Docs 321 Cafe & Marketplace — Restaurant in Newport

The good is the atmosphere was really cool. We ate on the bus. Not much other positive things I can think of off hand. Lets go with the negative issues we had. The bus had one lonely air conditioner that really didn’t do much good in the July heat. But whatever . After sitting on the bus about 5 minutes later a group of 4 came in. The waitress showed up a minute or two after them. She did get our drink orders first but somehow ended up getting their food order first. So they were eating well before our stuff came out. Let’s talk about the food . 4 sandwiches, pork chop dinner, and a half of chicken. No French fries on the menu so a couple of us got a bag of chips. That was extra. Refill on lemonade was extra. Refill on sweat tea is free however. 12oz can soda so obviously no refill there. Oh you want a glass of water? Well you’re getting a 16.9oz bottle for dollar... so make it last. So to feed 6 people lunch it was 95.00. Lets not forget they charge a debit card fee. I’m spending 95.00 and you can’t eat that fee? Now to the quality of the food. Honestly it wasn’t that good. I mean it wasn’t gross or anything. But for 95.00 I expected better. It was mediocre at best. The service was the same. Everyone was pleasant but not on top of things. So other than the cool bus, nothing else was worth it. I would not recommend...

We loved absolutely everything about this place at first we were hesitant to stop because we didn’t really realize it was a Restaurant, but upon further investigation and talking with the locals, they said we absolutely had to stop at docs to get some brisket. so once we pulled off the road, we were greeted by the sweet man by the name of Doc, who was bringing freshly made brisket right into the restaurant at about lunchtime.

I’m not kidding you when I tell you I have eaten at places all over the world, but this is the best food I’ve ever had in my entire life. Nothing even comes close. I have had dinners that cost over $1000 a plate and those don’t compare to what we received a docs. This is the most unique and pleasant experience that has changed my opinion of food, and where I get it, and what I should expect to pay, and that no matter what the higher, the dollar figure, most likely equals purely smoke and mirrors. The smoked pecan pie at docs was absolutely out of this world, along with the brisket and the barbecue baked beans. I think I would travel all the way back to Tennessee just to eat this one more time...

Doc greeted us as we came to the door. He was so nice, and the atmosphere was not only unique but just perfect on a summer day in the mountains. At the time that we dined the bus was full but we didn't mind. Instead, we opted for the porch and it was charming!

You'll be so amused with all the knick knacks and signs, you'll almost forget where you are! (Let me reiterate that we loved this place.)

I had a black cherry limeade and the three little pigs special. My friend also chose the same special but opted for sweet tea. Let me tell you, Doc makes some of the BEST barbecue I've ever eaten in my entire life. Ribs were tender, the pulled pork was so moist and seasoned perfectly, and the hand made sausage was just PERFECTION.

My friend and I shared the smoked cobbler and smoked apple pie. We still talk about it!

Don't skip this spot. If you're in the Gatlinburg area and driving through, please make sure you make a pit stop here. It's going to be the highlight...