biscuits and gravy on table at restaurant

Top 5 Wears Valley Restaurants You Will Want to Try

August 2, 2023

Wears Valley is known for its stunning mountain scenery, and after a long and exciting day of exploring it all, you will probably have worked up an appetite! Luckily, there is also plenty of amazing restaurants with everything from Southern classics to mouthwatering barbeque. You won’t find restaurants quite like these anywhere else in the Smokies. To help you plan for your trip, here are 5 of the top Wears Valley restaurants you won’t want to miss:

1. Hillbilly’s Restaurant

If you’re a fan of brunch, Hillbilly’s Restaurant is about to be your new favorite restaurant! Whether you’re in the mood for banana foster french toast or one of their mouthwatering burgers, you can surely satisfy all of your breakfast and lunch cravings. They also have menu items for kids with simplified versions of popular main dishes the kids will love! Rated #1 on TripAdvisor, it’s no secret that this is one of the best Wears Valley restaurants. Keep in mind that Hillbilly’s Restaurant does close during the winter and reopen in the spring.

2. Elvira’s Cafe

Chicken and wafflesThis farm-to-table mountainside cafe is the perfect spot to bring your group on vacation for a meal. You can all stop by for a flavorful breakfast of pancakes, french toast, or crepes to fuel you for your day. Elvira’s Cafe also has a fantastic evening menu, complete with favorites such as country ham steak and baked spaghetti. They even have simplified menu options for the kids that are sure to be enjoyed by even the pickiest eaters. Keep in mind that Elvira’s Cafe also closes during the winter and reopens in the spring.

3. Grandmother’s Kitchen

Another one of the best Wears Valley restaurants is Grandmother’s Kitchen! This quaint eatery offers some seriously delicious Southern staples for breakfast and lunch like their jumbo biscuits and gravy and other tasty dishes. Grandmother’s Kitchen is also known for its affordable prices, so if you’re looking to save a little on your next meal, this is the place to go.

4. Paw Paw’s Catfish Kitchen

jambalaya in a cast iron skilletThis family-owned restaurant serves authentic Cajun cuisine with down-home hospitality! With classic staples like gumbo, jambalaya, and, of course, the best fried catfish in East Tennessee, Paw Paw’s Catfish Kitchen is a must-visit. Before you head out, you’ve got to try one of their famous desserts, like the white chocolate bread pudding or key lime pie!

5. Boss Hogg’s BBQ

Are you in the mood for barbecue? Then this is by far the best Wears Valley restaurant! Boss Hogg’s BBQ serves up authentic Southern barbecue. The restaurant has over 35 years of experience in the BBQ business, so you can expect high-quality food in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. On the menu, you’ll find everything from sandwiches to meat plates served with 2 sides and a dinner roll. Be sure to save room for one of their fried pies or some banana pudding for dessert!

Where to Stay

Private back deck of Mountain Pause Retreat Wears Valley luxury cabin rentalYou’ll never go hungry when you stay in one of our Smoky Mountain cabins! Not only does each one have its own kitchen for you to cook all your favorite meals, but we have Wears Valley cabins that are located near all the best restaurants in the area. When you’re not out and about sightseeing and enjoying all the great food in town, you and your group can relax in the comfort of your cabin.

Now you’ll have somewhere in mind for a tasty bite to eat! All you have to do now is figure out what you want to do when you visit! Take a look at all the best area attractions and start planning your trip.