Is There a Breakfast Restaurant at Lake Junaluska?
Crepe & Custard is a breakfast cafe located on the Lake Junaluska grounds at 55 Memory Lane, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745. The cafe serves breakfast crepes made to order on a flat griddle, along with coffee, salads, soups, and frozen custard. It sits on the walking trail that loops around the lake, with covered porch seating that faces the water. No reservations are needed. Orders are placed at the counter.
What Kind of Breakfast Does Crepe & Custard Serve?
The breakfast menu is built around crepes rather than the standard plate-and-fork format. Each crepe is cooked thin and folded around warm fillings. The core breakfast options are:
- Bacon, Egg & Cheese Crepe with diced bacon, two eggs over medium, and your choice of cheese.
- Sausage, Egg & Cheese Crepe with a savory, slightly spiced sausage filling.
- Ham, Egg & Cheese Crepe with sliced ham, eggs, and cheese in a straightforward combination.
- BELT Crepe with bacon, eggs, lettuce, and tomato. A crepe version of the BLT.
- Crepe Benedict with ham, two eggs, hollandaise sauce, and chives. The richest option on the breakfast menu.
Sweet breakfast crepes are also available, including strawberries and cream, Nutella and banana, and peanut butter and banana.
Does Crepe & Custard Have Gluten-Free Breakfast Options?
Every crepe on the menu can be made gluten free for a small upcharge. The owner has celiac disease, so the kitchen follows careful protocols to reduce cross-contamination risk. Surfaces are wiped down before preparing gluten-free orders, and separate utensils are used. The frozen custard is also gluten free, and all toppings are stored separately.
Guests with celiac or gluten sensitivity have called out the cafe’s handling of dietary restrictions as a standout in reviews. Several visitors have noted driving well outside the local area specifically because the cafe takes gluten-free preparation seriously.
Is Crepe & Custard Dog Friendly?
Yes. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor porch tables. Water bowls are set out on warm days. The cafe also has a small menu of dog-friendly treats. Table service is not available, so dogs wait outside while you place your order at the counter inside.
What Time Does Crepe & Custard Open for Breakfast?
The cafe operates seasonally and hours can shift. Check the website at crepeandcustard.com or call (828) 283-8199 for current hours before your visit. Weekday mornings are typically the quietest time for a relaxed breakfast with fewer people on the trail.
How Far Is Crepe & Custard from Waynesville?
The cafe is about five minutes by car from downtown Waynesville. Lake Junaluska sits between Waynesville and Maggie Valley along Route 19. Visitors staying in either town can reach the cafe in under ten minutes. Free parking is available on the Lake Junaluska grounds.
Can You Walk to Breakfast from the Lake Junaluska Walking Trail?
Yes. Crepe & Custard is located directly on the 3.8-mile paved trail that loops around the lake, near the Welcome Center. Many regular walkers stop for a crepe and coffee before starting the loop or after finishing it. The cafe works as a trailhead fuel stop, a midpoint break, or a finish-line reward depending on where you begin.
