6 Tennessee Buffets To Avoid And 6 You Should Definitely Try

Tennessee has some amazing buffets where you can eat until your heart’s content, but not all of them are worth your time or money. Some places serve food that tastes like cardboard, while others offer fresh, delicious spreads that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

I’m here to help you skip the disappointing spots and find the hidden gems that truly deliver on flavor and value.

1. Golden Corral – Memphis (Avoid)

You might think this chain would be reliable, but the Memphis location has been slipping for years. Food sits out way too long, getting crusty and cold under those heat lamps.

The salad bar looks tired, and the meat options are often overcooked or dried out. Health inspections haven’t been kind either, with multiple violations reported recently.

Save your appetite for something better.

2. Captain D’s Seafood Buffet – Nashville (Avoid)

Seafood buffets can be tricky, and this one misses the mark completely. The fish tastes like it’s been swimming in grease for hours, not the ocean.

Everything comes out soggy and flavorless, making you wonder if fresh ingredients ever entered the building. Prices are high for what you’re getting, which makes the disappointment even worse.

Your wallet and taste buds deserve better treatment.

3. Shoney’s – Knoxville Location (Avoid)

This once-beloved spot has seen better days, and the Knoxville location shows its age. Breakfast items are often lukewarm, and the famous breakfast bar lacks the variety it once had.

Staff seems overwhelmed, leaving empty trays sitting for ages before refills arrive. The cleanliness standards have dropped noticeably over recent years.

Nostalgia alone can’t make up for mediocre meals.

4. Hometown Buffet – Chattanooga (Avoid)

Walking into this place feels like stepping back into the 1990s, but not in a fun way. The selection is surprisingly limited for a buffet, with mostly fried or heavily processed options.

Nothing tastes homemade despite the name, and the dessert section is just store-bought cookies and stale cake. Service is slow, and the atmosphere feels depressing.

You’ll leave feeling unsatisfied and regretful.

5. China Buffet – Johnson City (Avoid)

Generic Chinese buffets can be hit or miss, and this one’s definitely a miss. Everything tastes the same because they drown it all in the same thick, gloppy sauce.

The sushi sits out way too long, which is honestly concerning when it comes to raw fish. Cleanliness issues have been reported by multiple customers over the past year.

Find another place for your Asian food cravings.

6. Western Sizzlin – Murfreesboro (Avoid)

Steak should never be rubbery, but somehow this buffet manages to make it that way consistently. The salad bar is pathetic, with wilted lettuce and limited toppings that look days old.

Even the baked potatoes come out hard and barely warm, which seems impossible to mess up. For the price they charge, you’d expect much higher quality.

Your money goes further elsewhere, trust me.

7. Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant – Multiple Locations (Try)

Southern comfort food reaches perfection at this beloved Tennessee institution. Everything tastes like your grandma spent all day cooking it with love and care.

The fried chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy inside, while the mac and cheese is creamy perfection. Live music often plays while you eat, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

This place defines Tennessee hospitality beautifully.

8. Demos’ Restaurant – Nashville (Try)

Greek and American cuisine blend together wonderfully at this Nashville favorite. The lunch buffet features fresh salads, tender meats, and authentic Mediterranean flavors that transport your taste buds.

Everything is prepared fresh throughout the day, so you never get that sad, sitting-too-long buffet taste. The baklava alone is worth the visit, honey-sweet and perfectly flaky.

Quality and freshness shine through every bite.

9. Puleo’s Grille – Multiple Locations (Try)

Italian food lovers will find heaven at this upscale buffet experience. Fresh pasta gets cooked to order, and the sauce options range from classic marinara to rich Alfredo.

The salad bar overflows with crisp vegetables and gourmet toppings you won’t find at typical buffets. Prices are reasonable considering the quality ingredients and attentive service you receive.

Come hungry and leave completely satisfied.

10. The Chop House – Multiple Locations (Try)

Steakhouse quality meets buffet convenience at this impressive Tennessee chain. The meat selection includes perfectly cooked prime rib, tender brisket, and juicy chicken that melts in your mouth.

Side dishes taste restaurant-quality, not like typical buffet afterthoughts thrown together carelessly. The atmosphere feels upscale without being stuffy or pretentious.

Splurge a little for this exceptional dining experience.

11. India Palace – Knoxville (Try)

Authentic Indian flavors explode across your palate at this fantastic Knoxville gem. The lunch buffet rotates daily, offering different curries, tandoori specialties, and fresh-baked naan bread.

Spice levels are clearly marked, so you won’t accidentally burn your mouth off unexpectedly. Vegetarian options are plentiful and just as flavorful as the meat dishes.

Expand your culinary horizons with this delicious adventure.

12. Calhoun’s – Multiple Locations (Try)

BBQ done right is what Tennessee does best, and Calhoun’s proves it beautifully. Smoked meats come out tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of smoky goodness.

The sauce selection lets you customize your meal exactly how you like it. Riverside locations offer gorgeous views while you stuff yourself with incredible food.

This is Tennessee dining at its absolute finest.