Last Updated on June 2, 2023
Whether you call today Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day, or Mardi Gras, it’s a day of significance to many. Shrove Tuesday is observed by many Christians who make a special point of self-examination on this day, the last before the period of penitence known as Lent. However, in addition to considering one’s wrongs, many also indulge in all the foods to be sacrificed for the upcoming 40 days. In fact, the term “Mardi Gras” is French for “Fat Tuesday,” referring to the rich, fatty foods consumed on this day.
And what rich, sweet, buttery meal is a more indulgent way to start the day than a tall stack of chocolate chip pancakes topped with maple syrup and whipped cream? (Are you drooling yet?)
If you’re celebrating Fat Tuesday this year, there are some truly great breakfast spots in Haywood County. Here are our top choices for celebrating Pancake Day in Waynesville, NC.
Joey’s Pancake House
Joey’s Pancake House is a family-style restaurant that has been serving breakfast to the locals and visitors of Waynesville and Maggie Valley since 1966. Their menu features a large variety of tempting pancakes, golden waffles, country-style cured ham, and seasonal specials spiked with flavor. Among their dozen regular pancake specials are silver dollar pancakes, sausage roll-ups, Reese’s Cup pancakes, and sweet potato pancakes. Fans of Joey’s can also purchase store items, including coffee mugs, country ham, and Christmas ornaments. Joey’s is open until noon, seven days a week.
4309 Soco Road, Maggie Valley | (828) 926-0212 | joeyspancake.com
The Buttered Biscuit
Pancakes may not be the first thing that comes to mind at a restaurant whose motto is “The bigger the biscuit, the closer to heaven.” But with breakfast served all day, there’s plenty of time to try! Enjoy combining your pancakes with other items of your choice, including two eggs, city ham, or country ham. And if you’re hungry, the City Slickers combo has you covered. It features two eggs with bacon or sausage and blueberry or strawberry pancakes. Breakfast is served all day, seven days a week at this specialty spot.
1226 Dellwood Road, Waynesville | (828) 246-6446 | facebook.com/TheButteredBiscuit
Haywood 209 Cafe
Enjoy a hearty breakfast, made to order, at Haywood 209 Cafe. Specializing in American traditional diner classics, Haywood 209 Cafe serves up staples like hearty breakfasts, homemade baked goods by an in-house baker known as “Mamaw”, and the absolute best milkshakes you’ll ever taste. Their pancake menu starts with a double stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes, and only gets bigger and tastier from there! Enjoy them plain, with blueberries, or with chocolate chips. While you’re there, make sure to order a cup of delicious, locally roasted, ground-in-house coffee—it’s some of the best around.
3360 Crabtree Road, Waynesville | (828) 627-3331 | haywood209cafenc.com
J Creek Cafe at Sorrells Marathon
When Sorrells Marathon says they’re a one-stop shop, they really mean it! This tire sale and auto service location also hosts a hardware store, groceries, and a restaurant. For 50 years, J Creek Cafe has offered hot and delicious home-cooked breakfasts and lunches made with fresh ingredients. You have never tasted comfort food quite like this! Their full breakfast menu includes many tasty options, including pancakes that can be ordered plain or with blueberries or chocolate chips. But if you’re hungry, check out the Hungry Man/Woman Combo Plate, featuring two pancakes and two eggs with a protein and side. Yum!
3796 Jonathan Creek Road, Waynesville | (828) 926-0385 | sorrellsmarathon.com/j-creek-cafe-menu
Kornerstone Kafe
Enjoy fresh, housemade food and friendly service at Kornerstone Kafe. They offer great prices for their breakfasts, which include pancakes, french toast, omelets, and breakfast sandwiches, as well as hot coffee with any style of eggs. Add strawberries and cream to your pancakes for an extra treat. But whatever you do, leave room for dessert (even for breakfast!). Kornerstone serves the best desserts around, handcrafted with the finest ingredients! Their full breakfast menu is served from 6:00–10:30AM, seven days a week.
1092 N Main Street, Waynesville | (828) 550-2265 | kornerstonekafe.com
Maggie Valley Restaurant
While restaurants come and go, Maggie Valley Restaurant has been a local staple for more than 50 years. Authentic Southern dishes always made fresh, fast service, and competitive prices have drawn the crowds back year after year. Pancake lovers will relish their light and golden cakes, which can be filled with pecans, blueberries, or chocolate chips. Enjoy two or three with Applewood bacon or another choice of meat. If you’re not afraid of carbs, we recommend adding a side biscuit with red eye gravy (coffee, country ham drippings, and pepper), available upon request.
2804 Soco Road, Maggie Valley | (828) 926-0425 | facebook.com/carversmvr
Pop’s Place Biscuits, Burgers, & BBQ
Stop by Pop’s Place in Maggie Valley for made-from-scratch biscuits, shrimp and grits, the Country Boy Benedict, and all your favorite breakfast staples. They have three affordable golden delicious pancake specials on their menu. The Noah is two cakes sprinkled with powdered sugar, while the Ali is three, and both can be topped with blueberries, pecans, or chocolate chips. The Tasia, on the other hand, is a heartier meal with two pancakes, two eggs, and your choice of meat. Pop’s is open seven days a week and is ready to welcome you like family!
3253 Soco Road, Maggie Valley | (828) 944-0677 | facebook.com/popsplaceMV
Sherrill’s Pioneer Restaurant
If you want to know where the locals go for breakfast, don’t miss Sherrill’s Pioneer Restaurant. At the Pioneer, you’ll find all the staples of a down-home country-style breakfast, served until 11:00AM. Order up a short stack of plain or blueberry pancakes. Or if the moniker suits you, try the Hungry Man’s Breakfast 4×4. It features two eggs, two pancakes, two strips of bacon, and two sausage links. Got the kiddos with you? Sherrill’s will make fun-shaped pancakes by request. We guarantee you will leave feeling like a local!
8363 Carolina Boulevard, Clyde | (828) 627-9880 | facebook.com/Sherrills-Pioneer-Restaurant
Live Abundantly in Waynesville, NC!
Great food, including pancake breakfasts, is just one way locals Live Abundantly in Waynesville. Waynesville’s proximity to Asheville offers residents the best amenities of a larger city while still holding on to its small-town atmosphere. From outdoor adventures to cozy spots downtown, Waynesville welcomes people from many different backgrounds to visit and stay for life.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Find a great home in Waynesville now!
