Tennessee has always been known for its music, mountains, and warm hospitality, but there’s another reason to visit this beautiful state: the buffets.
From Memphis to Nashville and everywhere in between, Tennessee serves up some of the most satisfying all-you-can-eat experiences in the South.
Whether you’re craving traditional Southern comfort food, international flavors, or classic American steakhouse fare, the Volunteer State has a buffet that will make your taste buds sing.
These aren’t just places to eat; they’re destinations that bring communities together and give travelers a genuine taste of Tennessee culture.
1. Shoney’s
For generations, Shoney’s has been synonymous with affordable, satisfying buffet dining across the South, and the Nashville location on Donelson Pike continues that proud tradition.
This restaurant represents the kind of dependable, family-friendly dining experience that has made Shoney’s a household name throughout Tennessee and beyond.
Walking into this Shoney’s, you’re immediately greeted by the aroma of breakfast being served all day, a signature feature that sets it apart from many competitors.
The breakfast bar alone could be a destination, loaded with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, sausage links, pancakes, and their famous freshly baked biscuits and gravy.
But the offerings extend far beyond morning fare, with a lunch and dinner spread that includes fried chicken, carved meats, pasta dishes, and an extensive salad bar.
What makes this location special is its proximity to Nashville’s airport and downtown attractions, making it an ideal stop for travelers who want a hearty meal without the tourist prices.
The restaurant maintains a clean, bright atmosphere that appeals to families with children, business travelers, and locals looking for a reliable meal.
The strawberry pie has achieved legendary status among regulars, and the soft-serve ice cream station lets diners create their own sundaes to finish the meal.
Servers keep drinks refilled and tables cleared, ensuring a smooth dining experience even during busy periods.
The value proposition remains unbeatable, especially for those with hearty appetites who appreciate variety and quality without breaking the bank.
Address: 546 Donelson Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
2. Golden Corral
Golden Corral in Murfreesboro stands as a buffet powerhouse, offering an overwhelming selection that seems to go on forever.
This location has become a gathering spot for Middle Tennessee families, college students from nearby MTSU, and anyone who takes their all-you-can-eat dining seriously.
The sheer variety available under one roof makes it difficult to try everything in a single visit.
From the moment you grab your plate, the choices begin: freshly grilled steaks cooked to order, rotisserie chicken spinning to golden perfection, and a carving station with slow-roasted meats.
The seafood offerings change regularly but often include fried shrimp, fish, and seasonal specialties that bring coastal flavors to landlocked Tennessee.
Vegetable lovers appreciate the extensive salad bar with dozens of fresh toppings, while comfort food enthusiasts gravitate toward the mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and Southern-style green beans.
The restaurant also accommodates various dietary preferences with clearly labeled options, making it easier for guests with specific needs to navigate the buffet.
Then there’s the dessert situation, which deserves its own paragraph.
The bakery section features soft-serve ice cream, a chocolate fountain with dipping items, cookies, cakes, pies, and cobblers that change daily.
Children especially love the cotton candy machine, which adds a carnival-like fun element to the dining experience.
Located just off the interstate, Golden Corral serves as both a destination for locals and a convenient stop for travelers exploring Tennessee’s heartland.
The spacious dining room handles crowds well, and the constant replenishment ensures hot, fresh food throughout service hours.
Address: 1200 Chaffin Dr, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
3. Western Sizzlin
Knoxville’s Western Sizzlin on Chapman Highway brings back memories of classic American steakhouse dining with a buffet twist that satisfies both nostalgia and appetite.
This restaurant has maintained its presence in East Tennessee by staying true to what made it popular in the first place: quality meats, friendly service, and an atmosphere that welcomes everyone from solo diners to large family gatherings.
The star attraction remains the grilled steaks, which you can order fresh from the kitchen while also enjoying unlimited access to the buffet.
This combination approach gives diners the best of both worlds: a hot, made-to-order entrée plus the variety and abundance of buffet dining.
The buffet itself features traditional American favorites like fried chicken, barbecue ribs, catfish, and a rotation of daily specials that keep regulars guessing.
The salad bar stretches impressively long, stocked with crisp lettuce, fresh vegetables, pasta salads, and all the fixings needed to build a substantial salad or a light side.
Warm bread and dinner rolls sit nearby, perfect for soaking up gravies and sauces from the hot food line.
What really sets this location apart is its connection to the local community.
Regulars know the staff by name, and the restaurant hosts local groups and celebrations regularly.
The Sunday lunch crowd testifies to its popularity among church-goers looking for a hearty meal after services.
The dessert bar includes soft-serve ice cream with various toppings, allowing guests to create custom sundaes to cap off their meal.
Positioned along a major Knoxville corridor, Western Sizzlin remains accessible and affordable, continuing to serve generations of Tennessee families.
Address: 2612 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920
4. Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store
Stepping into Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store feels like traveling back to a simpler time when meals were made with love and served with a smile.
This Jackson landmark has been feeding hungry travelers and locals for decades, earning a reputation as one of Tennessee’s most beloved buffet destinations.
The restaurant captures the essence of Southern hospitality with its country store atmosphere, complete with vintage decorations and a welcoming charm that makes everyone feel like family.
What sets Brooks Shaw’s apart is its commitment to authentic Southern cooking that tastes just like Grandma used to make.
The buffet line stretches with golden fried chicken, tender pot roast, creamy mashed potatoes, and fresh-cooked vegetables that change with the seasons.
Their cornbread melts in your mouth, and the biscuits are so fluffy they practically float off your plate.
Beyond the main dishes, the dessert selection alone is worth the visit, featuring homemade pies, cobblers, and puddings that showcase traditional Tennessee baking at its finest.
The atmosphere encourages lingering conversations and second helpings, making it a perfect stop for families and road trippers exploring West Tennessee.
Located conveniently near Interstate 40, this buffet has become a must-visit spot for anyone traveling through the region.
The staff treats every guest with genuine warmth, creating an experience that goes beyond just filling your stomach.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, Brooks Shaw’s delivers consistent quality and heartfelt service that keeps people coming back year after year.
Address: 56 Casey Jones Lane, Jackson, TN 38305
5. Asia Buffet
Nashville’s Asia Buffet on Nolensville Pike transports diners across the Pacific without leaving Tennessee, offering an extensive exploration of Asian cuisines under one roof.
This restaurant stands out in Nashville’s increasingly diverse food scene by providing authentic flavors and variety that appeals to both Asian food enthusiasts and curious newcomers.
The buffet spans multiple stations representing different Asian culinary traditions.
Chinese classics like General Tso’s chicken, Mongolian beef, and sweet and sour pork sit alongside Japanese sushi rolls, Thai curries, and Vietnamese spring rolls.
This pan-Asian approach means every member of your dining party can find something they love, making it ideal for groups with varied tastes.
The sushi bar deserves special mention, featuring freshly prepared rolls that rotate throughout the day.
While buffet sushi sometimes gets a bad reputation, Asia Buffet maintains quality standards that surprise first-time visitors.
The combination of nigiri, maki rolls, and sashimi provides a genuine taste of Japanese cuisine at buffet prices.
Hot food stations keep dishes at proper temperatures, with frequent replenishment ensuring freshness during peak hours.
The Mongolian grill station allows diners to customize their stir-fry with chosen ingredients and sauces, adding an interactive element to the experience.
Seafood lovers appreciate the selection of steamed fish, salt and pepper shrimp, and various shellfish preparations that change based on availability.
The dessert area includes traditional Asian sweets alongside American favorites, plus fresh fruit and ice cream.
Located in Nashville’s increasingly multicultural corridor, Asia Buffet reflects the city’s growing diversity and adventurous dining culture.
Address: 3804 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211
6. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet
Memphis diners seeking variety and value have made Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet on Riverdale Road a consistent favorite for special occasions and casual family meals alike.
This expansive restaurant takes the Asian buffet concept to another level, with a selection so vast it requires multiple trips just to sample everything.
The name highlights the hibachi grill station, where skilled cooks prepare customized dishes right before your eyes.
You select your protein, vegetables, and sauces, then watch as they’re transformed into a sizzling stir-fry on the massive flat-top grill.
This interactive element adds entertainment value to the dining experience, especially for children fascinated by the cooking techniques.
Beyond the hibachi, the buffet sprawls across multiple stations featuring Chinese, Japanese, and American dishes.
The seafood selection impresses with crab legs, steamed mussels, fried shrimp, and grilled fish, offerings that elevate this buffet above standard Chinese restaurants.
Sushi enthusiasts find plenty to explore, with numerous rolls and nigiri options that demonstrate attention to presentation and freshness.
The hot food section includes dim sum, noodle dishes, curry options, and familiar favorites like sesame chicken and beef with broccoli.
The restaurant’s size allows it to handle large crowds without feeling cramped, and the modern décor creates a more upscale atmosphere than typical buffet establishments.
Servers circulate constantly, clearing plates and refilling drinks, maintaining a level of service that enhances the overall experience.
The dessert bar includes soft-serve ice cream, cakes, puddings, and fresh fruit, plus some traditional Asian sweets for adventurous palates.
Located in a busy Memphis commercial area, Hibachi Grill serves as a destination for East Memphis residents and visitors exploring the city.
Address: 3813 Riverdale Rd, Memphis, TN 38115
7. Santa Fe Cattle Company Buffet
Pulaski’s Santa Fe Cattle Company Buffet brings a taste of the Southwest to southern Middle Tennessee, creating a dining experience that stands out in this small historic town.
Located right on First Street in downtown Pulaski, this restaurant combines Western-themed atmosphere with an all-you-can-eat format that has made it a regional destination.
The Southwestern theme extends beyond decoration into the menu itself, with offerings that reflect both traditional steakhouse fare and Tex-Mex influences.
Grilled steaks, slow-roasted beef, and barbecued ribs anchor the meat selection, while sides include ranch beans, seasoned rice, and roasted corn.
The combination creates a flavor profile distinct from typical Southern buffets found elsewhere in Tennessee.
What makes Santa Fe Cattle Company special is its role in Pulaski’s community life.
In a town of fewer than 8,000 residents, this buffet serves as a gathering place for family celebrations, community meetings, and Sunday dinners after church.
The restaurant’s success in a small market testifies to its quality and the loyalty of local patrons.
The salad bar provides fresh vegetables and fixings, while the hot food line rotates daily specials that keep regular customers interested.
Fried chicken appears alongside fajita-style meats, creating an eclectic mix that appeals to diverse tastes.
For travelers exploring Tennessee’s backroads, Santa Fe Cattle Company offers a welcome surprise in an unexpected location.
Pulaski itself holds historical significance, and visitors often discover this buffet while touring the area.
The restaurant proves that exceptional buffet dining isn’t limited to big cities, with small-town hospitality adding to the overall charm.
Address: 111 S 1st St, Pulaski, TN 38478
8. King’s Buffet
King’s Buffet on North Broadway in Knoxville has earned its crown through consistent quality and value that keeps East Tennessee families returning week after week.
This Asian buffet operates with a straightforward philosophy: provide fresh food, maintain cleanliness, and offer enough variety to satisfy everyone at the table.
The restaurant covers all the expected bases of a quality Asian buffet, from crispy egg rolls and crab rangoon appetizers to main dishes spanning Chinese regional cuisines.
Kung pao chicken, Hunan beef, and moo goo gai pan represent traditional preparations, while more Americanized options like bourbon chicken appeal to less adventurous eaters.
The balance ensures that both Asian food enthusiasts and newcomers find satisfying choices.
Seafood appears in various preparations, including butter-steamed mussels, fried fish, and different shrimp dishes that showcase the protein’s versatility.
The sushi section, while not as extensive as some competitors, maintains freshness and offers popular rolls at a fraction of traditional sushi restaurant prices.
What sets King’s Buffet apart in Knoxville’s competitive buffet market is its attention to the details that matter most to regular customers.
Food stays hot and fresh, with staff monitoring stations and replacing items promptly.
The dining room remains clean, and servers keep drinks filled without being intrusive.
The location on North Broadway makes it accessible to both Knoxville residents and travelers passing through on nearby Interstate 40.
Lunch and dinner prices remain remarkably affordable, making it possible for families to enjoy a restaurant meal without the financial stress that often accompanies dining out with children.
King’s Buffet exemplifies the neighborhood Asian buffet done right, proving that consistency and value create loyal customers.
Address: 4321 N Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917
9. Captain D’s Seafood Buffet
While not exclusively a buffet chain, Captain D’s locations throughout Tennessee occasionally offer special seafood buffet events that deserve mention for anyone planning a buffet-focused trip through the state.
This Nashville-based chain has deep Tennessee roots, having served Southern-style seafood to generations of families since its founding in the Volunteer State.
The Captain D’s buffet experience, when available, showcases what the chain does best: golden-fried fish, crispy hush puppies, and classic Southern sides that pair perfectly with seafood.
The batter-dipped fish achieves that satisfying crunch that defines great fried seafood, while remaining tender and flaky inside.
Shrimp appears in multiple preparations, from fried to grilled, offering variety within the seafood category.
Beyond the seafood focus, buffet offerings include coleslaw, green beans, mac and cheese, and other comfort sides that complete the meal.
The combination brings coastal flavors to landlocked Tennessee communities, making fresh-tasting seafood accessible to those far from any ocean.
Captain D’s locations dot the Tennessee landscape from Memphis to Chattanooga, each serving as a familiar stop for locals and a discovery for visitors.
The casual, family-friendly atmosphere welcomes everyone from business lunch crowds to families with young children.
For travelers building a Tennessee buffet tour, checking with local Captain D’s locations about buffet availability adds a seafood dimension to the journey.
The chain’s Tennessee heritage makes it an authentic part of the state’s culinary landscape, representing how regional chains adapt national trends to local tastes.
Whether you encounter a full buffet or simply enjoy their regular menu, Captain D’s represents Tennessee’s ability to bring diverse food traditions together under one roof.
Address: 1656 E Stone Dr, Kingsport TN 37660; 2815 W State St, Bristol, TN 37620
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