- Attraction: Cookie Jar Cafe
- Location: 1887 Kelly Cross Rd, Dunlap, TN 37327
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.thecookiejarcafe.com/
High atop a Tennessee mountain sits a working dairy farm that’s been family-owned for more than 150 years.
The Johnson Family has transformed part of their property into Cookie Jar Cafe, where you can watch goats wander past your window while savoring homemade Southern cooking.
The Sequatchie Valley spreads out below in an endless panorama of rolling hills and farmland that’ll make you forget about your phone for a while.
This destination earned Southern Living’s Best Back Roads Food award in 2009, and it’s easy to understand why once you experience the combination of authentic farm atmosphere and scratch-made meals.
After an electrical fire devastated the original building in summer 2023, owners Sue Ann and Jodie Lockhart chose to rebuild rather than close forever. They reopened in early 2024 with modern construction but kept the rustic charm intact.
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Keep Exploring →The name comes from an impressive display of over 500 vintage cookie jars scattered throughout the dining room, each one a conversation starter.
Main Dishes That Fill You Up
Fried Catfish: Golden-brown fillets arrive at your table still sizzling, accompanied by crispy hushpuppies that have a slightly sweet cornmeal flavor. The fish stays tender and flaky inside while the coating provides satisfying crunch.
Grilled Meatloaf: Taking a different approach than traditional preparations, the grilled method creates caramelized edges on the exterior. The meat itself is well-seasoned and hearty, offering a farmhouse interpretation of this comfort food staple.
Sweet Tea Fried Chicken Sandwich: The breading on this sandwich stays remarkably crispy, creating an audible crunch with each bite. Underneath that coating, the chicken maintains its moisture and delivers bold Southern flavors that make it a standout menu item.
Chicken and Dumplings: This classic dish features thick, pillowy dumplings swimming in savory gravy with chunks of tender chicken. The portions are substantial without being overwhelming.
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Discover MoreChicken Fried Steak: A Southern favorite gets the full treatment here with crispy coating, creamy gravy, and your choice of country-style sides.
Bacon Cheeseburger: Simple but satisfying, the burgers come hot off the grill with fresh toppings and a generous handful of fries on the side.
Sides Worth Ordering
Mac and Cheese: This creamy, cheesy favorite has become one of the most popular sides on the menu. The sauce coats each noodle thoroughly, and kids often request it as both their main dish and side.
Fried Okra: Lightly battered and cooked until each piece achieves perfect crispiness, the okra avoids any hint of sliminess. The coating stays crunchy throughout your meal.
Corn Nuggets: These golden nuggets combine sweet corn with a crispy exterior, arriving piping hot. You can even request powdered sugar sprinkled on top if you’re feeling adventurous.
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Keep Exploring →Other Vegetable Options: The menu rotates through country classics like pinto beans, white beans, green beans, baked sweet potato, cream corn, fried mushrooms, and Mexican cornbread salad. Each entrée typically comes with your choice of sides.
Don’t Skip Dessert
Strawberry Pie: Towering slices of this fruit-filled creation feature enormous fresh strawberries piled high in a sweet filling. The richness means you might need to save half for later, but that just gives you an excuse to enjoy it twice.
Cupcake Selection: The display case near the entrance shows off oversized cupcakes in rotating flavors. Wedding cake, strawberry, chocolate, and red velvet varieties tempt you before you even reach your table. Many people grab a box to take home for the next day.
Coconut Cream Pie: Classic Southern-style with fluffy meringue topping and rich coconut filling that melts on your tongue.
Key Lime Cake: The tangy citrus flavor offers a refreshing contrast to the heavier chocolate options, with bright lime taste in every layer.
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Discover MoreGerman Chocolate Cake: Traditional coconut-pecan frosting tops layers of moist chocolate cake for that perfect sweet-nutty combination.
Warm Bread Service: Before your meal arrives, you’ll receive complimentary baskets of homemade rolls and cornbread muffins. The rolls have that old-fashioned texture reminiscent of school lunchrooms, while the cornbread muffins lean slightly sweet.
The Farm Surroundings
Petting Zoo: Goats, sheep, ducks, and donkeys call this farm home, and you’re welcome to visit them before or after your meal. Kids love the hands-on interaction, and it’s a great way to pass the time if there’s a wait for your table.
Rocking Chair Porch: Rows of classic wooden rockers line the front porch, all facing outward toward the Sequatchie Valley below. The vista stretches for miles across rolling Tennessee countryside, and the rocking chairs invite you to sit a spell and take it all in.
Playground Equipment: Children can burn energy on the outdoor play structures while adults linger over coffee and dessert at nearby tables.
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Keep Exploring →Active Dairy Operations: Time your visit right and you’ll see the dairy cows moving across pastures or heading to the barn, adding authentic agricultural atmosphere to your dining experience.
Cookie Jar Display: More than 500 vintage, ceramic, and whimsical cookie jars decorate every available surface inside the restaurant. The collection includes everything from classic designs to quirky character pieces, giving you plenty to admire while you wait for your food.
What To Expect Inside
Farmhouse Ambiance: The interior feels like stepping into a well-loved country home, with rustic touches and cozy decor throughout. Everything stays clean and welcoming, creating that grandmother’s-kitchen atmosphere.
Valley Panoramas: Large windows frame the spectacular mountain and valley scenery, especially stunning during autumn when fall colors paint the landscape. The elevated hilltop position provides unobstructed views across the entire Sequatchie Valley.
Seating Layout: Traditional tables and chairs fill the space rather than booths, creating an open feeling that works well for families and larger parties.
Outdoor Dining: In addition to the porch rockers, outdoor tables let you eat surrounded by pastures and farm scenery. The patio welcomes well-behaved dogs to join your group.
Fresh from Reconstruction: The 2024 rebuild brought modern construction standards while preserving the authentic country cafe character that made this place a regional landmark.
Before You Go
Wait Times: Popularity means you should expect delays, particularly during weekend lunch and dinner rushes. Waits can stretch 30-45 minutes during peak hours, though the porch, animals, and scenery help time pass quickly. Making reservations through the website is highly recommended.
Cost Considerations: Most entrees fall in the $9-$13 range, with premium items like ribeye reaching around $40. Sides cost approximately $3-4 each, and desserts run $4-7 per slice. The generous portions justify the mid-range pricing—you’ll leave satisfied.
Timing Your Visit: Weekday lunches tend to be calmer than weekends. Arriving early or calling ahead helps you avoid the longest waits. Later in the day, some dessert flavors may sell out.
The Drive: Located about 40 minutes north of Chattanooga, the cafe sits along winding mountain roads in a genuinely remote location. The scenic drive through Tennessee countryside is part of the experience.
Kid-Friendly Setup: Families will find this an ideal destination with dedicated kids’ menus, outdoor play areas, and farm animals to visit. The casual atmosphere welcomes all ages with no dress code.
Taking Food Home: Can’t stay? Order takeout or purchase desserts to go, including full cakes and cupcake boxes for parties or special occasions.
Operating Schedule: Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Cookie Jar Cafe
📍 1887 Kelly Cross Rd, Dunlap, TN 37327
