Tennessee knows how to do comfort food right, and that includes desserts that make you want seconds (and thirds). From old-fashioned cobblers to creamy banana pudding, the state’s all-you-can-eat buffets have earned a reputation for sweet endings that rival the main courses. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these spots prove that saving room for dessert isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a must.
Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store — Jackson
Walk into this Jackson landmark and you’ll immediately smell the fried chicken and cornbread, but locals know the real treasure is at the end of the buffet line. Brooks Shaw’s has been feeding Tennesseans since 1965, and their dessert spread feels like a family reunion potluck. Seasonal cobblers—peach in summer, apple in fall—arrive still warm from the oven, with crusts that crumble just right.
The banana pudding gets its own devoted following, layered thick with vanilla wafers and real whipped cream. Pies rotate based on what’s fresh, so you might find chess pie one week and chocolate cream the next. It’s the kind of place where strangers compare dessert plates and swap recommendations across tables.
Aunt Granny’s All-You-Care-To-Eat Buffet — Dollywood
Tucked inside Dollywood, Aunt Granny’s feels like stepping onto a front porch in the Smoky Mountains. The name alone hints at the homestyle cooking waiting inside, where every dish tastes like someone’s grandmother made it with love. Sure, the fried chicken and green beans draw crowds, but visitors quickly learn that the dessert table is where magic happens.
Banana pudding here isn’t just good—it’s the stuff of theme park legend, with layers so generous you’ll need a second plate. Cakes range from classic yellow to rich chocolate, all moist and freshly baked. Even after a day of roller coasters, guests make room for these sweets, often returning for seconds before heading back out.
Wood Grill Buffet — Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge attracts millions of tourists yearly, and Wood Grill Buffet has become a favorite pit stop for hungry travelers. The restaurant’s name suggests grilled meats are the stars, and they are—until you spot the dessert section. Pies of every flavor line up like soldiers: cherry, chocolate silk, lemon meringue, each slice calling your name…