Unearth The Voyage
Tennessee is a treasure trove of delicious all-you-can-eat buffets that showcase the state’s rich culinary heritage. From Southern comfort classics to international flavors, these establishments offer unlimited portions that will leave you happily stuffed. Whether you’re craving fried chicken, seafood, or breakfast favorites, these buffets across the Volunteer State promise to satisfy even the heartiest appetite.
Brook Shaw’s Old Country Store
Housed in the charming Casey Jones Village, this legendary establishment serves up Southern hospitality on every plate. The aroma of perfectly seasoned fried chicken greets you at the door, promising a meal you won’t soon forget. Their rotating selection of 14-16 fresh vegetables changes with the seasons, giving regulars something new to look forward to with each visit. The catfish, crispy on the outside and tender within, draws food enthusiasts from across state lines. Save room for their famous banana pudding – a sweet, creamy concoction that grandmothers throughout Tennessee have tried to replicate for generations. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a genuine taste of Southern tradition that’s been perfected over decades.
Aunt Granny’s All-You-Care-To-Eat Buffet
Nestled within the enchanting Dollywood theme park sits a culinary gem that locals swear is worth the price of admission alone. Family recipes come to life here, serving up hearty portions that would make Dolly herself proud. Golden-brown fried chicken takes center stage, accompanied by an impressive array of Southern sides that change regularly. Fluffy biscuits arrive at the table piping hot, perfect for sopping up rich country gravy. Unlike typical tourist traps, Aunt Granny’s maintains authentic Tennessee cooking traditions, earning its reputation as more than just theme park fare. The friendly staff treats you like family, creating an atmosphere as comforting as the food they serve with genuine mountain hospitality.
Asuka Hibachi & Buffet
Craving something beyond the typical Southern fare? Asuka brings Asian fusion excellence to Tennessee’s buffet scene. Fresh sushi rolls line the display cases, made throughout the day to ensure peak flavor and quality. The hibachi station steals the spotlight, where skilled chefs transform your selected ingredients into sizzling masterpieces before your eyes. Steam rises from perfectly prepared dumplings while crispy spring rolls maintain their crunch under warming lights. Vegetarians find plenty to love with colorful stir-fry options and plant-based appetizers. What sets Asuka apart is their commitment to quality over quantity – though they certainly don’t skimp on selection either! The restaurant’s modern décor creates a pleasant atmosphere for enjoying multiple plates of Asian delights.
Chow Time Buffet & Grill
Memphis food critics can’t stop talking about this unique fusion concept that brilliantly marries soul food and Chinese cuisine under one roof. Barbecue ribs share space with General Tso’s chicken, creating a cultural crossroads that perfectly represents Memphis’s diverse culinary landscape. The buffet stretches impressively across the restaurant, featuring over 100 items that rotate regularly. Seafood lovers rejoice at the crab legs and fried catfish, while comfort food enthusiasts pile their plates with mac and cheese and collard greens. Dessert options range from traditional Southern banana pudding to Chinese almond cookies. The restaurant’s unpretentious atmosphere welcomes everyone from families to solo diners looking to sample multiple cuisines without breaking the bank.
Mama’s Farmhouse
Family-style feasting reaches new heights at this beloved Smoky Mountain establishment. Rather than standing in buffet lines, servers bring endless platters directly to your table – just raise your hand when you’re ready for refills of any dish. Their signature fried chicken recipe remains a closely guarded secret, producing perfectly seasoned, crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside pieces that vanish quickly. Homemade biscuits arrive in wicker baskets, still steaming from the oven and begging to be slathered with fresh apple butter. The rotating seasonal vegetables showcase local produce, supporting area farmers while ensuring peak freshness. Though technically not self-serve, Mama’s unlimited portions and down-home hospitality create the ultimate all-you-can-eat experience that captures the essence of Tennessee mountain cooking.
Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet
Finding premium seafood deep in the Smoky Mountains might seem unlikely, but Captain Jim’s defies expectations. Their daily seafood deliveries ensure mountain visitors can enjoy ocean-fresh flavors hundreds of miles from the coast. Snow crab legs crack satisfyingly under seafood tools, revealing sweet meat that pairs perfectly with melted butter. Fried shrimp, catfish, and hush puppies provide Southern-style seafood options alongside steamed classics. For those in your party less enthusiastic about seafood, traditional Southern sides and entrees ensure everyone leaves satisfied. The nautical-themed interior transports diners from mountain surroundings to a coastal experience, complete with fishing nets and boat decorations. Captain Jim’s proves that landlocked Tennessee can deliver outstanding seafood when passionate owners make freshness their priority.
The Farmer’s Daughter
Simplicity shines at this authentic Amish buffet tucked away in East Tennessee’s rolling countryside. The restaurant embraces a less-is-more philosophy, focusing on perfecting traditional recipes rather than overwhelming with choices. Their legendary fried chicken achieves a perfect balance – a light, crisp coating protecting impossibly tender meat beneath. Hand-rolled noodles swim in rich broth alongside slow-cooked roasts that fall apart at the touch of a fork. The restaurant’s peaceful atmosphere reflects Amish values, creating a dining experience that nourishes both body and spirit. Many ingredients come directly from surrounding Amish farms, creating farm-to-table dining before it became trendy. No frills or fancy presentation here – just honest, hearty cooking that connects diners to Tennessee’s agricultural roots.
Red Ginger Buffet
Variety reigns supreme at this ambitious buffet boasting over 100 distinct offerings. Red Ginger breaks the mold of typical small-town Asian restaurants by presenting multiple regional cuisines rather than generic Chinese-American standards. The sushi section features both traditional favorites and creative specialty rolls made throughout the day. Hibachi chefs entertain while preparing customized stir-fry combinations with theatrical flair. Beyond Asian offerings, unexpected stations include American comfort foods and fresh seafood on ice. The dessert selection deserves special mention – house-made cream puffs and fresh fruit complement traditional Asian sweets like mochi. Red Ginger proves that small-town Tennessee can support sophisticated international dining when executed with passion and attention to quality.
Reagan’s House of Pancakes
Morning feasts reach legendary status at this breakfast-focused buffet that proves pancakes are just the beginning. The signature flapjacks come in unexpected varieties – blueberry, chocolate chip, and seasonal specials like pumpkin spice in fall. The made-to-order omelet station allows complete customization with fresh ingredients prepped each morning. Crispy bacon, sausage links, and country ham provide protein options that pair perfectly with fluffy scrambled eggs and home fries. A surprising fresh fruit section offers lighter fare alongside indulgent options like Belgian waffles topped with whipped cream. While tourists flock here before theme park adventures, locals know Reagan’s serves the best morning spread in town at a fraction of resort prices – proving that breakfast truly can be the most important meal of the day.
Brickhouse Buffet
This growing local chain has earned its reputation as a Tennessee buffet standout by perfecting the classics while continuously introducing new offerings. Each location maintains consistent quality while featuring regional specialties from their particular corner of Tennessee. The carving station takes center stage, offering tender roast beef, ham, and turkey sliced to order. Southern sides rotate seasonally, highlighting local produce like Tennessee-grown tomatoes in summer and turnip greens in cooler months. The dessert bar features nostalgic favorites including cobbler with vanilla ice cream and chocolate chess pie. Brickhouse strikes the perfect balance between predictable comfort and surprising variety, explaining why they’ve successfully expanded across the state while maintaining their reputation for quality and value.
Sami’s Brick Oven Pizzeria & Buffet
Pizza buffets often disappoint with lukewarm, mass-produced slices – but Sami’s shatters expectations. Their brick oven creates perfectly charred crusts that remain crisp even under heat lamps, a feat that has earned them recognition as Tennessee’s top-rated buffet on Yelp. Beyond traditional pepperoni, adventurous options like white pizza with ricotta and garlic oil or stuffed pepper pizza showcase culinary creativity. The pasta station features house-made sauces coating al dente noodles, while the salad bar provides fresh balance to heartier options. Chicken wings with multiple sauce options satisfy non-pizza cravings. What truly sets Sami’s apart is their commitment to small-batch cooking throughout service hours, ensuring nothing sits too long before being replaced with piping-hot fresh options.
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill
While technically just across the Georgia state line, this particular Golden Corral location draws Tennessee residents from Chattanooga and beyond for good reason. This isn’t your average chain restaurant experience – the Fort Oglethorpe location consistently outperforms with exceptional management and food quality. The breakfast buffet dazzles with made-to-order omelets, fluffy pancakes, and their famous sticky cinnamon rolls. Lunchtime brings carved meats, Southern sides, and a taco bar that lets diners build their perfect combination. The chocolate fountain becomes a gathering spot as families dip strawberries, marshmallows, and cookie pieces. What could be an impersonal chain experience instead feels welcoming thanks to long-term staff who remember regulars and maintain spotless serving areas throughout busy service periods.
