Finding a buffet that strikes the perfect balance between delicious variety and a price that doesn’t haunt your wallet is no easy feat. Lebanon, TN might not be a city you’d expect to house a parade of impressive buffets, but dig a little deeper and the town reveals itself as a quiet haven for hearty spreads and comforting flavors. Feel like pizza and Southern classics under the same roof? Or maybe you’re on the hunt for that spot where the spring rolls and fried rice keep coming, yet your plate always has room for “just one more” serving. There’s a seat for every appetite here.
I still remember my first time at one of Lebanon’s hidden buffet spots. I’d stopped in thinking I’d grab a quick, uninspired lunch, but walked out convinced I’d stumbled on a local legend. From BBQ joints that feel like family gatherings to steaming Asian buffets with fresh stir fry stations, the choices stretch well beyond plain salad bars and dry casseroles. This guide highlights all the best buffets in Lebanon, TN—every option thoroughly scouted, enjoyed, and judged for the real-life cravings that bring us to a buffet in the first place.
1. Voodoo Smokehouse Catering
It’s rare to find a buffet that transports your palate miles from Tennessee, but Voodoo Smokehouse Catering delivers a burst of Caribbean flavor you wouldn’t expect off Ben Green Road. The aroma hits you first: sweet smoke, a waft of spice, that warm hum of slow-cooked meats. If you walk in hungry, you’re in the right place.
Every tray tells a story straight from family cookbooks. Their jerk chicken brims with flavor, and the island-style sides have a way of upstaging the main event. During my last visit, I kept piling up the coconut rice and spicy cabbage—irresistible with a drizzle of their house sauces.
What sets Voodoo Smokehouse apart is attention to freshness and generous hospitality. The atmosphere is easy-going, and the buffet setup is perfect for anyone wanting to sample a bit of everything. If you’ve never tried their curry, do yourself a favor and don’t skip it. It’s bold, rich, and leaves you plotting your next visit before you’ve left the table.
2. Cicis Pizza
Walk into Cicis Pizza and you’re greeted by the cheerful clatter of plates and the promise of endless slices. This spot has a way of bringing out everyone’s inner kid, especially when the buffet is stocked with a rainbow lineup of pizza pies. If you’re with a group, it’s the rare place where everyone leaves happy and full.
Thin-crust Veggie and the classic Margherita both shine on their long buffet counter. Pile up a plate, then circle back for a custom request—Cicis is happy to spin up your favorite. For me, that always means at least two rounds of their zesty spinach alfredo pie, paired with a simple salad piled high with crunchy croutons.
What makes Cicis special in Lebanon is its focus on choice—something for every taste, all at a price that lets you keep going back for just one more slice. Be sure to save space for their cinnamon rolls; they’re the understated gem that sweetly caps off a low-key, satisfying buffet experience.
3. Old Country Buffet
(615) 443-1332Call
Old Country Buffet feels like stepping into a friend’s kitchen rather than a restaurant. The warm, comforting aroma greets you at the door, promising home-style classics that stick to your ribs and feel like a hug on a plate. If you’re craving family-style cooking and endless helpings, this is your spot.
During my most recent visit, I found myself drifting back for seconds of their creamy mashed potatoes and slow-cooked green beans. Their baked chicken—golden, juicy, and simple—captures everything good about this buffet. And for those with a soft spot for Southern vegetables and savory casseroles, their spread delivers exactly what you’re hoping for.
What makes Old Country Buffet truly shine is its devotion to tradition. Here, every dish brims with the sort of familiarity that reminds you of Sunday dinners, but without the clean-up. If you’re searching for true comfort in Lebanon, this classic buffet never disappoints.
4. Daily Buffet & Grill
Daily Buffet & Grill sets itself apart by combining familiar favorites with a wide selection of Asian-inspired dishes. The moment you step in, the aroma of fresh stir-fry hits, promising generous helpings and plenty of choices. This is the go-to spot for those who can’t settle on just one cuisine for dinner.
What always wins me over is their made-to-order grill station. Watching your vegetables and noodles tossed fresh adds a personal touch you won’t find everywhere. The buffet line features crisp broccoli, golden fried rice, and tender chicken dishes—exactly what you want after a long day.
It’s the mix of hot, flavorful entrees and a welcoming atmosphere that brings regulars back. Next time, try their sesame broccoli or lo mein; both capture what Daily Buffet & Grill does best: flavor, variety, and that just-right balance between heartiness and freshness.
5. Ryan’s
Ryan’s is the kind of buffet that knows how to satisfy a classic appetite. There’s something about the aroma of homestyle cooking and steady chatter from happy diners that makes it feel like a gathering rather than just a meal. The dining room is sunny and open, perfect for both family feasts and quick, no-fuss lunches.
Their buffet stands out for its well-loved carvery and comforting sides. I still remember piling my plate with their fluffy baked potatoes and buttery corn, which always seem to get rave reviews from regulars. The steak cuts are a highlight—tender, well-seasoned, and just the thing for a hearty appetite.
It’s the atmosphere that keeps bringing people back. Ryan’s delivers classic comfort food and plenty of choices, all with a straightforward approach. The baked chicken and seasoned vegetables always hit the right note for balance and flavor. Ryan’s might just become your favorite stop for a bright, generous buffet in Lebanon.
6. Pizza Inn
Pizza Inn offers a blend of nostalgia and fresh-baked goodness that always has me reaching for one more slice. There’s a friendly, local feel to this place; staff seem to remember faces, and regulars chat over plates stacked high with pizza. For anyone who loves variety, this buffet is a playground of flavors and textures.
Pizza Inn shines with its signature thin crust and generous salad bar. Standouts include the classic veggie pizza, loaded with fresh toppings, and the creamy alfredo pasta on the hot bar. There’s something about their cheese blend that keeps every bite satisfying.
If you’re after a relaxed, family-style meal, the buffet delivers each time. The dessert pizza—especially the cinnamon variety—is the local secret. One visit and you’ll understand why Pizza Inn stays on the list of reliable favorites in Lebanon.
7. Peking Chinese Restaurant
Peking Chinese Restaurant has a way of sticking in your memory, especially after a few Sunday buffets. The place feels both familiar and festive, with families crowding around tables layered with colorful plates. Generous portions and a genuine family atmosphere define every meal here.
One thing I noticed right away: the buffet isn’t just about quantity, but lasting quality. Hot and Sour Soup, vegetable lo mein, and sautéed green beans always taste fresh and comforting. The fried pineapples are a must and have become something of a hidden treasure for regulars.
If you’re after classic flavors without frills, Peking delivers. The variety on the buffet stays lively—from sweet-and-tangy stir-fries to seasoned rice, there’s enough to surprise even when you visit often.
8. CiCi’s Pizza
CiCi’s Pizza isn’t just about endless slices—though the sheer choice is reason enough to return. This buffet leans into fun, casual dining with piping hot pizzas arriving faster than you can fill a plate. There’s always a laid-back crowd, and families settle in for long, laughter-filled meals.
Freshly baked veggie pizzas and creamy pasta dominate my stops here. You can request your favorite pie if it’s missing from the buffet, so you’re never waiting long. I’ve found myself revisiting the salad bar for a crisp plate and coming back for more cheesy bites every time.
What sets CiCi’s apart is how it invites you to sample a bit of everything, all while keeping things wallet-friendly. Don’t skip the cinnamon dessert pizza; it’s a sweet way to finish an already satisfying meal and a little local secret for regulars.
9. Golden Corral Restaurants
Golden Corral Restaurants draws crowds for a reason: the variety here feels endless, and there’s always something hot and fresh for every craving. The buzz from the buffet line hits you before you spot the stacks of bread and the steam rising from trays of sides. Family gatherings or solo visits—it’s a place where plates pile up fast.
My favorite routine at Golden Corral is a tailored plate: their pot roast set beside a scoop of seasoned green beans and buttery rolls. The stir-fry section is worth a visit, and if you’re after lighter fare, their salad bar is refreshingly crisp.
What sets this location apart is consistent quality and generous hospitality. The dessert counter competes for attention, with fruit cobblers and soft-serve stealing the show. For a buffet that balances comfort classics with a few surprises, Golden Corral keeps its spot near the top in the Lebanon area.
10. China Buffet
China Buffet in Hartsville may seem unassuming from the outside, but step in during lunch rush and you’ll see it’s a local favorite. The buffet line is steady, the dishes are always rotating, and regulars are quick to point out their go-to favorites. There’s comfort in knowing you’ll always find something fresh, hot, and deeply satisfying here.
What draws me back is the crisp vegetable stir-fry and tender chicken entrées. Their fried rice delivers that nostalgic hit you want from classic Chinese buffets, and the lo mein is always just the right balance of saucy and savory. I tend to fill my plate with sautéed bok choy and steamed dumplings—simple yet packed with flavor.
China Buffet stands out for its friendly service and streamlined choices. Even with its variety, it avoids overwhelming guests, focusing instead on doing each staple well. If you’re after Chinese comfort food near Lebanon, this spot is absolutely worth your lunch break.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cuisine can I find at buffets in Lebanon, TN?
Many buffets in Lebanon, TN offer a mix of American comfort food, Asian dishes, pizza, and classic Southern sides. You’ll find everything from stir-fry and salad bars to hearty casseroles and signature BBQ recipes.
Are there all-you-can-eat options for vegetarians?
Yes. Most buffets in the area feature a range of vegetarian items such as sautéed vegetables, salad bars, pasta, and veggie pizza. Asian buffets often have tofu and fresh greens prepared to order.
Do local buffets offer takeout or catering?
Several buffets, including Voodoo Smokehouse Catering and Pizza Inn, offer takeout or catering services. Check ahead to see buffet selections and whether they customize orders for events or large groups.
Are buffets in Lebanon, TN family-friendly?
Absolutely. Lebanon’s buffets are known for their welcoming, casual environments. High chairs, kid-friendly dishes like macaroni and cheese, and open seating make it easy to dine out with children.
Can I request dishes at the buffet?
At some places like Cicis Pizza, you can request your favorite pizza to be made fresh if it’s not already on the line. Grill and stir-fry stations at Asian buffets often prepare dishes to order as well.
What are the typical hours for buffets in Lebanon, TN?
Buffet hours vary, but most are open for both lunch and dinner, typically from late morning to early evening. Some, such as Ryan’s and Golden Corral, offer Sunday brunch. Checking the restaurant’s website or calling ahead is always a good idea.