One of the best things about traveling is eating out! And for many, the most appealing restaurants are those local spots that serve up inspired, delicious meals with an ambiance you can’t find anywhere else. At The Caverns, we’re fortunate to have many excellent and eclectic restaurants in nearby Pelham, Tracy City, Monteagle and Sewanee. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorites. Whatever food mood you’re in, we hope these recommendations lead you to the right table.
Our Favorite Local Restaurants Near The Caverns
Mountain Goat Market
This funky restaurant is a favorite among Sewanee students, faculty and locals alike. You’ll find sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, and desserts on the menu. Our favorite is the Ragin’ Cajun with cajun turkey, bacon, chipotle gouda, chipotle mayo, and spinach served on sourdough. What’s more, they have an espresso bar, a patio for outdoor seating, and a wide selection of eclectic gifts (their whimsical sock selection is on point). In 2019, Mountain Goat Market made Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S., so you know it’s good!
109 Main Street, Monteagle, TN 37356
- (931) 924-2727
Simply Southern Cafe
While you’ll find an impressive collection of The Caverns show posters hanging in a corner of the Simple Southern Cafe, what’s more impressive is their home-cooked meals! The menu, written daily on an old-school blackboard, often includes signature dishes like Country Fried Steak, Fried Catfish, and Grilled Pork Chops. We’re suckers for their Fried Chicken. If you visit, plan to go on a weekday as they’re closed on the weekend. Also, they only accept cash, so unless you want to wash dishes all afternoon, come prepared.
- (931) 467-2600
Smoke House Lodge, Cabins & Patio Grill
Since 1960, Jim Oliver's Smoke House Lodge, Cabins & Patio Grill has been a Tennessee landmark known for authentic local hot food, cold beer, and live music, and it’s a convenient off-site lodging option near The Caverns.
The Grill has indoor seating with comfortable AC/Heat, real wood fireplace during cooler months, and outdoor seating featuring a year round cozy campfire on the patio.
They're open Friday through Sunday for lunch and dinner and offer a great menu selection. Some of our favorites include grilled pork chops, pulled pork, grilled chicken, Brussels sprouts, and fried okra. They also have a strong lineup of home-cooked side dishes, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and appetizers.
We never leave without finishing things off with one of their famous apple, strawberry, or peach fried pies with ice cream.
Lastly, check out their gift shop next door at the quirky Amish Hippie.
850 W Main Street, Monteagle, TN 37356
- (931) 924-2091
Shenanigans
Since 1974, this beloved restaurant and pub has been a gathering place for the community. Housed in the oldest building in Sewanee, Shenanigans is an institution. Generations of diners have flocked to this funky spot. On the menu you’ll find down-home Southern comfort food, made-from-scratch pizzas, mouthwatering grilled sandwiches, and savory deli favorites. What’s more, Shenanigans features a rotating lineup of regional, award-winning craft beers. We’re particularly fond of Shenanigan’s porch, which overflows with engaging conversations and colorful personalities.
12595 Sollace M Freeman Hwy, Sewanee, TN 37375
- (931) 598-5774
Papa Ron's
After a long day of caving and hiking, a hearty Italian meal really hits the spot—and the portions at Papa Ron’s will make sure you don’t go to bed hungry. This casual Italian restaurant has a menu featuring a wide variety of pastas, steaks, pizzas, and sandwiches and offers a full bar, too.
402 West Main Street, Monteagle, TN 37356
- (931)-924-3355
High Point Restaurant
When you’re ready to splurge, this is the place. The three-story Tudor-revival mansion the High Point Restaurant calls home was built in 1927. Its history involves the infamous bootlegger and mobster, Al Capone, who is said to have financed the mansion during Prohibition and equipped it with escape hatches on the roof and underground tunnels. Today, guests feast on an award-winning menu featuring seafood, steaks, duck and more. Combine the extravagant menu with the decadent atmosphere and superb service, and you have just the spot for a special dining experience. Reservations recommended.
224 East Main Street, Monteagle, TN 37356
- (931) 924-4600
Dutch Maid Bakery & Cafe
Opened in 1907 by the Baggenstoss family, Swiss immigrants who moved to Tennessee in the 1880s, the Dutch Maid Bakery is Tennessee's oldest family-owned bakery. Today, this beloved Tracy City favorite is both a bakery and a cafe. Stop in for lunch and try Famous Fran's Chicken Salad, and take home a fresh loaf or some pastries and sweets. The aroma you smell on arrival will let you know you picked the right spot.
109 Main Street, Tracy City, TN 38387
(931) 592-3171