Waylon's Place is a family-run restaurant on the banks of the Little River in Townsend, the quiet gateway to Cades Cove. It opened in the building that once held Olson's River Grill, beside the Exxon station on the main road through town, and it takes its name from the owners' son. With seating inside and out overlooking the river, it is a relaxed place to start or finish a day on the quiet side of the Smokies.
The kitchen cooks hearty country classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mornings bring breakfast plates and pancakes, and later in the day the menu moves to burgers and Southern specialties. The bar serves beer, wine and spirits, so it works as well for an easy dinner after a drive through Cades Cove as it does for an early breakfast before hitting the trails. Live music is offered on some evenings; check the restaurant's social pages for the schedule.
Waylon's Place is open Wednesday through Sunday from 7 AM to 9 PM and is closed Monday and Tuesday. It sits at 7613 West Old Highway 73, the main road through Townsend, with parking onsite. Call (865) 738-8162 to confirm hours before you drive over, particularly in winter, and ask about seating by the river if the weather is mild. Groups and events can be arranged by contacting the restaurant.
Photo: Waylon's Place
It is open Wednesday through Sunday from 7 AM to 9 PM and closed Monday and Tuesday.
Yes. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, starting at 7 AM.
Yes. The bar offers beer, wine and spirits.
It is at 7613 West Old Highway 73 in Townsend, next to the Exxon station on the main road through town, along the Little River.
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