Maybe you’re a local who knows every twist of the Appalachian Trail, or perhaps you’re just passing through Greeneville on your way to the Smokies. Among the historic courthouse, the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, and the rolling hills, there are some truly memorable spots to eat. You just need to skip the predictable chains and discover where the real flavor hides.
Thai’s Joy
$ | (423) 787-7699 | WEBSITE
Thai’s Joy is a Thai restaurant in Greeneville that’s best enjoyed with family. Every so often, a burst of aromatic steam rises from the kitchen, diners smile, and the server attentively checks on each table.
The clean but slightly dated dining room feels like somewhere that’s trying to accommodate everyone, but Thai’s Joy’s menu—with things like flavorful pad kee mouw, zesty prik nam pla, comforting green curry, perfectly balanced pad Thai, and customizable spice adjustments—is where it shows real personality.
Casa Nostra Italian Cuisine
$ | (423) 787-7950 | WEBSITE
This Italian restaurant is everything you’d expect from a spot named after the nostalgic phrase for ‘our house’—it’s wonderfully committed to its family-friendly atmosphere and between admiring the warm lighting in the cozy dining area, to smothering a juicy meatball sub in melted cheese, Casa Nostra is a very hard place to leave.
Get comfortable, order a plate of something hearty and classic, and commit your evening to lots of happy family chatter over shared garlic knots and wholesome pasta dishes.
Pizza Plus
$ | (423) 639-0400 | WEBSITE
Pizza Plus does a very good job of convincing us that the aroma drifting through the clean, well-maintained dining area is from fresh-baked pizza, and not, in fact, a generic chain restaurant. The best dish at this affordable pizzeria is the 14-inch pizza with fresh salad. But the food is only part of the reason you’re here. The convenient parking setup—with its easy access on both sides of the building and ‘neighborhood favorite’ feel—is the other.
Smokin Pig BBQ
$ | (423) 638-8227 | WEBSITE
Sometimes all you need is a welcoming smoker scent, friendly service, and plate after plate of generous, deeply satisfying barbecue to remind you why Greeneville is so great. Smokin Pig BBQ—one of the best barbecue joints in town—has all that, and so much more. The menu stays consistent but when they’re on, the pulled pork, served with a sweet yellowish sauce alongside creamy macaroni & cheese, is a must. As are the bacon onion potatoes for soaking up every last bit of said sauce.
The take-out counter is the sought-after spot for a quick grab of their fantastic smoked chicken and sides.
Biggies Deli
$ | (423) 525-4038 | WEBSITE
At Biggies Deli, you order, well, the Reuben. No big surprise there, but the signature sandwich is the main event at this rustic country sandwich shop and is stacked high with things like corned beef and sauerkraut. Regulars come in at lunch for hot steamed subs and hungry travelers stop by for a side of that famous gravy, so even though it’s tucked next to the Marathon gas station on Newport Hwy, Biggies Deli still feels like it has plenty of charm.
Arby’s
$ | (423) 636-1995 | WEBSITE
Arby’s is one of those places that makes you appreciate the simple joys of a quick meal in Greeneville. It’s also one of those places that makes you wonder if it’s normal to get so nostalgic about a classic Reuben sandwich. Along with their signature roast beef options and curly fries, you’ve got the reliable Reuben sandwich, friendly staff ready to help, and a straightforward menu for when you’re in a hurry.
Almost everything is designed for convenience, so order, pick up, and find a comfortable spot to sit and enjoy.
Cancun Mexican Restaurant
$ | (423) 787-9300 | WEBSITE
Eating at Cancun Mexican Restaurant will make you feel welcome. You arrive at the Mexican spot through Greeneville—its quieter and cozier downtown setting—and are greeted at the door, like family, by the owner who warmly welcomes every table. The bright, cheerful dining room is filled with people who look like they appreciate huge servings and margaritas at $6.99.
Some of the best things here—the amazing chicken nachos, the best quesadillas around, and fresh, delicious everything—require digging in with enthusiasm. Cancun is delightful, but it doesn’t stand on pretense.
The Dog House
$ | (423) 609-7179 | WEBSITE
The Dog House is the perfect lunchtime destination for days when you crave friendly service and a chili-loaded Chicago dog before heading back to work. Most days then. The warm wooden tones and vintage signage provide a nostalgic backdrop for smoky flavors and classic American fare. Come for the perfectly grilled hot dog and stay for a cold root beer float.
This is the kind of place where the owner takes time to chat about the menu, making it a great little spot for quick bites and casual meet-ups.
Taco Bell
$ | (423) 787-7708 | WEBSITE
Taco Bell is a reliable spot, from the quick service and satisfying food, to the friendly staff and convenient accessibility of the location. The fast-food Mexican fare is grab-and-go style—standout hearty burritos, crispy tacos, cheese-loaded nachos—with a solid selection of combo meals and value menu items to round it off. Drinks are standard fountain options and the staff will help you navigate their selection of sodas, iced teas, and frozen beverages to find you something you like.
Pizza Inn
$ | (423) 638-2000 | WEBSITE
You could mistake Pizza Inn for a family-friendly pizza joint, with its red-checkered tablecloths and buffet trays all over the place. Except without the stressful memories of waiting in line at some chain restaurant with screaming kids. It’s all very straightforward and uncomplicated, with pizza by the slice and food served simply to let the cheesy goodness do its thing.
Grab a booth and a plate from the buffet, and feel relieved you’re not one of the folks trying to navigate the weekend crowds when the place gets packed.
Hardee’s
$ | (423) 639-7980 | WEBSITE
Do not go to Hardee’s if you’re in a rush during lunch hour. The clean, orderly Greeneville drive-thru is mostly solo-staffed and upon pulling up you’re met with a wall of effort: one employee working hard to manage the entire store, juggling orders while keeping the exterior spotless, and customers leaning out car windows, chatting through the speaker while their food is prepared.
Simple-sounding breakfast options are served longer than many competitors, and a hot, ready-made burger is the edible equivalent of comfort. The limited vegetarian choices are made up for by attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere, especially during slower times when you might catch a friendly face and a personal conversation at the window.
Wendy’s
$ | (423) 638-3531 | WEBSITE
If you’ve got a thing for starting your day with something hearty and satisfying, then chances are you’ll like Wendy’s. The Greeneville outpost of the familiar fast-food favorite, this reliable breakfast spot is all about eating consistently tasty morning meals in the presence of clean tables, and enough Swiss sauce to make you forget the morning rush you witnessed on the main road.
Come for a breakfast that feels special enough for a Swiss sausage and egg croissant or for a quick lunch with a couple of friends in the mood for a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger.