The Old Mill Restaurant

The Old Mill Restaurant sits right next to a working grist mill that's been grinding grain since 1830, and you can actually taste the difference — the cornbread, grits, and pancakes are all made from stone-ground flour milled on site. It's one of those places that feels like a tourist trap from the outside but genuinely delivers on the food.

The menu is straight-up Southern comfort: fried chicken, pot roast, country fried steak, catfish, and meatloaf. Entrees run $14-$18 for adults and come with two sides plus the famous corn fritters and cornbread that hit the table before you even order. Kids' meals are $7-$9 and include standards like grilled cheese, chicken tenders, and mac and cheese.

Portions are generous — we've split an adult plate between two kids under 6 and had leftovers.

The building itself is old and has character, which means the seating can feel tight. Strollers fit but it's not ideal; if you can leave it in the car and carry a younger kid, you'll have an easier time getting to your table. High chairs are available. The staff is used to families — this isn't a place where you'll get side-eye for a noisy toddler.

Waits are the main downside. Peak season (summer and October leaf season) can mean 60-90 minutes on a Saturday. Weekday lunches are more manageable at 15-30 minutes. There's no reservations system, just a paper waitlist at the host stand. The move is to put your name down and walk around Old Mill Square — there's a candy shop, general store, and pottery shop all within steps.

Breakfast is actually the best-kept secret here. The pancakes made with their own flour are legitimately some of the best in East Tennessee, and the wait is usually shorter than lunch. They open at 8am.

One thing to know: the restaurant doesn't take credit cards for tips. Bring some cash if you want to leave one the old-fashioned way, though they do have an option to add it to the card now at some registers. Parking is free in the Old Mill Square lot, but it fills up fast on weekends — get there early or be ready to circle.