I was in Hot Springs for a couple of days on section hike of the Appalachian Trail. I stopped in to eat 3 different meals there over the course of three days. Day 1: Lunch. Another hiker and I decided to stop in as we got to town and have a late lunch. It had been a couple of days since we'd had town food and we were tired and hungry. The first thing I noticed was the wait to be seated. We waited about 20 minutes, and once we got to the dining area, there were several empty tables. Once we're seated and ordered, the food came out timely and was delicious. I had a cheeseburger and the cherry cobbler with ice cream. Day 2: Breakfast. Since the food was good, we decided to go back for breakfast again the next day. Again, there was a wait to be seated. We were a group of 5 so we expected there might be a wait. The waitress was friendly and our orders were placed quickly. it did take a while for the food to come out from the kitchen. I had a country breakfast plate with ham. Again the food was delicious. Day 3: Supper. We had a relatively short wait to be seated this time. We were seated and asked for some water. It took over 20 minutes to get the water. Finally a different waitress came out and took our order. I ordered the hungry hiker challenge. It is a cheeseburger with three 8-ounce burger patties on it. The menu says if you finish you get some free cobbler. While we were waiting for our food we noticed that a local who came in and sat down after we were seated had already been served and was done eating before our food arrived. I finished the burger, and some of the other patron's noticed and congratulated me. When the waitress arrived she asked if we needed anything else. I asked if the free cobbler came with ice cream on it. She said no, so I ordered ice cream to go with my cobbler. It was a peach that day. Again, the food was delicious. The main thing that I notice about the restaurant was that despite having great food, service was pretty slow. One of the hikers I ate with noticed that the waitresses seemed to have to seat the customers, take the orders, deliver the food, clean the tables, and handle the check-out at the end of the meals. It seems like the service would have been much quicker if they had someone handling the seating, check-out's, and possibly bussing and cleaning tables. The worst part of the experience was the long waits to be seated and for the food to come out. The food itself was great and I found the servers and other customers to be friendly. The furnishings were clean with a 1960's diner feel. Overall, I would hesitate to go back if I were in a hurry of any kind. If time is no object, the food is great. read more

See all

While staying at Broadwing Farms, Smoky Mountain Diner was recommended to us. Not only was the food amazing, the entire experience was so nostalgic that I'm looking forward to booking another stay in Hot Springs again soon and enjoying more meals here. Next time, I'm leaving room for pie. I don't believe we had just one waitress. It seems that in this quaint little Diner, everyone is looked after and checked on as a whole by staff. My Ball jar of sweet tea was never any less than half full, and that sweet tea was *chef's kiss*. We both decided on the meatloaf, and I opted for cornbread, green beans and pickled beets. I felt like I had been transported back in time and was being fed by my great great grandmother. Sounds a bit dramatic, I know. But I haven't had cornbread, meatloaf or beets like this in so many years. It did not taste like restaurant food, it tasted like home cooking. We're already planning our next little "run away from life and parenthood" to Hot Springs, and Smoky Mountain Diner is top of the "will definitely visit again" list. Thank you for treating us like family. read more

Smoky Mountain Diner - Meatloaf with cornbread, pickled beets, green beans and the best sweet tea ever. - American Near Me - Hot Springs, North Carolina

Stopped in for lunch, while touring the area on the motorcycle. I got a chicken wrap that had a spicy feta spread in it. Flavor was good, but it was a grilled wrap. They had lettuce and tomatoes in in, which just wilted to death. Would he been better served cold for sure. Tots were extra crispy. read more

Smoky Mountain Diner - American Near Me - Hot Springs, North Carolina

Smoky Mountain Diner is the heartbeat of Hot Springs. Great place for breakfast and lunch, served with the most pleasant wait staff. The servers were so genuine and delicious sweet tea. read more

Smoky Mountain Diner - Three eggs, choice of potato, meat, served with biscuits and gravy. - American Near Me - Hot Springs, North Carolina

I have been going to Hot Springs for 20 years-my goal is to eventually retire there....Smokey Mountain Diner is best described as if you assembled an all star team of grandmothers that love to cook Sunday dinner (or breakfast) for the entire family...you will leave full, satisfied, and ready to come back for more! Everyone is so friendly and courteous, the service is always amazing, the atmosphere is comfortable (love the Appalachian Trail references throughout!), and the menu is stacked with delicious options...you really can't go wrong here!! I will always support this great establishment and the extraordinary folks who work here. HOT SPRINGS STRONG We love you!!!! read more

I ended up visiting twice. I really enjoyed breakfast. The restaurant is a nice country retreat. Everything appeared clean and well kept. The staff is very welcoming and my server was warm and caring. I asked for coffee and an orange juice, and the three egg breakfast. Everything was prepared well. I saw their table tent offering pie and cobbler so I said I'd be back. She told me when they were open til on my return it was much busier, but I was seated quickly and I ordered a lemonade as I perused the dinner menu. Those mason jar glasses are huge. There were a lot of chopped meat options. I chose meatloaf my sides and cornbread. The only thing I didn't like was the Mac, it was ok but not special. I was so looking forward to strawberry rhubarb pie, one of my favorites. They were out, so I asked about the cobbler which was chocolate :-( disappointed. I'd say go for breakfast it's good and filling. read more

Incredibly nice servers and the owner is a sweetheart too. Love the decorations and ambience. The food was incredible. My wife and I shared the buffalo chicken sandwich and burger with various sides. We ate SO much and def do not skip dessert. Heavenly!! read more

The reviews aren't wrong...we stopped in for lunch and everything was delicious. Their country fried steak / chicken fried steak was the best I've had in years. We also had chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, fried green tomatoes, and sweet potato fries. Iced tea served in hefty mason jars. read more

Everything about the Diner is top notch. The servers are SO friendly and genuinely care about their customers. My husband and I especially enjoy the breakfasts, our favorites are the ultimate breakfast pancakes with either blueberries or apples and a big dollop of whipped cream. I also love the country ham biscuit with a slice of tomato. We often order for takeout a pizza, the Greek is our favorite. If you order the veggie plate don't miss the sweet potato casserole. Large servings and reasonable prices as well. read more

Hands down, the best chicken fried steak I have ever had and I have had MANY over the years. Every single person that tended to us was incredibly kind and friendly. It's a cute little diner with the best home cooked food imaginable. I think anybody would love this little spot! It was pretty packed when we came and we only had to wait about 30 minutes. It was well worth the wait. read more

We stopped for breakfast on our way through Hot Springs, North Carolina. The country fried steak was the best we've ever had! The portions were very generous. Would definitely stop by again. The service was great, with a homey atmosphere. What a hidden gem! read more

We have been in Hot Springs dozens of times and never stopped at Smoky Mtn Diner because there is always a line! Now we know why!!!! During the week, the wait is not so bad. I cannot believe we skipped this place, at the very least we should have done take out. Service is excellent, the ladies are all super friendly. The vibe is local, the people all knew each other by name. I could not resist, ordering the Chicken Fried Steak. Unbelievable how much food comes with it! I want to go on record, the absolute best biscuits and gravy I have ever had. My wife, southern bore and raised concurs and she is the biscuit and gravy goddess.......... It was so good, every morning we ordered bacon, egg and cheese biscuit and biscuit and gravy to go!!!!! Super comfort food! Love this place and will be a designated stop on our visits. read more

See all

Excellent diner food and wonderful staff! The vegetable plate is my go to. Never thst crowded unless its a Saturday morning and ypu are trying to get a cinnamon roll! read more

After a night of camping at Hot Springs Campground in the rain, we needed some good food and stopped at Smoky Mountain Diner for lunch. As you walk into the place, there is artwork about places on the Appalachian Trail right down the road. The menu is full of choices, but I went with the philly cheesesteak with curly fries. There were a ton of fries on the plate with an excellent cheesesteak that cheese was melted into the meat and onions. I ate the whole thing and felt great! The service at this place is pure southern hospitality and makes you feel like a local. The others in my party got a HUGE burger and pimento sandwich. They were only able to eat half the sandwich and took the rest home. If you are in the area and looking for a great place to eat, stop here....especially if you are on the AT! read more

Smoky Mountain Diner - American Near Me - Hot Springs, North Carolina

This place was wonderful the food is out this world and the service is fantastic. If you are in Hot Springs NC you have to check it out.

Great breakfast and awesome service. Was disappointed they were out of cinnamon rolls but will try them next time. Should definitely visit this place. read more

Food Fun Adventure Weekend finished with Fat Man Reviews visiting Smokey Mountain Diner in Hot Springs, North Carolina. Smokey Mountain Diner offers a range of classic southern comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We started with the cinnamon bun, it came highly recommended and did not disappoint. The bun was light, fluffy and chewy. The cinnamon was flavorful, and the icing was sweet, and covered the bun perfectly. My fiancé tried the Skillet Breakfast. This comes with home fries, peppers, onions, mushrooms, cheddar cheese, bacon(ham, sausage or veggies), 2 eggs served your choice, she had them over easy and a biscuit(English muffin, toast) served in skillet. This dish was great. The bacon was crispy but also chopped to get into every bite. The home fries were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The peppers, onions and mushrooms were grilled to perfection, and the eggs were cooked perfectly as well. The biscuit was warm, fluffy and cooked just like grandma used to make. The entire dish offered a great bite, but it was funny how adding a bit of ketchup lifted it to another level. I had the Smokey Mountain Breakfast. This came with 3 eggs over easy(cooked your way), sausage(bacon, tenderloin, country ham or chopped steak) home fries(hash browns) & biscuits and gravy. Again, the eggs, home fries and biscuits were on point. The sausage was slightly spicy, cooked well with a bit of a crust on it. The gravy is where the dish fell flat. The gravy was brownish gray and had no flavor whatsoever. I could taste the flour, and it had an almost burnt aftertaste. It just fell way, way short of the rest of the meal. Smokey Mountain Diner offered several dishes for breakfast including pancakes, French toast, omelettes, country plates and sandwiches. They also offer a few lighter options. The service was great, and the tea is sweet. Smokey Mountain Diner is Fat Man Approved. read more

See all

Yummy breakfast food!! Excellent service!! The cinnamon roll (only available on Saturday) is amazing!! Excellent little diner!!

My friends and I met halfway at the Smoky Mountain Diner, we both drove 46 miles to this meeting point. The restaurant was fabulous, great food, very good prices and a very friendly staff. read more

Good food and friendly service. I've eaten breakfast and supper here and what everyone ordered tasted good. They do provide a military discount which is much appreciated. The BLT is my favorite. I add cheese and an egg. read more

Smoky Mountain Diner - a mural of a forest - American Near Me - Hot Springs, North Carolina

Sweet, homey atmosphere with a mountain vibe, wonderful, delicious food, very reasonably priced. Try the green pimento grits bowl, which was served with two eggs, bacon, fried green tomatoes and a nice jalapeño kick to the grits. The fried green tomatoes were perfection. Try their homemade biscuits like my grandma used to make from scratch with apple butter. Soooooo good. My word. read more

We enjoyed the Thanksgiving dinner. Portions were generous and delicious! So nice to see so many friends and neighbors.

The biscuits were fantastic. Staff was very polite and attentive. I will be eating breakfast there on my next trip to Hot Springs.

Great service and ambiance for days. If you are rolling through Hot Springs I think you have missed out if you don't eat here at least once. Biggest Cinnamon Danish's in the World! read more

Smoky Mountain Diner - Belly Buster Breakfast - American Near Me - Hot Springs, North Carolina

Took a quick trip to Hot Springs on a girls trip. Stopped to eat here and it was amazing! Rita and Priscilla were so fun and amazing. They made great menu suggestions and made us feel right at home. We loved the food so much, we came back for breakfast the next morning. Cinnamon rolls, all breakfast, country fried steak... all of it was amazing! read more

Smoky Mountain Diner - American Near Me - Hot Springs, North Carolina

See all

Go for the service and AMAZING hospitality, the HOMEMADE food that is HUGE! Everything is too big to eat in one sitting, and these ladies,... I would agree to being adopted by them if they asked! They are just so nice!!! read more

Food was what you would expect from a "home cooking" diner in this area. What sets it apart, is the warmth of service. As our waitress said when I complimented the service, "It's not hard to be kind, is it?" We look forward to our next visit. read more

We decided to have breakfast here on a beautiful spring Saturday morning. The line looked long, but we only waited about 20 minutes to be seated. We started breakfast with a perfect soft cinnamon roll, gooey dripping with icing. Wowza it is 10x better than it looks, and it looks amazing. It was a good sign of what was to come! We both had pancakes, which the hubs, a self described pancake snob, said they were literally the best pancakes he's ever put in his mouth. I also had scrambled eggs and bacon. The bacon was out of this world! This diner has real butter on the table , which we have found so very rare. It was so good on the pancakes. We had awesome service! Everyone there worked as a team, checking in on us. It was really nice to watch how they worked together seamlessly. Side note, I really appreciated the Bible in the ladies room. May these people who own this place and work here be blessed. read more

Cute local diner with inside and outside seating. Came in for breakfast after hiking. Food is your typical american style breakfast. I had biscuits, hashbrowns and 2 scrambled eggs with coffee. Service is friendly and attentive. Recommend. read more

Fantastic food in a great old-time diner. We were met by a friendly hostess and were quickly seated. Service was really great and the breakfast we all had was amazing. One of us had grits and they were perfect. Another one of us had an omelette and it was huge, and perfectly prepared. I had a BLT with a side of eggs and again, it was fabulous. Great coffee too. If you're in Hot Springs, you HAVE to go here. read more

Service and food was awesome. Everything was flavored perfectly and some new experiences in flavoring.

This is a small, family diner serving down home cooking in a friendly atmosphere. The service was quick. The menu, while not extensive, offered fare for someone that likes good old southern cooking and for my friend who is a vegetarian. I highly recommend for a good meal at a fair price. I'm read more

A sweet little gem in Hot Springs! We are staying in the camp ground down the road and had researched the area beforehand and this place was highly recommended. We went for breakfast about 9 am and waited about 15 minutes for a table. We were seated at a very long table, and they asked if it would be OK to seat another party of 2 at the other end, which we were fine with. Our breakfast was amazing and those were some of the best, fluffiest cat head biscuits I've ever had! Highly recommend! read more

See all

It is what it is- cheap, good Southern comfort food. Great for getting off the AT for a good meal. We had burgers, fries, and a soda, which was SO refreshing in comparison to having trail food the whole week. Came back for breakfast, ordered the breakfast skillet, which was amazing. Biscuit and gravy was just OK, was kind of bland. Don't come here expecting to eat healthy- I mean come on, they have Mac and Cheese listed on the "vegetables" list. But come here when you need a fix of greasy goodness. read more

Smoky Mountain Diner - Breakfast skilled, pretty much everything you can hope for in a greasy breakfast perfection. - American Near Me - Hot Springs, North Carolina

We stopped here for breakfast, being in town for our son's wedding. Great breakfast! Reasonably priced! My wife had the 'standard breakfast', and I had the southern scramble. The portions were so big, we realized we should have ordered one meal and split it. We loved this place! read more

Smoky Mountain Diner - Smokey Mountain Diner - American Near Me - Hot Springs, North Carolina

Good basic food well prepared. Spotlessly clean, nice staff, good service, great prices.

Best breakfast food and service you can ask for! I highly recommend this place! Make sure you buy a shirt

Always good, we have breakfast there whenever we are in the area. The service is fast and pleasant. My coffee cup never goes empty. Highly recommend. read more

Place was amazing. Had breakfast first day here and will be back several more times. If you are in the area this is a most stop!

Nostalgic country diner vibes. My go to place to eat when in Hot Springs. Gluten free and vegan options available.