10 Tennessee Buffets You’ll Travel Miles to Taste

Buffets remain popular dining options across Tennessee, offering variety, convenience, and hearty portions. From Southern comfort food to international selections, the state’s buffets attract both locals and travelers who enjoy sampling a wide range of dishes in one visit.

While the styles differ, many buffets emphasize home-style cooking and dependable value. These ten Tennessee buffets have earned a following thanks to their reliable food and welcoming atmosphere.

1. Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store (Jackson)

Step inside Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store, and you’ll notice the aroma of Southern classics wafting through the air. The buffet here is built on tradition, offering fried chicken with a crispy crust, tender catfish, hot cornbread, and an assortment of seasonal vegetables. Many guests recall childhood Sunday dinners when they taste the creamy mashed potatoes or the tangy turnip greens.

The adjacent general store and ice cream parlor add a touch of nostalgia. Visitors often browse shelves lined with old-fashioned candies and locally made preserves before or after their meal. The emphasis on consistency and local ingredients has kept Brooks Shaw’s relevant for decades.

For those seeking an authentic Southern comfort experience, this Jackson institution provides more than just a meal, it offers a glimpse into West Tennessee’s rich culinary history. Regulars point to the friendly staff and relaxed setting as reasons they keep returning.

2. Shoney’s (Multiple Locations)

Families across Tennessee have been gathering at Shoney’s for generations, drawn by its inviting atmosphere and reliable buffet. The rotating spread incorporates everything from crisp salads and fresh fruit to breakfast staples such as biscuits, eggs, and sausage. Many guests appreciate the opportunity to customize their plates at the salad and fruit bars.

Shoney’s has adapted over time, now offering healthier options alongside classic comfort dishes. The chain’s presence throughout the state ensures that travelers can find a familiar meal in unfamiliar towns. Regulars enjoy the predictability and value that have defined Shoney’s for decades.

Known for its iconic Big Boy mascot, Shoney’s is a touchstone for many Tennesseans, symbolizing casual dining that accommodates groups of all ages. Each location maintains a welcoming environment, making it a go-to spot for celebrations and everyday meals alike.

3. Golden Corral (Multiple Locations)

Golden Corral’s reputation for variety and value is evident at its Tennessee locations. Diners can select from a wide array of hot entrees, think grilled steak, carved ham, and rotisserie chicken, alongside a generous salad bar. The dessert station, with its chocolate fountain and fresh-baked rolls, often draws a crowd.

Families, solo travelers, and seniors alike frequent Golden Corral for its straightforward pricing and diverse offerings. The buffet appeals to many dietary preferences, with vegetarian sides, gluten-free items, and lighter fare options available. Staff maintain a steady flow of replenished dishes, ensuring minimal wait times even on busy weekends.

The chain’s emphasis on consistency means that guests can expect similar quality regardless of location. For those who enjoy casual, no-frills dining, Golden Corral remains a staple on Tennessee’s buffet landscape. Many appreciate the flexibility to mix and match dishes to their own tastes.

4. Western Sizzlin (Multiple Locations)

At Western Sizzlin, steak takes center stage, but the buffet offers much more than just grilled-to-order beef. Visitors can watch as chefs prepare their preferred cuts, then help themselves to a lineup of sides such as macaroni and cheese, seasoned green beans, and savory cornbread. The dining room’s cozy wood accents evoke a welcoming, lodge-like feel.

Guests appreciate the flexibility to combine a hearty steak with homestyle vegetables or lighter salads. Many locations highlight local produce and traditional recipes, giving each buffet a regional touch. Regulars often mention the attentive service and relaxed pace that encourage lingering meals.

Western Sizzlin manages to balance classic steakhouse fare with the generous variety expected from a buffet. Its blend of quality meats and familiar favorites makes it a preferred stop for both travelers and hometown diners. The approachable pricing and portions add to its popularity.

5. Barnhill’s Buffet (Hixson)

Locals often describe Barnhill’s Buffet in Hixson as a reliable spot for hearty comfort food, with fried chicken, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and classic vegetable sides.

Regulars appreciate the rotating dessert pies, which keep the menu feeling seasonal and familiar. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, making it a practical option for gatherings or a simple night out.

Reviews note that quality can vary, but most agree it delivers dependable Southern staples at affordable prices. For those seeking familiar flavors without frills, Barnhill’s remains a community go-to. Many diners cite the welcoming staff and nostalgic dishes as the reason they return.

6. Asia Buffet (Nashville)

Asia Buffet in Nashville is known for its wide-ranging selection, with dishes spanning Chinese-American favorites, hibachi options, and a variety of seafood.

Guests often highlight the ability to sample both sushi rolls and hot entrées like sesame chicken or beef and broccoli in one sitting. The layout makes browsing simple, which is helpful for groups with different tastes.

While reviews vary on consistency, many praise the freshness of the sushi and the value for the price. Families and larger parties especially enjoy the range of choices, which ensures there’s something for everyone. Asia Buffet appeals to those who want both comfort and variety under one roof.

7. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet (Memphis)

Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet in Memphis stands out for its sheer size and variety, with rows of sushi, stir-fry ingredients, and seafood options like shrimp and crab legs.

Diners enjoy customizing dishes at the hibachi station or filling plates with familiar Asian-American entrées. The spacious dining room makes it a popular spot for celebrations and family outings.

Feedback is mixed, some guests praise the freshness and attentive staff, while others find the experience average depending on the day. Still, its extensive spread and affordable pricing keep it a steady favorite for those who enjoy sampling broadly. The combination of options makes it a flexible choice for groups.

8. Santa Fe Cattle Company Buffet (Pulaski)

Santa Fe Cattle Company Buffet in Pulaski blends steakhouse classics with Southwestern flavors. Guests often choose from hearty cuts of beef, smoky ribs, and sides like beans, cornbread, and seasoned potatoes.

House-made sauces and salsas add a distinctive touch to the buffet’s offerings. The rustic décor and relaxed service set a casual tone, appealing to both locals and travelers along I-65.

Reviews note some variability in quality, but many appreciate the generous portions and approachable pricing. For those seeking a mix of Tex-Mex influences and Tennessee comfort, Santa Fe Cattle Company offers a memorable stop.

9. King’s Buffet (Knoxville)

King’s Buffet in Knoxville attracts diners with its broad range of Asian-inspired dishes, from stir-fried noodles and sesame chicken to a selection of sushi and seafood.

Families often highlight the kid-friendly atmosphere and variety of options, which make it easy to please different palates.

Although detailed reviews are limited, many visitors describe it as a convenient and affordable option for casual group dining. The buffet’s combination of familiar entrées and rotating specials helps keep regulars engaged. For those seeking a practical, crowd-pleasing meal, King’s Buffet remains a solid choice in Knoxville.

10. Mama’s Farmhouse (Pigeon Forge)

Mama’s Farmhouse in Pigeon Forge serves meals family-style rather than in a traditional buffet line, but the experience offers the same abundance.

Platters of fried chicken, biscuits, and rotating vegetables arrive at the table with unlimited refills, encouraging a communal, home-cooked feel. The biscuits are particularly popular and often singled out in guest reviews. The cozy, mountain-inspired dining room makes it a popular stop for visitors exploring the Smokies.

While menu options are set, the emphasis on hospitality and hearty portions creates a lasting impression. Many guests return for the consistency and atmosphere, making Mama’s Farmhouse a favorite for family gatherings and special occasions.