TSM Verdict
The Verdict
Clyde's Restaurant in Waynesville, NC is a classic Southern diner known for its homestyle comfort food, including pressure-fried chicken and hearty main plates. The dining style is casual, with a focus on familiar American favorites and generous portions. It's a longstanding local favorite for traditional Southern meals.
Before You Drive
Check current hours
Public hours currently show Monday and Tuesday closed. Verify before making a longer drive.
Last checked May 17, 2026
Worth it?
Yes, especially if you are near Waynesville.
Best order
Pressure-Fried Chicken Platter, Chicken Tenders, Country Fried Steak, Roast Beef Plate
Best time
Lunch or early dinner
Verify
Verify hours before driving.
Go For
- Pressure-Fried Chicken Platter
- Country Fried Steak
- Roast Beef Plate
- Chicken Tenders
- Black & Blue Salad
Skip If
- You want upscale or fine dining
- You require extensive vegetarian or vegan options
- You are seeking unique or destination-only dishes unavailable elsewhere in the region
Before You Go
Verify hours before driving.
Decision Guide
Decision Guide
Is it worth visiting?
Clyde's is a great choice for travelers seeking classic Southern comfort food in a casual, diner-style setting. It's ideal for those who appreciate homestyle plates and familiar American favorites.
Best first order?
Pressure-Fried Chicken Platter, Country Fried Steak, Roast Beef Plate, Chicken Tenders, Black & Blue Salad
Best time?
Worth driving from Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?
Clyde's offers solid Southern diner fare, but it's not a unique destination restaurant; it's best enjoyed if you're already visiting the Waynesville or Blue Ridge Parkway area rather than making a special trip from Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.
Current concern?
Planner Snapshot
At a Glance
Location
Waynesville, Tennessee
Cuisine
Southern restaurant (US)
Price
$
Best meal
Lunch or early dinner
Families
Confirm fit before going
Planning fit
Best as part of a Waynesville stop
Hours warning
Public hours currently show Monday and Tuesday closed. Verify before making a longer drive.
Duration
1-2 hours for a meal.
Price
Fair prices for filling portions, typically under $50 for a family of four.
Best For
Families looking for affordable dining • Visitors seeking traditional Southern comfort food • Locals wanting a casual dining experience
Website
clydesrestaurant.shopMenu
View menuPro tip: Verify hours before driving.
About Clyde's Restaurant
Clyde's Restaurant is a classic Southern diner known for its homestyle comfort food, including pressure-fried chicken and hearty main plates. The portions are generous, and the prices are fair, making it a popular spot for locals. Expect a casual dining experience with a focus on traditional American favorites.
Amenities & Features
- Exceptionally large portions that guarantee leftovers at great prices
- Genuinely warm and welcoming staff who go above and beyond (even serving guests 15 minutes after closing)
- Tender, moist fried pork chops that stand out as a specialty
- Fast, attentive service despite the restaurant being extremely busy during peak times
Insider Tips for Clyde's Restaurant
Insider tips
Visitors most often point to Home-Cooked Meals, Generous Portions, and Casual Atmosphere. Take the West Waynesville Exit off the Bypass to reach the restaurant easily.
Expect to wait during busy weekend afternoons as they do not take reservations. Check for daily specials that may not be listed on the menu.
Before you go
Plan around 1-2 hours for a meal unless you are only stopping in briefly. Current price guidance on this page is Fair prices for filling portions, typically under $50 for a family of four.
A website is linked here for direct confirmation of current details.
From the reviews
Visitors frequently mention the generous portion sizes.
The roast beef is a standout dish that many return for.
The casual, old-school diner vibe is often praised.
Menu Guide
What to Order at Clyde's Restaurant
Main
Pressure-Fried Chicken Platter
A house specialty featuring half a chicken, breaded and deep pressure-fried, served as a main plate with sides. Frequently mentioned by reviewers as a standout dish.
Starter
Chicken Tenders
Fresh hand-breaded chicken tenders, made to order and served with sauce; available as an appetizer basket or atop salads like the Homestyle Chicken Finger Salad.
Main
Country Fried Steak
Classic diner-style breaded steak topped with gravy, a popular comfort-food entrée praised in multiple reviews.
Main
Roast Beef Plate
Sliced roast beef served as a homestyle diner plate, often highlighted as a favorite entrée in customer reviews.
Starter
Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeños stuffed with cheddar cheese and deep-fried, served with sour cream or ranch; a common shared starter on the menu.
Starter
Jumbo Fried Shrimp Basket
Breaded and deep-fried jumbo tail-on shrimp, served as a basket that can be enjoyed as a starter or main depending on portion size.
Main
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Chopped romaine lettuce, shredded Parmesan, and croutons topped with grilled chicken breast, served hot off the grill.
Main
Black & Blue Salad
Thin-sliced Angus ribeye with crumbled blue cheese served on fresh greens with all the trimmings, featured in the salad section of the menu.
Best For
- Families looking for affordable dining
- Visitors seeking traditional Southern comfort food
- Locals wanting a casual dining experience
- Groups enjoying hearty meals together
- Diners who appreciate generous portion sizes
Know Before You Go
- Take the West Waynesville Exit off the Bypass to reach the restaurant easily.
- Expect to wait during busy weekend afternoons as they do not take reservations.
- Check for daily specials that may not be listed on the menu.
- Bring cash as they may not accept all credit cards.
What Visitors Say
Featured from 3,236 reviewsVisitors frequently mention the generous portion sizes.
Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit Clyde's Restaurant
Check the restaurant's current seating policy before weekend evenings; popular spots can have waits.
Tags
Traveler Questions
Is it open Mondays?
Public sources conflict on this listing's hours. Verify hours before driving.
What are the hours?
Public sources conflict on this listing's hours. Verify hours before driving.
Does it have parking?
Yes, parking available.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes.
What type of food?
American diner with home-cooked meals, vegetables, daily specials, meats, burgers, sandwiches.
Are portions big?
Yes, large portions at fair prices.
Phone number?
+1 828-456-9135.
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