Best Lunch & Sweet Treat Stops at The Village Shops in Gatlinburg

Spring will soon give way to summer and, for most of us, this means eating lighter and seeking refreshing drinks and desserts. If your Smoky Mountain shopping trip has landed you among the unique shops of The Village in downtown Gatlinburg, you will absolutely love the lunch options.

Best Deli Sandwich in Gatlinburg at Josefs Deli
Deli Sandwiches All Day Long!

Warm-weather and delicious deli sandwiches are hand-in-glove and Josef’s Deli does not disappoint. If you’ve shopped until you’ve nearly dropped, you might want to order the Village Legend, a half-pound Reuben on pumpernickel. Treat yourself to one of their amazing homemade sides such as cucumber or ranch pasta salad and tuck in for a treat! Other yummy sandwich options include Italian, black forest, caprese, ham and cheese, turkey and cheese, pimiento, chicken salad, and French dip, among others.  There is a nice selection of salads as well.

Josef’s also offers luscious desserts, including brownies, tres leches (three creams) and cheesecake. You’ll need the sugar for the rest of your afternoon’s shopping and vacation merrymaking. (You’re welcome.) Takeout is an option at Josef’s, so remember to take something back to your cabin or hotel room for a perfect second act! Josef’s is a newer option in The Village, and one that has been greeted with enthusiasm by locals. Stop by today and see why!

Maddi Mae’s Café & Creamery is another stellar lunch option, also in The Village. This business, like Josef’s, is owned by Joe and Delanie Domzalski, who also own and run a small east Tennessee farm. They are committed to providing the very best in food and treats for their customers in The Village, and hope their hometown values, honed in the raising of six children, are evident in the amazing flavor and freshness of their sandwiches and other goodies at both Josef’s and Maddie Mae’s.

Maddi Mae’s, a local staple for many years, was originally focused on lunch food. The Domzalski’s decided to expand, now offering lunch options AND ice cream, so that both the running of the business and the customer focus would be more family-centered. Kids of all ages love ice cream, and the product became a centerpiece! They now offer homemade, hand-scooped ice cream in a variety of flavors.  What could be more refreshing on a warm day?

After you have enjoyed a fresh deli sandwich and a scoop or two of ice cream, you’ll need some caffeine to power the rest of your shopping day! Maddi Mae’s is a coffee-lover’s dream. Hop back up to their menu to browse a beautiful variety. If you like your caffeine hot, craft your own latte by choosing from 30 flavors. Want a cold coffee? Get a frappe (from extremely fresh, high-quality coffee and espresso) in one of many flavor options. There is also hot chocolate, and regular coffee, among many possibilities. Perhaps you would prefer a fountain drink, smoothie or milkshake. Grab something refreshing to go!

Best Ice Cream in Gatlinburg at Maddi Mae's Cafe & Creamery
Best Homemade Ice Cream in Gatlinburg!

Here’s hoping that, as you break from shopping in The Village, you give the Domzalskis a chance to showcase both their hospitality and culinary prowess at either Josef’s Deli or Maddi Mae’s! You will come away satisfied and impressed. Happy lunching!

Follow these two favorite Gatlinburg lunch spots on Facebook!
Maddi Mae’s Cafe & Creamery  |  Josef’s Deli

Where can I get lunch at The Village Shops in Gatlinburg?
Josef’s Deli and Maddi Mae’s Café & Creamery both offer fresh sandwiches, desserts, coffee, and ice cream in The Village. Sit indoors, at one of The Village’s outdoor cafe tables, or take your meal to go!

Does The Village Shops have ice cream?
Yes! Maddi Mae’s Café & Creamery offers homemade, hand-dipped flavors in cones, cups, shakes & more!

What are the hours?
Visit our Guidebook for general hours and information for making the most of your visit to The Village.