Unearth The Voyage
Tennessee knows how to do comfort food right, and that includes desserts that make you want seconds (and thirds). From old-fashioned cobblers to creamy banana pudding, the state’s all-you-can-eat buffets have earned a reputation for sweet endings that rival the main courses. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these spots prove that saving room for dessert isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a must.
Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store — Jackson
Walk into this Jackson landmark and you’ll immediately smell the fried chicken and cornbread, but locals know the real treasure is at the end of the buffet line. Brooks Shaw’s has been feeding Tennesseans since 1965, and their dessert spread feels like a family reunion potluck. Seasonal cobblers—peach in summer, apple in fall—arrive still warm from the oven, with crusts that crumble just right.
The banana pudding gets its own devoted following, layered thick with vanilla wafers and real whipped cream. Pies rotate based on what’s fresh, so you might find chess pie one week and chocolate cream the next. It’s the kind of place where strangers compare dessert plates and swap recommendations across tables.
Aunt Granny’s All-You-Care-To-Eat Buffet — Dollywood
Tucked inside Dollywood, Aunt Granny’s feels like stepping onto a front porch in the Smoky Mountains. The name alone hints at the homestyle cooking waiting inside, where every dish tastes like someone’s grandmother made it with love. Sure, the fried chicken and green beans draw crowds, but visitors quickly learn that the dessert table is where magic happens.
Banana pudding here isn’t just good—it’s the stuff of theme park legend, with layers so generous you’ll need a second plate. Cakes range from classic yellow to rich chocolate, all moist and freshly baked. Even after a day of roller coasters, guests make room for these sweets, often returning for seconds before heading back out.
Wood Grill Buffet — Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge attracts millions of tourists yearly, and Wood Grill Buffet has become a favorite pit stop for hungry travelers. The restaurant’s name suggests grilled meats are the stars, and they are—until you spot the dessert section. Pies of every flavor line up like soldiers: cherry, chocolate silk, lemon meringue, each slice calling your name.
Cobblers bubble with fruit and cinnamon, while puddings offer creamy comfort after a day of sightseeing. Reviews constantly mention how hard it is to choose just one dessert, with many diners admitting they went back three or four times. The atmosphere stays casual and welcoming, perfect for families who want good food without the fuss or fancy prices.
Asuka Hibachi & Buffet — Smyrna
Not every great buffet dessert involves cobbler and pie. Asuka Hibachi & Buffet in Smyrna proves that Asian-inspired sweets deserve equal attention, especially when they’re this well-executed. Most diners come for the sushi rolls and hibachi selections, but the dessert zone surprises them every time.
Green tea ice cream offers a refreshing finish, not too sweet and perfectly smooth. Sesame balls arrive golden and crispy on the outside, with sweet red bean paste hidden inside. You’ll also find mochi, cream puffs, and fruit arranged beautifully—desserts that feel lighter than traditional Southern options but still satisfy completely. It’s a nice change of pace that shows Tennessee’s buffet scene has more variety than you might expect.
Casey Jones Village Restaurant — Jackson
Connected to the historic Casey Jones Village, this Jackson spot wraps dining in nostalgia and railroad history. The buffet itself channels old-fashioned country cooking, the kind grandparents remember from Sunday dinners. But what really makes people stop and stare is the dessert spread, which changes with the seasons and always features something homemade.
Local pies showcase Tennessee fruit—strawberries in spring, blackberries in summer. Cobblers arrive steaming hot, begging for a scoop of their house-made ice cream on top. The rustic atmosphere adds to the charm, making every bite feel like you’ve traveled back to simpler times. Families often finish their meals here, then wander the village shops with satisfied smiles.
Golden Corral — Various Tennessee Locations
Golden Corral might be a nationwide chain, but Tennessee locations hold a special place in locals’ hearts, especially for their dessert stations. After loading up on pot roast and fried shrimp, diners inevitably gravitate toward the sweets, where choices seem endless. Cakes in every flavor imaginable sit next to fruit pies, cream pies, and cookies still warm from baking.
The soft-serve machine stays busy all night, with kids (and adults) building towering cones topped with sprinkles and chocolate syrup. Some locations even feature chocolate fountains for dipping strawberries and marshmallows. It’s predictable comfort in the best way possible—you always know what you’re getting, and it always delivers exactly what you crave.
Farmer’s Family Restaurant — Columbia/Murfreesboro
Farmer’s Family Restaurant operates a bit differently than typical buffet lines, but their rotating comfort food spread has earned them a loyal following across middle Tennessee. The setup feels more like a church potluck than a commercial buffet, which somehow makes the food taste even better. Desserts here lean heavily into home-baking traditions.
Fresh-baked rolls—yes, technically dessert when you add butter and honey—disappear fast. Pies change daily based on what’s available and what the cooks feel like making, from coconut cream to pecan. Other home-style sweets round out the offerings, simple but satisfying. It’s not fancy or Instagram-worthy, but it’s genuine Tennessee hospitality served on a plate, which counts for a lot.
