This Restaurant In Tennessee Used To Be A School Bus And You’ll Want To Visit
By Chris Dodge|Published February 17, 2023
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
It’s time to take a wild trip back to the ’60s and ’70s with this one restaurant in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Doc’s 321 Cafe in Cosby, Tennessee, is quite a sight to see and worth the adventure. The property looks like something out of America’s Pickers with a groovy twist. You don’t need tie-dye t-shirts or Graceful Dead records to enjoy the BBQ, but one visit to this restaurant is bound to be a funky trip.
As you travel on Route 321, you will start to see signs guiding you to Doc’s Famous 321 Cafe.
You will know when you've arrived as soon as you see it - it is quite a sight to behold. The ground is littered with old Americana memorabilia. Old street signs, stuffed animals, and large chickens are just some of the things you will find on this trip back to the groovy era of the hippies.
Amidst all of the classic pieces of art, you might not immediately see the yellow of an old school bus in the back. That bus is, in fact, the cafe itself. One of the best parts about Doc’s 321 Cafe is that it is located inside an old converted school bus.
You will not be closed off from all of the antique eye candy, though. Inside the bus, plenty of interesting decor is hanging from the walls and all around you to keep you busy during your stay. You can also opt to sit outside under the covered porch in front of the bus, which, of course, will give you a front-row seat to all of the crazy imagery all around the lawn.
You may also notice that the ceiling is covered with writing. That isn’t the handiwork of some disgruntled delinquent youths. Nope, the restaurant allows guests to make their own mark on the bus. You can have a part of this crazy story you can find at Doc’s 321 Cafe.
What is a good Tennessee restaurant without some fantastic smoked meats? Doc's has award-winning ribs and chili that are made from scratch every day and are simply delicious. Even if you don’t want to indulge in barbeque, the menu is quite diverse, so you should find something perfect for you.
The real star of the show is the setting. We just can’t quite get over just how zany the decor really is. Some people might see it as junk, but we think those people are lacking a sense of true perspective; we like to think of it as a massive art display.
Take a trip back to the days of the groovy hippy at Doc’s 321 Cafe in Cosby, Tennessee. When you are looking for something just a little bit different, remember this restaurant next time you are in the Smoky Mountain area. Be sure to follow the restaurant on the official Doc’s 321 Cafe Facebook page.
Right next door is another interesting place to visit. Our Place is a bookstore and a coffee shop filled with tons of unique gifts and really a treasure trove of goodies to find. Check it out!
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