Dining

Pigeon Forge has as many different restaurants as it has all other attractions. The list is endless, but here are some notable eateries in town. From Tennessee southern cooking to themed restaurants for family fun, to more sophisticated fare, Pigeon Forge has it all, including national genres such as Cuban, Brazilian, Mexican, Italian and of… Read more »

Gatlinburg has hundreds of eateries, ranging from world-class hot dogs to eat on your feet, to ethnic and specialty food, fine dining, crepes, seafood, steaks, Italian, Mediterranean, vegetarian, barbeque, sandwich, breakfast – the list goes on. There are foods here that you may never have thought of, or never thought you’d see again (including a… Read more »

What Makes the Johnson Family of Restaurants So Darned Good? Decades ago, Bruce Johnson opened his first BBQ restaurant and fulfilled his dream of owning a restaurant. Now, Johnson Family Restaurants has grown by leaps and bounds in the Smokies and features restaurants offering just about any type of food your family is looking for…. Read more »

Split Rail Eats in Gatlinburg is a little off the beaten track but it’s worth finding if you’re hungry for a good meal. With a mix of traditional and modern American diner fare, and special twists to the ingredients and specialties, this cute little restaurant is a place the locals eat, and recommend to visitors…. Read more »

One of Gatlinburg’s hidden gems for dining is Taste of Italy. It’s a family-owned and operated restaurant popular with visitors and locals alike, serving a wide range of Italian dishes – including fresh homemade pizza – both for meat lovers and also for vegetarian and gluten-free tastes. Taste of Italy offers quality Italian food made… Read more »

Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar offers a prime seafood dining experience in Gatlinburg, offering lunch and dinner in a convenient location with gorgeous views, and both indoor seating and a heated patio for dining outdoors. The restaurant is spacious and well organized, and the seafood is acclaimed by many (many) customers as ranking with any… Read more »

You can find excellent seafood at Harpoon Harry’s Crab House, which also offers an excellent sushi bar – unusually for a seafood restaurant, but a very welcome addition to the dining choices in town. One of the largest restaurants in Pigeon Forge, Harpoon Harry’s isn’t a chain restaurant, but it is part of an empire,… Read more »

Smith & Son Corner Kitchen is an American fare lunch and dinner restaurant in Gatlinburg with a bar upstairs serving signature cocktails. The food is excellent, and hearty, with a large menu selection. This restaurant really is on the corner, at the intersection of Historic Nature Trail (Airport Rd.) and Parkway, at Light #8 –… Read more »

Gatlinburg offers mouthwatering Southern food around every corner, but some specialties are a little harder to find. Boudicca’s is the only Celtic restaurant in town, and it’s a winner. Expect cozy, pub-like vibes, hot, delicious grub served up quickly in a casual atmosphere, and an impressive array of beers on tap. Boudicca’s even welcomes dogs… Read more »

Local Goat is a Pigeon Forge lunch and dinner restaurant serving a New American menu featuring creative flavors and fresh, locally sourced ingredients with sustainable practices in mind. You’ll find the typical Southern American classics you’d expect on the menu, such as burgers, steaks, meatloaf, fried green tomatoes and grits. But each of these recipes… Read more »

Smoky Mountains Creperie in Gatlinburg serves freshly made crepes filled with mouthwatering items such as strawberries and ice cream on the sweet side and chicken and cheese on the savory side – with many more varieties of snack or dessert on each side. Sweet or savory, everything is delicious and fresh and you can order… Read more »

To satisfy a craving for ice cream creations, whether it’s a cone, shake, sundae, or split, when it comes to creamy goodness, cool treats abound in the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville area. Here are some notable places to consider – not in any order of preference, and NOT exclusive. There are LOTS of places… Read more »

You’ll step back in time when dining in the classic style of the 50’s at Mel’s, where American favorites fill the menu. From the large exterior neon sign to the cozy booths, chrome accessories, and music playing from the jukebox, it’s a time machine and a great place to eat. With something to please every… Read more »

The historic Old Mill District in Pigeon Forge is a relaxing change of pace that can take several hours to explore all the many things to see, do and browse. Keep your strength up by planning on breakfast, lunch or dinner at one (or both) of the two fine restaurants a few steps away from… Read more »

UPDATE: Note the new location – see below Delauder’s Smoky Mountain BBQ in Gatlinburg is hard to find but worth it – a hidden gem serving barbecue that was named among the Top 25 in the nation. If you crave an authentic taste of Tennessee barbecue, you have to give this place a try. Eastern… Read more »

We don’t have massive Mardi Gras parades in the Smokies, but you can still find tasty and authentic Louisiana cuisine in Gatlinburg thanks to New Orleans Sandwich company. Get an authentic taste of the Big Easy in the Smokies The rolling peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains may as well be a world away from… Read more »

Gaucho Urbano, located just off of Parkway in Pigeon Forge, is an iconic Brazilian steakhouse offering a unique dining experience. It’s popular, so book your table well ahead of time (walk-ins are welcome but it’s chancy). Service here is a churrasco-style dining experience, essentially grilled meats of many kinds, typically on a skewer, and brought… Read more »

Miami may be known as the epicenter of Cuban food in the United States, but it’s possible to find authentic Cuban cooking without having to take a trip down to south Florida. That’s where Smokies Cuban Cafe comes in – it’s a hidden gem in Pigeon Forge that serves up delicious and traditional Cuban dishes… Read more »

Tennessee Jed’s is a sandwich-style breakfast and lunch restaurant hidden away on Parkway in Gatlinburg, with some of the best meats and sandwiches many people say they’ve ever tasted. Understated and laid back, the restaurant offers great service with very friendly staff and a kitchen that knows exactly what it’s doing. Sandwiches may sound easy,… Read more »

Huck Finn’s Catfish in Pigeon Forge is a family business serving locals and visitors alike since 1995. Fans of this freshwater fish will find a satisfying seafood and Southern-style food experience at this all-you-can-eat restaurant. The catfish is excellent, grain-fed and pond-raised in Mississippi (which means that the quality will be consistent, from the last… Read more »

For over 45 years, Smoky Mountain Trout House has proudly served Gatlinburg seafood, steak, and pasta dishes. Their 10 different rainbow trout dishes are the star of the show for sure, although it’s also a popular place to grab a double cheeseburger. All the trout comes from local sources, taking advantage of the bounty of… Read more »

Just a few minutes up the road from Pigeon Forge, Applewood Farmhouse holds the title as the oldest restaurant in Sevierville, and you’ll feel the history as you drive up to the homey, farmhouse-style buildings. Once a working farm with Revolutionary War roots, Applewood now boasts two restaurants. The original Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant occupies the… Read more »

Looking for a hot, fresh breakfast? Stop by The Atrium in Gatlinburg before you spend the day exploring. The Atrium has been a Gatlinburg staple for upwards of 20 years, and it’s a favorite local breakfast spot. Serving up a good variety of breakfast favorites from a kitchen that still believes in home cooking, The… Read more »

The Peddler Steakhouse bills itself as a classic steakhouse built on tradition – and in the more than 30 years since its founding, it has become a Gatlinburg favorite. Well regarded by locals and tourists alike, The Peddler offers an intimate, cozy dining experience that checks all the boxes: great service, exceedingly high quality food,… Read more »

Would you like to uncover a side of Gatlinburg that many people wouldn’t expect? The Wild Plum Tea Room, located along the Arts & Crafts Community Trail on Buckhorn Road, is an eclectic and charming tea and lunch venue. You’ll find here creative and original dishes with an emphasis on seasonal and local ingredients. Reservations… Read more »

When visiting Gatlinburg, enjoy something extra good for your body and soul with a visit to Whole Earth Grocery. This cafe and store offers vegetarian & vegan food & products, natural foods & items. The food is delicious, with great sandwiches, wraps and other lunches. This all-natural cafe and shop is your one-stop Smoky Mountains… Read more »

The Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria in Gatlinburg has been a favorite among locals and repeat visitors to the Smoky Mountains since it opened in 1976. Stop in for lunch or dinner at this hidden-gem restaurant to try Best Italian’s versions of Italian favorites done right, from pizza to classic dishes, with New York style…. Read more »

Smoky Mountain Brewery is a popular restaurant with a conveniently situated location in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It has a lodge atmosphere, with a sports bar functionality (lots of TVs) and a well rounded American menu. The Brewery serves (and brews) craft beers, as well as cocktails and wine, and it’s also  open late… Read more »

Located in the heart of Gatlinburg, Cherokee Grill is just what you’d expect for a well-rounded American steakhouse. The menu features steak, seafood, burgers and a mouthwatering array of appetizers. Serving wine and microbrews also, the restaurant also offers a generous kid’s menu and gluten-free options – everyone in the group should be able to… Read more »

The Greenbrier Restaurant in Gatlinburg is a chef-driven dinner house, well known for its steaks, chops and seafood. The restaurant also offers an impressive wine selection and cocktail menu. Many people enjoy the secluded feel of the restaurant’s location and the staff’s high attention to detail. The restaurant is the perfect blend of a modern… Read more »

For a breakfast that many call the best in the Smokies head for Crockett’s Breakfast Camp. The restaurant stands out with its giant cast iron skillet, rustic peaked roof, and famous wooden statue of the historic frontiersman David C. “Crockett” Maples. The restaurant is named after this larger than life figure who served in the… Read more »

Finding a restaurant that will please every member of the group can be a tricky proposition on a family vacation. Thankfully, the menu at Crystelle Creek Restaurant & Grill offers diverse selections of freshly prepared dishes that everyone can get excited about. The restaurant is known for its elegant takes on American comfort food classics,… Read more »