As you wander the Parkway in Gatlinburg, you’ll see plenty of standout restaurants and coffee shops with bold signs and lots of customers. Sometimes, however, the area’s best spots are also the least likely to grab your attention. Such is the case with Waffle De Lys. Offering “authentic Belgian waffles with a French touch,” it’s worth a quick stop as you explore the Parkway.
From the outside, this tiny establishment does not look particularly compelling; it’s located in a drab brown and yellow building with limited signage. Despite this, pedestrian traffic is responsible for much of its business, as the Belgian waffles look and smell superb. Samples are available, but it’s almost impossible to try these wonderful waffles without wanting to order an entire one for yourself.
The success of Waffle De Lys can be attributed entirely to the quality of the cuisine, which goes beyond any waffle you’ll find in Gatlinburg or the entire Smoky Mountain area. That’s saying something because the region is home to its fair share of breakfast joints. With Waffle De Lys, however, Belgian waffles are more than a simple breakfast entree — they are a delicacy deserving of the highest praise and worth eating any hour of the day. Every ingredient is chosen carefully and imported, which is immediately evident to anybody who has enjoyed an authentic Belgian waffle across the pond.
Don’t forget to order a hot drink to accompany your waffle. The coffee served at Waffle De Lys is perfect when you need a little caffeine to fuel a busy day in Gatlinburg. If you crave a sweet liquid treat, however, you’ll love the hot chocolate.
Mouthwatering Belgian waffles may be the centerpiece of the Waffle De Lys experience, but excellent customer service ups the ante. The staff members are clearly dedicated to providing a memorable experience. Their positive attitude makes the ordering process thoroughly enjoyable, to the point that enthusiasts are as quick to compliment the customer service as they are the waffles themselves.
A few of our favorite menu items include the following:
La Choco-Berry
At many restaurants, Belgian waffles fall into one of two main categories: chocolatey or covered in berries. With this option, there’s no need to choose, as it includes plenty of both. You’ll love the generous toppings of fresh strawberries, raspberry coulis, Belgian chocolate, and homemade whipped cream that adorn this waffle.
La Crunchy
This tasty waffle is named after the cookie crumbles used as the primary topping. These shortcrust biscuits are typically referred to as speculoos in Belgium and France. The waffle also comes with banana, Belgian chocolate, caramelized hazelnut crumbs, and whipped cream.
L’exotique
There’s no waffle quite like this divine offering, which is loaded with mango and raspberry coulis. Other highlights include banana, shredded coconut, and of course, whipped cream.
Create Your Own
The signature waffles highlighted above are delectable, but there’s nothing wrong with putting your own special twist on your order. If you have a specific vision for your waffle, you’re the perfect candidate for the create your own option. The base is, of course, a piping hot waffle. From there, you can add everything from maple syrup to fresh fruit and even Reese’s peanut butter cups.
Treat yourself to one of the generously topped delicacies from Waffle De Lys, where the emphasis on quality ingredients will be evident in every bite. One visit to this Gatlinburg wonder, and you’ll see why it stands out even in a town with a legendary breakfast scene.
Insider Tips:
– While it’s possible to eat your waffle on the go, the sheer amount of toppings can make this tricky. Thankfully, benches are available a short walk away.
– Parking can be a hassle, so this destination is best built into a full afternoon or evening on the Parkway. Multiple trolley stops can be found nearby, so that may be your best option if you don’t want to spend a lot of time on your feet.