Tucked inside Casey Jones Village in Jackson, Tennessee, Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store has been drawing hungry visitors for decades with its legendary Southern buffet and old-fashioned charm. Whether you’re passing through on a road trip or making a special detour, this place feels like stepping back in time.
From the iconic mac and cheese to the crispy fried catfish, there’s something on the buffet that keeps people coming back again and again. Here’s everything that makes this beloved Tennessee landmark worth the drive.
The Famous Mac and Cheese
Some dishes earn a reputation that spreads across an entire state, and the mac and cheese at Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store is one of them. People who have eaten here once will tell you — that cheesy, creamy goodness is hard to forget.
It’s the kind of comfort food that makes you want to go back for a second scoop before you’ve even finished the first.
The recipe leans into everything a classic Southern mac and cheese should be: rich, well-seasoned, and baked to a golden finish. Regulars say it tastes like something straight from grandma’s kitchen.
Visitors from Memphis, Nashville, and everywhere in between have made it a personal mission to try it.
If you only have one reason to stop in Jackson, let this be it. The mac and cheese alone is worth the trip.
The Southern Buffet Spread
Walking up to the buffet line at Brooks Shaw’s feels like being invited to the biggest family reunion dinner you’ve ever attended. The spread is massive, with rotating daily menus that keep regulars guessing what delicious dish will show up next.
Reviewers consistently rave about how fresh and well-stocked everything stays, even on busy weekday afternoons.
Expect classic Southern staples like fried chicken, slow-cooked greens, cornbread, mashed potatoes, and pinto beans. The kitchen crew reportedly starts cooking as early as 3 a.m. to make sure every dish hits the buffet at its best.
That kind of dedication shows up clearly on your plate.
Pricing sits at a moderate range, making it a solid value for the sheer variety offered. Military members, first responders, and guests over 60 can also take advantage of special discounts at the register.
Crispy Fried Catfish
Fried catfish done right is practically an art form in the South, and Brooks Shaw’s has clearly mastered it. Multiple reviewers single out the catfish as the highlight of the entire buffet, calling it reason enough to pay the price of admission.
The crunchy, golden coating gives way to tender, flaky fish underneath — exactly what a proper Southern catfish should taste like.
One regular described it as “extremely good,” while another said the catfish and fried chicken alone were worth every penny. Even mid-week visitors noted that the fish stayed fresh and warm throughout the afternoon, which speaks to how carefully the kitchen manages the buffet line.
Pair it with some mac and cheese or a side of slow-cooked greens, and you’ve got yourself a plate that feels like a true Tennessee tradition. Tartar sauce lovers, just ask a server for some on the side.
The Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor
Even after stuffing yourself at the buffet, the ice cream parlor at Brooks Shaw’s will tempt you into one more treat. This isn’t just a small soft-serve machine tucked in a corner — it’s a full-on, old-school soda fountain experience that transports you straight back to the 1950s.
Milkshakes, ice cream cones, and sundaes are all on the menu.
One family visitor shared that every single member of their group walked out holding something cold, whether it was a shake or a scoop. The reviewer called the ice cream parlor their absolute favorite part of the entire visit — and that’s saying something, given how much everyone loved the food.
The combination of a hearty Southern meal followed by a hand-scooped ice cream cone makes for an afternoon that’s genuinely hard to beat. Kids especially go wild for this part of the experience.
The 19th-Century General Store Atmosphere
Before you even reach the buffet line, the atmosphere at Brooks Shaw’s grabs your attention. The building is designed to feel like stepping into a 19th-century general store, complete with antiques, vintage signage, and walls packed with fascinating old-fashioned details.
Several visitors have compared it to an original Cracker Barrel — before the chain became what it is today.
Antique displays are tucked into every corner, giving curious eyes plenty to explore between bites. One guest was pleasantly surprised to discover a counter and stools connected to the civil rights movement, adding a layer of real historical weight to the visit.
History buffs will find themselves lingering longer than expected.
The overall vibe feels genuinely warm and welcoming, not like a manufactured theme restaurant. Everything about the space feels lived-in and authentic, which is exactly the kind of atmosphere that makes people want to stay awhile.
Casey Jones Village Location
Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store sits right inside Casey Jones Village, a unique little complex in Jackson, Tennessee, that packs a surprising amount of history and fun into one stop. The village is named after the legendary railroad engineer Casey Jones, and the property includes a small train museum and gift shop that history lovers will appreciate.
It makes the whole visit feel like more than just a meal.
Travelers passing through on Highway 45 or making the drive between Memphis and Nashville often flag this spot as a perfect halfway stop. Reviewers have called it an essential Jackson experience, one that checks off food, history, shopping, and entertainment all at once.
There are also electric vehicle charging stations in the parking lot, a thoughtful modern touch.
Whether Jackson is your destination or just a waypoint on a longer road trip, Casey Jones Village makes the detour completely worthwhile.
The Apple Fritters
Not every hidden gem at a buffet gets the spotlight it deserves, but the apple fritters at Brooks Shaw’s have earned some serious word-of-mouth buzz. One first-time visitor, a self-described big guy with a strong appetite who sampled a little bit of everything, called the apple fritters absolutely delicious and made sure to mention them specifically in his review.
That kind of unsolicited enthusiasm says a lot.
Warm, slightly crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, these fritters are the kind of unexpected treat that makes a buffet feel special. They show up alongside the other comfort food offerings, but regulars know to grab them before they disappear.
Pair one with a scoop of ice cream from the parlor next door for a combination that’s almost unfairly good.
If you’re a fan of sweet, doughy Southern desserts, don’t walk past the fritters without grabbing at least one.
The Peach Cobbler
Peach cobbler is one of those Southern desserts that can make or break a restaurant’s reputation, and at Brooks Shaw’s, it clearly lands on the right side of that line. Multiple reviewers independently called out the peach cobbler as a must-try, with one describing it as the only dish that stood out during an otherwise disappointing visit — which, in a backhanded way, is actually a strong endorsement of just how good it is.
The cobbler shows up regularly on the buffet rotation, and regulars know to save room for it. Warm, sweet peaches tucked under a buttery, golden crust hit differently after a plate full of savory Southern food.
It’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes for a second after the first bite.
Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream from the parlor if you really want to treat yourself right.
Old-Fashioned Candy and Snack Shop
Candy lovers, this section of the store is going to make your day. Brooks Shaw’s features a wide selection of old-fashioned candy available for self-serve purchase by the pound.
Think nostalgic flavors and retro packaging that you haven’t seen since you were a kid — the kind of stuff that makes adults get just as excited as the children standing next to them.
One reviewer specifically highlighted the candy section as one of the most fun parts of the visit, noting the huge variety of choices available. It’s the sort of place where you grab a paper bag and start filling it up without a plan, letting pure nostalgia guide your selections.
Peanut butter chews, root beer barrels, old-fashioned lemon drops — it’s all there.
The candy shop sits alongside a larger gift and souvenir section, making it easy to pick up a sweet Tennessee memento before heading back on the road.
The Gift Shop and Souvenir Section
Even visitors who aren’t there for the food tend to spend a good chunk of time browsing the gift shop at Brooks Shaw’s. The retail space is loaded with Tennessee-themed souvenirs, novelty t-shirts, collectibles, and unique finds that you won’t spot at a regular gift shop.
It has the feel of a place that’s been curating its inventory for decades rather than ordering bulk tourist trinkets off a catalog.
Reviewers consistently mention the shop as a highlight, with some stopping in just to browse even when they weren’t planning to eat. One guest called it “chock full” of interesting things to look at and purchase — the kind of place where you go in for one item and walk out with five.
If you’re traveling with family, the gift shop gives everyone something to do between trips to the buffet line. Kids, adults, and history enthusiasts all find something worth taking home.
Breakfast at Brooks Shaw’s
While the lunch and dinner buffet gets most of the glory, breakfast at Brooks Shaw’s has its own loyal fan base. The restaurant opens as early as 6:30 a.m. on weekdays, and regulars say the morning crowd can be so enthusiastic that cars line up in the parking lot before the doors even open.
That kind of pre-dawn dedication tells you something about the quality of what’s being served inside.
One reviewer brought a friend for a Valentine’s Day breakfast and reported that the friend was immediately hooked, already curious about coming back for dinner. Another guest described the breakfast as absolutely amazing, noting that a full parking lot before opening time is always a reliable sign of something good.
Biscuits, gravy, eggs, and all the Southern morning staples show up on the breakfast menu, making it a genuinely satisfying way to start the day before hitting the road.
Friendly Staff and Table Service
A buffet might seem like a set-it-and-forget-it kind of dining experience, but Brooks Shaw’s takes the service side seriously. Guests pay at the counter before entering the dining area, and then a dedicated server handles drinks and clears plates throughout the meal.
Multiple reviewers took the time to name specific staff members who made their visits memorable, which is a pretty rare thing to do in a restaurant review.
Rachel and Linda were called out by name in one detailed review, praised for keeping water glasses full, restocking fresh dishes, and making guests feel genuinely welcomed. Emily received similar praise from another visitor who was impressed by her hustle during an unusually packed afternoon after a snowstorm closure.
That personal touch elevates the whole experience from a simple buffet stop to something that feels a lot more like Southern hospitality in its truest form. Good food tastes even better with kind service.
Civil Rights History Display
Not many people expect to find a piece of American civil rights history tucked inside a country buffet restaurant, but that’s exactly what makes Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store such a layered experience. One visitor mentioned being genuinely moved to discover the original counter and stools connected to the civil rights movement on display inside the store.
It’s the kind of unexpected discovery that turns a lunch stop into a lasting memory.
The presence of this historical artifact gives the visit a deeper sense of meaning, especially for families traveling with kids who are learning about American history. It’s a conversation starter that fits naturally into the old-general-store setting, where history feels present in every corner.
Brooks Shaw’s manages to blend comfort food, nostalgia, and genuine historical significance under one roof — and that combination is surprisingly rare. History buffs, first-time visitors, and regulars alike have pointed to this display as one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.