» song from a gal with an amazing voice :) prices were too low to believe. We come by here about once a year — wish it were more often!

The Sensation is well worth the five minute detour off I40. My family moved to North Carolina two years ago and our lunch at the Sensation was the best Southern cooking we’ve ever had. Everything on the buffet tasted fresh and none of the many dishes were overly greasy or salty. At $ 7.50 for all-​you-​can-​eat, it’s an incredible value. And the warmth and friendliness of the service is beyond compare.
It you’re planning to drive between Raleigh and Wilmington, make a point of stopping at the Sensation. Really, it’s that good!

Great place to stop. If you’re on I-​40, it’s not far from the interstate. Well worth the short detour. The staff was very friendly, and were great at their job. The food is wonderful. It was like eating at my grandmother’s house on Sunday afternoon. Everything you could ask for and more.
Do yourself a favor and stop in at least once.

The atmosphere was great !!! The staff was more then accommodating … The food was hot and fresh… Black eyed peAs were to die for !!! Mike was gracious and kind. A really nice place to grab something homemade fresh and hot!!!

Great atmosphere! Amazing food, and by far the best fried chicken!!! You have to come check them out. You won’t be disappointed.