Restaurant is overrated and not worth the difference. If you drive a few miles East there is a Golden Corral where the food is better and they respect there Sr. Citizens with a discount. Hermitage smorgasbord does not support or recognize the contribution that our military or veterans gave either. Don't make the mistake we did.
(2)
Russell P.
Great food!! Thanks so much for making us feel at home. The owner meets you as you enter and immediately feel at home. Actual fried chicken that is moist and not greasy. Great spaghetti. Beef tips that melt in your mouth. Salad bar with all the trimmings. Real butter for your home made roll! Good coffee and iced tea. The meal, drink and desert are all included. One flat fee per person. Real home made food. Excellent!!
(5)
Catherine K.
I can't help but love this place. The food is hit or miss. But, the real reason I love going is because of the history behind the owners. Read their story and then go back for seconds!
(4)
Rhonda H.
Our Assisted Living went to have lunch at The Smorgasbord today. What a disappointment!!! The owner and person working the cash register was so rude. She refused to give the correct change back and said she was keeping part of it for the tip and the next time we needed to have correct change. THERE WILL NOT BE A NEXT TIME!!!!! The staff that assisted the residents were treated poorly and the residents were treated the same. These are people that are from the area, and we visit mom and pop places for the service as well as the good food. It is a shame that not only the people trying to provide a quality of life for our elderly population received such horrible treatment but the residents THAT BUILT this country - our elderly population can be treated so badly and with such disregard, and people wonder what is wrong with our country. Go no further then The Hermitage Smorgasbord to get that answer.
(1)
Ken B.
Buffets aren't my favorite eateries but I have been through a few over the years. How this one has made it since 19__ something I'm not sure. Maybe the selections and preparation was good at one time. Deep fried, canned and overcooked seems to define the menu. At $11 per each I'd much rather have spent less and eaten better at most fast food purveyors. I saw mostly local, old folks like me. Maybe they're savoring past memories.
(2)
Donald C.
Actually 3.5 stars. It was a nice buffet. Not a tremendous selection, but what they have is tasty. I had the meatloaf and really enjoyed it. Nice laid back place to eat without the grossness of large buffets.
(4)
Savannah B.
Great Service and Delicious Food! Will definitely be going back!! I really enjoyed the Turkey & Dressing. I don't know what it is called, but the cake with chocolate fudge, pecans, and pudding on it is amazing. You will not want to stop eating! It's well worth the price!
(5)
Zeb M.
It looks as though I'm the first person to review this in almost two years and I'm the only one with a not so raving review. Perhaps the food quality declined over time? I went here with my parents and was not impressed. I've been to better Southern restaurants around town and I think the people who come here do simply out of tradition.
(2)
Ravon B.
Do you want the food that you grew up on? DO you want the food that your grandparents cooked when you were growing up?. Well I do and this is the place to get it. If you had to offer me Golden Carroll or Smorgasbord. I would choose Smorgasbord. They serve southern comfort food. Pan fried chicken like my granny use to make. you cannot get that anymore unless you do it at home. What about some Salisbury steak with peppers and onion that are in a light sauce and not a thick gravy. And Catfish that tast like my papa just dressed and cooked. This place brought me back to my childhood with comfort food. I will pick this place every time. Tis place is family ran by the same family since 1975. It sure beats everything else. Go and see for yourself
(5)
Tara F.
The fried chicken here is amazing! Although, I will not be going back on a Sunday, the price of $13 a person is overpriced in my option. A family of 4 came to $58.00. I did notice their prices for the other days of the week seemed more reasonable. The sugar dough balls for desert was pleasant surprise.
(2)
Thadious O.
Bland, stuffy and old. Food was not seasoned at all and prob because I was only one under 65 there. Oh well.
(2)
Michael W.
This is one of those places for people who have trouble deciding at a meat 'n 'three. Should I go with the fried chicken? Maybe catfish? Fried or grilled? Ooh, maybe meatloaf. Then sides. Let's see...collard greens, lima beans, green beans, mashed potatoes with gravy? Fried okra? Yeast rolls or corn bread? salad bar? Or polish sausage and kraut? I think I'll take...all of the above. If you leave this place hungry, you either have some kind of psychiatric issue, or maybe a malabsorptive disorder. Ooh, and dessert. Really homey yummy peach cobbler, old fashioned banana pudding with nilla wafers, watermelon, brownies, and these ridiculously addictive donuts. Crispy outside, cakey inside. Beyond words. This is good food done right. It's not the ritz, and it's not haute cuisine. It's a slice of Americana. Actually, it's an all-you-can-eat food orgy of Americana. It belongs in the Smithsonian. You'll have a great meal in a big dining room filled with church groups, happy families and good-natured senior citizens. Try it!
(4)
Heather R.
Okay, here's another buffet place I can't help but love. This is usually the post church hang out, and on Sunday afternoon we're typically not alone. Everyone in here is in their Sunday best and enjoying themselves. You can't help but just chill out here, the people that work here are super nice and are always ready with coffee, which I need after being drug out of my warm bed for a warm pew. The place is set up like a country buffet; the food is in one room, and a large seating area is in another room. The decor is grandman-ish and there is a fireplace in the main dining room. The menu is your typical southern fare, biscuts, fried chicken, veggies, mashed potatos and pie for dessert. They do have small Purity ice cream samples in a cooler in the back of the room that holds the food. Get the birthday cake flavor one with the sprinkles and chocolate on top. It's awesome. I'd say some would complain about the price, but I didn't have to cook it, so I really don't care.
(4)
Tart L.
A full selection for the good people of Donelson and Hermitage. For years it has fed hungry workers and residents, and left them feeling full. It may not be the best around, but has filled the bill for these folk for years.
(3)
Joe A.
This is the second time I have visited this restaurant, and I found them to be fantastic both times. The food was hot and fresh. The service was quick. If your looking for a good southern style buffet this is the place to go
(5)
Daryle J.
They had a wonderful smorgasbord with great food. Everything I've tried in 3 visits were superb. The only item I could find was the crackers were broken in a huge bowl. We come here every trip to Nashville we make!
(5)
Sarah B.
Gotta love an independent owned, small town feel, buffet restaurant. I attended a party here for a group I'm involved in, and I think pretty much everyone else in the many, many private rooms was as well. The buffet was better than expected, I am NOT a smorgasbord girl, but still had many of the anticipated shortfalls... mostly iceberg lettuce, the eggs were slightly frozen, and some of the veggies and hot item choices seemed a bit odd. The roast beef was better than I expected, I must say, and they definitely had the variety. Was pleasantly surprised on the dessert bar, yes, there's a whole separate bar for that... to find two cobblers, banana pudding, a sugar free chocolate pudding, and the most fun of all... an ice cream freezer with all kinds of Purity treats... small little ice cream sandwiches, nutty buddies, ice cream cups (in case you want your cobbler a la mode, too). I don't care who you are, or what the weather, that's just fun. It's not fancy, and I dare say they have not renovated or redecorated since they moved into this location many years ago, but that's OK. It was the evening it was supposed to be, and hubby and I left feeling very stuffed and bloated - swearing to never eat that much again.
(3)
Kristina C.
One morning my husband and I were driving around looking for a new breakfast place and stopped in to the Hermitage House Smorgasbord. The place was pretty empty when we arrived and I'll admit that when I saw the outdated decor I had my concerns. However, my husband was hungry so we gave it a try. After getting our first dish people started arriving and we quickly realized that we were at least 30yrs younger than most of the other patrons. Our hopes for the food were also quickly diminished. Every item was mushy, bland, and overcooked. At one point my husband dowsed his entire plate with salt (I've never seen him do that before) and when I asked why he replied, "so that I at least taste salt". We couldn't get out of there fast enough. Oh and the $40 bill for breakfast for 2 people didn't help either.
(2)
Andy H.
Still family owned and operated, a true American dream. This is a true Smorgasbord and I am not sure how much longer places like this can compete to our fast paced lifestyles, so I try and patronize as much as I can. The food is plentiful and that is why you come here.
(4)
Driven W.
I would rather support these mom and pop places instead of Applebee's or Cracker Barrel. Something for everyone! Fried or baked chicken, fried or baked fish, pot roast, great vegetables, collard greens, lima beans, carrots, salad bar, dessert, beverage. Friendly service. I would go here often if I lived nearby.
(5)
John S.
The fried chicken is some of the best I've ever had! Salad bar is fresh with lots of choices. The pasta dish looked dried up an unappetizing. If you stick with the chicken and mashed potatoes and canned veggies, you'll leave very happy for about $10.
(3)
Janette C.
This is a family run business with home cooking style foods. It's not fancy and the decor is not modern.....but it is good, basic food. The service is fast since it is a buffet and my water and coffee cups were kept full. Enjoyed it but it wouldnt' be a regular place for us to eat.
(3)
gary w.
I have been eating at the Hermitage House Smorgasbord for seven years. Great home cooking that is constant and always plentiful. The staff is always friendly and responsive to request (love the meatloaf and catfish). For you negative folks, keeping perspective is key. This is a country place designed to be that way. If you are looking for something better perhaps those places with $40 steaks is more aligned to your expectation. See how well your $12 works there. Continued success to the folks at "the Smorg". G.
(5)
Anthony S.
There's something about this place that takes me back to childhood, eating at my Grandmother's favorite restaurant. Family owned and operated, it does what it has for god knows how long and doesn't show any signs of changing. A rare bird indeed. Want to know more? Ask the owner- she's been there every time I've eaten and she rules that place with an iron Austrian fist (she said she's from Austria). And it's good, too! My family are not buffet people, but there is something reserved and traditional about the selections. Standard southern fare here, complete with fried chicken. Every day. I'd be the first to say this place will not please everyone. Many of my friends wouldn't get the nostalgia that the Smorgasbord provides. Eh, more for me.
(4)
Scotty G.
My eight year old said best chicken around 5 stars from him and us to. Great food. And trust me I'm fat.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Nick B.
Restaurant is overrated and not worth the difference. If you drive a few miles East there is a Golden Corral where the food is better and they respect there Sr. Citizens with a discount. Hermitage smorgasbord does not support or recognize the contribution that our military or veterans gave either. Don't make the mistake we did.
(2)Russell P.
Great food!! Thanks so much for making us feel at home. The owner meets you as you enter and immediately feel at home. Actual fried chicken that is moist and not greasy. Great spaghetti. Beef tips that melt in your mouth. Salad bar with all the trimmings. Real butter for your home made roll! Good coffee and iced tea. The meal, drink and desert are all included. One flat fee per person. Real home made food. Excellent!!
(5)Catherine K.
I can't help but love this place. The food is hit or miss. But, the real reason I love going is because of the history behind the owners. Read their story and then go back for seconds!
(4)Rhonda H.
Our Assisted Living went to have lunch at The Smorgasbord today. What a disappointment!!! The owner and person working the cash register was so rude. She refused to give the correct change back and said she was keeping part of it for the tip and the next time we needed to have correct change. THERE WILL NOT BE A NEXT TIME!!!!! The staff that assisted the residents were treated poorly and the residents were treated the same. These are people that are from the area, and we visit mom and pop places for the service as well as the good food. It is a shame that not only the people trying to provide a quality of life for our elderly population received such horrible treatment but the residents THAT BUILT this country - our elderly population can be treated so badly and with such disregard, and people wonder what is wrong with our country. Go no further then The Hermitage Smorgasbord to get that answer.
(1)Ken B.
Buffets aren't my favorite eateries but I have been through a few over the years. How this one has made it since 19__ something I'm not sure. Maybe the selections and preparation was good at one time. Deep fried, canned and overcooked seems to define the menu. At $11 per each I'd much rather have spent less and eaten better at most fast food purveyors. I saw mostly local, old folks like me. Maybe they're savoring past memories.
(2)Donald C.
Actually 3.5 stars. It was a nice buffet. Not a tremendous selection, but what they have is tasty. I had the meatloaf and really enjoyed it. Nice laid back place to eat without the grossness of large buffets.
(4)Savannah B.
Great Service and Delicious Food! Will definitely be going back!! I really enjoyed the Turkey & Dressing. I don't know what it is called, but the cake with chocolate fudge, pecans, and pudding on it is amazing. You will not want to stop eating! It's well worth the price!
(5)Zeb M.
It looks as though I'm the first person to review this in almost two years and I'm the only one with a not so raving review. Perhaps the food quality declined over time? I went here with my parents and was not impressed. I've been to better Southern restaurants around town and I think the people who come here do simply out of tradition.
(2)Ravon B.
Do you want the food that you grew up on? DO you want the food that your grandparents cooked when you were growing up?. Well I do and this is the place to get it. If you had to offer me Golden Carroll or Smorgasbord. I would choose Smorgasbord. They serve southern comfort food. Pan fried chicken like my granny use to make. you cannot get that anymore unless you do it at home. What about some Salisbury steak with peppers and onion that are in a light sauce and not a thick gravy. And Catfish that tast like my papa just dressed and cooked. This place brought me back to my childhood with comfort food. I will pick this place every time. Tis place is family ran by the same family since 1975. It sure beats everything else. Go and see for yourself
(5)Tara F.
The fried chicken here is amazing! Although, I will not be going back on a Sunday, the price of $13 a person is overpriced in my option. A family of 4 came to $58.00. I did notice their prices for the other days of the week seemed more reasonable. The sugar dough balls for desert was pleasant surprise.
(2)Thadious O.
Bland, stuffy and old. Food was not seasoned at all and prob because I was only one under 65 there. Oh well.
(2)Michael W.
This is one of those places for people who have trouble deciding at a meat 'n 'three. Should I go with the fried chicken? Maybe catfish? Fried or grilled? Ooh, maybe meatloaf. Then sides. Let's see...collard greens, lima beans, green beans, mashed potatoes with gravy? Fried okra? Yeast rolls or corn bread? salad bar? Or polish sausage and kraut? I think I'll take...all of the above. If you leave this place hungry, you either have some kind of psychiatric issue, or maybe a malabsorptive disorder. Ooh, and dessert. Really homey yummy peach cobbler, old fashioned banana pudding with nilla wafers, watermelon, brownies, and these ridiculously addictive donuts. Crispy outside, cakey inside. Beyond words. This is good food done right. It's not the ritz, and it's not haute cuisine. It's a slice of Americana. Actually, it's an all-you-can-eat food orgy of Americana. It belongs in the Smithsonian. You'll have a great meal in a big dining room filled with church groups, happy families and good-natured senior citizens. Try it!
(4)Heather R.
Okay, here's another buffet place I can't help but love. This is usually the post church hang out, and on Sunday afternoon we're typically not alone. Everyone in here is in their Sunday best and enjoying themselves. You can't help but just chill out here, the people that work here are super nice and are always ready with coffee, which I need after being drug out of my warm bed for a warm pew. The place is set up like a country buffet; the food is in one room, and a large seating area is in another room. The decor is grandman-ish and there is a fireplace in the main dining room. The menu is your typical southern fare, biscuts, fried chicken, veggies, mashed potatos and pie for dessert. They do have small Purity ice cream samples in a cooler in the back of the room that holds the food. Get the birthday cake flavor one with the sprinkles and chocolate on top. It's awesome. I'd say some would complain about the price, but I didn't have to cook it, so I really don't care.
(4)Tart L.
A full selection for the good people of Donelson and Hermitage. For years it has fed hungry workers and residents, and left them feeling full. It may not be the best around, but has filled the bill for these folk for years.
(3)Joe A.
This is the second time I have visited this restaurant, and I found them to be fantastic both times. The food was hot and fresh. The service was quick. If your looking for a good southern style buffet this is the place to go
(5)Daryle J.
They had a wonderful smorgasbord with great food. Everything I've tried in 3 visits were superb. The only item I could find was the crackers were broken in a huge bowl. We come here every trip to Nashville we make!
(5)Sarah B.
Gotta love an independent owned, small town feel, buffet restaurant. I attended a party here for a group I'm involved in, and I think pretty much everyone else in the many, many private rooms was as well. The buffet was better than expected, I am NOT a smorgasbord girl, but still had many of the anticipated shortfalls... mostly iceberg lettuce, the eggs were slightly frozen, and some of the veggies and hot item choices seemed a bit odd. The roast beef was better than I expected, I must say, and they definitely had the variety. Was pleasantly surprised on the dessert bar, yes, there's a whole separate bar for that... to find two cobblers, banana pudding, a sugar free chocolate pudding, and the most fun of all... an ice cream freezer with all kinds of Purity treats... small little ice cream sandwiches, nutty buddies, ice cream cups (in case you want your cobbler a la mode, too). I don't care who you are, or what the weather, that's just fun. It's not fancy, and I dare say they have not renovated or redecorated since they moved into this location many years ago, but that's OK. It was the evening it was supposed to be, and hubby and I left feeling very stuffed and bloated - swearing to never eat that much again.
(3)Kristina C.
One morning my husband and I were driving around looking for a new breakfast place and stopped in to the Hermitage House Smorgasbord. The place was pretty empty when we arrived and I'll admit that when I saw the outdated decor I had my concerns. However, my husband was hungry so we gave it a try. After getting our first dish people started arriving and we quickly realized that we were at least 30yrs younger than most of the other patrons. Our hopes for the food were also quickly diminished. Every item was mushy, bland, and overcooked. At one point my husband dowsed his entire plate with salt (I've never seen him do that before) and when I asked why he replied, "so that I at least taste salt". We couldn't get out of there fast enough. Oh and the $40 bill for breakfast for 2 people didn't help either.
(2)Andy H.
Still family owned and operated, a true American dream. This is a true Smorgasbord and I am not sure how much longer places like this can compete to our fast paced lifestyles, so I try and patronize as much as I can. The food is plentiful and that is why you come here.
(4)Driven W.
I would rather support these mom and pop places instead of Applebee's or Cracker Barrel. Something for everyone! Fried or baked chicken, fried or baked fish, pot roast, great vegetables, collard greens, lima beans, carrots, salad bar, dessert, beverage. Friendly service. I would go here often if I lived nearby.
(5)John S.
The fried chicken is some of the best I've ever had! Salad bar is fresh with lots of choices. The pasta dish looked dried up an unappetizing. If you stick with the chicken and mashed potatoes and canned veggies, you'll leave very happy for about $10.
(3)Janette C.
This is a family run business with home cooking style foods. It's not fancy and the decor is not modern.....but it is good, basic food. The service is fast since it is a buffet and my water and coffee cups were kept full. Enjoyed it but it wouldnt' be a regular place for us to eat.
(3)gary w.
I have been eating at the Hermitage House Smorgasbord for seven years. Great home cooking that is constant and always plentiful. The staff is always friendly and responsive to request (love the meatloaf and catfish). For you negative folks, keeping perspective is key. This is a country place designed to be that way. If you are looking for something better perhaps those places with $40 steaks is more aligned to your expectation. See how well your $12 works there. Continued success to the folks at "the Smorg". G.
(5)Anthony S.
There's something about this place that takes me back to childhood, eating at my Grandmother's favorite restaurant. Family owned and operated, it does what it has for god knows how long and doesn't show any signs of changing. A rare bird indeed. Want to know more? Ask the owner- she's been there every time I've eaten and she rules that place with an iron Austrian fist (she said she's from Austria). And it's good, too! My family are not buffet people, but there is something reserved and traditional about the selections. Standard southern fare here, complete with fried chicken. Every day. I'd be the first to say this place will not please everyone. Many of my friends wouldn't get the nostalgia that the Smorgasbord provides. Eh, more for me.
(4)Scotty G.
My eight year old said best chicken around 5 stars from him and us to. Great food. And trust me I'm fat.
(5)