These 11 Tennessee All-You-Can-Eat Buffets Are A Dream For Comfort Food Lovers

There’s something undeniably magical about a buffet that invites you to pile your plate high with golden fried chicken, creamy mac and cheese, and all the comforting fixings your heart could possibly desire. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent without apology, where every trip back to the serving line promises a new favorite bite.

Tennessee knows comfort food like nobody’s business, and the all-you-can-eat spots across the state deliver Southern hospitality on every tray and ladle. The aromas alone can pull you through the door, from slow-simmered gravies to warm cornbread fresh from the oven. These buffets aren’t just about quantity, but about the familiar flavors that feel like home cooking done at its very best.

One minute you’re reaching for smoky barbecue, the next you’re debating whether to go back for another helping of buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy biscuits. Families linger, friends trade recommendations across the table, and strangers often end up chatting over shared favorites.

There’s a relaxed, welcoming energy that makes it easy to settle in and enjoy the moment.

1. Corky’s BBQ – Memphis

Memphis barbecue isn’t just food, it’s a way of life, and Corky’s has been living and breathing it since 1984. Decades of pit-smoked tradition show up on the buffet in the form of ribs that fall cleanly off the bone, tangy pulled pork, and smoky flavours that linger long after the last bite.

The spread is rounded out with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, hearty baked beans, and other Southern staples that perfectly balance the richness of the meat. Every tray feels familiar and satisfying, the kind of food that keeps people circling back for one more helping.

Located at 5259 Poplar Avenue in Memphis, this well-loved spot pulls in a steady mix of locals, road-trippers, and first-time visitors eager to taste a true Memphis staple. The atmosphere stays relaxed and welcoming, making it an easy choice for families, groups, and anyone looking to enjoy a generous meal without stretching the budget.

Laughter, conversation, and the steady clink of plates give the room a lively, comfortable energy. Before you call it a day, make sure to grab a plate of the barbecue nachos, stacked high with smoky meat and all the good extras.

They’re messy in the best way and absolutely worth the extra trip to the buffet line.

2. The Puffy Muffin – Brentwood

Breakfast lovers, this one’s truly for you. The Puffy Muffin serves up a brunch buffet that feels like Sunday morning at grandma’s house, warm, comforting, and filled with the kind of dishes that make you slow down and savour every bite.

Plates come loaded with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh-baked pastries that practically melt in your mouth the moment you take a fork to them. The smell alone sets the tone, drifting through the room and making it very hard to choose where to start.

You’ll find this well-loved spot at 229 Franklin Road in Brentwood, tucked into a charming corner that locals have quietly claimed as their own. The homemade biscuits with sausage gravy are the undeniable stars, rich and hearty in a way that keeps people coming back weekend after weekend.

Alongside the indulgent favorites, the fruit salad offers a light, refreshing balance that rounds out the spread nicely. The atmosphere stays relaxed and friendly, with families, couples, and regulars settling in for a leisurely morning.

Arriving early on weekends is strongly advised, as the line forms quickly and rarely shrinks. Still, once you’re seated and the first plate hits the table, the wait fades fast and feels entirely justified.

3. Old Country Store – Jackson

Step back in time at this charming buffet that proudly celebrates Tennessee’s country cooking traditions, where generous plates and comforting aromas set the tone the moment you walk in. Fried catfish, slow-simmered turnip greens, golden cornbread, and endless sweet tea flow freely, creating the kind of down-home experience that feels both nostalgic and wonderfully satisfying.

Situated at 56 Casey Jones Lane in Jackson, right next to the Casey Jones Museum, it makes an easy and rewarding stop for travellers stretching their legs on a road trip or families looking for a relaxed, filling meal.

The fried chicken consistently steals the spotlight, crisp on the outside, tender and juicy inside, and seasoned in a way that keeps people going back for seconds without hesitation. Friendly service and a relaxed dining room atmosphere add to the sense that this is a place built for lingering conversations and hearty appetites.

Save room for the peach cobbler, served warm and delightfully gooey, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into every sweet, syrupy bite.

4. Golden Corral – Multiple Locations

When you want variety without compromise, Golden Corral delivers a crowd-pleasing spread with well over 150 items, covering everything from crispy fried chicken and slow-cooked pot roast to creamy mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables, and a fully stocked dessert bar. It’s the kind of place where everyone in your group can build a plate that suits their mood, whether they’re craving hearty comfort food or something a little lighter.

The buffet layout makes it easy to go back for seconds, try new combinations, or let picky eaters explore without pressure.

With locations across Tennessee, including Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, you’re never far from a reliable, filling meal when hunger strikes. The carving station is a particular highlight, offering juicy meats sliced fresh to order, while the salad bar provides crisp greens, toppings, and dressings for anyone wanting a bit of balance on their plate.

Hot dishes are kept well stocked and warm, so there’s rarely a long wait for favourites to be replenished, even during busy family dining hours.

5. Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant – Multiple Locations

Known for live music and killer comfort food, Puckett’s offers a weekend brunch buffet that hits all the right notes. Expect Southern staples like country ham, cheese grits, biscuits, and hash brown casserole that’ll make your taste buds sing.

You can visit locations in Franklin at 120 4th Ave S, Franklin, TN 37064, or other spots around the state. The atmosphere is lively yet laid-back, with local musicians often performing while you eat.

Their homemade jams and preserves are available for purchase – grab a jar to take a taste of Tennessee home with you.

6. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store – Statewide

Cracker Barrel may be a well-known chain, but its breakfast buffet still feels like a warm, comforting hug from the South, especially when you’re craving familiar flavours done properly. Plates quickly fill with fluffy pancakes, savoury sausage, crisp bacon, farm-style eggs, and their much-loved sawmill gravy, creating a generous spread that satisfies both big appetites and early-morning cravings.

The steady rhythm of hot dishes being refreshed keeps everything feeling fresh and inviting, even during busy breakfast hours.

With multiple locations across Tennessee, it’s an easy and reliable stop whether you’re cruising along I-40, exploring smaller towns, or simply looking for a dependable place to start the day. The country fried steak often steals the spotlight, crispy on the outside, tender inside, and generously smothered in rich, peppery gravy that pairs perfectly with warm biscuits.

Portions are hearty, service moves efficiently, and the relaxed dining room makes it easy to settle in without feeling rushed.

7. Demo’s Restaurant – Multiple Locations

Greek and Southern flavours come together in a surprisingly delicious way at Demo’s, where the lunch buffet blends comforting classics with Mediterranean favourites in one generous spread. Plates often fill with everything from crispy fried chicken and homestyle meatloaf to flaky spanakopita, fresh Greek salad, and seasoned vegetables, creating a mix that feels both familiar and refreshingly different.

It’s an unexpected pairing that somehow works effortlessly, giving diners plenty of choice without feeling overwhelming or confusing.

You’ll find locations in Nashville, Murfreesboro, and several surrounding areas, each delivering the same welcoming service and satisfyingly generous portions. Regulars often rave about the mac and cheese, rich, creamy, and indulgent enough to stand on its own as a comfort favourite, while the roasted lemon potatoes bring a bright, zesty contrast that adds a Mediterranean lift to the plate.

The buffet stays well stocked, making it easy to sample a little of everything or return for seconds of a standout dish.

8. Big Ed’s Pizza – Oak Ridge

A pizza buffet might not immediately come to mind when you think of comfort food, but Big Ed’s quickly changes that perception with endless slices, hearty pasta dishes, fresh salads, and dessert pizzas that hit every kind of craving. The variety keeps things exciting, ranging from classic pepperoni to smoky barbecue chicken, so there’s always something new to grab on the next trip back to the buffet.

It’s the sort of relaxed setup where everyone can mix and match favourites without overthinking the menu, making it especially appealing for groups with different tastes.

You’ll find Big Ed’s at 101 Broadway Avenue in Oak Ridge, an easy stop for locals and visitors looking for a filling meal that doesn’t come with a long wait. The cinnamon sticks have earned a loyal following, dusted generously with sugar and served warm with sweet icing for dipping, making them hard to resist even after a full plate or two.

Portions are generous, the buffet is kept well stocked, and turnover is quick, so tables move smoothly during busy periods.

The atmosphere stays casual and upbeat, keeping things comfortable for families, friends, and anyone travelling with a healthy appetite.

9. Shoney’s – Various Tennessee Locations

Shoney’s breakfast bar has long been a Tennessee institution, serving up comforting morning favourites that keep loyal guests coming back year after year. Hot classics like fluffy scrambled eggs, savoury sausage patties, golden hash browns, and their well-loved signature biscuits sit alongside a fresh fruit bar that adds a lighter option to the spread.

There’s something reassuring about the consistency here, with generous portions and familiar flavours that make breakfast feel easy, satisfying, and reliably good.

With locations dotted across the state, from Knoxville to Clarksville, it’s a convenient stop wherever your travels take you, whether you’re heading out early for a road trip or easing into a relaxed weekend morning. The hash browns strike that ideal balance of crisp edges and soft centres, while the pancakes arrive light and fluffy, perfect for soaking up syrup or a little butter.

The buffet stays well replenished, even during busy breakfast hours, so favorites rarely run out.

10. Sunliner Diner – Pigeon Forge

Retro vibes meet comfort food heaven at this lively 1950s-themed diner, where an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet turns every morning into a cheerful throwback experience. Expect all the classics done right, from fluffy scrambled eggs and crispy bacon to savoury sausage, creamy grits, and stacks of warm pancakes ready for syrup.

Vintage décor, bright colours, and jukebox tunes create a playful atmosphere that feels fun without being overwhelming, making it an easy win for families, couples, and road-trippers alike.

You’ll find it at 3746 Parkway in Pigeon Forge, right in the heart of busy tourist country, making it a convenient stop before a day of sightseeing or attractions. Despite the buzz outside, the dining room keeps a relaxed, welcoming feel where guests can settle in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

The biscuits and gravy are a particular favorite, rich and creamy with just the right touch of black pepper for a gentle kick that balances the buttery biscuits perfectly.

11. Calhoun’s Restaurant – Knoxville

Calhoun’s brings sweeping Tennessee River views and seriously satisfying barbecue to the table, especially during its much-loved Sunday brunch buffet, which has built a loyal following over the years. A generous spread of slow-smoked meats, classic Southern sides, fresh salads, and made-to-order omelettes means there’s something for every appetite, whether you lean towards savoury comfort food or lighter brunch favourites.

The aroma alone sets the mood, with smoky notes drifting through the dining room and drawing in hungry guests from the moment doors open.

The original location at 400 Neyland Drive in Knoxville overlooks the water, giving diners a relaxed, scenic backdrop that turns an ordinary meal into a memorable outing. Large windows and outdoor seating on warmer days make it easy to linger and enjoy the surroundings while plates are refilled.

Pulled pork is a clear standout, tender, deeply smoky, and packed with flavour, while the cornbread muffins strike that perfect balance of gentle sweetness and soft, moist crumb that keeps people reaching for just one more.