TSM Verdict
The Verdict
Granny’s Kitchen in Cherokee, North Carolina is a classic Southern buffet restaurant known for its rotating daily meats, homemade comfort food, and a substantial salad bar. The signature draw is the all-you-can-eat buffet featuring dishes like fried chicken, hand-carved roast beef, and chicken & dumplings. It’s a longstanding local favorite for hearty, traditional meals near Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.
Before You Drive
Check current hours
Public hours currently show Monday closed. Verify before making a longer drive.
Last checked January 22, 2026
Worth it?
Yes, especially if you are near Cherokee.
Best order
Granny’s Fried Chicken, Hand-Carved Roast Beef, Homemade Chicken & Dumplings, Granny’s Turkey, Dressing & Gravy
Best time
Lunch or early dinner
Verify
Verify hours before driving.
Go For
- Granny’s Fried Chicken
- Hand-Carved Roast Beef
- Homemade Chicken & Dumplings
- Granny’s Turkey, Dressing & Gravy
- Popcorn Shrimp
Skip If
- You want fine dining or a unique culinary concept
- You prefer à-la-carte ordering over buffet or cafeteria-style service
- You need extensive vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-friendly options
Before You Go
Verify hours before driving.
Decision Guide
Decision Guide
Is it worth visiting?
Granny’s Kitchen is ideal for travelers seeking classic Southern comfort food in a buffet setting, especially if you’re staying in or near Cherokee or visiting Harrah’s Casino. It’s best for those who appreciate traditional, hearty meals and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Best first order?
Granny’s Fried Chicken, Hand-Carved Roast Beef, Homemade Chicken & Dumplings, Granny’s Turkey, Dressing & Gravy, or Popcorn Shrimp.
Worth driving from Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?
If you’re a fan of Southern buffets and want a classic 'meat and three' experience, Granny’s Kitchen is a solid destination, but it’s not a must-drive for those seeking fine dining or unique culinary experiences; it’s best enjoyed if you’re already in the Cherokee area.
Planner Snapshot
At a Glance
Location
Cherokee, Tennessee
Cuisine
Buffet restaurant
Price
$
Best meal
Lunch or early dinner
Families
Confirm fit before going
Planning fit
Best as part of a Cherokee stop
Hours warning
Public hours currently show Monday closed. Verify before making a longer drive.
Duration
1-2 hours for a meal
Price
Prices are unverified; call for buffet/takeout rates post-reopening.
Best For
Families looking for hearty meals • Visitors wanting a casual dining experience • Those seeking authentic Southern cuisine
Website
grannyskitchencherokee.comMenu
View menuPro tip: Join the buffet line after sanitizing hands; self-serve style speeds ordering for large groups.
About Granny's Kitchen
Granny's Kitchen is a beloved buffet restaurant known for its rotating daily meats and homemade comfort food. Established in 1984, this family-run eatery offers a cafeteria-style setup where guests can enjoy hearty Southern classics like fried chicken and hand-carved roast beef.
Amenities & Features
- Home-style Southern comfort food served buffet-style for breakfast and dinner
- Exceptional Thanksgiving dinner offerings that draw repeat visitors
- Consistently friendly and attentive waitstaff
- Generous portions that satisfy hearty mountain appetites
Insider Tips for Granny's Kitchen
Insider tips
Visitors most often point to Cafeteria-Style Buffet, Family-Owned Atmosphere, and Takeout Convenience. Park in the available on-site lot for easy access.
Call ahead for catering or large takeout orders. Expect seasonal closure from December through mid-March.
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 Prices are unverified; call for buffet/takeout rates post-reopening.
A website is linked here for direct confirmation of current details.
From the reviews
Visitors frequently mention the generous portion sizes.
The cafeteria-style setup is often praised for its convenience.
Many reviews highlight the rotating daily menu as a pleasant surprise.
Menu Guide
What to Order at Granny's Kitchen
Main
Granny’s Fried Chicken
Crispy Southern-style fried chicken that’s a staple on both the buffet and take-out menus, prepared fresh and featured multiple days each week.
Main
Hand-Carved Roast Beef
Slow-roasted beef carved to order on the buffet line, always available on the dinner buffet and served with au jus or gravy.
Main
Homemade Chicken & Dumplings
Traditional Southern chicken and dumplings, featured as a Wednesday buffet meat and on the Wednesday take-out menu.
Main
Granny’s Turkey, Dressing & Gravy
Roast turkey served with cornbread-style dressing and rich gravy, highlighted as a Thursday feature on both buffet and take-out menus.
Main
Meat Loaf
Classic homemade meatloaf made with ground beef and sauce, offered as a Thursday feature meat for both buffet and take-out.
Main
Fried Alaskan Pollock
Breaded and fried white fish, served as a key Friday buffet item and available on the Friday take-out menu.
Main
Popcorn Shrimp
Fried bite-size shrimp, featured as a Friday buffet and take-out option.
Side
25-Item Salad Bar
A self-serve salad bar with approximately 25 items, including homemade pasta salad, potato salad, coleslaw, and pickled beets, included with lunch and dinner buffets.
Best For
- Families looking for hearty meals
- Visitors wanting a casual dining experience
- Those seeking authentic Southern cuisine
- Casino-goers looking for a quick meal
- Groups needing catering services
Know Before You Go
- Park in the available on-site lot for easy access.
- Call ahead for catering or large takeout orders.
- Expect seasonal closure from December through mid-March.
- Check for seasonal menu changes.
- Consider making reservations for large groups.
What Visitors Say
Featured from 4,892 reviewsVisitors frequently mention the generous portion sizes.
Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit Granny's Kitchen
Check the restaurant's current seating policy before weekend evenings; popular spots can have waits.
Tags
Traveler Questions
When does it reopen in 2026?
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.
Is it buffet or menu?
Cafeteria-style buffet with daily fixed selections (2 meats + 3 veggies); takeout mirrors dine-in.
Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, multiple vegetables daily (e.g., Green Beans, Spiced Apples, Macaroni & Cheese); vegetarian-friendly.
What is the takeout process?
Remain in vehicle; staff delivers food and takes payment (cash/credit).
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, plus highchairs, table service option, and parking available.
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