7 Tennessee Small Town Buffets That Feel Like Sunday Supper

There’s something unmistakably comforting about a real Southern buffet in a small Tennessee town. I’ve sought out the ones that feel closest to a Sunday family gathering, where the food is honest, the setting is warm, and you sense a community built around shared meals.

Each of these buffets, while unique, offers that inviting atmosphere where everyone feels like a neighbor and every dish carries a touch of local tradition. Whether you crave fried chicken as crisp as grandma’s or a spread of home-cooked vegetables, these seven places stand out.

Some are tucked away off the highway, others anchor local history, but each has built a loyal following for good reason. Come hungry, and expect to leave with a full heart and a satisfied smile.

1. Casey Jones Old Country Store, Jackson

Stepping into Casey Jones Old Country Store feels like walking into a friend’s sprawling farmhouse. The buffet line tempts you immediately, with trays of golden fried chicken, tender catfish, and sides like turnip greens and sweet potatoes that taste like home. Antique displays and wooden beams add a layer of nostalgia to every meal, while the staff greets you like you’ve known them for years.

You can browse the shelves packed with candies and jams, or wander into the attached ice cream shop for a scoop. Each table seems to buzz with conversation, laughter, and the clinking of plates. The atmosphere never feels rushed; it’s the kind of place where folks settle in for second helpings and keep the sweet tea flowing.

Locals know this spot as much for its character as its food. The daily buffet brings in travelers, families, and regulars alike, all looking for that elusive homemade taste. Before you leave, the gift shop may tempt you with a jar of chow-chow or local honey, sending you home with a little Tennessee tradition in tow.

2. Donna’s Old Town Café, Madisonville

If you stop by Donna’s Old Town Café on a weekday morning, you’ll find the breakfast buffet already drawing in locals. Since 1994, this family-owned spot has gained a reputation for straightforward, comforting food and genuine hospitality. Fried chicken, country ham, and steaming trays of vegetables fill the lunch buffet, giving you that sense of a home-cooked meal away from home.

The owners and staff greet customers by name, and many regulars have their favorite tables. Humble, unpretentious, and refreshingly consistent, Donna’s doesn’t try to be fancy, just good. The décor captures small-town Tennessee, with old photographs and memorabilia tucked between weathered wooden tables.

What Donna’s may lack in flash, it makes up for in heart. Folks often linger over coffee, exchanging news and stories while the dessert table beckons with classics like banana pudding. It’s the kind of café where Sunday feels special every day of the week, thanks to the honest cooking and neighborly spirit.

3. Tilley’s Homestead Restaurant, Centerville

At Tilley’s Homestead Restaurant, the best advice is to ask the locals about timing. Regulars know when the freshest fried chicken hits the buffet, often praised as some of the best in Centerville. The owners run the kitchen themselves, so everything feels personal, from the seasoning to the welcome you get when you walk in.

The buffet is straightforward, focusing on a handful of well-loved classics: mashed potatoes, slow-cooked beans, and simple but satisfying desserts. There’s comfort in the consistency, you know exactly what’s coming, and it’s always done right.

Centerville has more than one beloved homestyle spot, but Tilley’s has carved out its own loyal crowd. Families linger over supper, conversations flow easily, and the atmosphere feels less like dining out and more like joining a neighbor’s table.

4. Western Sizzlin, Jasper

For folks in Jasper, the local Western Sizzlin has become more than just a chain steakhouse, it’s a regular gathering spot. The buffet is familiar but satisfying, with fried chicken, meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, and plenty of vegetables. Fresh steaks and grilled items add variety for those who want more than the classics.

The appeal here is in the atmosphere. Families and neighbors settle in to share a meal, while the staff greets diners like old friends. The salad bar keeps things bright and fresh, balancing out the hearty mains.

Yes, it’s part of a franchise, but this location feels rooted in community tradition. It’s dependable, affordable, and just the kind of place where Sunday-style suppers turn into everyday routines.

5. Homestead Restaurant, Centerville, TN

Homestead Restaurant may share its hometown with Tilley’s, but locals know the two spots each have their own faithful following. The buffet here is hearty and plentiful, with trays of crisp fried chicken, juicy pork chops, and vegetables cooked Southern-style. Warm biscuits arrive often, ready for honey or gravy.

What makes Homestead special is its sense of togetherness. Tables are close enough that stories and laughter overlap, blending diners into one extended family gathering. It’s not a flashy restaurant, but it doesn’t need to be, just honest food served in generous portions.

For travelers passing through, stopping at Homestead feels like being welcomed into the rhythm of small-town Tennessee life. For regulars, it’s simply where you go when you want supper the way it ought to be.

6. Mama’s Farmhouse, Pigeon Forge

Sunday supper traditions run strong at Mama’s Farmhouse, but the twist here is that the food comes family-style instead of from a buffet line. Platters of fried chicken, honey-glazed ham, and baskets of warm biscuits arrive at your table, and servers keep them coming until everyone’s full.

The farmhouse décor, with vintage touches and cheerful floral prints, sets a cozy scene for families and groups. Kids and grandparents swap stories between bites, while visitors get their first taste of Tennessee-style hospitality.

Mama’s has earned a reputation for consistency and warmth. Locals return for celebrations, while travelers discover a meal that feels both festive and familiar. If you want a Sunday supper experience without lifting a finger at the buffet, Mama’s Farmhouse delivers that special sense of home.

7. Austin’s Steak & Homestyle Buffet, Knoxville, TN

When you walk into Austin’s Steak & Homestyle Buffet, you’re welcomed by the cheerful greetings of the staff. The buffet offers a wide range of homestyle options, from roast beef to fried chicken, and sides like mashed potatoes and cornbread. There’s also a fresh salad bar, which brightens up the hearty spread.

Families gather here for dependable food and a relaxed vibe, whether stopping in after a day out or meeting up for a casual dinner. The value stands out, generous portions are matched by fair prices, making it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. Service feels genuinely neighborly, with staff checking in to make sure everyone is satisfied.

A trip to Austin’s promises more than just a full plate. It’s about sharing a meal in a friendly setting, where the little details, hot rolls, homemade desserts, and staff who remember your name, create a sense of belonging. For folks in Knoxville, it’s a buffet that fits right in with the city’s easygoing charm.