There is just something about an old-school diner that gets my attention, and Clyde's Restaurant in Waynesville, NC, looked like the kind of place that was going to have good food before we ever walked through the door.
According to the menu inside the restaurant, Clyde's is "where the home folks eat," and after our visit, I can see why. From the classic diner atmosphere to the homestyle food, Clyde's made us feel right at home.
We visited during the fall, and they had the outside decorated to a tee for the season. Combined with the classic look of the restaurant and the mountains surrounding Waynesville, I couldn't wait to get inside and try it out.
There's always a little excitement that comes with trying a restaurant for the first time. You've heard about the place and maybe looked over the menu, but you never really know what to expect until you sit down and take that first bite.
In this case, Clyde's Restaurant did not disappoint.
Our Visit to Clyde's Restaurant in Waynesville
We visited Clyde's during a fall trip to nearby Maggie Valley, NC. Whenever we're in this part of Western North Carolina, we always seem to gravitate toward the quaint mountain town of Waynesville.
One of our favorite things to do while we're here is find somewhere new to eat. Over the years, we've discovered quite a few places that we now look forward to visiting again.
If you're planning your own trip, check out my guide to the best restaurants in Waynesville, NC for more of our favorite places to eat around town.
On this particular trip, we were doing some shopping on this side of Waynesville and decided it was finally time to give Clyde's a try.
Walking through the door is almost like taking a step back in time. I love the classic diner look and feel of the place. It's casual, welcoming, and feels like the kind of restaurant where locals have been coming to eat for years.
What We Ate at Clyde's Restaurant
When it was time to order, I went with the open-faced roast beef sandwich, which came with a side of mashed potatoes.
The food was really good, but that gravy was one of the things that stood out to me. The roast beef, mashed potatoes, and gravy made for exactly the kind of comforting, homestyle meal you'd expect from a place like Clyde's.
And I can't forget about those rolls.
They brought rolls out with our meal, and mmm mmm good! They were one of those simple things that I still remembered after we left.
My kids ordered the chicken tenders, and you could tell they weren't your typical frozen chicken strips. They appeared to be hand-cut and breaded, and the kids really enjoyed them.
Between my roast beef, the mashed potatoes and gravy, those rolls, and the kids' chicken tenders, we left Clyde's full and happy.
The Old-School Diner Atmosphere
Part of what makes Clyde's memorable is the atmosphere.
When we pulled up, the restaurant was decorated perfectly for fall, which added even more character to the classic diner setting. I imagine they carry some of that seasonal charm throughout different times of the year.
One thing that really caught my attention was the Clyde's sign out front.
You don't see many restaurants with signs like this anymore. It has that iconic old-school diner shape and design that fits the restaurant perfectly.
Once you walk inside, that nostalgic feeling continues. Clyde's isn't trying to be some fancy, trendy restaurant. That's part of what I like about it.
It feels like a local diner where you can come in, sit down, and enjoy a good homestyle meal.
Is Clyde's Restaurant Good for Families?
Based on our experience, Clyde's worked great for our family.
My kids found something they enjoyed with the chicken tenders, while I was able to get the kind of homestyle meal I was looking for.
The casual diner atmosphere also makes it the kind of place where I would feel comfortable bringing the family again.
That's something worth considering if you're visiting Waynesville or Maggie Valley with kids and looking for a relaxed place to eat.
Clyde's Restaurant Location
Clyde's Restaurant is located on South Main Street in Waynesville, NC.
Clyde's Restaurant
2107 S. Main St.
Waynesville, NC 28786
It's outside the main downtown Waynesville shopping area, so it's an easy restaurant to work into your plans if you're exploring other parts of town.
Because restaurant hours can change, I recommend checking Clyde's current hours before making a special trip.
More Places to Eat in Waynesville, NC
Clyde's isn't the only Waynesville restaurant we've enjoyed over the years.
If barbecue is more your style, check out our visit to Haywood Smokehouse in Waynesville, NC. I finally tried Haywood Smokehouse after having several people recommend it to me, and those dry-rubbed ribs were worth the trip.
And if you're trying to decide where to eat during your entire visit, I've put together all of our favorites in my guide to the best restaurants in Waynesville, NC.
As we continue exploring Waynesville and Western North Carolina, I'll keep adding the places we enjoy.
Is Clyde's Restaurant Worth Visiting?
For us, Clyde's Restaurant was absolutely worth the stop.
I loved the old-school diner atmosphere, but ultimately, the food is what would bring me back. The open-faced roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy hit the spot, the rolls were delicious, and even the kids enjoyed their chicken tenders.
Clyde's feels like one of those places that fits Waynesville perfectly—casual, friendly, and serving the kind of homestyle food you'd expect from a local diner.
I'm actually excited about eating there again the next time we're in Waynesville.
And before you leave, take a look at the Clyde's shirts. I heard they were popular, and apparently they worked on me because I ended up bringing one home!
Be sure to watch our video to see more of our experience inside Clyde's Restaurant.
Thanks for stopping by Southern Food Junkie, and if you're planning a trip to Western North Carolina, be sure to check out some of our other Waynesville and Maggie Valley adventures.
Until next time, let's get food junked!
Ron Capps says
Praying Clydes is not damaged beyond repair. I arrange my fall trips when you are open. May God be with ALL of Haywood county.
Ronnie Williams says
Amen to that. I have check their facebook page and it appears they are ok. They are actually offering water to people in need. Thanks for stopping by.