14 All-You-Can-Eat Buffets In Tennessee That Locals Hope Stay Low-Key

All-you-can-eat buffets have a reputation for excess, but the best ones offer something far more satisfying than sheer quantity. Tennessee has plenty of buffet spots where regulars know exactly when to arrive and what to load onto their plates.

These are the places that reward repeat visits, where recipes stay familiar, trays stay fresh, and nobody rushes you through a second helping. Word travels quietly through friends, families, and co-workers rather than flashy signs or loud advertising.

Locals return for comfort, value, and reliability, hoping these buffets remain just busy enough. This collection highlights Tennessee buffet restaurants that keep things simple, generous, and quietly worth the trip.

1. Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet – Pigeon Forge

Seafood cravings meet their match at Captain Jim’s, where steam and butter perfume the air and tongs click like castanets. Piles of fried shrimp, golden and snappy, sit beside garlicky mussels while cocktail sauce keeps things zippy.

You’ll find the line moves fast and plates disappear faster as the staff refreshes trays with practiced rhythm.

Later, after a first pass, head for the crab legs and hushpuppies and let the lemon do its tangy magic. You’ll spot the address tucked right on the Parkway at 2205 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, in easy reach of the strip.

Seafood here feels playful not precious, and that is half the charm.

Insider tip, crack crab over a second plate to keep butter control, then chase with coleslaw for crunch. Save room for peach cobbler if it pops up, because warm fruit and vanilla soft serve are a knockout pairing.

Leave happy, a little salty, and ready to stroll off dinner.

2. Golden Corral Buffet & Grill – Hermitage

Comfort food runs the show at the Golden Corral in Hermitage, where the salad bar feels like a choose-your-own adventure starter. Crisp lettuce, pickled beets, crunchy sunflower seeds, and that nostalgic ranch set a friendly tone.

Then the carving station answers with juicy roast, buttery rolls, and gravies that invite dunking.

Find it at 315 Old Lebanon Dirt Rd, Hermitage, TN 37076, a quick hop off the main drag and a go-to for family gatherings. You’ll notice regulars who know the rhythm, hitting fried chicken first when it’s hottest.

The sides rotate often enough to keep things interesting, especially when mac and cheese gets that perfect gooey pull.

Strategy wise, take a tiny portion of everything early, then return only for winners. The chocolate fountain tempts, so stash a strawberry or two for a sweet finale.

It’s not trying to be fancy, and that honesty tastes great after a long day.

3. Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store Buffet – Jackson

Southern comfort lands with a hug at Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store Buffet, where cast iron seems to flavor everything. Crispy chicken sings, and slow-braised greens carry that whisper of pot liquor you hope for.

There is cornbread with real heft, plus butter that melts like it remembers the churn.

You’ll find it at 56 Casey Jones Ln, Jackson, TN 38305, tucked inside the lively Casey Jones Village. The buffet feels like a family reunion without the awkward small talk, just plate after plate of classics.

Expect mashed potatoes that hold their shape and a gravy line that rarely lets you down.

Do not skip the banana pudding if it appears, layered just right with wafers soft at the edges. Pace yourself by pairing heavy bites with fresh slaw or green beans.

By the time you wander the attached shop, you’ll be plotting a return visit and maybe a nap.

4. Austin’s Steak & Homestyle Buffet – Knoxville

Steakhouse cravings on a buffet line feel downright celebratory at Austin’s, where the carving station sets the pace. Slices arrive juicy with a warm pink center when timing is right, begging for a dip of peppery au jus.

Around it, homestyle favorites build the plate like a country chorus.

Swing by 9118 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923, and you’ll see locals leaning into weekend appetites. Vegetables keep up their end of the deal, especially when green beans carry a smoky edge.

Cornbread and yeast rolls make sopping an acceptable sport, no judgment here.

Tips for the win, request a medium slice as the turnover runs hottest then. Circle back for chicken when a fresh pan lands and the breading still crackles.

Finish with soft-serve crowned by a drizzle of chocolate and peanuts, the kind of simple ending that never fails.

5. Grand Buffet – Knoxville

Grand Buffet is that generous Knoxville spread where you can mix sweet and sour chicken with roast potatoes and be completely right. The hot stations roll out classic Chinese American comfort alongside a few surprises, depending on the day.

Sushi rolls make cameos, simple but tidy, and the salad bar stands ready to reset the palate.

It sits at 2616 E Magnolia Ave, Knoxville, TN 37914, easy to spot once you turn off the main artery. Weekends tend to buzz, and turnover keeps the trays lively.

You’ll want to hover near the fresh dumplings and snag them when they glisten.

Go wide on flavors but light on first portions, then return for what sparks joy. Watch for pepper shrimp when the spice level hits a playful tingle.

Dessert can be a handful of orange slices or a soft-serve swirl, because balance is a buffet superpower.

6. Farmer’s Family Restaurant Buffet – Murfreesboro

Homestyle warmth defines Farmer’s Family Restaurant, the kind of buffet that understands comfort in portions and flavor. Fried chicken shows up with crisp confidence, and the casseroles taste like someone cares about seasoning.

Even the slaw has personality, bright and crunchy with a peppery wink.

Find it at 1958 Old Fort Pkwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, where locals handle plates like pros. You’ll likely spot macaroni that borders on decadent and green beans with bacon for backup.

The vibe is easygoing, perfect for refueling after errands or a lazy Sunday drive.

Start with a light salad to keep room for a second pass at the meats. Hunt down the yeast rolls when they emerge hot and irresistibly soft.

If pies are out, grab a slice of chess or pecan and call it the reward you absolutely earned.

7. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet – Nashville

Options seem endless at Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet, where sizzling hibachi brings the theater. Load a plate with vegetables, noodles, and a protein of choice, then watch it tumble across the hot griddle.

The sushi station keeps things moving with simple rolls that are crowd-pleasers rather than show-offs.

You’ll find it at 3804 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN 37211, a convenient stop when cravings lean toward variety. Hot trays carry familiar comforts like General Tso’s and pepper steak, flanked by soups that actually soothe.

Timing matters here, so a slightly off-peak arrival can mean fresher rotations.

Balance the heavier bites with a pass at steamed broccoli or miso soup. If you like heat, a dab of chili oil perks up everything from noodles to dumplings.

End with fresh fruit and one decisive spoonful of creamy dessert, because restraint deserves a medal sometimes.

8. Asihi Hibachi & Buffet – Nashville

Asihi leans friendly and unfussy, which makes the hibachi line an easy yes on a busy weeknight. Pick your favorites and let the chef apply that quick, smoky sear while you chat with friends.

Plates come back piping hot, which is exactly how noodles and thin-sliced beef should arrive.

It is located at 7648 US-70S Suite #1, Nashville, TN 37221, tucked into a Bellevue strip that keeps parking simple. Sushi rolls tend toward classic combos that nail texture more than flash.

The buffet side rounds it out with soups, tempura, and staples that satisfy without drama.

Go small on first servings, then build a greatest-hits plate once you find the standouts. A squeeze of lemon on fried items snaps everything into focus.

For dessert, fruit and a single cookie do the trick, unless soft serve is calling your name louder.

9. King Buffet – Nashville

King Buffet is the dependable friend you visit when you want choices and no fuss. There is something grounding about lo mein beside roasted potatoes, both comforting in their own ways.

The salad bar gives you crunch, the hot line brings the cozy, and everybody wins.

Head to 1051 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37217, a straightforward address with plenty of parking. Items cycle quickly during peak hours, so plan a mealtime visit when the trays stay lively.

You’ll notice staff refreshing dishes with a steady tempo that keeps the line optimistic.

Try the spicy chicken when it glistens and the sesame version for a gentler kick. A spoonful of hot and sour soup resets the palate between rounds.

Finish with oranges or a small square of cake, then stroll out feeling pleasantly victorious and never rushed.

10. Reagan’s House of Pancakes Buffet – Pigeon Forge

Mornings brighten immediately at Reagan’s, where pancakes flip golden and butter waits patiently. Eggs come fluffy, bacon crackles, and syrup flows like a sunrise ritual you want to repeat.

Coffee does its loyal part and the room hums with vacation-town cheer.

The buffet sits at 4115 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, on the strip that keeps Pigeon Forge buzzing. You will spot biscuits ready for gravy and a fruit bar that helps you pretend balance.

Kids and grownups alike tend to grin at the sight of chocolate chips near the griddle.

Go for a pancake flight, trying plain, blueberry, and pecan before settling on a favorite. Drizzle lightly on the first pass so you can stack again without sugar overload.

Leave time for a second coffee and a slow walk outside, because mountains pair beautifully with full bellies.

11. Golden Corral – Pigeon Forge

Consistency is the calling card at this Pigeon Forge Golden Corral, and sometimes that is exactly what you want. The salad bar is fresh, the fried chicken lands crisp, and the yeast rolls vanish faster than good intentions.

Carving station slices make a strong plate feel inevitable.

You will find it at 4375 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, easy to roll into before or after attractions. Peak times bring energy and fast turnover, which is great for hot, just-refilled trays.

The layout makes navigating with kids or grandparents remarkably painless.

Build a balanced plate, then give yourself permission for one small indulgence per round. Mashed potatoes love gravy, and carrots add sweetness that makes everything friendlier.

Cap the meal with soft serve and sprinkles because joy needs no explanation on vacation.

12. Log Cabin Pancake House Buffet – Gatlinburg

Breakfast in Gatlinburg feels like a cozy postcard at Log Cabin Pancake House, where griddles whisper and butter smiles. Pancakes arrive tender with lacy edges, and country ham adds salty bravado to the morning crowd.

Coffee keeps returning without being asked, a small kindness that matters.

Drop by 731 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, right along the main stroll. Biscuits and gravy earn their reputation here, rich but not muddy, with pepper that nudges awake.

The fruit station and whipped butter create endless, very happy combinations.

Start with two pancakes, not four, so you can try buckwheat or pecan next. Add a spoonful of apples to a bite of ham for a sweet-savory surprise.

Walk it off along the parkway afterward and breathe in that Smokies air like a souvenir.

13. Cici’s Pizza Buffet – Nashville Area

Pizza moods find easy relief at Cici’s, where a hot pie appears the moment your plate is empty. Thin crust slices keep the crunch lively, and the sauce leans bright and friendly.

The pasta bar and salad station help balance that slice count you swore you would limit.

Locations dot the Nashville area, making it a quick solution before a movie or after practice. Ask staff for a favorite combo and they will often run one out fresh.

The vibe is lighthearted, budget-smart, and perfect for groups who negotiate toppings like diplomats.

Go half-slice sampling first to discover your champion, maybe a zesty pepperoni or a quirky specialty. Add a simple salad with extra cucumbers to reset between cheesy bites.

Dessert pizza is a playful finale, and yes, you will probably want seconds.

14. Sushi Kingdom Madison – All-You-Can-Eat Sushi

Sushi Kingdom in Madison treats all-you-can-eat like a thoughtful tasting instead of a rush. Order rounds from the menu and let the cadence keep quality steady.

Rolls arrive tight and tidy, with rice that stays respectful rather than heavy.

Find it at 2010 Gallatin Pike N, Nashville, TN 37115, a short hop from Rivergate. The nigiri selection is where the value shines, so pace with intention and enjoy each bite.

Tempura lands crisp when it is quick from fryer to table, another small delight.

Start with miso and a simple roll to calibrate, then build to bolder choices with jalapeno heat. Ginger and wasabi do more than garnish here, sharpening flavors like a spotlight.

Close with a cool scoop of green tea ice cream and a satisfied grin you did not see coming.