Grandstand Cafe is the main dining area of Dollywood’s Country Fair section, and it’s the only eatery in this part of the park that serves more than sweet treats. Appropriate for the Country Fair section, Grandstand Cafe has a variety of fair foods — some of which have won blue-ribbon awards.
Most of the menu offerings at Grandstand Cafe are common fair-style foods, and you’ll find no shortage of hot dogs, chili cheese fries, chicken tenders and similar items. These don’t just provide the nostalgia of a county fair, but they’re also quick and easy to eat while walking — which makes any of them a perfect meal when you want to go on as many rides as possible.
Complementing the fair-style fare, there are also a couple of Southern selections. The Southern Salad is scrumptious and full of vegetables, but generally does require sitting at one of the Grandstand Cafe’s tables while you enjoy it. The headliner of all menu items is a fried chicken sandwich that’s literally won blue-ribbon awards for first place.
Beverage options here include a variety of non-alcoholic sodas and non-carbonated drinks, and there also are kids meals available.
With fast service, fair-friendly (and park-friendly) menu items and an award-winning sandwich, Grandstand Cafe is one of the best places to eat in all of Dollywood. Plan on getting a table and spending a few minutes here if someone in your party wants the salad. Otherwise, get your favorite handheld food and enjoy walking around the park’s version of a midway.
A few of our menu favorites at Grandstand Cafe include:
Frannie’s Fried Chicken Sandwich
Frannie’s Fried Chicken Sandwich was the genesis behind the Grandstand Cafe menu, and it continues to be a must-try. The sandwich’s secret is that the chicken is marinated in pickle juice prior to frying, and the result is a chicken sandwich that’s won first-place recognition. Order the sandwich plain or as a club — the chicken is delicious either way.
Southern Salad
Finding vegetables at a county fair has never been easy, but the Southern Salad will appeal to any veggie enthusiast. A medley of vegetables doused with dressing, this is hearty enough to be a meal and delicious enough that you’ll want every last bite.
Hot Dog
The Hot Dog is a simple classic, but there’s a reason why it’s been a fair staple for so many years. Dress one up with condiments to your liking, and chow down as you walk around checking out more attractions.
Chili Cheese Fries
French fries, another classic, only get better when they’re smothered with chili and cheese. Get some to share, or keep them all to your own.
Hydrating Beverage
Whatever food you order, make sure to get a hydrating beverage to keep you refreshed throughout the rest of the day. There are several non-soda options to choose from.
Insider Tip:
– While the Grandstand Cafe is a great place to eat and has sit-down tables if you want them, it doesn’t have restrooms immediately on site. Use the restroom at the entrance to the County Fair Section as you enter and leave this part of the park, rather than waiting to go until you stop for food.