7 Tennessee Buffets That Fail To Impress & 7 That Actually Get Southern Comfort Right
Y’all, I’ve eaten my way through Tennessee’s buffet scene more times than I can count! From Nashville to Knoxville, I’ve piled my plate high with everything from crispy fried chicken to buttery cornbread. But not all buffets are created equal.
Some leave you wondering if they’ve ever heard of seasoning, while others serve up the kind of comforting, home-cooked food that instantly reminds you of grandma’s Sunday dinner.
Whether you’re in the mood for classic Southern staples or something a little different, let me take you through some of the best and most memorable buffet spots Tennessee has to offer!
1. Wood Grill Buffet – Pigeon Forge: All Smoke, No Fire
Last summer, I stopped by Wood Grill Buffet after a day of Smoky Mountain sightseeing, expecting a feast fit for a mountain hiker. Boy, was I disappointed!
The fried chicken sat under heat lamps so long it resembled leather more than food. Staff seemed overwhelmed, with empty trays sitting unattended while lines formed. The salad bar ingredients weren’t fresh, with wilted lettuce and dried-out cucumber slices that had clearly seen better days.
The dessert section looked promising until I tasted the banana pudding – it was clearly from a box mix with barely any banana flavor. For the prices they charge, you’d expect much better quality.
2. China Town Buffet – LaFollette: Lost in Translation
My family reunion brought us to China Town Buffet last April, and I’m still hearing complaints from my relatives! The spring rolls arrived lukewarm with filling that tasted suspiciously like it came straight from the freezer section of a grocery store.
Many dishes lacked labels, creating a mystery food adventure nobody asked for. The sweet and sour chicken contained mostly batter with tiny pieces of chicken hidden inside, swimming in a sauce that tasted artificially bright red.
The ice cream machine was broken, which seemed to be a regular occurrence according to the unbothered staff member I asked. Even the fortune cookies contained generic fortunes without lucky numbers!
3. Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet – Pigeon Forge: Sailing in Mediocre Waters
When I visited Captain Jim’s last fall, I had visions of piled-high crab legs and fresh shrimp. Instead, I found a buffet that was more “meh” than “magnificent.”
The seafood selection looked impressive at first glance, but the crab legs were waterlogged and lacked that sweet ocean flavor you expect. Fried fish options were plentiful but tasted like they’d been sitting out too long, with a chewy rather than flaky texture.
The hushpuppies were actually pretty tasty – a rare bright spot in an otherwise forgettable meal. For a place that specializes in seafood, I expected much fresher offerings than what landed on my plate.
4. Pirates Voyage Dinner Show – Pigeon Forge: More Show Than Substance
My nephew’s birthday celebration brought us to Pirates Voyage last summer. The swashbuckling entertainment had the kids mesmerized, but the food made me want to walk the plank!
The pre-fixe meal arrived lukewarm, with dry chicken that no amount of sauce could resurrect. Vegetables were overcooked to the point of mushiness, and the corn on the cob lacked that summer sweetness. The servers, though dressed in fantastic pirate costumes, were too busy with theatrical elements to check if we needed drink refills.
While the spectacular diving and acrobatics impressed everyone, the forgettable food left my stomach grumbling for a post-show snack run elsewhere.
5. Great American Steak Buffet – Gatlinburg: Not So Great After All
During a girls’ weekend in Gatlinburg, we decided to treat ourselves to what we thought would be a carnivore’s paradise. The name “Great American Steak Buffet” set our expectations sky-high, but reality brought them crashing down.
The steak, supposedly the star attraction, was tough and overcooked regardless of which serving time we tried. Side dishes like mashed potatoes had that instant-mix texture and flavor that no amount of gravy could disguise. The salad bar featured browning lettuce and dressings in crusty containers.
Even the dessert station disappointed with stale cookies and a soft-serve machine that produced ice cream with mysterious ice crystals throughout.
6. Shoney’s – Various Locations: Fallen From Grace
Growing up, Shoney’s was our family’s special occasion restaurant. Returning to a Nashville location last month was like visiting an old friend who’s fallen on hard times.
The breakfast bar, once a weekend highlight, featured rubbery scrambled eggs and bacon that couldn’t decide if it wanted to be crispy or chewy. The famous hot fudge cake, which I remembered fondly from childhood, was freezer-burned and topped with synthetic whipped cream that left an oily film in my mouth.
Empty serving trays sat waiting for refills while staff chatted by the kitchen. What was once a Tennessee institution now feels like a sad reminder that some memories should stay in the past.
7. Aunt Granny’s Restaurant – Dollywood: Dollywood’s Delicious Secret
My first visit to Aunt Granny’s happened by accident when a sudden rainstorm drove us inside Dollywood. What a happy accident it turned out to be!
The fried chicken had that perfect crispy-outside, juicy-inside quality that takes me back to Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s table. Their mashed potatoes are clearly made from scratch, with just enough lumps to prove they’re the real deal. The buffet stations stay remarkably fresh, with staff constantly checking and replacing items before they have a chance to dry out.
Don’t miss their apple butter and fresh-baked rolls – I may have stuffed a couple in my purse for later! The cheerful staff makes you feel like part of Dolly’s extended family.
8. Brook Shaw’s Old Country Store – Jackson: Time-Traveling Taste Buds
Stepping into Brook Shaw’s feels like walking into a Tennessee time capsule! Housed in a genuine historical building, this place doesn’t just serve food – it serves heritage.
The country ham has that perfect salt cure that’s increasingly hard to find these days. Their fried chicken recipe hasn’t changed in decades, and thank goodness for that – it’s crispy, well-seasoned, and never greasy. The cornbread is made in cast iron skillets right before your eyes, creating those perfect crusty edges that cornbread lovers dream about.
Between bites, you can browse authentic antiques displayed throughout the restaurant. Even their banana pudding tastes like it was made from a yellowed recipe card passed down through generations.
9. Austin’s Steak & Homestyle Buffet – Knoxville: Carnivore’s Paradise
My brother-in-law insisted we try Austin’s during our Knoxville visit, promising it would change my buffet expectations forever. He wasn’t exaggerating!
The prime rib carving station features meat cooked to perfection – tender, juicy, and available in your preferred doneness. Unlike many buffets where meat sits under heat lamps forever, Austin’s brings out small batches frequently. Their fried chicken rivals any grandma’s secret recipe, with a peppery crust that keeps you coming back for more.
Southern sides shine here too – the mac and cheese uses multiple cheeses for depth of flavor, and the green beans are simmered with ham hocks for that authentic country taste. Even their dinner rolls are made from scratch daily!
10. Song & Hearth – Pigeon Forge: Cozy Mountain Comfort
After a chilly day hiking in the Smokies last fall, Song & Hearth welcomed us with the aroma of home cooking and a crackling fireplace. This place understands that atmosphere is as important as food when it comes to comfort.
Their prime rib melts in your mouth, with just the right amount of seasoning to enhance the natural beef flavor. The fried chicken has a secret herb blend in the breading that keeps you guessing what makes it so special. Even simple dishes like green bean casserole get special treatment with fresh ingredients instead of canned components.
Families gather around large tables here, passing plates and sharing stories – exactly what Southern dining should be about.
11. Farmer’s Family Restaurant – Columbia: Garden-Fresh Goodness
I discovered Farmer’s Family Restaurant during a detour off I-65, and now I make excuses to drive through Columbia just to eat here! This unassuming spot sources ingredients from local farms, and you can taste the difference.
Their sweet potato casserole should be illegal – topped with a pecan streusel that I’ve tried (and failed) to recreate at home. Seasonal vegetables change throughout the year, always picked at peak freshness. The fried chicken livers might sound intimidating, but they’ve converted many skeptics with their perfectly crisp exterior and creamy center.
Regulars know to save room for the cobbler, which features whatever fruit is in season – the blackberry version in summer nearly brought tears to my eyes!
12. Golden Corral Buffet & Grill – Pigeon Forge: Chain With Charm
I’ll admit it – I was a buffet snob who avoided chains until a rainstorm forced my family into the Pigeon Forge Golden Corral. Consider me humbled and converted!
This location outperforms any chain restaurant expectations with its made-to-order steak station, where skilled grill masters cook your selection exactly as requested. The buffet maintains impressive freshness standards, with staff constantly refreshing trays before they’re even close to empty. Their bourbon street chicken provides a nice flavor change from traditional Southern fare.
The chocolate fountain delighted my kids, while the cotton candy machine brought out the child in me! Sometimes, the most pleasant surprises come in familiar packages – this Golden Corral proves chain restaurants can deliver quality when they put in the effort.
13. Grand Buffet – Knoxville: East Meets South
My foodie friends raised eyebrows when I suggested Grand Buffet for our lunch meetup. “A Chinese buffet with good steak?” they questioned. Their skepticism vanished after the first bite!
Grand Buffet brilliantly bridges culinary traditions, offering authentic Chinese dishes alongside Southern and American classics. The hibachi grill station lets you select raw ingredients for the chef to prepare while you watch. Their freshly grilled steaks arrive with a perfect sear, available in various cuts and doneness levels.
Don’t miss their crab rangoon – crispy wontons filled with a creamy mixture that’s clearly homemade, not from a food service tub. The dessert section features both Chinese and American options, including surprisingly good banana pudding alongside almond cookies.