VEGA Cafe & Smokehaus

Ricki Cruey

2023-05

Oh. My. Goodness. The food here was delicious! My husband and I were thinking we would need to take some home... nope! We ate it all! Had to drive home with our pants unbuttoned! I can't wait to go back again and try more of their menu!The staff was so so kind and welcoming! They served us complimentary pork cracklins for being first timers, and boy howdy they were SO GOOD

Jessica Pulcifer

2023-05

Amazing! The food was delicious! The garlic sauce for the laughing Cuban sandwich was so good! The torte was so light and flavorful. A must place to eat. There are 6 tables, and they filled up while we were there. Take out available as well. The employees were super nice to talk to.

Terri Larsen

2024-03

Absolutely perfect!I was certain that Eric was the owner, as he was attentive, informative,and diligently kept the place clean and tidy with an uplifting smile and attitude.The food was beautiful, delicious, hot and plentiful. Started off with still crackling pork rinds... light and crispy. A full rack of smoky, moist ribs and order of nice sized wings were perfectly spiced...didn't even need the side sauces. The braised greens were like candy...the best I've ever had!I am always looking for a diamond in the rough...instead I found a diamond.This is a MUST stop. We will be back!

Jim Conn

2022-05

This place is awesome!Friendly, informative service, and my order came in a timely manner.And when it did...I had the sliced pork sandwich, which was almost what I would describe as a Pigburger - medium-finely chopped pork sort of shaped into a patty - and it was amazing! It came with two sauces - a typical sweet red sauce and a mustard-y sauce, which I preferred, but that's just my preference. Also came with slaw on the side and I ordered a side of fries as well. The fries were seasoned, which I usually don't like, but the seasoning on these was just right.I also got an order of the special of the week, pork and shrimp spring rolls, to go...They were amazing as well.There were two rolls in the box...Two sauces, duck and mustard-y, and some sort of soy sauce paste, which if you like the soy sauce, you gonna like.Bottled Coke products in the help-yourself cooler.They also have desserts, which I did not try...yet...

Michael Goodman

2023-05

I shouldn't yell you this place is great cause I want to keep it to myself. It's that good. First time there, had the Cuban Sammy and some pork grinds. Worth every cent.Looking to make it a regular thing going forward.

Ellie Wallace

2023-05

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Jill Glick

2023-05

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Amber Yarborough

2022-05

Amazing food. If you want something new and interesting, then this is the place to go. It's not a big fancy place, you pay in advance and sit/serve yourself for the most part but who cares when the food is THAT good? We had the laughing cuban sandwich and chicken and waffles (weekly special). The blueberry crepes tasted like the best part of a pie.

Lisa Fitzpatrick

2023-05

Food was excellent, as always. The Cuban is always a hit and the mac and cheese is my favorite anywhere. I believe the mojo sauce is homemade. The steak and fries were amazing too, love the poutine and cheese curds.

Valerie Whitaker

2021-05

Staying at the cabins on Norris Lake & found this delightful restaurant, VEGA Cafe! This is my smoked chicken club sandwich without the bread. The chef made it with a beautiful presentation. The Killer Kale salad was wonderful! All the food was fantastic. A very sweet place, we will come back again!

David Truex

2021-05

Food was great and exactly what we needed after a long bike ride. Staff and chef were both very friendly. All food is made in house and has very good flavor. Definitely recommend getting the cracklin appetizer.

David Norrell

2019-05

John Fletcher is one of the best chefs I've seen in a long time. The food there is outstanding but yet the deserts are phenomenal. Try Vega Cafe out and I guarantee you you'll go back.

Susan Rusiecki

2023-06

It's been awhile since a place has impressed me so much, I'm at a loss of wordsJust a huge thank you to the staff for creating an amazing evening for us that we will remember. We are from out of town and visiting family. My sis in law suggested the place. We left laughing, happy and talks of, next time... That's always a plus and what every restaurant strives for..The appetizers. Cracklin, wings and fried zucchini... Being from Buffalo, I did not expect the wings to blow us away but I know I'm gonna spend the summer trying to recreate the wings on my smoker. The cracklin... I'm a convert.Ribs, fried chicken... Dill brisket burgers? All fantasticEverything is fresh, made in house. Then there are the hot sauces... Lol. Challenging the table and no doubt entertaining the staff!! But in the end it's their pride in what they do that's impressive and why people will keep going back. It's not something you see that much any more and I for one can't wait to come back to Tennessee to dine here again

J. thomas Joyce

2023-11

Teresa took amazing care of me. As an out of Towner I asked for her recommendations and all were perfect! The wings and brisket burger were amazing and best I dipped everything in the amazing pepper jelly sauce that the wings came in! I could just sit there and eat the fries and pepper jelly sauce. You have to go and check this please out, it’s worth a short drive from Knoxville!

Michael Coffey

2023-11

Vega always reminds me of the quality of a Michelin star restaurant and the home town feel of Luke's diner from Gilmore Girls. It's always outstanding, not just great, and yet friendly, comfortable, and homey. If you are local, just go, you won't regret it. Also, hit Norris damn park just a few minutes away. If you time it for the golden hour walk in the park, you are wise.

tom pannell

2024-04

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Kirsten Milliken

2023-05

We drove 3 hours to experience the VEGA cafe. It was well worth it! We ordered chicken and waffles - OMG! Also, the ribs with coleslaw and kale salad. The ribs were cooked perfectly. The salads were creamy, crunchy, and delicious. We also got panna cotta for dessert. We took it to go- I’m sure it’s amazing! Definitely give Vega cafe a try- even if you have to drive a long ways. It’s worth it!

Sarah Zannini

2023-11

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Margaret Ristola

2023-08

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Vince D

2023-08

So surprised to find this type of Cafe in a small mountain town. The food is really unique a varied and delicious. They put a lot of attention to details like presentation on the plate even making their own hot sauces. The service was genuinely friendly and fast. This is going to be an annual stop for us on our camping trips from now on.

Thomas Daugherty

2022-05

Wonderful people and the food was delicious! Definitely planning to visit again!

Stephen Coles

2022-05

Excellent food prepared and presented by a real chef. If you live in the area or passing thru, stop in you will be happy you did.

Charles Lane

2021-05

Vega Cafe is awesome. I had the Cuban sandwich with fresh home made porkrinds and cheeses sauce. Dessert was a chocolate chip baklava. Go hike the trails in the Norris Dam park and then head here for a reward for your good behavior.

Don Leistner

2023-05

Excellent food! Quality ingredients prepared by a very talented chef. I lived in South Florida for over 20 years and the Cuban sandwich here is one of the best I've ever had. We follow their social media to see what the specials are going to be and have had some really delicious lunches. We highly recommend to try this gem.Parking: Good amount of parking.

Raks Staks

2024-03

Yummy in my tummy every time! The Mac and cheese is super delicious. Call to find out the dessert of the week! The banana pudding roll is PHENOMENAL 😍Parking: Just kinda find a spot near the restaurant!Kid-friendliness: They’re very friendly and accommodating to children. My child always feels welcomed and loved there.

Matt

2023-05

This place is awesome! The food is fire, the employees are amazing and accommodation. They close a little early (7pm), but go eat here. It's worth every penny and your time! The pickle burger is my favorite!** Warning to bigger families or parties, there isn't a lot of seating inside. So you may have to split tables or order takeout. Still worth it!

Heather Dively

2023-05

I've been here several times after hiking. Always great food. But when they featured Truffle soup, I had to schedule a hike near there. Trying Truffles was on my bucket list! The Killer Kale and Truffle soup was fabulous.

Stephen Cable

2023-05

Food with the quality of fine dining with a welcoming atmosphere of a family restaurant. The food is consistently phenomenal and the service is exactly how you want it, warming and attentive. After our first visit we have already established that we are going to be weekly regulars, because the food is to die for and we’re all about supporting restaurants that take pride in all that they do.So, if you haven’t been, go!

Linda

2023-05

I really like this little gem in the heart of Norris. They have really delicious wings with an array of homemade dipping sauces. I also love their kale salad and hummos plate with veggies. The desserts are superb so leave some room or bring one home. :)

Marna Jane Bevill

2023-05

If there was a 6th star that would be what I would give it. The fried chicken was amazing and the sauces were amazing!I said "I will never forget this" -a review from our 11 year old who had the chicken and mashed potatoesThis is a special restaurant - quality all made from scratch with downhome and accessible flavors. The greens were incredible. The staff was also super-kind and helpful, and clearly enjoyed their work.