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    Doc's 321 Cafe

    4.5 (62 reviews)
    Closed • Closed

    Doc's 321 Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    DOC'S 321 CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Doc's 321 Cafe

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    Doc's cafe right before we left after being told to "Tone it Down".
    Talyr H.

    I researched the area for a great place to eat after a llama hike in Cosby, TN. After seeing pictures- I thought this would be a perfect place to take an outdoorsy bride-to-be to eat after hiking. I was so wrong. The atmosphere was unique and one of a kind. We enjoyed the ambiance of the space. However, from the moment, we stepped out of the car- we were not treated very nice by the owner- who was very rude and followed us around from the moment we stepped out of the car. We just wanted to distract the bride-to-be by walking around outside and taking pictures, so her sister could put the llama cookies and table decor on the table inside. We used the restroom- a port-a-potty outside, which was fine for us- we just finished hiking with llamas. Once we sat down- our server took our order and told us to "Tone it down" because she had a headache. We were talking in normal voices, after looking at each other and realizing that we wouldn't be able to talk inside this establishment and after the owner treated us like he didn't want us there- it was time to go. The owner did tell us not to worry about paying the bill for our tea and lemonades before we left. We left and went down the road to Carver's Orchard and Applehouse, where the service was awesome! Our server there was super sweet, and she even shared some free homemade cake with us (not on the menu). We made sure to share some llama cookies with the staff and left a big tip. They really saved our bachelorette hiking trip in Cosby, TN. I travel all over the world for work and vacation and have been to many unique foodie establishments. Doc's 321 Cafe was the worst treatment and customer service I have ever experienced. I would not recommend for visitors.

    Our ice cold congealed blackberry cobbler
    Blair C.

    The food was good. The owner is an asshole. While we ate our meal we sat back and listened to him brag on himself and talk to a waitress while our poor waitress ran around frantically. We heard a bang in the kitchen and she came out and told "Doc" the owner what had happened. He scolded her on how our ice cold blackberry cobbler was served and then told her that was her problem she needed to slow down. After this our wonderful chipper waitress was in tears. Maybe she would slow down if he got off his butt and helped her instead of bragging. Then when it was served wrong he went that's not how it's done but go ahead. So we weren't worth the cobbler being served right and him showing her? I am literally disgusted at this. Literally. Yes the place is eclectic and cute but no way to the owner.

    Peter C.

    What a gem that looks like a nice junkyard. Don't read the other reviews. The barbecue pork is outstanding and the homemade pies are smoked and delicious. My wife told the pit master/chef that the pie crust was delicious. Definitely worth the stop. The baked beans are truly a gem in Tennessee. Don't let the junk in the yard fool you. We enjoyed talking to the chef. The food is very reasonable as well.

    Slow cooked chicken with slaw and bayou beans
    Tara M.

    Neat little road side stop with awesome BBQ! We had the pulled pork and the chicken plates and both were great. And the Bayou Beans were amazing! Friendly staff made the experience perfect!

    The bus
    Kalah H.

    Amazing food, even better service! I'm not gonna lie, we all laughed when we pulled in. There was mentions of "The Hills Have Eyes" considering the location and general look of the place. The "place" is quite literally a couple of old school buses with structures built around them. Let me tell you though, hidden gem. I had 'The Cass', highly recommend.

    Eat in the bus
    Christopher B.

    It's so nice I've been there twice. Awesome BBQ it's the best I've had. Thank you for being so accommodating for my daughter's request. You have to try the desserts pies . So incredibly delicious.

    Blackberry cobbler
    Citlali S.

    This is the best food I've had in Tennessee! The owner cooks and makes everything from scratch. He is so nice and friendly. Came out to speak to us, introduced himself asked us where we were from. It's super cute and unique. I am so happy we stopped by. I had the pulled pork and my friend had the 3 little pigs. I ended up eating some of his food because everything is just amazing. Also split a blackberry cobbler. This is hands down the best place in the country! Potato salads was amazing. And per my friend the coleslaw was great!

    Restaurant sign
    Amy D.

    This place has the best BBQ ever! Everything is home made. Don't pass this by! If you can sit on the bus and sign your name! Get the pecan pie too

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Very friendly staff! Amazing place to also go take photos and look around the yard. Didn't try the food though.

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Doc C.

    Doc C.

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    7 years ago

    Food is soooo good! Owners are sooooo friendly! The bus is soooo cool! Highly recommend!

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    7 years ago

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    The Sub Station Italian Restaurant & Sub Shop - Menu! Oh, the possibilities are endless!

    The Sub Station Italian Restaurant & Sub Shop

    3.7(40 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    •$$

    Good food but be patient. Frank has a cool life story. We ate there 2 times in 2021 and 2024…read more Would go back.

    Home of the best sandwich I've ever eaten: the meatball sub. Here it is- the bread, dense with…read moresome structure gradually gives way to a less firm, pliable layer of cheese that gives way to the marinara/ red sauce. The meatballs are perfect. You can either try and pick apart the few, savory elements as the sweet undertones highlight the mild acidity of the sauce or enjoy the maelstrom of deliciousness in one bite. Either way, it's perfect. It's so good, it's simply overwhelming. Texture, taste, value, this dang sandwich knows no bounds. I had one on the way up to hike the AT, and stopped back by so I could by another to enjoy on the way home (I was hoping it would make the journey back to Nashville, but my self control failed me). The Italian is great too, but the meatball sub is the belle of the ball. This place is truly one of a kind, from the trailer set amongst mountains to (if Chef Frank still has them out there) the TVs tunes to a channel that plays bluegrass music on the wrap around patio of the trailer. A word about Frank: I grew up with a grandfather who owned a mom and pop deli, so I know the type. You want great food? Don't be in a hurry, don't tell him how to make what he clearly knows how to make (and well, I might add), and don't be hyper sensitive when it comes to him catering to your demands. The guy knows what he's doing. Let him do it so you can enjoy it. For every one star review, it has nothing to do with the food. For every five start review, it does. Don't Yelp review people's personality, go by the principle of good food being good food. But I digress...

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    The Sub Station Italian Restaurant & Sub Shop - Very cozy & homestyle establishment

    Very cozy & homestyle establishment

    The Sub Station Italian Restaurant & Sub Shop - Outdoor signs

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    Outdoor signs

    Tennessee Jed's - Loaded Frito Pie

    Tennessee Jed's

    4.7(592 reviews)
    16.0 mi
    •$$

    One of the sandwiches I think is most difficult to find done extremely well is a Reuben. They did…read morejust that it was a delicious thick sandwich. There was tons of yummy corn, beef, brisket, and they were nice enough to put my thousand island on the side because the sandwich is huge. I couldn't finish it there. The potato salad I ordered on the side was delicious, it had some bacon in it, and it was more savory forward in it, Amish style potato salad that has some sweet relish. Which I enjoyed a lot! Now the sandwich wasn't cheap, but it was well worth it, and we luckily got some seating and some rest from the rain while enjoying our really good food! My boyfriend got the Cuban, he was a bit worried because he hadn't had the sandwich before, but I knew he would like it so I ordered it for him and someone ate their entire sandwich (not me) so let that speak for itself! They make sure to pile those sandwiches high with meat, and they move so quickly our food came out, not even 10 minutes after we put our orders in and we were starving so it was much appreciated after walking the strip in Gatlinburg. It is tucked away a bit from the main road, but if you walk back, you'll see it, there's a bit of indoor seating, ample outdoor seating, but you just have to help the weather agrees with you. It's really active because the amount of people hoping to try the sandwiches, and it seems like they do happen to run out of the meat for the platters and what meat is left, they prioritize using it on the sandwiches.

    Wow!! This place was a total surprise. I hate to say don't eat anywhere else on the Gatlinburg…read morestrip, but really. The Spicy Tofu Sandwich Combo blew me away!! If they have the hash brown casserole as a side, don't skip it! Literally the best I've had. 10/10 experience with food and staff! The restaurant is a tribute to the Grateful Dead, it's a fun theme.

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    Tennessee Jed's - Soda Area

    Soda Area

    Tennessee Jed's - Best Ruben!!

    Best Ruben!!

    Tennessee Jed's

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    The Bean Trees

    The Bean Trees

    4.1(202 reviews)
    5.9 mi
    •$

    I guess there are two buildings - a restaurant and an order window. I was waiting in line at the…read moreorder window just to order coffee and fries to go. The first thing the lady at the register said was "are you going to place an order?" Well yeah....... I'm standing in line to order, not just for the hell of it. So when I ordered the coffee and fries and water bottle to go, it seemed like she didn't know what the concept of "to go" was, bc she had to ask someone else multiple times about placing an order for fries, and they also seemed confused when the order was made and they were just walking around with the items, asking this large group of people and not even bothering to come to where I was, until the group pointed them to my direction. Anyhow, the fries are unsalted. Tasteless. And the cold foam that the person at the register said would be on the coffee wasn't even there. I was ordering for my pregnant sister and seems like they can't even get a simple order right. They lack an organized system to keep track of who orders what. They don't take names down, they don't have numbers to give out, they don't have an area for people waiting on their items who just want to grab and go. This is unfortunate for what could be such a cute spot that's right by the water. You'd think they'd be more efficient with their customer service.

    Stopped in here on our trip to Charlotte from Knoxville. They are starting to rebuild after the…read morehurricane. Cute spot by the river, and I can see it would be a great spot to hang out when the weather is nice. It's easy to get to, just off the highway, so perfect if you need to grab real food and stretch your legs for a bit. They have a nice array of coffees. My latte was a bit on the sweet side, but I know for next time to ask to go light on the sweet stuff. The menu was pared down, being the off-season, but they had a few things, and my sandwich was executed well, and it was very good! The potato salad was also delish! I will stop on the way again, and you should too!

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    The Bean Trees
    The Bean Trees - Treats

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    The Bean Trees - Patio dining on the river!!!

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    Patio dining on the river!!!

    Doc's 321 Cafe - bbq - Updated September 2026

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