6 Tennessee BBQ Buffets Where October Flavor Feels Like Tradition
Fall in Tennessee isn’t just about football Saturdays or drives through the Smoky Mountains—it’s a full-senses celebration of barbecue.
As the leaves turn fiery shades of red and gold, the air fills with the slow curl of hickory smoke drifting from roadside pits and family-run buffets.
Step inside one of these spots, and you’ll find tables groaning under ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken, and sides that taste like they came straight from grandma’s stove.
These aren’t fancy, polished restaurants—they’re the kind of places where your clothes carry the scent of smoke long after you’ve left, and where second helpings are a given.
If October had a flavor, it would be found right here in Tennessee’s all-you-can-eat barbecue buffets. And these five are the ones that locals swear by when the weather cools and appetites grow.
1. Corky’s BBQ — The Collierville Lunch Legend
My first taste of Corky’s famous lunch buffet happened on a perfect October afternoon when the smell of smoked meat practically pulled my car into the parking lot by itself! This Memphis-area institution doesn’t just serve barbecue—they celebrate it with full Southern flair.
The Wednesday buffet spreads before you like a smoky promised land: pulled pork, BBQ chicken, fried catfish, sausage, baked beans, greens, hushpuppies, and biscuits that vanish faster than you can grab them. The ribs and brisket are often carved fresh in small batches, ensuring that signature Corky’s flavor never skips a beat.
Locals know to save room for dessert—whether it’s the banana pudding or the peach cobbler, both taste like a sweet farewell to summer as fall sets in.
2. Wood Grill Buffet — Smoky Mountain Feasting
Nestled in the tourist haven of Pigeon Forge, Wood Grill Buffet might be easy to dismiss as just another attraction. Boy, would that be a mistake! After hiking in the Smokies last October, I stumbled upon this place and found myself going back three times in one week.
The grill station where chefs tend to sizzling cuts of meat creates a theatrical experience you can smell from the parking lot. Their buffet leans heavy on classics like smoked ribs, roasted chicken, carved beef, and a rotation of barbecue sides. Families love it here, especially kids who can watch the cooks flame-kiss each fresh order.
And don’t even think of skipping the cornbread or mac and cheese. Together with a plate of smoky ribs, it’s the kind of Tennessee comfort food that feels tailor-made for fall.
3. Brickhouse Buffet — Bartlett’s Hidden Spot
“You ain’t lived till you’ve tried our buffet!” hollered the pitmaster when I first visited Brickhouse—and he was right. This unassuming spot in Bartlett looks like any strip mall restaurant until you step inside and realize the locals have been keeping it a secret.
The buffet line stretches along the back wall with trays of fried chicken, barbecue pork, collard greens, mashed potatoes, and fresh rolls. While you won’t find pumpkin-spiced burnt ends here, you will find ribs with a sweet glaze that’s just as addictive and brisket so tender it barely needs a knife.
Regulars pile their plates high and still circle back for seconds, especially when the cobbler hits the buffet line piping hot. It’s hearty, humble, and exactly the kind of food that makes fall in Tennessee special.
4. County’s BBQ — Small Town, Big Flavors
Last October, my car broke down near Oneida, and what started as a travel disaster turned into a culinary revelation at County’s BBQ. The parking lot was packed with local trucks—always the best sign when you’re hunting barbecue.
Family-owned since the 1980s, this spot lets the food do all the talking. Their buffet lineup rotates but usually features pulled pork, ribs, smoked chicken, and sides that taste straight from grandma’s kitchen. The vinegar tang in their sauce gives the meat that true Appalachian kick.
The locals rave about their slaw and cornbread, both made with fresh, seasonal produce from nearby farms. It’s honest, small-town Tennessee barbecue at its best.
5. Buddy’s Bar-B-Q — Rib Heaven In Sevierville
Whoever invented all-you-can-eat rib specials deserves a monument, and Buddy’s in Sevierville would be the perfect place to build it. This East Tennessee chain has earned loyal fans for its consistent flavors and hearty buffets.
Unlike some buffets where quality dips, Buddy’s keeps fresh batches of ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken coming all day long. Their signature hickory-and-apple wood blend gives the meat a depth of smoke that feels especially right when the weather cools.
Regulars know Saturday is the day to show up hungry—the all-you-can-eat rib deal is legendary. Pair that with hushpuppies and baked beans, and you’ve got the kind of autumn comfort food worth driving for.
6. Hillbilly’s Smoky Mountain Diner — Newport
Hillbilly’s Smoky Mountain Diner captures the essence of Southern hospitality. Nestled in Newport, this diner offers a BBQ buffet that feels like a warm embrace on a crisp October day.
Start with their signature pulled pork, slow-cooked to perfection. The tender meat, seasoned with a secret family recipe, melts in your mouth. Each bite carries a hint of smokiness, complemented by homemade sauces.
The diner’s rustic charm is enhanced by its autumn decorations, creating an inviting atmosphere. Locals and tourists alike indulge in the hearty flavors, making it a beloved spot to savor traditional Southern cuisine.