11 Tennessee BBQ Buffets That Locals Say Are Smoked To Perfection
Tennessee knows how to do barbecue right, and finding a buffet that serves authentic smoked meats can feel like striking gold. Most buffet spots skimp on the real deal, serving up reheated or fake BBQ that would make any pitmaster cringe.
Thankfully, scattered across the Volunteer State are genuine BBQ buffets where locals line up for perfectly smoked ribs, tender brisket, and pulled pork that falls apart at first touch.
1. Corky’s Ribs & BBQ – Collierville
Memphis BBQ royalty finally decided to bless us with a proper buffet experience. Every Wednesday from 10:45 am to 2 pm, this legendary spot transforms into an all-you-can-eat paradise featuring their famous pulled pork and BBQ chicken pieces.
I remember my first visit here during a Wednesday lunch rush. The line moved fast, but everyone seemed genuinely excited rather than impatient.
That pulled pork practically melts in your mouth, and the chicken maintains that perfect smoky bark that made Corky’s famous throughout the Mid-South region.
2. Wood Grill Buffet – Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge attracts millions of tourists annually, but this buffet keeps locals coming back for dinner.
Their large buffet rotates between breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings, with ribs and smoked meats appearing alongside perfectly grilled steaks during evening hours.
Smart diners check the posted menu schedule before arriving to see which meats will be featured that night.
The combination of tourist-friendly variety and genuine Tennessee smoking techniques creates something special that works for both visitors and longtime residents of the Smoky Mountain region.
3. Old Country Store at Casey Jones Village – Jackson
Historic charm meets serious barbecue at this Jackson landmark. Their daily buffet runs at posted breakfast, lunch, and dinner hours, and weekend evenings see expanded selections alongside classic Southern sides and country cooking favorites.
Walking into this place feels like stepping back in time, but the BBQ techniques are thoroughly modern.
Weekend dinners here have become a local tradition, where families gather to enjoy authentic West Tennessee barbecue in a setting that celebrates the region’s railroad heritage and culinary traditions.
4. Brickhouse Buffet & Carry-Out – Bartlett
Over 100 items sounds like typical buffet marketing speak until you see spareribs and smoked chicken holding court alongside rotating carved meats.
This Memphis-area spot takes their weekend buffet seriously, expanding options to include genuine pit-smoked proteins rather than just endless sides and desserts.
Last month, I watched the carving station operator slice into a beautiful smoked brisket that had been cooking since dawn.
The expanded weekend format means serious barbecue lovers can find something special here, not just the usual steam-table disappointments that plague most buffet operations.
5. Austin’s Steak & Homestyle Buffet – Knoxville
Value meets quality at this Knoxville institution, where smoked BBQ ribs share buffet space with steaks and traditional Southern sides.
Their dinner buffet specifically highlights those ribs among the hot entrees, proving that affordable dining doesn’t have to mean sacrificing authentic barbecue techniques.
The combination works better than you might expect. Families can satisfy different cravings while still getting genuine smoked meats that compete with dedicated BBQ joints.
Smart pricing keeps this place packed with locals who appreciate both variety and the real deal when it comes to properly prepared barbecue.
6. Hickory House Restaurant – Pulaski
Small-town barbecue reaches its peak at this Pulaski gem that combines a full pit menu with an impressive daily buffet. In-house hickory smoking produces ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken that rival any dedicated smokehouse in Tennessee.
The buffet here isn’t an afterthought but a genuine extension of their barbecue program. You can order off the menu or hit the buffet line, but either way, you’re getting the same high-quality smoked meats.
This dual approach lets them serve both serious barbecue enthusiasts and families looking for a complete country dining experience with authentic flavors.
7. Bea’s Restaurant – Chattanooga
Forget everything you know about typical buffets because Bea’s operates family-style with lazy-Susan tables instead of self-serve lines.
This Chattanooga institution has been serving all-you-can-eat meals since 1950, including pulled pork BBQ on multiple days and their famous seven-hour smoked ribs every Thursday.
My grandmother used to bring our family here when I was young, and the experience remains magical. Servers bring platters of food to your table, spinning the lazy Susan so everyone can reach the smoked meats and sides.
It’s old-school hospitality with serious barbecue credentials.
8. Back Yard Bar-Be-Cue – Jackson
True barbecue joints rarely bother with buffets, but Back Yard Bar-Be-Cue proves it can be done right. Their Sunday buffet features house-smoked pork, ribs, and chicken alongside country sides, creating a weekly tradition for Jackson families.
Daily lunch and dinner service maintains their reputation for authentic pit barbecue, while the Sunday buffet adds convenience without compromising quality.
The smoking process remains the same whether you’re ordering off the menu or loading up your buffet plate.
This consistency keeps locals coming back week after week for their barbecue fix.
9. Brooksie’s Barn – Jackson
Country buffets usually focus on fried chicken and catfish, and Brooksie’s adds smoked BBQ ribs to the mix (often featured, especially on busy nights). Both lunch and evening buffets deliver traditional Southern favorites, creating a comprehensive dining experience.
The barn atmosphere enhances the country dining experience, but those ribs are the real star. They keep proper smoking techniques in play even with a buffet format, ensuring that barbecue lovers aren’t disappointed by steam-table substitutes.
Jackson locals appreciate having another option where authentic smoked meats meet classic country buffet variety and hospitality.
10. Farmer’s Family Restaurant – Murfreesboro
Sunday dining reaches new heights at this Murfreesboro institution, where BBQ joins turkey, ham, and fish on their all-day buffet spread. Their daily country buffet serves families throughout the week, but Sunday’s expanded meat lineup draws serious crowds.
The Sunday buffet feels like a family reunion where everyone brings their best dish. Classic sides complement the barbecue perfectly, creating a meal that satisfies both traditionalists and adventurous eaters.
Weekend crowds include multiple generations of families who’ve made this their regular Sunday dining tradition, a testament to consistent quality and authentic flavors.
11. Corky’s Ribs & BBQ – Cordova
Cordova residents don’t have to drive across Memphis for an authentic Corky’s buffet experience anymore. This location mirrors their Collierville sister restaurant with the same Wednesday lunch buffet format, featuring pulled pork and BBQ chicken from 10:45 am to 2 pm.
Same legendary Corky’s recipes, just closer to home for East Memphis and Cordova families. The convenience factor makes this spot incredibly popular with locals who grew up on Corky’s barbecue but appreciate having a nearby location.
Wednesday lunches here have become a neighborhood institution, proving that great barbecue buffets create their own loyal following.