7 Family Friendly Buffets in Tennessee Everyone Will Enjoy

Nothing beats watching your family find their favorite dishes, chatting over a hearty plate, and seeing faces light up at classic flavors. Tennessee has buffets that do this well, Southern-style, variety-packed, and wholly welcoming. Here are some of the most-loved and well-rated spots across the state:

1. Austin’s Steak & Homestyle Buffet (Knoxville)

There’s a certain comfort in knowing you’ll find something for everyone at Austin’s Steak & Homestyle Buffet. The carving station always draws a crowd, with diners lining up for slices of tender roast beef and ham cut right in front of you. Alongside, you’ll spot steaming trays of fried chicken, fluffy mashed potatoes, and just-baked bread that fills the room with a familiar warmth.

I appreciate that Austin’s doesn’t skimp on freshness. Their salad bar is crisp, colorful, and full of choices your picky eater might actually try. The staff tend to remember faces, adding a genuine sense of hospitality that keeps locals coming back.

Kids pile their plates with mac and cheese and families swap stories over plates that taste like home. Don’t miss their rotating dessert table; there’s always a seasonal pie or cobbler worth saving room for. It’s the kind of place that makes even a regular Tuesday feel special.

2. Wood Grill Buffet (Pigeon Forge)

Step inside and you’ll hear laughter mixing with the sizzle from the grill. Wood Grill Buffet stands out for its sheer scale and variety, there’s a station for every craving. Breakfast fans go straight for the fluffy pancakes and eggs, while dinner brings wood-smoked ribs and roast beef hot off a 4000-pound smoker.

The kids? They’re usually eyeing the pizza or burgers, while seafood lovers load up on fried shrimp and baked fish. There’s even a taco bar that helps turn dinner into a choose-your-own adventure. The layout encourages wandering; you’ll see families browsing together, sampling something new at every turn.

Save a little space for the dessert bar, which has everything from soft-serve ice cream to fruit cobblers. The welcoming atmosphere and well-stocked stations make it easy for everyone to leave happy, no matter their appetite or age. It’s no wonder this spot gets recommended by locals and visitors alike.

3. Chow Time Buffet & Grill (Memphis)

If I had to pick a buffet that captures Memphis’s diverse spirit, Chow Time would be it. This spot boldly pairs soul food classics with Asian-inspired favorites, letting you sample fried chicken and lo mein in a single meal. The aroma alone, a mix of barbecue and savory stir-fry, pulls you in from the street.

One table might be passing hush puppies, while the next experiments with spring rolls and spicy noodles. It’s a fun way to introduce kids to new flavors without pressure, there’s always a backup of mashed potatoes or corn on the cob.

Don’t overlook the grill station, where cooks prepare hot dishes to order. The dessert selection includes Southern banana pudding and red bean pastries, a nod to the buffet’s blend of traditions. Chow Time’s lively setting and mix-and-match approach make every meal feel like a mini food festival.

4. Sakura Japanese Buffet (Sevierville)

Curious eaters find plenty to love at Sakura Japanese Buffet. Sushi lovers can sample everything from classic rolls to more adventurous options, all freshly made throughout the day. There’s a hibachi grill, where chefs cook up steak and shrimp right before your eyes, always a hit with kids who like a little dinnertime show.

It’s not just about sushi. Hot pot bowls, fried rice, and teriyaki chicken sit beside American favorites, so there’s always a familiar option. The buffet is well-lit, uncluttered, and easy to navigate, which helps when you’re shepherding little ones.

I hear parents talk about how Sakura makes trying new foods an easy sell for picky eaters. The dessert table features mochi and soft-serve ice cream, inviting everyone to finish their meal on a sweet note. It’s a refreshing alternative to traditional Southern buffets while still feeling family-first.

5. Mama’s Farmhouse (Pigeon Forge)

It feels like Sunday dinner every day at Mama’s Farmhouse. This spot specializes in family-style service, platters loaded with fried chicken, meatloaf, and catfish arrive at your table, and refills are always encouraged. Sides rotate but usually include classics like creamed corn, green beans, and buttery biscuits.

What stands out is the way the staff treats guests like extended family. There’s laughter, easy conversation, and a genuine sense of Southern hospitality that’s hard to find elsewhere. Kids’ favorites are always in easy reach, and dessert is as much a centerpiece as the main dishes.

Fun fact: Mama’s Farmhouse uses recipes straight from the owner’s great-grandmother. It’s a small detail, but one that helps every meal feel a bit more personal. The homey setting and endless helpings make it a crowd-pleaser for Tennessee visitors.

6. Casey Jones Buffet (Jackson)

Stepping into Casey Jones Buffet is a bit like traveling back in time. Railroad memorabilia lines the walls, giving the dining room a cozy, old-school charm that sparks curiosity in both kids and grandparents. The buffet itself is generous, piled high with fried chicken, barbecue, and a variety of classic Southern sides.

It’s the kind of place where regulars swap stories about the town’s past while sampling peach cobbler or cornbread. The atmosphere feels nostalgic, yet the selection holds up to modern tastes, there’s even a small salad bar for lighter appetites.

Families return for the dependable flavors and welcoming staff who seem to know when you need another serving. The sense of history and community makes each meal memorable. For many, it’s a must-stop whenever they find themselves traveling through West Tennessee.

7. Western Sizzlin Family Steakhouse & Buffet (Crossville and Multiple Locations)

Western Sizzlin has been feeding Tennessee families for decades, and the formula hasn’t changed: hearty food, generous portions, and a price that keeps it accessible. The buffet line covers the classics, fried chicken, meatloaf, and golden cornbread, while the grill turns out steaks cooked to order.

Pair that with a fresh salad bar and a dessert station loaded with cakes and soft-serve, and you’ve got a spread that works for all ages. What makes Western Sizzlin stand out is the balance between a sit-down steakhouse and the freedom of a buffet.

Parents can enjoy a ribeye or sirloin while kids stick to mac and cheese or pizza, all in one visit. Locations across the state, especially the long-standing Crossville spot, are popular with locals who treat it as a weekly tradition. The welcoming staff and relaxed pace make it easy to feel at home, no matter how big your group.