There are some places in Tennessee that you simply have to experience, and Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store is one of them. Located halfway between Memphis and Nashville, this historic landmark has been in operation for 60 years, serving visitors some of the state’s best southern food. It offers comfort food buffets daily, along with other delights: an old-fashioned ice cream shop, thousands of antiques, the original 1870s home of Casey Jones, and much, much more. So gather up your loved ones and bring your appetite—let’s dive into what makes Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store the best buffet in Tennessee.
Just off of I-40, you’ll discover one of Tennessee’s top attractions: Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store. The moment you step inside, you’ll feel as though you’ve traveled back in time. The warm, inviting interior is filled with antiques, gifts, and more that tell the story of this region. But nothing speaks to its Tennessee heritage quite like the world-famous buffet.
The buffet, which is open daily, is described as “pure, honest, Southern cookin’.” Favorites like fried chicken, baked apples, mashed potatoes, and more take center stage, along with specialty dishes like creamed spinach, fried catfish, and smoked BBQ bologna. You’ll pay for your buffet ahead of time, as well as any drinks you’d like, and then take your pick from dozens of options. Plus, the buffet includes pass-around fried green tomatoes and drinks.
Folks rave about the salad bar, with its fresh, creative options, but the comfort food is the real star of the show. Diners appreciate that the food is just-out-of-the-oven fresh—even if you stop by in the middle of the day, you’ll notice everything is always hot and newly prepared. Visit on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, and you can enjoy the breakfast buffet, which now includes pass-around country ham and drinks.
After you’ve filled up on a quality meal—and hopefully some seconds—spend some time exploring the other attractions, like the Casey Jones Home. It’s located next to Casey Jones’s historic home, and it’s a museum with special exhibits about the famous railroad train driver and railroad history in the region.
The Old Country Store & Restaurant really is bucket-list-worthy, but don’t just take my word for it—take a look at this recent visitor review:
“Make sure that you make time for this place because it is truly an unforgettable experience for the entire family. I could stop it just the food, it’s amazing in and of itself, but then the retail space, the ice cream, which is unbelievable, the whole entire ambience is out of this world.”…