This isn’t just another buffet — it’s Southern food legend served with soul.
At Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store in Casey Jones Village, Jackson, Tennessee, you’ll find plate after plate of true Southern cooking that’s drawn visitors for decades — think fried catfish, turnip greens, mac and cheese, hot water cornbread, and desserts that promise seconds (and thirds).
Step inside and history wraps around you like grandma’s apron — this family‑run giant of hospitality has been feeding hungry road trippers and locals since 1965, all under one roof that also houses an ice cream shop, gift store, and railroad museum.
The buffet has earned spots on national “best of” lists, but the real draw is the vibe — easy laughter at big tables, warm plates piled high, and Southern charm that tastes just as good as it sounds.
The Southern Buffet Experience
Start with the buffet and you will understand why locals insist this is a must stop in Jackson. Pans of golden fried chicken share space with flaky catfish, buttery mashed potatoes, and garden sides that taste like Sunday at grandma’s.
You pay at the counter, grab a cozy table, and your server keeps drinks flowing while you sample a little of everything.
There is comfort in the rhythm here. Fresh dishes appear fast, steaming and seasoned just right, so you never feel like you have to rush.
If you are picky or just curious, the variety makes it easy to build a plate that feels made for you.
Take a second pass for ribs or country fried steak, then do not forget cracklin cornbread and the salad bar. Everyone finds a favorite, and you will catch yourself nodding after the first bite.
It is old fashioned in the best way, wrapped in that general store charm.
Fried Chicken Worth the Trip
The fried chicken here crackles the moment your fork touches it, with a crust that stays crisp while the meat stays juicy. Seasoning leans savory with a gentle kick, the kind that keeps you reaching for one more piece.
Pair it with a dollop of mashed potatoes or vinegary greens and you will understand the raves.
What sets it apart is consistency. Even during a busy lunch crush, fresh pans roll out hot and inviting.
If you love classic Southern plates, this chicken shows off everything the kitchen does right without getting fancy.
Add a drizzle of honey or a hit of hot sauce to make the flavors sing. Grab a wedge of cornbread to sop up the little crunchy bits.
It is comfort on a plate, cooked with care and served with a smile.
Catfish and Hushpuppy Heaven
If you are a catfish fan, this is your stop. Lightly breaded fillets fry up tender with a clean, delicate flavor that plays beautifully with tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon.
Hushpuppies add that sweet corn crunch, and together they taste like every good Tennessee road trip in one basket.
You will notice the kitchen respects the fish. Nothing heavy or greasy, just a careful fry and seasoning that lets the catfish shine.
Sit near the window, sip sweet tea, and enjoy the steady rhythm of plates landing and happy chatter.
Order a side of coleslaw for cool snap and balance. A sprinkle of pepper wakes everything up, while the hushpuppies make sure no crumb goes to waste.
It is simple food done carefully, which is exactly why it hits the spot.
Cracklin Cornbread and Country Sides
Cracklin cornbread is the soul of the plate, with little bursts of savory crunch in every warm wedge. Spread on butter and it melts into the crumb, bringing a whisper of sweetness that loves salty sides.
You will want it with collards, peas, or anything with gravy.
The sides rotate, but expect mac and cheese, cabbage, green beans, and yams that taste like Sunday dinner. Seasoning is thoughtful and traditional, never shy about salt and pepper.
Every spoonful feels like a recipe handed down and guarded with pride.
Make a mini sampler if you cannot decide. The buffet format means a taste of this and a spoon of that until your plate looks like a quilt of colors.
Save room for seconds, because cornbread makes everything taste a little more like home.
The Salad Bar Reset
When the buffet gets rich, the salad bar steps in like a friendly reset. Crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickled okra give you crunch and tang.
Build a bowl your way, then top it with ranch or vinaigrette before heading back for another round of comfort.
It is a nice surprise at a homestyle spot known for hearty plates. The produce is fresh, the choices are plentiful, and there is always room for a scoop of cottage cheese or a sprinkle of bacon.
You will feel balanced without losing the fun.
Think of it as your pregame or halftime. Load up light and bright, then indulge with fewer regrets.
It is proof that even in a country store, you can find a cool, crisp counterpoint.
Retro Ice Cream Parlor Treats
The old school ice cream parlor is pure delight after a hearty meal. Chrome stools, checkerboard floors, and a gleaming counter take you straight back in time.
Cones, shakes, and sundaes come piled high, and kids of all ages walk out grinning.
On warm afternoons, a milkshake is magic. Go classic with vanilla or chocolate, or lean seasonal with a fruity scoop that nods to Tennessee orchards.
It is the kind of sweet finish that makes a family stop feel complete.
Even if you are full, you can split a sundae and wander the store with it. That swirl of nostalgia pairs perfectly with the general store shelves and vintage signs.
It is a simple pleasure that turns lunch into a little celebration.
Sweet Endings: Cobbler and Pie
Save room for dessert, because the peach cobbler and pecan pie cannot be skipped. The cobbler arrives warm with soft fruit and a buttery crust that soaks up melting ice cream.
Pecan pie brings that caramelized chew and toasted nut crunch Southerners swear by.
There is nothing fussy here, just classics baked to comfort. If you leaned savory during the meal, this is your sweet chorus.
Take a slow bite and you will understand why so many reviews call dessert a highlight.
Sharing works, but you might regret splitting the last bite. Order coffee or a cold milk to ride along with the sugar.
It is the kind of ending that lingers, the flavor you remember on the drive home.
Dixie Cafe Plate Line
If buffets are not your thing, the Dixie Cafe plate line has you covered. It is simple and satisfying: choose a meat, pick two sides, and add bread.
You still get all the classics, just in a made for you portion that feels tidy and quick.
The line moves fast and the staff is friendly, guiding you toward daily favorites. One day might feature country fried steak, another might highlight meatloaf or ribs.
Either way, you sit down with a hot plate that eats like a home cooked lunch.
Prices are fair for the quality and convenience, and you can peek at rotating menus online. For travelers on a schedule, this setup is perfect.
It keeps the flavor big and the decision easy.
The General Store and Gift Finds
Before or after you eat, wander the general store and you will feel like a kid again. Racks of nostalgic T shirts, bins of old fashioned candy, and glass bottles of soda line the aisles.
Local jams and pickles tempt you to take home a little Southern pantry magic.
There is always something new to spot, from railroad nods to Casey Jones lore to regional cookbooks. It is the kind of browsing that turns a meal into an outing.
If you have family in tow, everyone will find a small treasure.
Prices vary, so bring a budget and a curious eye. Even a single soda pop feels like a souvenir, especially if you sip it on the porch.
The store is a memory machine, and you get to take a piece with you.
History Around Every Corner
Part of the charm is how history lives in the building. Antique displays, railroad memorabilia, and nods to the civil rights era lunch counter give the space real weight.
You are not just eating, you are walking through stories that shaped Tennessee.
Take a minute after dessert to read a plaque or two. The artifacts spark conversations and make the visit feel bigger than a great plate of catfish.
It is an unexpected bonus that pairs beautifully with the old time decor.
Families love it because kids get a soft introduction to local heritage. Food opens the door, and the museum touches invite curiosity.
You leave full, but also a little more connected to Jackson.
Practical Tips For Your Visit
Come early for breakfast or hit a late lunch to avoid the rush, since the doors open bright and close at 8 PM. You will pay up front for the buffet or plate line, then settle in while servers keep drinks topped.
Check the website for rotating menus and any specials before you go.
Parking is plentiful and there are charging stations, which is a road trip blessing. Bring the whole crew, because portions are generous and there is something for every palate.
Military, first responder, and senior discounts help stretch a travel budget.
Plan extra time to browse the store and peek at the museum corners. If you are stuffed, grab dessert to go and enjoy it later.
One stop delivers food, fun, and a sense of place in the heart of Jackson at Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store, 56 Casey Jones Ln A, Jackson, TN 38305.