Townsend Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Townsend

April 14, 2018 Weston Hennigan

Townsend is a city in Blount County, Tennessee, in the southeastern United States. The population was 244 at the 2000 census and 448 at the 2010 census. For thousands of years a site of Native American occupation by varying cultures, Townsend is one of three "gateways" to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It has several museums and attractions relating to the natural and human history of the Great Smokies.
Things to do in Townsend

1. Burger Master Drive In

8439 State Highway 73, Townsend, TN 37882-4309 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible American, Fast Food Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 865-448-8408
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 366 reviews

Burger Master Drive In

Reviewed By DaleH173 - Hill City, South Dakota

My wife and I walked over from Lazy Daze campground which is next door to the Burger Master. I ordered a cheeseburger, sweet potato fries, and a soda. We also splurged with a chocolate milk shake and small cone. They were kind enough to hold the ice cream goodies until we'd finish our meal. The food was great and service speedy. My wife said, "This is a small?" because her ice cream cone was larger than some places largest size. Prices are a bit on the high side for a roadside hamburger stand but well worth it.

2. Trailhead Steakhouse

7839 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882-4032 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 7 - SGD 33 +1 865-448-0166
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Trailhead Steakhouse

At Trailhead we focus more on the quality and perfection of our food and service than anything else. Our prices are the same or cheaper than all of our local competitors. Only difference is we try to offer more of a fine dining restaurant experience such as decorating our plates and the table cloths and candle light adds a very lovely touch. For the same price we pamper you with our generous hospitality. Come give us a shot, your Trailhead Steak & Trout House. Steven Haley (General Manager) has had excessive feedback from folks wondering why there was not a TRAILHEAD STEAKHOUSE in other areas, so keep an eye out for a TRAILHEAD STEAKHOUSE coming to a town near YOU!

Reviewed By Richard C

The locals recommended this restaurant. My wife ordered a hamburger with sweet potato fries and was completely satisfied. I had the country fried steak with mashed potatoes, corn, and Green beans. Sadly I never got to taste the mashed potatoes or the corn-they ran out! They also ran out of the soup of the day! The fried steak was delicious-I just wish they didn’t run out of the sides!

3. The Artistic Bean

8027 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882-4034 Outdoor Seating, Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover Cafe, American, Vegetarian Friendly Breakfast +1 865-310-2434
Excellent
88%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 162 reviews

The Artistic Bean

Reviewed By chris G - Port Macquarie, Australia

Who would think that in a small Town like Townsend you would get a stylish and great coffee shop! Very nice owner with info about the coffee and nice ambience with seating and some nice pastries too.
Very welcoming and very nice coffee. Glad we stopped by!

4. Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

7140 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, at the Dancing Bear Lodge, Townsend, TN 37882-3818 Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Private Dining, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner SGD 39 - SGD 66 +1 865-336-2138
Excellent
77%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 504 reviews

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

Dancing Bear Lodge's full-service restaurant, Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, is one of the finest Townsend, TN area restaurants. It offers casually elegant, regional cuisine. Enjoy simple fare from a menu that is refined, but not fussy. Family and friends gathering for a fun meal as well as couples seeking a romantic dinner for two surrounded by wooded views, are equally at home here.

Reviewed By Vernon B - Knoxville, Tennessee

Perfect place for wonderful food and service. Nicole led us through the evening with attentive service and good recommendations when asked. Two of us ordered the burger and commented how wonderful it was. We shared the cast iron beef loin with two appetizers. The portion was a bit small for two to share but it was delicious enough to make up for that. Size would be just fine for one.

We all finished with the desert list being very difficult to choose. We had the caramel apple concoction. Thankfully it was divided into two parts on the plate we did not need to fight over sharing.

All in all it was a fine time had by all. Since we had desert we did not partake in the outside s’mores bar at the fireplace. Great touch for anyone that wants to extend the evening.

5. The Chocolate B'ar

7807 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882-4032 Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible American, Cafe Breakfast +1 865-448-9433
Excellent
66%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 104 reviews

The Chocolate B'ar

Reviewed By CBNurse - Framingham, Massachusetts

Went looking for breakfast on a Monday morning to find out they only have breakfast on the weekends. We still got great individually prepared specialty coffees and the nice young lady working gave us a great recommendation for a nice local breakfast stop down the road.

6. Black Bear Cafe

7621 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882-3907 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible American, Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +1 865-448-8887
Excellent
67%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 702 reviews

Black Bear Cafe

Reviewed By ElleBee14 - Southport, United Kingdom

Little stop off here for lunch. Plenty of cars so we figured it must be ok and we were right. I had the biggest chef salad and hubby had burger and chips all freshly made and generous portions. Difficult to resist the home made pies And cakes so we chose lemon chess pie. Being a Brit I’m not really sure what it was but safe to say it tasted delicious. Unlikely to return as about 4000 miles from home but if I lived nearer I definitely would! Toilets were spotless and staff really friendly and keen to help.

7. Little River Village Fudge Kitchen & Sweet Shoppe

8521 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy -, Townsend, TN 37882-3808 Takeout +1 865-448-0079
Excellent
75%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

Sweet Shoppe that specializes in home made cream and butter fudge, hand dipped ice cream, chocolates and other scrumptious goodies.

Reviewed By Joe L

This place is all about the craving for sweets.
Locally made fudge in a dozen or more flavors is lined up and ready for sampling. It's creamy smooth.
New this spring are donuts made right before your eyes.
And hearty scoops of ice cream are waiting as well.
Go ahead, Indulge.

8. Country Steak N' Eggs

7613 Old Highway 73, 7613 Old Highway 73, 37882-3903, Townsend, Tennessee, Townsend, TN 37882-3903 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +1 865-336-2925
Excellent
64%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 341 reviews

Country Steak N' Eggs

The Country Steak N' Eggs has just opened this month now serving one of the best quality and best priced meals around. We have inside or outside dining while sitting right on the Little River. Not a better spot in town! You can eat while watching Trout swim up stream or watch the 2 Bald Eagles land in the tree right across the river while you eat. They will catch fish right in front of you as well as the blue herrin who fishes this spot also. We also have Canadian Geese, about 75 of them that will completly entertain you. Ground squirels, wild ducks which will soon have little ducklings tagging along as well as the Geese will also have little ones tagging along. THERE REALLY CAN'T BE ANYWHERE ELSE THAT OFFERS ALL THIS! We also own The Riverstone Restaurant, Trailhead Steak And Trout House & now the Campfire Grill. If your looking for lodging we also own the Riverstone Lodge which is like no where else!

Reviewed By JymResciniti - Knoxville, Tennessee

Absolutely the best breakfast I’ve had in a long time. Perfectly cooked eggs, crisp bacon, fluffy biscuits, and light yet substantive pancakes. Great coffee, great service, great prices.

9. Riverstone Family Restaurant

8503 State Highway 73, Townsend, TN 37882-4310 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 7 - SGD 22 +1 865-448-8816
Excellent
54%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 758 reviews

Riverstone Family Restaurant

The Riverstone Family Restaurant was originally opened and owned by Terry & Belinda Haley in 2004 and gave it its name and the reputation of having the very best food anywhere around. We share the same Rep at the Riverstone Lodge right next door.We truly do have the best of quality of food anywhere. We are from Mississippi and really, really know how to cook real southern food with many years exp. We are open year round 7 days a week serving breakfst, lunch & dinner.We have been licensed as a CERTIFIED ANGUS RESTAURANT serving only certified angus beef for all fresh beef items on menu. If your not aware, certified angus is now said to be better than "PRIME".Nothing but the best. Even our hamburgers are fresh Certified Angus. Hope to see you soon! Don't forget the fresh homemade Fried Green Tomatoes.

Reviewed By cncstivers - Shepherdsville, Kentucky

Well worth the drive into Townsend even if you aren't staying there. The food was good down home cooking. Staff was friendly, place was clean. Might be a little pricy for some but no more then getting at cracker barrel. The portion size is more than plenty for any one. Food was made fresh no frozen or canned biscuits here. When you come visit the Smokeys be sure to support the locally owned "Mom and pop" shops not just the big franchise places.

10. Smokin Joes

7753 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, Tn. 37882, Townsend, TN 37882-4031 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol American, Barbecue Lunch, Dinner +1 865-448-6881
Excellent
56%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 632 reviews

Smokin Joes

Reviewed By Tabitha M

Do NOT go!!! How this place has nay good reviews is beyond me. This "restaurant" is lacking in good service, atmosphere and good food. The brisket and pulled pork were flavorless made tolerable by the off the shelf BBQ sauce. Served on a thin bun with grocery store frozen fries. Absolutely AWFUL!

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