7 Tennessee BBQ Buffets Where November Flavor Feels Like Tradition

November in Tennessee carries a smoky chill that makes you crave comfort food, and nothing beats the smell of slow-cooked barbecue wafting through the air.

I remember my first visit to a Tennessee BBQ buffet during a chilly November evening—the warmth of the restaurant, the endless trays of ribs and pulled pork, and the sound of laughter made it feel like a family reunion I never wanted to leave.

BBQ buffets in this state aren’t just about eating; they’re about experiencing tradition, community, and flavors passed down through generations.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these spots serve up heaping plates of Tennessee pride that’ll make you feel right at home.

1. Wood Grill Buffet (Pigeon Forge)

Walking into Wood Grill Buffet feels like stepping into a smokehouse paradise where oak and hickory work their magic on every cut of meat. Their evening buffet showcases oak-smoked ribs that fall off the bone and hickory-grilled steaks seared to perfection. The secret weapon? A massive 4,000-pound smoker that runs day and night, infusing every bite with that authentic Tennessee flavor.

I’ll never forget watching the carving station in action, where the pitmaster sliced through brisket like butter while smoke still rose from the meat. The sides are no joke either—creamy mac and cheese, tangy coleslaw, and cornbread that melts in your mouth. November evenings here feel extra special when the mountain air is crisp and the buffet line is packed with hungry folks ready to feast on tradition served hot and smoky.

2. Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet (Pigeon Forge)

Who says you have to choose between surf and turf when Captain Jim’s delivers both on one glorious buffet line? While seafood takes center stage, the BBQ pork ribs sneak up on you with their tender, saucy goodness that rivals any landlocked smokehouse. Southern sides like baked beans, hush puppies, and collard greens round out the experience perfectly.

My cousin dragged me here thinking I’d resist a seafood joint for BBQ, but one bite of those ribs proved me wrong faster than you can say “pass the sauce.” The genius of this place is variety—you can load up on shrimp, then circle back for another rack of ribs without judgment. November crowds love the warm, casual vibe where families gather around tables piled high with plates, sharing stories and seconds in equal measure.

3. Corky’s BBQ (Collierville, Memphis Area)

Corky’s BBQ has been a Memphis legend since forever, and their Wednesday lunch buffet in Collierville is where locals go to get their midweek BBQ fix without breaking the bank. Pulled pork piled high, BBQ chicken glazed to perfection, and ribs that practically beg you to grab another plate make this all-you-can-eat spread dangerously tempting. The atmosphere screams old-school BBQ joint with checkered tablecloths and walls covered in Tennessee pride.

I once made the mistake of scheduling a meeting after lunch here, and let me tell you, the food coma was real. The pulled pork is vinegar-kissed with just enough spice to wake up your taste buds, while the chicken stays juicy under that sticky-sweet glaze. Wednesday buffets in November feel like a weekly tradition worth protecting, especially when the weather turns cold and comfort food becomes a necessity rather than a luxury.

4. Hickory Café At The Retreat At Center Hill Lake (Smithville)

Nestled by Center Hill Lake, Hickory Café hosts special all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet events that turn dinner into a lakeside celebration of smoke and flavor. Pulled pork, smoked chicken, sausage links, classic sides, and desserts create a feast that feels more like a family reunion than a restaurant meal. The scenic backdrop of the lake adds a peaceful charm that city BBQ joints just can’t match.

I stumbled upon one of their buffet nights while camping nearby, and honestly, it saved our trip from becoming a s’mores-only weekend. The smoked chicken had that perfect pink smoke ring, and the sausage snapped with every bite, releasing juices that made my taste buds dance. November by the lake can get chilly, but inside Hickory Café, warmth radiates from both the smoker and the friendly faces sharing tables and passing butter for the cornbread.

5. All-You-Can-Eat Supper Buffet At Lumberjack Feud (Pigeon Forge)

Before the axes start flying at Lumberjack Feud’s entertaining show, guests can fuel up at their all-you-can-eat supper buffet loaded with BBQ pulled pork and classic Southern sides. The pulled pork is tender and tangy, perfect for piling onto soft rolls or eating straight from your plate with a fork. Sides like green beans, mashed potatoes, and biscuits make this buffet feel like Grandma’s Sunday dinner times ten.

My kids were more excited about the lumberjack show, but I was secretly thrilled about the buffet—and honestly, the pulled pork stole the spotlight for me. The casual, lumberjack-themed setting keeps things fun and relaxed, with families loading plates before settling in for the evening’s entertainment. November nights here combine hearty food with high-energy fun, creating memories that stick around longer than the BBQ sauce on your fingers.

6. Brickhouse Buffet & Carry Out (Memphis)

Brickhouse Buffet & Carry Out in Memphis serves up an all-you-can-eat Southern buffet experience where BBQ cuts often appear at the carving station alongside a rotating selection of hot meats and comfort sides. The buffet line stretches with options that change daily, keeping regulars coming back to see what’s smoking. From tender brisket to glazed ribs, the carving station becomes the star attraction where meat lovers gather like pilgrims at a shrine.

I visited on a Friday afternoon when the carving station featured slow-smoked pork shoulder, and the pitmaster carved slices so thick they covered half my plate. The sides—mac and cheese, candied yams, and turnip greens—transported me straight to a Southern potluck where everyone brought their A-game. November in Memphis means cooler weather and hotter buffets, and Brickhouse delivers that perfect combination of variety, value, and downright delicious BBQ that makes you loosen your belt and go back for thirds.

7. Calhoun’s On The River (Knoxville)

Calhoun’s on the River brings Tennessee BBQ tradition to the banks of the Tennessee River, where their occasional buffet events showcase hickory-smoked ribs, pulled pork, and smoked turkey alongside breathtaking water views. The combination of riverfront ambiance and authentic pit-smoked meats creates an experience that feels uniquely Tennessee. Their signature BBQ sauce—tangy with a hint of sweetness—complements every meat on the buffet line.

I celebrated a November birthday here once, and the sunset over the river paired perfectly with a plate piled high with ribs and cornbread. The outdoor patio seating lets you enjoy the crisp fall air while smoke from the pit drifts by, teasing your appetite before you even hit the buffet. Knoxville locals know Calhoun’s as a go-to spot where tradition meets scenery, and where every bite reminds you why Tennessee BBQ earned its legendary reputation across the South and beyond.