Tennessee might not be on the coast, but that hasn’t stopped the state from serving up some seriously impressive seafood spreads. From the Smoky Mountains to Memphis, families across Tennessee have discovered buffets where fresh shrimp, succulent crab legs, and crispy catfish are piled high and ready to enjoy.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving an ocean-inspired feast, these all-you-can-eat spots deliver flavors and value that keep everyone coming back for more.
1. Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet — Pigeon Forge
Families flock to this downtown Pigeon Forge gem for one simple reason: endless crab legs that taste like they just came off the boat. Captain Jim’s has built its reputation on variety, offering everything from peel-and-eat shrimp to fresh oysters, clams, flounder, and golden-fried catfish.
After a long day exploring the Smokies, nothing beats settling in for plate after plate of your favorite seafood. The staff keeps the buffet stocked and hot, so you never have to wait for a refill on those addictive crab legs everyone raves about.
2. The Crab Shack — Lebanon
Tucked away in Lebanon, this spot surprises visitors with its commitment to bringing coastal vibes to Middle Tennessee. The Crab Shack serves up heaping portions of seafood favorites in a relaxed setting that feels like a beach vacation without the drive.
Regulars know to arrive hungry because the selection changes based on what’s freshest. Shrimp prepared multiple ways, crab offerings, and Southern-fried fish make every visit an adventure for your taste buds.
The casual atmosphere means kids can be themselves while parents enjoy quality seafood that rivals anything you’d find closer to the ocean.
3. Wood Grill Buffet — Pigeon Forge
After hiking mountain trails or riding roller coasters, families need serious fuel. Wood Grill Buffet delivers with an impressive spread that combines fresh seafood with beloved Southern classics, making everyone at the table happy.
What makes this place special is how they balance variety with quality. You’ll find abundant seafood options alongside comfort foods like mac and cheese, fried chicken, and homemade desserts that kids devour.
The location makes it perfect for tourists and locals alike who want a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
4. Yoki Buffet — Murfreesboro
Murfreesboro’s Yoki Buffet takes the all-you-can-eat concept in an exciting direction by blending Asian specialties with classic seafood favorites. Families love the adventure of trying sushi rolls alongside crab rangoon and perfectly seasoned shrimp dishes.
The variety here is mind-blowing, with something new to discover on every trip through the buffet line. Kids who are picky eaters find plenty of familiar options, while adventurous diners explore flavors from across the Pacific.
What keeps families returning is the freshness and the way different cuisines come together on one plate. You might start with seafood boil and finish with hibachi-grilled salmon, creating your own custom feast every single visit.
5. Golden Corral Buffet & Grill — Pigeon Forge
This national chain has perfected the art of satisfying hungry families with its reliable surf-and-turf offerings. During special promotions, the Pigeon Forge location rolls out crab legs that disappear almost as fast as they’re restocked.
Golden Corral’s strength lies in consistency and value. You know exactly what you’re getting: hot, fresh seafood alongside steaks, fried chicken, and an endless salad bar that even vegetable-averse kids will touch.
Seasonal specials bring extra excitement, with shrimp prepared multiple ways and fish that’s grilled to perfection. The dessert bar alone is worth the visit, but families keep coming back because everyone from toddlers to grandparents finds something they absolutely love on this massive buffet.
6. Meadows Restaurant — Kingsport
Kingsport locals have a secret, and it’s called Meadows Restaurant. This beloved spot combines home-style Southern cooking with seafood selections that remind you why buffets became family traditions in the first place.
Generations have celebrated birthdays, graduations, and Sunday dinners here because the food tastes like someone’s grandmother made it with love. Fresh seafood appears alongside country-fried steak, creamy sides, and vegetables cooked just right.
The portions are generous, the staff remembers regulars by name, and the prices haven’t scared families away.
7. Harpoon Harry’s Crab House — Pigeon Forge
Harpoon Harry’s Crab House in Pigeon Forge keeps families coming back with seafood feasts that feel endless. While it’s not a traditional buffet line, the generous portions and unlimited specials make it a standout.
Their All-You-Can-Eat Alaskan Pollock, served with house-made coleslaw, crispy fries, and tangy tartar sauce, is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. Even bigger appetites go straight for the All-You-Can-Eat Snow Crab Boil, where piles of sweet crab legs turn dinner into a hands-on celebration.
With its fun, coastal atmosphere and hearty value, it’s an easy favorite after a long day in the Smokies.
8. Captain King’s Seafood City — Memphis
Memphis knows barbecue, but Captain King’s proves the city also knows how to serve incredible seafood. This local favorite specializes in catfish, shrimp, and seafood classics served in portions that would make even Elvis himself say it’s too much.
What makes this place authentically Memphis is the soul food influence that sneaks into every dish. The catfish is fried to golden perfection with a cornmeal crust that shatters with every bite, while the shrimp comes seasoned with spices that wake up your taste buds.
It’s the kind of neighborhood spot where everyone feels welcome and second helpings are practically mandatory.
9. Urbangrub — Nashville
Nashville’s Urbangrub brings a modern twist to the seafood feast concept, especially during their legendary brunch service. While not your typical all-you-can-eat buffet, their seafood offerings during special events feel limitless and incredibly fresh.
The farm-to-table philosophy means everything tastes vibrant and seasonal. Oysters arrive on ice looking picture-perfect, while shrimp and fish dishes incorporate local ingredients that make Nashville’s food scene nationally recognized.
Families celebrating special occasions choose Urbangrub because it elevates the buffet experience without losing the fun.
10. Grand Buffet — Knoxville
Knoxville’s Grand Buffet takes the concept of variety to almost overwhelming levels, with seafood stations that stretch as far as you can see. Crab legs, sushi, steamed fish, and fried shrimp all compete for space on your plate.
The international approach means you can sample Chinese-style seafood, Japanese sushi rolls, and American classics all in one meal. Kids love building their own adventure, trying a little of everything until they discover new favorites.
What impresses families most is how fresh everything stays despite the massive selection.
11. Riverview Restaurant & Marina — Ashland City
Eating seafood while overlooking the water just hits different, and Riverview Restaurant understands this perfectly. Located in Ashland City with stunning marina views, this spot combines fresh catches with scenery that makes every meal feel like a mini-vacation.
Boaters dock right up to enjoy the seafood spread after a day on the water. The casual vibe welcomes families in swimsuits and flip-flops, with no pretense or dress code to worry about.
The buffet features lake-fresh fish alongside ocean favorites like shrimp and crab, creating a unique Tennessee seafood experience.
12. Grand Pacific — Bartlett
Bartlett’s Grand Pacific has quietly become a family favorite for its dependable seafood selection and welcoming atmosphere. This suburban gem offers the variety of big-city buffets without the crowds or inflated prices that sometimes come with tourist destinations.
The seafood rotation includes everything from buttery crab legs to crispy fried fish that kids actually eat without complaint. Parents appreciate the clean, well-maintained dining room and attentive staff who keep the buffet fully stocked during peak hours.
Regular customers greet each other like old friends, and the consistent quality means you never gamble on whether tonight’s seafood will be good—it always is, every single time.