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    The Rice Wagon

    4.8 (156 reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 8:00 PM

    The Rice Wagon Photos

    THE RICE WAGON ATMOSPHERE

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    Lil takana chicken katsu sandwich
    Lauren K.

    This unassuming food truck behind Mountain Layers brewery is serving some incredibly tasty Hawaiian food! They were out of a couple items when we went for an early dinner and surprisingly don't have spam on the menu, but we didn't feel like we were missing out on anything from what we got! The lil takana chicken katsu sandwich was crispy with a great sauce. The combo was a good deal and good way to try different things on the menu. The food came out quickly and we enjoyed with beers from next door.

    Ahi tuna plate

    We are out of owners and a friend recommended the Ahi Tuna from here and she was not mistaken!! So delicious, great presentation and friendly service. Must try!

    Loco Moco, best I've had
    Jbear F.

    Great food truck that is permanently parked behind the Mountain Layers brewery. They serve Hawaiian food, because the owner of both the brewery and the food truck is from Hawaii. The service was very friendly and quick. The interior of the brewery is very nice with a rooftop indoor an outdoor bar area and a bar area downstairs with the tanks and kettles. The Loco moco was the best I've ever had and that includes trips to Hawaii. The macaroni salad was on point and the delicious gravy made it perfect. The gravy tasted like it had rosemary. Everything is delicious.

    Kierstyn M.

    I was not expecting to find authentic Hawaiian flavors in the middle of the mountains, but The Rice Wagon absolutely exceeded my expectations. This permanent food truck, located right outside Mountain Layers Brewery, was busy for a reason. They serve up generous plates packed with flavor, from Loco Moco to Garlic Chicken, and everything I tried was cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is fun, the food is fantastic, and the portions will definitely leave you satisfied. Whether you are looking for a great meal or just want to try something different, The Rice Wagon is a spot you do not want to miss.

    View from outside the restaurant in winter.
    Nicole C.

    Dear hungry western-north-Carolinians, The Rice Wagon is one of the most delicious, worth your coins and good energy restaurants you'll ever visit. The restaurant is super casual and has a lot of Hawaiian street food staples that are fresh and packed with flavor. I'd say their highlights are the chicken dishes. If you're into seafood - the ahi tuna plate is spectacular. It's flavorful, hearty but also light on your tummy since it's mostly cleaner ingredients. Absolutely worth the visit. This is a great food, period. It's a great option for locals and also travelers in the area.

    Outside
    Kat M.

    My friend and I had done a short little hike and came to Bryson city to actually eat at a different spot, however they were closed the day we wanted to go. So we stopped into a cafe for a quick coffee and browse Yelp to see what's nearby. We took a walk to see the Christmas lights and along the walk we spotted The Rice Wagon down a side street. We decided we were going to grab a bite there. So glad the other spot was closed because this is now my new obsession. I'm from RVA and this food truck spot is now craved by me. I will have to make a trip down again just for their Bankai Chicken Katsu. After hearing from the girl at the cafe that the Chicken Katsu was her go to we had to check it out. After looking over the menu and seeing the Bankai Chicken Katsu my friend and I were sold. We sat outside at one other tables, even when it was very cold out and enjoyed our meals. Holy hell, the crispiness of that chicken, the dragon and the Katsu sauce were making my brain tingle. I really enjoyed them. And then to see you furikake on the rice, That was a first for me. They did mention about having another location. And I wish I lived closer because I would be going at least twice a week to try each item on their menu. Very friendly service the food was spectacular and I can't wait to visit again.

    Marcos Antonio E.

    WHey there! So I decided to follow some social media buzz and check out this spot, and I couldn't be happier with my choice! It's right next to a brewery, which is such a cool setup because you get to enjoy the best of both worlds with this popular food truck. You grab your delicious meal from the truck and then head over to the brewery for your drinks and seating. It's like they were made for each other! Now, let me tell you--the food was absolutely fantastic! The flavors were spot on, and the portions were just right. I went for the combo with pork, chicken, rice, and macaroni salad, while my wife tried the garlic chicken. We were both blown away by how good everything was! If you ever find yourself in Bryson City, NC, I really recommend you check this place out. You won't regret it!

    Yellow fin tuna plate
    Jennifer W.

    Found right behind the brewery. Enjoy the river while you wait. Then sit on the ledge and have a nice meal. Very pleased with the Yellow Fin Tuna plate.

    Pork and garlic chicken, perfectly prepared!

    Absolutely delicious food, this is what a food truck should be about! It was so good, we went 2 nights in a row. I'm not a picky eater, but I don't settle for mediocrity in the food industry, as these are supposed to be professionals. The Rice Wagon was exceptional, I highly recommend!

    Chicken katsu and hurricane
    Lisa S.

    We ate from the permanent food truck that's behind Mountain Layers Brewing. Recommend by the beer tender. Best ever! We ordered Ahi tuna first, then went back to order the katsu chicken and hurricane chicken. Along with the slaw. Quick service and fresh cooked. Good prices for the flavor and amount of food.

    Yellow Fin Tuna
    Derek A.

    I have been to Maui twice and this is the most authentic Hawaiian food I have had since then. Absolutely amazing! The only thing that would make this place perfect is if they severed some Hawaiian banana bread! Haha amazing stuff rice wagon! Never change!

    Ahi Tuna!
    Stephen M.

    If you don't stop here when you visit Bryson City, that's on you. I had the Ahi Tuna and it was absolutely the best I've ever had. My wife had the Hapo Chicken Sando and it was equally as good. This will definitely be our first stop on our next visit to BC. And don't forget that Mountain Layers brewery is next door. Take your food upstairs and enjoy a great tap? Now that's what I call heaven!

    Mac salad had great flavor

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    21 days ago

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    8 days ago

    Best food in Bryson city no doubt, great customer service also! Get the combo with the hurricane chicken and Kalua pork, you wont regret it

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    27 days ago

    Ran out of chicken and pork...nothing left to order. The reviews were great but we'll never know.

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    11 months ago

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    4 months ago

    We ate here every night in our stay in the mountains. People are super friendly and the tuna is to die for fantastic food!

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    1 year ago

    The best food! Fast and Friendly. The Hurricane Chicken is a must! Anytime I'm in the area I will always stop in for it!

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    Huli Sue’s

    Huli Sue’s

    4.7
    (409 reviews)
    51.3 mi
    $$

    My husband and I enjoyed a spontaneous dinner date night here and it was terrific! Our server Eden…read morewaited all the outdoor tables and this section was quite busy. Yet we felt well cared for. We ordered a delicious spread, including brussels sprouts, brisket nachos, pulled pork tacos, and the chili shrimp. The generous portions meant there was plenty to take home! I asked her to surprise me with a drink, and she brought over a beautiful mai tai that had a lovely orchid on top, which I slipped behind my ear. We will definitely be back!

    After a day of hellish travel, we decided to get into a car and travel more. Everyone told us to go…read moreto Ashville and it was a great decision. We found Hulu Sue's and there was a parking spot right in front so we decided to come in for lunch. The ambiance was friendly and inviting. Although it was really busy, we were immediately seated at the last indoor table. We ordered the Poke bowl and the combination bowl and a spam appetizer. The started was simple and delicious. I was never on the spam bandwagon, but this simple preparation was fantastic. The poke bowl was delicious. It was a little heavy on the mayo, but all the components were great. I loved the macaroni salad. It was the reason I wanted to come in and I was happy! I sampled some shrimp and chicken from my guy's dish and they were both great-well seasoned and well prepared. I wasn't a fan of the pork, it felt on the dry side. We also noticed that NC likes their sauces. I mean, I like sauces, but I never expect 4-6 options on the table. We tried a little of each and the curry based option and the mustard were my favorites! This is a great find. I didn't realize that small towns still close up shop early on Sundays. So unfortunately we didn't get to spend a lot of time exploring. Nonetheless, this was a great place to stop into.

    Photos
    Cute decor
    Cute decor
    Green Chile Cornbread
    Green Chile Cornbread
    Bar was very nicely colorful and open, they were making mai tais & blender cocktails

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    Bar was very nicely colorful and open, they were making mai tais & blender cocktails
    Island Fin Poke

    Island Fin Poke

    4.9
    (36 reviews)
    52.0 mi

    When I lived in Northern Virginia, there was an Island Fin Poke nearby and I used to go every…read moreFriday in the summer. I can't explain how happy I was to find there's a location in Knoxville! I have had poke at other places and it just wasn't the same. I love the variety of topping choices! My bowl was delicious and service was very friendly. My preferred bowl is-- mostly greens with some rice, tuna, salmon, spicy tuna with extra soy marinade, edamame, pineapple, crispy garlic, onion, wontons, wasabi peas, some sesame seeds, a bit of sea salt, and both the avocado and wasabi dressings. Everything tasted so fresh. The bowls are filling and so enjoyable. If you've never tried poke, it's like a sushi salad or sushi bowl. The place has cute decor and was very clean. Bonus-- they have Dole Whip!

    WOW!! Tennessee just got a piece of Hawaii and I'm excited!!…read moreGreat service, great atmosphere and the POKE BOWL, no matter how you create it... and you will.. is off the hook! ( unless you choose chicken)!!! Fresh, fresh and double fresh.. and don't be afraid to create as the server behind the poke bowl bar is going to walk you through... and you can sample the flavors if you're not sure. We both chose some flavors alike and some different and I must say.. you can't go wrong. Five stars in flavors, freshness and service!! Winner winner POKE DINNER.. or lunch...check out their app.. and the specials and make sure you come to the ISLAND FIN POKE AND EXPERIENCE ... HAWAII .. in Tennessee!!! ALOHA YALL !!!!

    Photos
    Island Fin Poke
    Island Fin Poke
    Island Fin Poke

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    The Rice Wagon

    The Rice Wagon

    4.7
    (54 reviews)
    9.3 mi

    We had heard so many people recommend Rice Wagon while visiting Bryson City that we had to give it…read morea try--and we're glad we did! We ordered the Chicken Katsu and the Bankai Chicken Katsu. Both dishes were similar, with one served with macaroni salad, rice, and crispy chicken, while the other came with rice, furikake, chicken, and a fresh cabbage salad. The menu is simple, but every bite was packed with flavor. The service was outstanding. The young man working the food truck provided service that honestly rivaled what you'd expect at a full-service restaurant. He was friendly, welcoming, and genuinely cared that we had a great experience. The setting is another bonus. The food truck is tucked behind a brewery, making it the perfect place to grab a drink, relax, and enjoy a delicious meal in a quiet, laid-back atmosphere. Out of all the places we tried during our trip, this was some of the simplest food--but also some of the most flavorful. It proves that you don't need a huge menu to make memorable food. We 100% recommend Rice Wagon if you're in Bryson City. Great service, delicious food, and a wonderful atmosphere!

    The wife and I just came from the Blue Ridge Highway national Park. This restaurant is tucked away…read morein a small little town called Cherokee. We were looking for a place that was open and simple and we could eat outside. We had the Eddy Burger and it was fantastic and the Hawaiian pork. Both items came with a Mac salad that was very tasty. The burger was cooked perfectly and was substantial size probably 7 or 8 ounces. This isn't a fine dining restaurant. It's a counter spot where you walk up place your order and they'll buzz you when your food is ready. Don't expect phenomenal service, but expect phenomenal food. Definitely worth the price and absolutely delicious.

    Photos
    The Rice Wagon
    Chicken Katsu
    Chicken Katsu
    The Big Kanaka

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    The Big Kanaka

    The Rice Wagon - foodtrucks - Updated July 2026

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