Duration
1-2 hours
Price
$10-20 per person
Best For
Families • Nature Lovers • Foodies
Pro Tip
For the best chance of snagging a riverside table with prime live music views on Friday or Saturday night, arrive by 6 PM.
About The Abbey at the Heartland Little River Chapel
This converted church along the Little River delivers a genuinely unique dining experience that visitors find charming and memorable. The riverside setting—especially the patio where you can watch tubers float by in summer—consistently earns praise, along with standout dishes like the pork belly flatbread with apples and the veggie pizza. While the atmosphere and location are universally loved, the food quality can be inconsistent, with some dishes like the brisket sandwich and turkey sub falling short of expectations.
Amenities & Features
Don't Miss
Riverside Patio Dining
Enjoy your meal on the patio overlooking the Little River, perfect for watching tubers float by in the summer.
Pork Belly Flatbread with Apples
A standout dish featuring savory pork belly combined with sweet apples on a crispy flatbread.
Live Music
Enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday nights, adding to the cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Craft Beer Selection
The Abbey offers a good selection of beers, including local brews, to complement your meal.
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award
The Abbey has consistently been recognized as a top restaurant, earning Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice awards from 2020-2024.
Loaded Tater Tots
A customer favorite, the loaded tater tots are a must-try shareable item.
Know Before You Go
- The Abbey is located approximately 25 minutes from both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
- You place your order at the counter when you enter the restaurant.
Visitor Sentiment
Based on reviewsThe Abbey at the Heartland Little River Chapel impresses visitors with quality cuisine and attentive service. The atmosphere creates a memorable dining experience in Townsend.
The Abbey at the Heartland Little River Chapel Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit The Abbey at the Heartland Little River Chapel
For the best dining experience, consider making reservations for weekend evenings.
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes The Abbey unique?
Housed in a repurposed church along the Little River, The Abbey offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience with a riverside patio where you can watch tubers float by. Enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday nights in a cozy atmosphere.
What kind of food can I expect?
The Abbey offers a variety of shareables, salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads. Customer favorites include the pork belly flatbread with apples and loaded tater tots. Daily specials are also available.
Do you have gluten-free options?
Yes, The Abbey offers gluten-free options, including pizza crusts.
Is there outdoor seating available?
Yes, there is a large outdoor patio area on the river.
Do I need a reservation?
The restaurant operates with a system where you place your order at the counter upon entry.
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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.
The Abbey at the Heartland Little River Chapel impresses visitors with quality cuisine and attentive service. The atmosphere creates a memorable dining experience in Townsend.
Last Updated Dec 27, 2025
7765 River Rd Townsend TN 37882
7765 River Rd Townsend TN 37882
Townsend
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