Townsend is known for many things – it’s natural beauty; it’s quiet, small-town feel, Cades Cove, but a number of people come to Townsend, TN to simply get away from the tourist trappings of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Some even believe that the natural setting makes the food taste better. If that’s the case, Townsend’s restaurants better prepare accordingly. In all reality, it seems people have found out about Townsend’s proclivity for good food and great dining already. So why not take a quick look at some of the top eateries in town.
Being that this is an evolving group, our Top Townsend Restaurant list will grow and rearrange itself as more and more people become aware and get involved. For now, we’ll start off with three restaurants we have come to know and love in Townsend. Please, if you have any suggestions, or would like to nominate a Townsend, TN restaurant to the list, drop us a line in the comment box below.
Now then, our first pick goes to the Picnic Pantry Cafe, a nice, on-the-go spot:
- Picnic Pantry Cafe – You’ll see people stop in for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Picnic Pantry Cafe (above right), which has become a great spot to stop before traveling into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for some outdoor fun. Their breakfast sandwiches are great. Pick up and sandwich for lunch and drop by for a glass of wine for dinner. The Townsend Farmers Market is also located next to the cafe and runs every Thursday.
- Riverstone Family Restaurant – Another of Townsend’s three-meals-a-day restaurants, the Riverstone Family Restaurant features omelets and some oh so tasty slices of country ham for breakfast. You want steak for lunch or dinner? They got it. Along with some delicious local favorites like trout and frog legs. You definitely won’t forget the first time you eat at Riverstone Family Restaurant in Townsend.
- Cades Cove Campground Store – The only place to grab a bite to eat in Cades Cove proper, the Cades Cove Campground Store has become known more for its ice cream over the years than its actual food. Pizza and burgers are on the menu here and they’re plenty tasty, especially after a long day of biking Loop Road or hiking one of the Cove’s many trails.
Well, let us hear from you. Would this be your list or would you ad a few more places? Who did we leave out? Let us know and we’ll get this list growing and keep the conversation going.