Soul food restaurants

Garden Patch

4.5 132 reviews 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM 220 Woodland Dr N, Forest, MS 39074, United States

Discover this place

Donna Jean's Country Buffet is a soul food restaurant located in Forest, Mississippi, offering classic Southern dishes in a casual buffet setting. The menu features a variety of traditional comfort foods, including hearty options like the Heart Attack Platter and a selection from a modest salad bar. The atmosphere is laid-back and unpretentious, providing a straightforward dining experience that reflects the local culture. The restaurant emphasizes home-style cooking with fresh ingredients served in generous portions. While the buffet format encourages diners to sample multiple dishes, there is also an option for to-go plates. Donna Jean's Country Buffet stands out as a local spot for those seeking familiar Southern soul food flavors in a simple, no-frills environment.

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Amenities & More

Service options

Curbside pickup
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights

Fast service
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Serves local specialty

Popular for

Lunch
Solo dining

Dining options

Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities

Restroom

Atmosphere

Casual
Cozy

Crowd

Groups
Tourists

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Garden Patch before visiting.

Reviews for Garden Patch

4.5

132 reviews

100%

27%

11%

Review highlights

Based on 132 reviews

Donna Jean's Country Buffet is generally praised for its authentic Southern soul food, delivering a taste experience that many find comforting and fresh. Customers frequently commend the restaurant’s warm, down-home atmosphere and attentive staff, contributing to an overall positive dining environment. The buffet offers a variety of well-prepared dishes that appeal to those seeking traditional comfort food. However, some guests have expressed concerns regarding pricing, particularly related to additional charges for the salad bar, which a few found lacking in quality and value. There are also isolated reports of uncomfortable experiences linked to the social atmosphere, suggesting the restaurant may not feel equally welcoming to all demographics. Despite these issues, Donna Jean's Country Buffet remains a notable option for those craving Southern cuisine, especially for takeout or buffet-style dining in Forest, MS.

Sean Knight

Jul 15, 2025

If you want down home southern soul food this is a must try. Me and my girlfriend passed through from Missouri and its the best soul food I've ever had.

Jerry Traylor

Jun 12, 2025

It was a very good experience, food, service and atmosphere were excellent.

Patricia Hill

Jun 07, 2025

Best buffet around. Everything tastes wonderful and fresh. The staff is amazing.

vz d

Jun 06, 2025

Cute little restaurant in Forest. Food is good. You walk in and there's a small buffet. Staff was polite. Great place to go if you are white. If you are hispanic it's not the place for you. I went with my husband and as soon as we sat down a white gentleman switched places with his friend because (in his words) "I hate looking at Mexicans". We got A LOT of stares. Although food was good we will not be returning. This is a great safe haven for white people that don't like Mexicans.

Amanda Richardson

May 22, 2025

I ate there yesterday and the food was okay. I was floored when they told me my total was 19 dollars. I got charged an extra 3 dollars for there so called salad bar, which was tiny and it did not taste good, I didn't even eat it. If I ever go back, it would only be for to go plates, which are apparently the less expensive route. I only got 1 plate of food. Overall definitely not worth the money.

tox1c_box

May 06, 2025

just an OK place. the service was nice, the food was okay, and the inside looked okay. the only thing i found disgusting was what i think is roast being mostly just fat.

Timothy Power

Apr 29, 2025

Definitely the best home cooking around