Saturday March 21st, 2026 Meat loaf with mashed potatoes and baked beans. Side of potato salad. Open faced beef with sliced prime rib Side of mashed potatoes and green beans read more

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What an amazing roadside treasure!!! This was the coolest restaurant and we loved our meal! Got stuffed on smoked apple pie, collards & beans, French dip sandwich. This place has you smiling the whole time you are here as you look around at all the signatures, stickers, and decor! Must stop!!! read more

Doc's 321 Cafe - Sandwich and beans - Barbeque Near Me - Cosby, Tennessee

Doc's is an eclectic collection of fun just waiting to be experienced! You will find Doc's in the middle of now where off the main drag in Cosby. You don't have to look hard because Doc's jumps right out at you. The outside decor is interesting. As a whole you would probably drive right on by thinking "what was that?" If you stop and take time to look around...you will be utterly entertained by the collection of memorabilia from the past. Lots of fun!! Do now you are ready for food? You will find two dinning rooms. The first is "outside" the bus. There are six seats inside the bus. I encourage you to experience the bus dinning if you can! Both areas are small do you will get to know the staff well. As for the staff...I can't say enough about how friendly and welcoming the Doc's team is. Doc is a very engaging owner and cook! His personality reflects the whole environment. There will probably be two waitresses that are Johnny on the spot with everything. You get to know them quickly. They are fun, engaging and very helpful as you are trying to take in the whole environment. There is one "cook" in the back of the bus that hustles your orders in a customer friendly manner. We sat in the bus! WOW! That is an experience you will probably never have anywhere else. The bus only sits six people. It is well autographed as people leave their mark. Because the bus is small everything is in sight. Don't be alarmed by the good storage and working areas. Just take them in and appreciate what it takes to serve and PREPARE dinner in a bus. The interior is fun. Enjoy it!! The food is outstanding and unique as well. Most all food is prepared in the smoker by Doc. They don't seem to have a stove or oven in the back of the bus...only a microwave. It's fun to glance back at watch the cook, in the back of the bus, work furiously in such a tight space. We started with a bowl of chili since it was recommended and world famous! The chili had lots of meat with a bold spice. There is a little bit of heat in the mild tomato base. The onion and cheese toppings are a great add to an excellent taste. My wife had the Mama Cass chicken salad sandwich. She loved the fresh taste, veggies and moist smoked chicken. The chicken has a slight smoke flavor. The toasted rye bread and light Mayo taste was delicious! We both got a side of BBQ Bayou baked beans. The beans were absolutely delectable! The beans are a bit soupy in BBQ with a nice Spicy pop. The beans are a bit heavy on the BBQ taste and you will catch the heat a little down the road. I had the Smoke BBQ Pork plate. The pork had a good hint of smoke flavoring while remaining very moist. Excellent taste. The BBQ sauce was fairly mild in taste and spice. Doc does an excellent job smoking pork! With the meal I tried the potato salad. I found the potato salad to be fairly bland. It had a creamy Mayo base but not distinguishing taste. The meal comes with a couple of pieces of white bread for whatever you would like to do with them. We topped off the meal with smoked pecan pie! Yes...smoked pecan pie. Remember...Doc's doesn't have an oven in the back of the small bus. Therefore...baking has to be done...in the smoker!!The pie had a nice smoke flavor in the crust and syrupy mixture. The pecan pie was excellent on its own without the unique smoke flavor. Beautifully sweet filling accented by a floury flaky crust. I know...it's a lot to take it. However its worth stopping and giving Doc's a try. I promise you...if you are a person who loves a dinning experience...Doc's won't disappoint you!! read more

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This place is the real deal BBQ. Great service and awesome food. I highly recommend this place!

The food was good the staff is friendly! However I tried ordering 3 different items and was told they didn't have it. I settled on a 15.95 sandwich and my husband's was similar in price. Each of us got lemonade (Extremly sweet!). The lemonade was around 3.00 each I believe. We waited a very long time for the food as well. Prices are very high for what you get. I think your paying the the roadside experience. Be prepared to drop around 30.00 for a couple sandwiches alone, then add drinks. read more

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. read more

Doc's 321 Cafe - Doc's cafe right before we left after being told to "Tone it Down". - Barbeque Near Me - Cosby, Tennessee

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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. read more

Doc's 321 Cafe - Our ice cold congealed blackberry cobbler - Barbeque Near Me - Cosby, Tennessee

Easily the most unique and eclectic restaurant I've eaten inside of in recent memory. Nothing like having some good barbecue in a converted school bus with all kinds of character. You can spend plenty of time just looking around at everything. Food Was good, Service was great, he was running smoked lasagna but I went for the brisket. I'm still thinking about the smoked lasagna... If you're in the area, you have to check this place out. read more

What an absolute delight! We would've never stopped BUT we are both putting this on our must haves for the next trip. Perfect for couples! Did I mention SMOKED PIE and Award Winning SWEET TEA read more

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. read more

Doc's 321 Cafe - Barbeque Near Me - Cosby, Tennessee

Service 10/10 Food 10/10 The owner and his wife were two of the nicest people we have ever met. They told us stories about their business, and the food came out promptly and delicious. We are so happy we randomly drove past this place and will be coming back 100%. Nicest people, great food, and amazing atmosphere. There are very few mom and pop places left where I am from in DC and this was a breath of fresh air. Thank you! read more

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! read more

Doc's 321 Cafe - Slow cooked chicken with slaw and bayou beans - Barbeque Near Me - Cosby, Tennessee

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This is the most interesting place to eat anywhere in Eastern Tennessee. An eclectic mix of modern, old and antique artifacts decorate the property. Admiring the vintage decor, we were welcomed into the porch where my companion and I decided to sit since it was a beautiful spring day. The menu will tell you that they serve Award Winning chili. I've attended the Gatlinburg Chili Cook-Off for the past decade and this chili was better than any of the past winners. The pulled pork is fabulous, the Mama Cass panini is incredible but the piece of smoked pecan pie was really, really close to the best thing I've ever eaten. Did I mention the sides? They are well thought out and delicious compliments to the meal. Excellent food, friendly people and amazing ambience make this a must stop for everyone traveling through the Smokies. read more

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. read more

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I am giving 1 star because the place looks so fun and eclectic. But, in today's world, there is NO reason that you cannot at least post online that you will not be open. Doc's is in the middle of beautiful nowhere so if you are going, you're going. We had heard from our hiking guide that the restaurant has had a tough time finding help and it's hours have been erratic but we hoped for the best. Nope. There was a sign out front saying the restaurant was "closed today". So, because we were going rafting and needed to stick to a schedule, we went to another place close by that we had already been to the day before. We are firm believers of supporting local businesses - we don't usually do all the strip/main drag stuff but sometimes that's tough. Seems like everyone in the area is having a hard time finding help and the economy is shot so no fun for current business owners. We wish you the best, Doc, your menu looks fun. Hate to have missed. read more

Great down home bbq and very friendly people, it came recommended to us and we will do the same. Worth the trip off the beaten path

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. read more

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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! read more

Doc's 321 Cafe - Blackberry cobbler - Barbeque Near Me - Cosby, Tennessee

The food was incredible, service was excellent. Doc the chef/owner was a delight to chat with. He makes all his own food including the dressing. The place looks a little scary but it was well worth go in. We were so happy we did. read more

Simply AMAZING!! One of a kind!!! Home made food that was absolutely delicious!! Unique decoration throughout. Clean and quick !

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 read more

Doc's 321 Cafe - Restaurant sign - Barbeque Near Me - Cosby, Tennessee

Absolutely fell in love with this place. Went last Thursday and had the most amazing gumbo, red beans and rice, and sweet tea. Amazing hospitality and location. Funky little place in paradise! Thank you! read more

Doc's 321 Cafe - Barbeque Near Me - Cosby, Tennessee

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Interesting cafe in a school bus. The cold cut sandwich and potato salad was wonderful! Service was great! Neat place to visit!

We were 6 adults and one older toddler and were graciously accommodated. There was to be a seventh adult who got lost and tied up in Gatlinburg traffic and the staff waited patiently along with us. We ordered across the menu and specials board... no one was disappointed. We really enjoyed the brisket, chicken, street tacos, chili mac, and grilled cheese. Debbie, Doc, and the other server (didn't catch her name) we're perfect hosts. Our toddler also received a little piggy bank with a dollar kickstart for finishing his lunch, as did another young 'Un at a neighboring table. Don't know if that's what they do and I don't want to start something for them, but it capped off our lunch very nicely. Where tie dye meets overalls... read more

As we were visiting the Smoky Mountains, we decided to get a bite to eat. This doesn't look like much from the outside because from what Doc the owner said, visitors leave momentos at this location. I would def it rly recommend this place as it is unique and the food was amazing! Get this one in a life time chance to eat on a school bus and enjoy some really good smoked meats and pies. I ordered the smoked chicken with vegetables over rice which was out of this world and my boyfriend enjoyed the barbecue pork platter. The smoked pies were so good. We had apple and pecan pie. The service was outstanding!!!! read more

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We are so glad we stopped at this place! Finally some good food without the tourism crowds! The waitress was so welcoming and helped us pick from the menu. We met the owners and they were very kind - told us all about the buses they renovated, food they smoke, and hikes we should try! We highly recommend the smoked pork and smoked pies read more

Doc's 321 Cafe and Marketplace is a unique establishment providing great food and a laid-back atmosphere. Doc's is a definite must for anyone staying in the area looking for a friendly place to eat and hang out. read more

I loved this place! I had the barbeque sandwich and it was AMAZING! My side was the BBQ beans and I want to go back and ask for the recipe. I am staying nearby and decided it was so good I would go ahead and get something to take back for dinner. I chose the chicken salad sandwich and potato salad and both were absolutely delicious. I had read reviews about their smoked pies so had to try those. I had the cherry -- and let me tell you -- smoked cherry pie is the bomb! I prefer outdoor dining and they had that available. I did peek into the bus to see and it was so charming! The waitstaff were professional and helpful. Definitely go by and check it out! read more

I almost don't want to tell you how awesome this place is because it's just so perfect it's a great secret. Well, judging by the hundreds of signatures on the bus ceiling and walls-- it's maybe not so secret. But still awesome and hands down the best food I've had in Gatlinburg. Bus? You say? Yep. Doc is cooking and there are about 3 tables inside an old school bus. He does everything in his smoker so leans towards BBQ (he was a butcher for years before realizing his dream of having a restaurant in an old bus). Everything is so fresh. Hubby and daughter did the BBQ plate with unbelievable potato salad. I had the Jerry Garcia which is chicken salad. Other kid had the Jimmy Buffet which is tuna salad and I was some of the best I've had in a long while. Super sweet owners. Great service and funky ambiance. If you're lucky enough to find yourself heading in the opposite direction of downtown Gatlinburg, this is worth the hunt! read more

We were staying in a cabin and my oldest daughter is vegan. Trying to find a place to eat with her in Tennessee is beyond hard! We did a search for vegan/vegetarian options and found Doc only 15 min away from us. When we told him she was vegan he jumped at the chance to make her something fresh. He even peeked out and asked if she liked certain ingredients which was amazing. The dinner was our favorite out of the whole trip! And we were bummed that we couldn't visit again before we left!!! read more

AMAZING!!! we can out of time for Cincinnati and found this place in the boonies. It was amazing though and very thing was so good even when we got a huge variety of things. I mean it was amazing we got sandwiches and chili and chili Mac and different drinks and it was all amazing!! I highly recommend driving out of your way to go eat here for lunch!! The staff is really nice and sweet too and the whole scenery is really good you just have to see it for yourself !! read more

This place is amazing, one of a kind and the food is EXCELLENT! The true definition of local!

We happened upon this place while out riding with friends and so glad we did. What a cute place! Lots to see and they have a little thrift store on site too. The owner is awesome and the server super sweet. We were a large group and we all had a sandwich of some sort. The whole group loved their food. It's fantastic. Great experience and highly recommended. read more

The food was amazing!!! Everything was so full of flavor and fresh tasting. I'm not a huge fan of baked beans, but the ones here (are just wow), I couldn't stop sneaking bites off my husbands plate. I got the foggy mountain stew - can't even describe how wonderful it was, you just have to get it. Oh and don't even get me started on the blackberry smoked cobbler - if I hadn't been so full I would have gotten more of it. My husband had the chicken and my mom had the pulled pork - both of which were fabulous. No matter what you get here, I can guarantee it's going to be good. read more

Saw this place on the side of the road and decided to pull off to grab some lunch, was delicious! Very neat to sit inside a converted bus and amazing how he was able to cook such great food in a bus. Highly recommend the chicken salad! read more

The food was the best my family had on our week's vacation. From Michigan to Doc's Restaurant. I will definitely take another vacation just to go there. The outside of Doc's is so amusing, we had to stop we got out of our truck went in and ate. Exterior, food and people at Doc's Restaurant are why we'll be going on vacation again. It was AWESOME. This family from Michigan loves Doc's read more

Doc's 321 Cafe - Barbeque Near Me - Cosby, Tennessee

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While traveling from Pennsylvania to Pigeon Forge we stopped at Doc's 321 Cafe for lunch. The services was amazing and the food was fabulous. We would highly recommend the Smoked Pork plate and the kids had the Old school BBQ. We give this Cafe a 5 for service and food. read more

Well we drove ten hours . Just to get there and it was locked up . Closed . Not good for businesses DOC ! Really disappointed . It would have been our first Guys choice . So much for leaving a review of the food . CARVER APPLE restaurant IS SIMPLY GOOD HOME COOKED FOOD .. price was awesome.Their market was great . Meal was 24.00 for two . We spent more than that in the market . Selection of jams and pickled vegetables was out of this world . Going back to Louisiana to make Bloody Mary's . Carvers = Great Doc ? read more

This is one of those 'Cool Places' that you need to stop into. Yes, it is inside a bus, and the decor is strange, funky, and cool, inside and out. Who cares about decor when the food is this good. The owner is an award winner (of a few things) and the dishes are very unique and yummy. He smokes almost everything, but it's not overly smoky. I have no idea how he makes such great food in such a small space, but it is memorable - in a good way. We arrived just after he opened on a dark and snowy day of RTV riding up and down the mountains. For about the 1st 15 minutes we were there, we were the only customers, and they made us feel welcome and important. They answered all our questions about the food, and about the area in general. Very nice folks! We will go back to Doc's 321 Cafe every time we are in the area. Worth the drive from Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. read more

I have literally traveled around the world, and this is bar none the worse food I have ever had the misfortune of tasting. I had their veggie panini. Holy cow! I can't even express how awful the food was! I can't imagine ever eating anything worse and I've had some unfortunate meals in my life! Absolutely horrific! read more