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Places to Eat in Monroe County, TN

When it comes to restaurants and local food experiences, we provide the absolute best. World renowned and beloved by all, Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Hams offers a selection of meats that can be purchased, but they are best known for their dry-curing ham and bacon. We highly recommend stopping in to purchase some for yourself. You will thank us later. Another wonderful stop, not too far from Benton’s, is Tsali Notch Vineyard which offers some of the best mountain views paired with award winning wine that you can sample in the tasting room. After your tasting, you can explore the muscadine vineyard, which happens to be the largest one in Tennessee.

Photo of bacon in a glass jar.
Photo of a blue glass bottle sitting on a wooden table with fork, knife, and plate in foreground.

Don't forget to check what days and times a restaurant is open before planning your trip. If you are dead-set on visiting a place, call ahead of time to make sure they will be open when you plan on visiting so you don't miss a chance to support our local businesses!

Looking for the best place for a family dinner? Or maybe you want to know just the right place to get a sweet treat. Check out these Best For... recommendations.

Madisonville

10-80 Roasters

  • Local favorites: Pumpkin pie cookie with cream cheese icing

A&W

  • Local favorites: Homemade dip dogs & root beer floats

Bert’s Hometown Grill

  • Local favorite: Salad bar

Donna’s Old Town Cafe

  • Local favorite: Breakfast buffet

Legends and Lore Pizzeria

  • Local favorite: Sasquatch pizza

Sol Azteca Mexican Grill

  • Local favorite: Salsa bar

The Lamppost Restaurant

  • Local favorites: Grilled cheese

The Patio

  • Local favorites: Pizzas & Desserts

Photo of a slice of pizza with pepperonis.
Photo of a tortilla filled with grilled meats and vegetables.
Photo of a plate with scrambled eggs, a biscuit covered in gravy, a tomato slice, and cooked meat.
Photo of Scoops of ice cream in waffle cone.
Photo of paper plate with barbecue ribs, toasted bread, green beans, and macaroni and cheese.
Photo of General Tso's Chickenwith broccoli and a bowl of rice.

Sweetwater

 

Bradley’s Pit BBQ & Grill

  • Local favorite: Smoked baby back ribs

Cup Runneth Over Coffeehouse & Sweet Station Bake Shop

  • Local favorite: CRO mocha & death by chocolate cupcake

El Jacal Restaurante Mexicano

  • Local favorite: Chicken fajitas

Hunter’s Bakery & Café

  • Local favorite: Reuben & sweet potatoes fries

Kokita Asian Cuisine

  • Local favorite: Teriyaki chicken bowl

Sweetwater Creamery

  • Local favorite: Malted milk ice cream

The Lazy Beagle

  • Local favorite: Grilled mahi mahi

Vittorino’s Cucina

  • Local favorite: Baked spaghetti​​

Tellico Plains

 

Iron Works Grille & Pub

  • Local favorite: The Iron Works burger

La Loteria Mexican Restaurant

  • Local favorite: Huevos El Jefe

Papa's Pizza

  • Local favorite: Piggystix

Peach Street Grill

  • Local favorite: Trout dip

Señor Lopez Mexican Grill

  • Local favorite: Camarones hawaianos

Tellicafe

  • Local favorite: Cornmeal crusted fried catfish

Tellico Beach Drive-In

  • Local favorite: Footlong hotdog all the way

Tellico Grains Bakery

  • Local favorite: Benton’s bacon wood-fired pizza​​

Photo of a sandwich on toasted bread. The sandwich includes meat, lettuce, mustard, and cheese.
Photo of a footlong hot dog topped with chili and melted cheese.
Photo of fired chicken, beans, and a biscuit covered in gravy.
Photo of a salad on a metal plate with a small cup of a yellow dressing.
Photo of three tacos and fries.

Vonore

 

Bootlegger's Roadside Ice Cream

  • Local favorite: Banana Pudding Ice Cream

Cielito Lindo Mexican Grill

  • Local favorite: Nacho supreme

Countryside Restaurant 

  • Local favorite: Grilled sockeye salmon

Dockside Grill

  • Local favorite: Shrimp Tacos

Pizzeria Venti

  • Local favorites: Strawberry fields salad & chicken venti timpanini

Smok-N-Bonz BBQ

  • Local favorite: St. Louis ribs

The Mudpuppy

  • Local favorite: Cajun trout

Ya Rona Craft Pizza and Cocktails

  • Local favorite: BBQ chicken pizza​​

Fried catfish with fries from Countryside Restaurant
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