These 7 Tennessee All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Spots Draw Long Lines For A Reason

Tennessee might be landlocked, but that doesn’t stop seafood lovers from lining up at some seriously impressive all-you-can-eat buffets. From Nashville to Memphis, these spots have perfected the art of endless shrimp, crab legs, and oysters that keep diners coming back week after week.

Whether you’re craving Cajun-spiced crawfish or buttery lobster tails, these restaurants prove you don’t need an ocean nearby to feast like royalty.

1. Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen – Nashville

Walking into this Nashville favorite feels like stepping onto a fishing pier, complete with nautical decor and the smell of fried fish wafting through the air. Their all-you-can-eat fish and shrimp special has been a local tradition for decades, drawing families and seafood enthusiasts alike.

Located at 5214 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211, this spot delivers crispy battered fish that stays crunchy bite after bite. The hushpuppies alone are worth the visit, golden and slightly sweet with every crunch.

Servers keep your plate full without making you wait, ensuring your seafood stays hot and fresh throughout your meal.

2. Red Lobster – Knoxville

Sure, it’s a chain, but this Knoxville location takes their Endless Shrimp promotion to championship levels. Servers here move with practiced efficiency, bringing plate after plate of coconut shrimp, scampi, and fried varieties before you even finish your previous round.

Situated at 7206 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919, the restaurant overlooks the Tennessee River, adding scenic views to your seafood marathon. Their cheddar bay biscuits remain undefeated as the best free bread in the buffet game.

Pro tip: pace yourself with the salad bar or you’ll fill up before reaching your shrimp potential.

3. Joe’s Crab Shack – Chattanooga

Bibs are mandatory at this lively Chattanooga spot where cracking shells is half the entertainment. Their all-you-can-eat steampots arrive at your table in buckets, overflowing with shrimp, mussels, clams, and sausage swimming in garlic butter.

Located at 1110 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402, right along the riverfront, the outdoor patio offers stunning sunset views while you feast. Kids love the casual atmosphere where making a mess is practically encouraged and expected.

The key lime pie makes a surprisingly perfect palate cleanser after rounds of buttery seafood.

4. Landry’s Seafood House – Franklin

Elegance meets indulgence at this upscale Franklin establishment where white tablecloths don’t stop the all-you-can-eat offerings from getting gloriously messy. Their weekend seafood buffet spreads across multiple stations, each more tempting than the last.

You’ll discover this culinary destination at 1576 Mallory Lane, Franklin, TN 37067, where the carved prime rib station complements the seafood beautifully. Fresh oysters on the half shell sit on ice beds, waiting to be topped with mignonette or cocktail sauce.

Reservations are essential here, especially during peak dinner hours when locals celebrate special occasions.

5. Golden Corral – Murfreesboro

Variety champions will appreciate this Murfreesboro buffet where seafood shares space with literally everything else imaginable. Friday nights transform the seafood station into a mini ocean feast, featuring fried catfish, popcorn shrimp, and crispy fish fillets.

At 2615 South Church Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37127, families appreciate the budget-friendly pricing that doesn’t sacrifice quality or quantity. The chocolate fountain provides a sweet counterpoint to all that savory seafood, though mixing the two isn’t recommended.

Lunch crowds tend to be lighter, giving you easier access to the freshest batches coming from the kitchen.

6. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen – Nashville

Cajun flair dominates every corner of this Nashville seafood palace where the all-you-can-eat crawfish boils happen seasonally and sell out fast. Spicy, messy, and absolutely addictive, these mudbugs come seasoned with Louisiana-style perfection that’ll have you licking your fingers.

Find this Louisiana transplant at 5215 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205, where the menu reads like a love letter to Gulf Coast cooking. Their blackened redfish and jambalaya make excellent palate changers between crawfish rounds.

Call ahead during crawfish season to confirm availability, as weather affects their supply chain significantly.

7. Bonefish Grill – Johnson City

Contemporary vibes meet classic seafood generosity at this Johnson City favorite where their special occasion all-you-can-eat promotions create local buzz. Bang Bang Shrimp, their signature appetizer, becomes dangerously unlimited during these events, creating lines out the door.

Located at 2011 North Roan Street, Johnson City, TN 37601, the restaurant balances upscale atmosphere with approachable pricing during promotions. Their wood-grilled fish options provide lighter alternatives when fried seafood becomes too rich.