BJ's Diner

This place is your perfect spot after crossing through the national park from the gatlinburg side! It came recommended by a park ranger and it didnt disappoint! Go let them serve you!!

My husband really wanted the Mexican 🌽 cornbread, but they didn’t have it. Instead, he went for a 🌭 corn dog, 🍔 cheeseburger, and 🟤 hush puppies. He said everything was 👍 good, but he especially loved the corn dog 😍. I ended up eating most of the hush puppies 🙈—though they were shaped more like corn dogs 🤔😂."

Super cute little restaurant. All dining is outside. But as you can see the view is making. Set in Cherokee NC it's a great place to stop. My wife and son got a burger and they looked great and they said tasted even better. I unfortunately have Celiac disease so had to get a salad. But in all it was wonderful and highly recommend. If you are on the was to Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg it's just under an hour and right on the path to get there.

Its really a food truck. The lady taking the order was a lil moody but the lady giving you the order was really nice. It is in a great spot by the river. As for the food i found my burger a lil salty but all my friends love them.

Spent all day hiking and playing disc golf. The troops were hungry and dropping like flies. And then, the heavens split open and BJ’s appeared. Never have I ever received a better tasting double bacon cheeseburger at such rapid pace. 10/10 would crush this burger again. (Two thumbs up, as shown in picture)

The burger was delicious! $10.99 for this monster with all the fixings. Husband had a cheeseburger which was also very good, and it was only $7.99. Not a fancy looking place, but so good. Right on the way into the Smokey Mountain National Park.

Got to enjoy the outside view Maps says its open but not came by at 3 pm it was closed and it was in the Am morning as well came from Marbles NC just to try the Mushroom Burger but no luck 1 hour here 1 hour back empty stomach lets see who gets the killer review. Sorry

What a great little dinner for such a beautiful day. May 31. The burgers are great and fairly priced . My table .a picnic table overlooking a great spot on the river. Finished eating 20 minutes ago. Still setting here. Hard to leave such a great spot. Totally love Cherokee NC. .what a great little town to visit.

I was craving a fresh homemade burger this stumbled across BJ's. We had burgers and onion rings and it was delicious!!! There is only outside seating but we were in the shade overlooking the river

The walk up trailer is convenient for those about to go into the National Park or coming out of it. There's some parking and seating right along the river if you want to wait around , but it's all outdoors. The burgers are precisely what you're looking for after a day of hiking. Beef and loaded with cheese and veggies. Might be a little heavy in the condiments. The fries are not great, but the burgers were just right.

Friendly service. Charming building. Very slow service (at least 20 minutes). Pretty stream near picnic tables. Burgers were good. Drink order was incorrect. Fries were limp. Tight parking lot for about 10 cars.

Great little road side stand. Seating is all outdoors or in your car. The weather was perfect for us to sit by the river at a picnic table. We tried the bbq sandwich-good but nothing special. Crisp coleslaw on it. Chili cheese fries could use a little more chili and cheese but tasted great. The double patty is more than enough meat, a single is enough. We would go again for a stop with good customer service after a day in GSNP.

What else to tell you but the burgers and onion rings are fantastic. Although my wife who works in the food service industry noticed that their ratings were low . Decided to give them a try anyway. You either can eat outside at tables and picnic tables beside the creek or inside your car. Although the place is small the burgers and onion rings were very good and will go back again.

Best burgers around! Service was great. Sitting outside beside the river was very pleasant even in July.

BJ's Diner is a permanent food truck. There are picnic tables if you want to eat there or you can eat in your vehicle or leave with your order. There are dedicated parking spaces and a parking lot for the restaurant. You walk up to the trailer and place your order at the window. Then you are given a number. Those of us waiting for our food shared some stories of our travel adventures so that added to the experience. BJ's Diner is located along the river so on a warmer day this would have been a great place to sit at the picnic tables and enjoy the view. But with the strong winds, I opted to eat in my car as did most of the others. I ordered a cheeseburger and am so glad I didn't do the double cheeseburger option as this was huge. It was delicious and came with many toppings and they let me customize. I also got a side of crinkle fries. I didn't care for the fries as they were mushy and I would have liked more crispiness to them. They were hot so that was a plus as nothing is worse than cold fries. The service was great and efficient here and the prices were reasonable. I will stop here again the next time I am in Cherokee.

Food always delicious. Prepared fresh juicy burgers. Only complaint NO COkE! But the Southern sweet tea delicious, perfect every time

We absolutely loved everything about this place--meeting the owner, burgers made to order, crispy fries and onion rings and what a view--picnic tables right on the river. It may look like a hole in the wall but it is wonderful.

It was our first time eating at BJ's diner for lunch today after coming out of the great Smokey Mountains. We are sure glad we stopped here for lunch. The prices are great for a little dinner. As well there are no inside seats, however there are many picnic tables with great views of the river while you eat your food. The staff were all very friendly and we ordered a variety of food and it all came out in a timely manner and was piping hot. The only thing that could use some improvement is the fries. The fries came out nice and crispy but could use some sort of seasoning to make them better. I suggest to anyone that is in the mood for some great quality food to stop here for a quick bite to eat!

Great food and it's on the cheap?! Yes, please. This was a typical burger, sandwich, and hot dogs kind of place. Think simple diner style food. It's more of a food truck type establishment where you order at one window (with either exact change or card) and pick up at another. There were absolutely no indoor seats. There were a few picnic style benches immediately in front that's under the extended roof covering. There were additional benches to the left where the river was a nice back drop. And nature sounds included! :) The hub's specialty mushroom burger was super delicious! The onion rings were pretty good too with its crispy, golden crust. The burger itself was really juicy with the mushrooms and melted cheese adding to the messiness. It was a simple ish burger but oh so delicious. Just don't judge as the appearance doesn't do justice to its taste. My pick of the fried chicken sandwich was a great choice. They had a grilled version, but heck, we were on vacation so I choose the more tasty pick. It did include lettuce and a tomato so that's the healthy part. Lol. The sandwich had great flavors and was pretty moist; it wasn't too dry for what it is. It had a good amount of grease, but still good and reasonable for a fried chicken sandwich.

From what I can tell, this is literally a janky old trailer down by the river .... with a grill inside. But what comes off that grill are killer burgers. Juicy patties, a unique and delicious sauce, big buns, full cheese coverage. This is fry top burgers at their best. Fries were meh, but really not the focus. Service was friendly, all seating outside at picnic tables. The line never let up the whole time we were there. It's clearly a local go-to. 5* = incredible (rare) 4* = very good/ strong desire to return 3* = generally good experience 2* = poor/ no desire to return 1* = a particularly awful experience

Drop everything and run to this place for a burger!! Just do it! No other words needed!! Great crinkle fries!!!

I missed the bj's in Westlake Village that's was wonderful food ,great service,and great location.

Had the opportunity to pickup lunch at BJ's Diner while in Cherokee, NC, one of the gateways to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (Oconaluftee Visitor Center). The Diner is a bit misleading, because you would think the name implies an old school silver clad, eat in restaurant. BJ's is in a cute old style trailer (think permanent food trailer) with carry out and pickup windows, outside picnic bench seating along a beautiful scenic river. The burgers were good, the crackle fries were decent and the price was really good for being in a tourist area. Kids and adults friendly.

The food was really good. It is a decent price. All the seating is outside on picnic tables but you can sit and look at the river. We would go again.

Nice by the road diner and it has straight forward simple food at a fair price The salads are the best here and the rest is standard diner food

Can't say much about the food because both times I've made the 5+ hour drive to come to Cherokee, this place has been closed when the internet says it should be open!!! Not my idea of a good business model, and I won't waste my time the next time I'm up this way.

This place is amazing! And I rarely say that. They're only open 10a-2p. We went on a Saturday and it was busy. We sat at a picnic table overlooking the river/creek. Perfect setting. I was hoping for soup as their online menu said seasonal. It was def seasonal that November day but that's completely ok. Ordered the slaw burger, onion rings and a grilled cheese. They do accept credit card. You order at one window, pick up at another. The lady that took my order was very helpful and nice. We sat next to a table of 8. I walked up to get our food about 5 minutes after they got theirs and there was a young man at the window waiting for me. He was incredibly respectful and told me what all was in the bag. Can't get that at any fast food joint! The slaw burger, onion rings and grilled cheese ended up being $14 something. Burger was juicy and done to perfection. Same with the onion rings - crunchy and perfect. They do indeed have a restroom. We didn't use it but the people sitting next to us said it was very clean and warm. They didn't have a trash can put that day so we took our trash to the window. 100% recommend if you're passing thru!

WOOOOOOOW!!!! Been going by this place for about 5 years and finally tried it today! THE BURGERS ARE 10/10 no questions asked. Chili cheese fries A1 as well!

Great burgers. Right by the river in Cherokee. Outdoor dining only, on picnic tables.

Stopped by there to day for lunch. It's an old trailer beside the road. Looked interesting. You walk up and order at a window. They had posted mask required signs up everywhere. Thought that was a bit too much for an outside area. So anyway a girl opens the window and informs the large group outside we all needed masks to order...... Anyway I ordered and the guy who handed my food to me had his mask below his nose. Food wasn't that special.

Although they may run odd hours, they are definitely worth the wait. The best hamburger in the state! The kids loved it and what a great waterside view too.

If you are looking for a great burger while in Cherokee then look no further! The burgers here immediately bought me back to childhood memories of my favorite small town burger joint! The service was quick and friendly and well the burgers are just great!!!

Good burger, bad bun. Given what other people say, perhaps it was just my bun, but everything about the burger and the toppings was great - my wife loved hers, but I just had a stale, dry bun. Fries tasted good, but were not crisp at all. Would I stop again, heck yeah. Its it a destination for me? Only if I am hungry and happen to be in Cherokee.

Good burger, OK fries. Good place to grab lunch that isn't a chain fast food restaurant.

Very friendly employees and the food was delicious, quick and made fresh to order! The prices are terrific, cheeseburger & onion rings just under $8! The views are amazing... stop and enjoy the outdoors! Definitely will go back!

Great spot for a quick, yummy lunch after hiking in the area! Sat out right next to the river. Onion rings were nice and crispy and burger was delicious. Boyfriend had a bacon cheeseburger and liked it a lot as well!

We're so glad we found this side of the road diner- Best lunch we could have ask for. Burgers were fantastic, Onion rings extra crunchy and amazing crinkle cut fries.

Awesome burgers. We come here every time we come to Cherokee. Won't go anywhere else!

Burger and fries were awesome. The service was fast and friendly. I will definitely eat there again when I come back to Cherokee.

This is a great place to stop For lunch or early dinner, burgers are absolutely incredible some of the best we have ever had.. Price is perfect and friendly service, you won't be disappointed!

Awesome little hole in the wall burger joint! The grilled cheese bacon cheeseburger was excellent, the fries were spot on, and the drinks were crispy! Everyone with us said the same! Highly recommend stopping in for lunch

If you are in Cherokee and you drive-by this silver old style trailer you are missing a real treat. The burgers are hand Pattie's the toppings are fresh and local. The BLT is great also their chicken tenders are homemade as you order. I had the Bubba burger and it was actually the size of the burgers you see on TV and other burger joints it was that big and tasty. Do yourself a favor and stop by this place and enjoy a great burger hotdog BLT or chicken tenders. It is made to order and not premade.

Food is so good and the people are so sweet. Would recommend to everyone to come try this place! Amazing costumer service!

Delicious hand made patty burgers and fries. This place is a hole in the wall but a must try if in the area for lunch. Great prices! Outside seating or take out only but it's wonderful with good weather!

Reminded me of a dive on triple D. So I knew it was a good one. The burger was amazing and sitting at a picnic table with my family watching people float down the river was great. Definitely will be back. Karen from St Joseph MO

Wow Amazing Burger! Make sure try the Bubba Burger with everything in it! No vegetarians welcome!

food was delicious, there is native dancing across the street for entertainment, small setting, picnic tables, all outdoors, I got a bacon burger and fries it was great would definitely recommend!

Sign said best burger in TN. I had to stop and see if they were serious. They are! One of the best burgers I have ever eaten anywhere. Roadside stand. Fast service. Amazing quality. AA++

Leaving this review now since I was just reminiscing about the burger I had here this past summer. Took a trip to Pigeon Forge back in August 2022 and decided to check out the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during my visit so drove around to check out the views and decided to search for something to eat nearby. Upon searching I found BJs diner across the border into North Carolina so having never set foot in NC I thought here is your chance and this looked like just the casual kind of place to eat I was looking for. Long story short I finally arrived and the little outdoor food truck trailer was not quite what I was expecting but I came all that way and I was starved. Ended up ordering the mushroom Swiss burger fries and a soda I think maybe it was a root beer. Let me tell you this burger may have been the best I ever had it was so juicy and cooked to perfection. I often dream about it and even attempted to recreate it. Unfortunately I live hundreds of miles away so may be a while before I return but I will return and if you're anywhere close to this place don't let the casual atmosphere fool you. Nice spot to take the burger to go or they had a few picnic tables by the River. There were a few other customers that seemed to be locals picking up lunch as well but you can't go wrong with this place.

BJ's is absolutely delicious. I chose it on a whim because I wanted to try something local, and I was so impressed. The food is so good! The burgers are large and the french fries tasted really fresh.

Delicious! They serve old school diner food. My wife and I had the chicken sandwich and my son had the cheese burger. Very good prices. It was $15 for 3 sandwiches and 3 drinks. Out door picnic seating only.

We had hot dog all the way and crinkle fries man that is some damn good food and didnt take 5 minutes to get order

Don't pass on this diner! Yes, it has outdoor seating, but it is clean, service is fast and friendly, and the prices are very reasonable. Stopped by for a late lunch looking to grab a quick burger. The burgers are HUGE and delicious! Sides of fries and onion rings were hot and crispy. So glad that we happened upon BJ's!

One of the best burgers I've ever had. I got the burger with the onions and peppers in it. Staff was very friendly. Lady at the counter pointed us in the right direction to bring the kids to a nice place at the creek for us to eat at picnic table while watching the kids play in the creek.

Excellent burger and fries! One of the best we had in a very long time. Picnic tables along the river were a nice touch.

I stopped at BJ's while I was in Cherokee for the weekend. I was depressed and down in the dumps because I had to choose between the four men I was dating... It was when I saw BJs as if it were a mirage.... I immediately spotted the bacon cheeseburger on the menu... It as if all the worries in the world disappeared... the juiciness of that burger took all my troubles away and I for one brief second was thinking suicide anymore... if you have read this review this far you will now know after waaaaaayy to many beers I am totally joking but the food was amazing!!'

Stopped yesterday for an early dinner. Had a cheese burger and fries, friend had the Bubba burger. Both were good and quite large. Hard to finish the fries. Outdoor seating along river. Family business, very friendly owners. Worth the stop by.