06/24/2026
In Cherokee, North Carolina you can stop by the tiny little roadside food truck called BJ’s Diner for some of the most delicious burgers you’ll find in Western North Carolina! This little roadside spot may not look fancy from the outside, but that’s part of what makes it so good. You’ll find it tucked in the mountains of Cherokee, with outdoor picnic tables where you can sit back with your food and enjoy the river nearby, the fresh mountain air, and the kind of laid-back setting that fits this area perfectly.
The big favorite here is the Bubba Burger, a serious burger piled with two beef patties, double bacon, and double cheese, making it the kind of meal people remember long after they leave town. They also serve grilled chicken sandwiches, hot chili cheese fries, and other simple comfort-food favorites that come out fresh, hot, and without a long wait. Prices are fair, the service is easygoing, and it’s a great place to grab a quick bite before heading into Great Smoky Mountains National Park or after spending the day exploring.
Cherokee sits within the Qualla Boundary, home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and the nearby Oconaluftee area is one of the main gateways into the Smokies. Just outside town, the Blue Ridge Parkway also reaches its southern end after winding 469 miles through the mountains, making BJ’s Diner a perfect little food stop in the middle of some of North Carolina’s best scenery.
