Duration
1-2 hours (longer during peak breakfast and weekend times)
Price
$8-18 per person for meals, family of 4 around $50
Best For
Families heading to Cades Cove • Budget-conscious travelers avoiding Parkway prices • Anyone craving authentic Southern comfort food
Pro Tip
Hit this place for breakfast before 9 AM on weekdays, then continue on Wears Valley Road to avoid the Pigeon Forge traffic when heading to the national park.
About Hillbilly's Restaurant
This country-style family restaurant has become a beloved hidden gem for travelers heading to Cades Cove, serving honest-to-goodness home cooking in a barn-like building packed with antiques, humorous signs, and hillbilly memorabilia.
The grilled meatloaf stands out as a local legend - sliced thick and grilled to create crispy edges on every bite. Breakfast plates arrive in generous portions, and the weekend buffet attracts locals from throughout the valley.
Visitors should note that the waitlist system can become chaotic during peak times. The hostess calls names from inside the restaurant, so those waiting on the wrap-around porch may miss their turn if they're not listening carefully.
The drive out to Wears Valley proves worthwhile for the exceptional value alone. Families can expect to feed four people lunch for around $50, while most Parkway establishments charge $80 for basic burger meals.
The atmosphere provides half the entertainment - guests spend wait times reading amusing wall sayings like "butter my butt and call me a biscuit." Children particularly enjoy exploring the quirky decorations scattered throughout the dining room.
Amenities & Features
Don't Miss
Famous Grilled Meatloaf
They slice their meatloaf thick and grill it so every piece has those crispy, caramelized edges. It's more meat than fillers, making it a hit with both kids and adults who want real comfort food.
Hillbilly Memorabilia Decor
The walls are packed with antiques, funny signs, and T-shirts with sayings like 'butter my butt and call me a biscuit.' It's pure country kitsch that actually works and keeps everyone entertained.
Hearty Breakfast Plates
These aren't dainty portions - we're talking massive plates of eggs, hash browns, and biscuits that'll fuel you through a full day of hiking. The weekend buffet is especially popular with locals.
Wrap-Around Porch Waiting Area
When there's a wait, you'll sit on their covered porch surrounded by more hillbilly decorations. It's actually pretty pleasant, just stay within earshot of the front door.
Hand-Cut Onion Rings
These thick-cut onion rings are crispy perfection and easily shareable. Pair them with their seasoned fries for the ultimate comfort food side combo.
Cades Cove Route Location
Perfectly positioned on Wears Valley Road for a pre-park meal without fighting Pigeon Forge traffic. Many locals use this route to avoid the main strip congestion.
Know Before You Go
- Arrive early or stay close to the front door during waits - the hostess calls names quietly from inside
- Bring a light jacket for porch waiting in cooler weather
- Cash and cards accepted, no reservations taken
- Check current hours before driving out to Wears Valley
- Restaurant is wheelchair accessible with ground-level entrance
Visitor Sentiment
Based on reviewsHillbilly's Restaurant impresses visitors with quality cuisine and attentive service. The atmosphere creates a memorable dining experience in Sevierville.
Hillbilly's Restaurant Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit Hillbilly's Restaurant
For the best dining experience, consider making reservations for weekend evenings.
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Hillbilly's Restaurant?
They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, plus a weekend buffet. However, hours can change seasonally, so we always recommend calling ahead or checking their current Google listing before making the drive out to Wears Valley.
How much does Hillbilly's Restaurant cost?
Breakfast runs about $8-14, while lunch and dinner plates are typically $12-18. A family of four can expect to spend around $50 for lunch, which is a great value compared to most Smokies restaurants.
Do I need reservations for Hillbilly's Restaurant?
No, they don't take reservations - it's first come, first served. During busy times, you'll wait on their wrap-around porch, but stay close to the door so you can hear when they call your name.
How long should I spend at Hillbilly's Restaurant?
Plan about 45-75 minutes for a normal meal, but add extra time during peak hours. We've seen waits of 30-45 minutes on busy weekend mornings, especially during summer and fall.
Is Hillbilly's Restaurant good for kids?
Absolutely - it's a family restaurant with comfortable booths and kid-friendly menu options. The quirky decorations keep kids entertained while waiting, though bring snacks if you're going during busy times.
Is there parking at Hillbilly's Restaurant?
Yes, they have a free surface parking lot right around the building. It can fill up during peak breakfast hours, but we've never had trouble finding a spot.
Do they still have the weekend buffet?
Yes, their weekend buffet is still going strong and draws locals from all over the valley. It's mainly breakfast-focused, but you'll need to call for current pricing and exact times.
Is Hillbilly's Restaurant really worth the drive to Wears Valley?
We think so, especially if you're heading to Cades Cove anyway. The value and atmosphere beat most Parkway restaurants, plus you'll avoid the main strip traffic by taking Wears Valley Road.
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We use a weighted 10-point scoring system to evaluate the best places to visit and things to do in the Smokies.
Scoring is carefully evaluated based on reviews, social signals and expert assessments.
Hillbilly's Restaurant impresses visitors with quality cuisine and attentive service. The atmosphere creates a memorable dining experience in Sevierville.
Last Updated Dec 27, 2025
3275 Wears Valley Rd Sevierville TN 37862
3275 Wears Valley Rd Sevierville TN 37862
Sevierville
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