Walking down Parkway, the main street that runs along downtown Gatlinburg, you may notice a little street-side business tucked neatly between two shops – Waffle De Lys! This quaint little stand offers authentic Belgian waffles “with a French touch.” These may just be the world’s best waffles.
These waffles are truly decadent. If you don’t have a sweet tooth, this is probably not for you. But if you love the idea of a crispy waffle with all kinds of sugar-loaded toppings piled on top, then this is your kind of place!
You can create your own waffle from a list of options that includes items like Belgian chocolate, Reese’s peanut butter cups, caramel, strawberries and bananas. The stand has a set of signature waffles that includes the following:
Oh La La!, with salted caramel, raspberry coulis, banana, caramelized hazelnut crumbs, and whipped cream.
La Caramel Bliss, with salted caramel, banana, and caramelized hazelnut crumbs.
La Choco-Berry, with Belgian chocolate, fresh strawberries, raspberry coulis, and whipped cream.
La Crunchy, with crunchy speculoos, Belgian chocolate, banana, caramelized hazelnut crumbs, and whipped cream.
La Classique, with fresh strawberries, banana, Belgian chocolate, and whipped cream.
La Nutty, with Nutella, caramelized hazelnut, banana, and whipped cream.
L’Exotique, with mango coulis, raspberry coulis, shredded coconut, banana, and whipped cream.
My associates and I all went with La Crunchy, two of us also adding ice cream, if you can believe that’s even an option on top of everything else. Man, these were some good waffles! Healthy? Not in the least. I would estimate the calories in my waffle to be somewhere around 50,000. If you’re in diet mode, this is not your place. But if you are just wanting something decadent and sweet, this definitely fits the bill.
From the Historic Gatlinburg Inn, cross the street and head East up Parkway and you will find it.
