Rustic River Restaurant aka Shelly Belles

I will no longer be able to come back, and I will have to share with others the values being promoted here. I feel the quality of food here is ok, but as a Christian I cannot support celebrating witchcraft. Scripture is clear: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11). This is not just a fall festival or a fun theme night. On September 5, 2025, the restaurant itself posted this invitation for an event scheduled on Saturday, September 20, 2025: “✨🧙‍♀️ Witch Fest at the River! ✨🧙‍♂️ Grab your broom—or better yet, your kayak—and join us for Witch Fest at the River! Paddle down the river in full spellbinding style as your best witch or warlock self. Pointy hats, flowing capes, magical props—bring the whole coven vibe to your float! 🚣‍♀️ This is a festive, costumed kayak event you won’t want to miss.” What may seem fun and cute is actually spiritually serious. Those who practice magic know the equinox is considered a powerful time. And now I have to ask a hard question: how can we support evil in one area and expect it not to affect another? If the same people celebrating witchcraft are also preparing the food, can we really be sure what influence is over it? They personally deleted my comment when I questioned this event. That shows they know it is controversial. It is worth asking if they also delete negative comments on other posts. I pray our community stands together in unity and recognizes that witchcraft in any form is not innocent or harmless.

We stayed in Tennessee for the weekend and for our last night we stopped by this rustic restaurant for dinner. All the food was amazing, especially the steak! Our daughter didn’t like the kids Mac and cheese so the owners brought out chicken tenders for her, the Mac and cheese is also very good but might be a little spicy for children. Overall we had really great service and would recommend 10/10 to eat here!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Had the ribeye. Very very good. The carrot cake is possibly the best I have ever had.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

My wife had the Avacado salad and I had the fried shrimp platter. Both meals were well prepared and came out fast.
They have full bar and our drinks were very well made and large portioned and strong.
Our waiter was very accommodating and they were dog friendly on the back porch seating overlooking the calm Powell River.
Great atmosphere and great food.
Menu is varied with appetizers, salads, sandwiches, hamburgers, seafood platters and good deserts.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I ordered onion rings and because they have changed the oil they use to fry their items with, the onion rings did not taste like onion rings and the onion did not have the consistency of the onion. It felt like mush in my mouth. Our server was fantastic and she also removed the unsatisfactory onion rings.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 5

From the friendly staff, great atmosphere and excellent food. I can see myself driving the 1.5 hours to go back there soon.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Showed up at 8:20 on a Saturday night and was told kitchen was closed. Website said closed at 9. Waitress rude and said hoped all we wanted was drinks. I realize it’s a small town but shutting a kitchen down that early is ridiculous if you want business.

Service: 1

Amazing fried green tomatoes

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Sunday afternoon for lunch. Asked the server how are the crab cakes, do you make in house ? Her response was we get them from food truck . Not good, tastes like fish. Do not recommend. Corn pudding was just a dish of corn. Husband had special bacon baloney sandwich. Thin baloney you would get at Walmart. Won't be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 3

This place blew me away. Every dish we had was delicious—from the steak to the pulled pork potato bomb (yes, that’s a thing). The bartender, who also served us, was fun, friendly, and incredibly attentive. The vibe is warm and relaxed, and you can’t beat the setting—right on the river, with peaceful views and a cozy, woodsy feel. Honestly, this might be my favorite meal I’ve ever had dining out in Tazewell. We’ll definitely be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Better make sure you check your bill! 3 people and my total was $85 because I was charged almost $15 for gratuity! Dummy me also left a good tip on the table! I will NOT be back, the food was definitely not worth the price.

Came in sat beside the river on the porch no wait food was great and fresh. Everyone was very nice and worked together to get us seated and there's tubers and kayakers floating down the river nice and peaceful. They have heaters and fans.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Location: 5
Pizza: 2
Ranch: 4
Fried gr tomatoes: 4
Cold 32 oz beer: 5
Huge sweet tea for $2.50: 5

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Food was wonderful but I want to brag on the staff. My child is special needs and a little waitress name Bailey was very kind and patient with him. She went above and beyond for him. Her making my child's experience a good one made my dining experience even better. As far as the food the pulled pork nachos are so yummy and the catfish plater was really good. The fried green matters and crab cakes were my favorite!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Our sever was Baliey and she was so awesome,so Pleasant. She even took my grandson‘s pizza and cut it into eight slices instead of four. She catered to our every whim. When I come back, I want Bailey to be our server. I working in Gatlinburg, The rustic style of the building even down to the bathrooms are the best I have seen. Gatlinburg doesn’t have buildings this well decorated put together the whole 9 yards. it was an awesome experience and the food was great

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5