Little River Pub and Deli: Craft Beer and Sandwiches by the River in Townsend

About

Little River Pub and Deli is the kind of place locals point you to when you ask where to relax in Townsend. The family-owned pub sits along the main highway through town, in front of the Strawberry Patch Inn, and its back beer garden looks straight out over the Little River. After a morning in Cades Cove or on the water, it is an easy spot to sit in the shade with a cold local beer and a good sandwich.

The deli side of the menu is the heart of it: gourmet cold and hot sandwiches, pressed paninis, seasonal soups and shareable appetizers. BBQ pork nachos with the house Moonshine BBQ sauce and a pimento cheese dip are popular picks, and vegetarian, gluten-free and kids options are available. The taps lean local, with craft beer mainly from Maryville and Knoxville breweries, and a full bar pours cocktails. Live music appears on some evenings.

The pub is open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, and it welcomes families. Parking is onsite along the highway, and the river-view beer garden fills quickly on warm weekend afternoons, so arrive a little early if you want a table by the water. Takeout is available if you would rather carry sandwiches to a picnic spot along the river. For the latest music schedule, check the pub's Facebook page, townsendpub.

Photo: Little River Pub and Deli

Did You Know

• The pub's back beer garden overlooks the Little River (Little River Pub and Deli).
• Most of the craft beer on tap comes from Maryville and Knoxville breweries (Little River Pub and Deli).
• The kitchen makes its own Moonshine BBQ sauce for dishes like the BBQ pork nachos (Little River Pub and Deli).
• The pub sits at the front of the Strawberry Patch Inn property in Townsend (Little River Pub and Deli).