Nothing beats watching your family find their favorite dishes, chatting over a hearty plate, and seeing faces light up at classic flavors. Tennessee has buffets that do this well, Southern-style, variety-packed, and wholly welcoming. Here are some of the most-loved and well-rated spots across the state:
1. Austin’s Steak & Homestyle Buffet (Knoxville)
There’s a certain comfort in knowing you’ll find something for everyone at Austin’s Steak & Homestyle Buffet. The carving station always draws a crowd, with diners lining up for slices of tender roast beef and ham cut right in front of you. Alongside, you’ll spot steaming trays of fried chicken, fluffy mashed potatoes, and just-baked bread that fills the room with a familiar warmth.
I appreciate that Austin’s doesn’t skimp on freshness. Their salad bar is crisp, colorful, and full of choices your picky eater might actually try. The staff tend to remember faces, adding a genuine sense of hospitality that keeps locals coming back.
Kids pile their plates with mac and cheese and families swap stories over plates that taste like home. Don’t miss their rotating dessert table; there’s always a seasonal pie or cobbler worth saving room for. It’s the kind of place that makes even a regular Tuesday feel special.
2. Wood Grill Buffet (Pigeon Forge)
Step inside and you’ll hear laughter mixing with the sizzle from the grill. Wood Grill Buffet stands out for its sheer scale and variety, there’s a station for every craving. Breakfast fans go straight for the fluffy pancakes and eggs, while dinner brings wood-smoked ribs and roast beef hot off a 4000-pound smoker…