Townsend & Great Smoky Mountains

On the Go Eats: Quick Bites, Burgers & Roadside Stops

Heading into Cades Cove or rushing to get on the river? Townsend’s roadside eateries, nostalgic burger windows, and fresh deli stops offer delicious, fast-casual meals and grab-and-go options perfect for a mountain picnic.

Popular Roadside Favorites

Nostalgic drive-ins, deli counters, and quick parkway stops.

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Retro Walk-Up Window

Burger Master Drive-In

A nostalgic Townsend institution operating since 1967. Famous for classic double cheeseburgers, crispy crinkle-cut fries, soft-serve ice cream, and thick hand-spun milkshakes.

Signature Item: Double Cheeseburger & Chocolate Shake
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Village Cafe & BBQ

Apple Valley Mountain Village & Café

A scenic parkway stop offering juicy burger baskets, smoked barbecue plates, fresh fried apple pies, and pre-packed boxed lunches tailored for national park day trips.

Signature Item: Fresh Fried Apple Pies & Smoked BBQ
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Italian-Style Sub Shop

Amico Deli

A local favorite for high-quality deli meats, hot toasted paninis, and authentic Italian-style subs packed fresh for easy trail picnics.

Signature Item: Loaded Italian Sub & Toasted Paninis
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Resort Pizza Window

Secret Slice at Little Arrow

Conveniently located at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, serving made-to-order hot pizzas and quick bites for campers and parkway visitors alike.

Signature Item: Made-To-Order Hand-Tossed Pizzas
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Quick-Service Chains

Subway & Pizza Hut

Standard, reliable quick-service chain stops located right along the main parkway for fast sandwiches, personal pies, and familiar road-trip fare.

Signature Item: Custom Sub Marine Sandwiches & Personal Pies

Built for Mountain Adventurers

Fast, satisfying, and ready for your parkway itinerary.

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Cades Cove Picnic Ready

Grab deli sandwiches or boxed lunches on your way into the park to enjoy at the official Cades Cove or Metcalf Bottoms picnic grounds.

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Post-Tubing Snacks

Cool off after floating the Little River with quick walk-up ice cream cones, hand-spun shakes, and warm fried apple pies.

No Long Table Delays

Skip full-service wait times when you have a packed day of hiking, biking, or sightseeing across Townsend and the Smokies.

Quick-Eat Pro-Tips

Get in, order fast, and hit the trail.

🚗 Order Picnic Meals Ahead

Call deli counters like Amico or Apple Valley Café early in the morning to place your grab-and-go lunch orders before parkway traffic picks up.

🍦 Expect Lines at Burger Master

This walk-up favorite draws long lines on warm summer afternoons. Park nearby and enjoy your shakes and burgers at the shaded outdoor picnic tables.