This Tennessee All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Is The Spot Locals Don’t Want You To Miss
Hidden in the heart of Jackson, Tennessee sits a true culinary treasure that locals have cherished for generations.
Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store is far more than a roadside eatery—it’s a Southern institution where food, history, and hospitality blend into an experience that feels timeless.
The moment you step through the doors, you’re surrounded by the warmth of old-fashioned charm, from the nostalgic décor to the aroma of classic Southern dishes. I stumbled upon this gem during a cross-country road trip last summer, and what I discovered completely changed the way I think about what a buffet can be.
Southern Soul Food Heaven
The first bite of cracklin’ cornbread transported me straight to my grandmother’s kitchen table. Brooks Shaw’s doesn’t just serve food – they serve memories on a plate.
Their smoked BBQ bologna melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of smoke and spice. The hot tamale pie? Simply revolutionary. And those 14-16 vegetable sides aren’t afterthoughts – they’re stars of the show.
What makes this place extraordinary isn’t fancy technique or trendy ingredients. It’s the dedication to traditional Southern cooking methods that have been perfected over decades.
Grandma’s Kitchen Nostalgia
Walking into Brooks Shaw’s feels like time travel. The weathered wooden floors creak beneath your feet as the aroma of home cooking wraps around you like a warm hug.
Between helpings, I wandered through the historic Casey Jones shop, fingers tracing antique treasures that whispered stories of the South’s rich heritage. The dining area itself, with its mismatched chairs and family-style tables, encourages conversation with neighbors – even if you’ve never met before.
Y’all, this isn’t just eating. It’s communing with the spirit of Southern hospitality in its purest form.
Local Legend Status
“You haven’t really eaten in Tennessee until you’ve been to Brooks Shaw’s,” a local farmer told me while we both loaded our plates with fried chicken. His eyes twinkled with pride as he spoke of this place.
National recognition has finally caught up to what Tennesseans have known forever. Mashed magazine’s “best buffet” designation merely confirmed what was already gospel truth in these parts.
Funny thing about legends – they’re built on consistency. For decades, families have marked milestones here, from Sunday after-church gatherings to graduation celebrations, creating a tapestry of community memories.
Dollywood’s Homestyle Magic
Aunt Granny’s at Dollywood captured my heart with its mountain charm and Dolly-inspired warmth. Named after the affectionate title Dolly’s nieces and nephews gave her, this buffet radiates family love.
Golden fried chicken with a crust so perfect it should be illegal sits alongside tender pot roast that falls apart at the mere suggestion of a fork. The banana pudding? Sweet mercy! Layers of vanilla wafers, creamy custard, and fresh bananas create dessert perfection.
Between Dollywood adventures, this feast becomes a delightful intermission where Smoky Mountain flavors shine brightest.
Knoxville’s Steak Paradise
Austin’s Steak & Homestyle Buffet in Knoxville stands as a monument to meat-lovers everywhere. The sizzle of hand-cut steaks hitting the grill created a symphony that made my mouth water instantly.
Family-owned businesses just hit different. Three generations of the Austin family have perfected their craft, resulting in steaks cooked precisely to your preference – a rarity in buffet settings. Their mac and cheese deserves its own fan club, with that golden-brown crust hiding creamy goodness underneath.
The rotating dessert selection kept me coming back four times. No regrets!
Tennessee’s Worst-Kept Secret
“I ate myself sick at Casey Jones in Jackson TN,” confessed one Reddit user, “but I highly recommend it!” That sentiment echoes across social media platforms where devoted fans can’t help but spill the beans about their beloved buffet.
During my visit, I met a family who drives three hours monthly just for Sunday lunch here. That’s commitment! The grandmother leaned over and whispered, “We tried keeping it to ourselves, but good things can’t stay hidden.”
Local recommendations carry weight because they come from experience rather than advertising. These passionate endorsements speak volumes about authentic quality.
Soul-Satisfying Value
My wallet thanked me almost as much as my stomach did. For under $20, I experienced a feast that would have cost triple at any big-city restaurant – without half the flavor or charm.
These Tennessee buffets understand something profound about hospitality: it’s not just about filling bellies but nourishing spirits. Whether surrounded by Dollywood’s whimsy, Austin’s family tradition, or Brooks Shaw’s historical ambiance, each bite delivers more than calories – it offers connection.
The generous portions and reasonable prices create an experience where everyone feels welcome, regardless of budget. True Southern generosity at its finest!