9 Tennessee All-You-Can-Eat Buffets Worth the Road Trip

Craving plates that never seem to end and flavors that feel like a hug after a long drive. Tennessee delivers, from Smoky Mountains spreads to small-town classics where second helpings are a given. If you are chasing carved meats, buttery biscuits, sushi boats, or simmering curries, these buffets make miles feel short.

Plot a route, loosen that belt a notch, and let this list guide your next delicious detour.

1. Austin’s Steak & Homestyle Buffet (Knoxville)

There is a certain payoff you crave after a long drive: tender carved meats, buttery sides, and desserts that make you linger. Here, the carving station glows with roast beef and ham, alongside fried chicken, mac and cheese, and slow-simmered greens. Grab fluffy rolls, ladle brown gravy, and build a plate that feels like a victory lap.

You will appreciate steady quality and a staff that keeps pans hot and full. The salad bar is simple but crisp, and the dessert corner leans classic with cobblers and cream pies. Come hungry, pace yourself, and save room for a final spoonful of banana pudding.

2. Wood Grill Buffet (Pigeon Forge)

Right off the parkway, this spread is built for big appetites and family plates. Stations roll on with rotisserie chicken, ribs, buttery corn, green beans, and fluffy mashed potatoes. You can stack a tray with smoked meats, then circle back for yeasty rolls and cinnamon butter.

The crowds move fast, so fresh pans keep appearing, especially at peak hours. Kids gravitate toward the dessert bar and soft serve, while you sneak one more slice of roast pork. It is the sort of place where mountain hikes meet serious refuels, and seconds feel inevitable.

3. The Manor at Dickson (Dickson)

Quiet charm defines the meal here, where comfort is plated without fuss. Expect meatloaf with a peppery glaze, chicken and dumplings, and mashed potatoes that taste like home. The vegetables are seasoned gently, the cornbread is warm, and refills arrive with a smile.

It is the kind of buffet where regulars know the rhythm and newcomers settle in quickly. You will find familiar flavors done right, without shortcuts, plus a dessert selection anchored by pies. Slow down, chat with staff, and let another helping become your plan.

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

Stepping inside feels like visiting a grandparent who never forgets your favorites. Cast iron pans cradle fried chicken, turnip greens, and cornbread that crumbles just right. There is sweet tea, chow chow, and a steam table full of skillet vegetables and creamy casseroles.

Sunday-dinner energy lingers every day, with cobblers bubbling and banana pudding waiting in the wings. Friendly servers talk you into seconds, and you rarely resist. Bring a little extra time to browse the old-time store trinkets, then circle back for another spoonful of mac and cheese.

5. Golden Oak Buffet (Oak Ridge)

Reliability matters when a crew is hungry, and this place shows up every time. You will find fried chicken, baked ham, collards, and macaroni, with trays swapped often to keep everything hot. Grab cornbread muffins, a crisp salad plate, and sweet tea to match.

Families settle into booths while regulars nod at staff by name. Dessert leans classic, from fruit cobblers to pudding, and a soft-serve swirl seals it. It is easy to build a hearty plate, sit back, and decide a short detour was worth it.

6. House of India (Franklin)

When curry cravings hit, the buffet line here feels like a passport. Trays rotate with butter chicken, tikka masala, palak paneer, chana, and fragrant basmati that floats steam. Tear into naan, scoop raita, and balance heat with a cool mango lassi.

Vegetarians eat especially well, and spice levels stay friendly without losing depth. Staff keep naan baskets coming and offer suggestions for pairings. Come ready to sample widely, then circle back for your favorite dal and another spoon of silky saag.

7. Makino Japanese Buffet (Knoxville)

Think polished sushi selections and a hibachi corner that adds excitement to your plate. Rolls range from crisp tempura crunch to salmon and tuna with clean, bright cuts. You can balance miso soup, seaweed salad, and nigiri, then stroll toward a sizzling grill.

Quality control feels tight, with chefs restocking often and keeping seafood fresh. There is plenty for non-sushi fans too, including teriyaki, tempura, and light desserts. Pace yourself and explore slowly, because the variety makes quick decisions tricky.

8. Chow Time Buffet & Grill (Memphis)

Choices sprawl from stir fry to carved turkey, so you can mix comfort with craveable takeout flavors. Expect General Tso’s, pepper steak, lo mein, and sushi alongside fried chicken and mashed potatoes. The pace is lively, but stations refresh constantly.

Grab a soup starter, build a salad, and save room for a second lap. Desserts run from fruit and pudding to small cakes perfect for tasting. When the dining room buzzes, lean into it, and let variety guide another plate.

9. The Dinner Table (Shelbyville)

Small-town hospitality makes every plate feel personal. You will find catfish on Fridays, chicken tenders any day, and sides that taste like potluck favorites. Mashed potatoes come creamy, green beans snap just enough, and stewed okra brings gentle comfort.

Service is cheerful, portions are generous, and prices stay friendly for families. Desserts lean pie-forward, with seasonal offerings that disappear quickly. Come ready to linger, swap stories at the table, and return for one more ladle of gravy.