Granny's Kitchen

When locals in Cherokee want authentic Southern comfort food, they head straight to Granny's Kitchen, a family-owned buffet restaurant that's been a community cornerstone since 1984. Teresa Williamson and her family maintain the same high standards that have kept regulars coming back for nearly 40 years.

The expansive buffet features made-from-scratch Southern classics, with standouts including hand-carved roast beef, golden-crispy fried chicken, and hearty chicken and dumplings. The dessert section deserves special attention, offering an array of homemade pies, cobblers, and puddings that change daily.

Early risers swear by the breakfast buffet, while Sunday lunch draws the after-church crowd – expect a line during peak hours, but the wait moves quickly. The dining room prioritizes comfort and functionality over frills, making it a genuine local spot rather than a tourist trap.

Located conveniently on US-19, about a mile from Harrah's Casino, Granny's Kitchen serves as a perfect starting point for a day in the Smokies. The reasonable prices and generous portions make it particularly appealing for families and groups.

The restaurant maintains the warm, personal service you'd expect from a family operation, with staff who often remember regular customers by name. While the buffet selections rotate, you can count on finding Southern staples like country-style vegetables, fresh cornbread, and at least four meat options daily.

For visitors seeking an authentic taste of Cherokee's local dining scene, Granny's Kitchen delivers the kind of satisfying, home-style cooking that's kept this establishment thriving for decades.