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 course American.

The Old Mill Restaurant and the Pottery House Café & Grille offer a selection between two excellent restaurants literally just a few steps away from each other, in the historic Old Mill District. Both eateries take advantage of the working mill that gives them the benefit of their own stone-ground grains. See our combined feature on both these restaurants: Old Mill Restaurant & Pottery House Cafe.

• The Restaurant with its still-working water wheel is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and serves family style food in large portions. Ingredients are fresh and cut or ground by hand. The dishes are wholesome, with lots of meats, fish, soups, salads, and real mashed potatoes – if you’re dying for home cooking, don’t miss the mash! Both places use their own ceramics from the pottery onsite, and share the freshness and handmade philosophy – as well as many different breads and grain products (which you can also buy).
• The Pottery House is open for lunch and dinner with a full menu for both, and a lovely outdoor patio and a huge indoor fireplace. Artisanal breads and breading complement sharper flavors and less huge portions than the Restaurant. Salmon, shrimp and catfish vie with steak, roast beef, pork and other meats, as dishes and in sandwiches. Quiches, salads, dips and a large variety of tasty side dishes make for an extensive selection. Wine and beer here (and not at the Restaurant). Both restaurants have great desserts but you should know about the Old Mill Creamery a few steps away before you choose.

Huck Finn’s Catfish is a family business and locals favorite (since 1995) that serves huge portions of home cooked Southern food. The catfish is high quality pond-raised fish and served in 10 different preparations. The kitchen is clever also with sharp flavors, several secret recipes, crisp textures and some innovative dishes. Clams, salmon, trout and market catch are on offer, as well as great sides, and a mix-n-match flexible menu. Staff are super friendly and the spacious interior has a nice vibe. See our write-up: Huck Finn’s Catfish.

Smokies Cuban Café brings the Caribbean to your table with some great sandwiches and authentic dishes that have a distinct flavor that’s well worth exploring if you don’t know this cuisine. Everything here is fresh in this family-owned restaurant that features traditional Cuban recipes handed down through the generations and made with authentic ingredients. Explore Pastelitos, Empanadas, Cuban Sandwich, Croquetas, Black Beans and Rice, Roasted Pork, Yuca, Tostones and more. Oh, and these people know about coffee! See our feature: Smokies Cuban Café: a Hidden Gem.

Mel’s Diner is as American as it can get – or used to get. It’s a throwback to the Fifties, with booths, chrome and music on the jukebox. Open daily from 7 am until Midnight – and serving breakfast all that time – this joint has an upbeat atmosphere, with food ranging from breakfast to burgers, with sandwiches, soups and salads, as well as chili and dogs, and some home-cooked meat dishes, meatloaf and catfish. Desserts are equally fun, and there are shakes, floats and malts, of course. Details in our feature page: Mel’s Classic Diner.

Gaucho Urbano is a Brazilian steakhouse serving up a class act serving churasco-style, which features many different meats brought to your table on the skewer and cut there. Traditional Brazilian dishes and sides offer a rich and unique experience. This is all you can eat for a set price, in a upbeat atmosphere. There’s a full bar and an extensive wine list. See the full story here: Gaucho Urbano: Brazilian Steakhouse With Modern Flair.

Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown is the larger-than-life entertainment center combined with its huge, 300-seat restaurant and bar – a family friendly place for all ages. A colorful place, the menu is American with vivid flavors, tastes of the coast and Caribbean, and exotic drinks to match. It’s a one-stop destination to keep the kids happy with the arcade games, have an excellent meal, chase it with a cocktail and try your hand at the super easy bowling the venue offers. See our write-up on this extravaganza here: Downtown Flavortown in Pigeon Forge.

The Johnson Family of Restaurants offers excellent food and great menu choices in both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. The steakhouse, barbeque restaurant and pizzeria shown below have locations in both towns, but the farmhouse cooking is available for Pigeon Forge foodies only. See the full family of foods in our feature story: Johnson Family of Restaurants and meanwhile here in Pigeon Forge:

• Alamo Steakhouse is frequently voted the best steaks in town (including by the Washington Post), and offers the best in hand-cut and aged Angus, as well as seafood, chops and an extensive menu to suit all the tastes in your party.
• Bennett’s Pit BBQ offers hickory-smoked meats that fall off the bone. Pork, brisket, chicken and ribs, as platter or sandwich, with a killer secret sauce. Try the combo taster.
• Big Daddy’s Pizzeria uses a wood-fired oven for its thin-crust offerings, and ingredients so fresh that the place has no freezer, as well as great sauces, meatballs and other treats from a creative kitchen. And there’s a third location up in Sevierville also.
• Mama’s Farmhouse offers southern country cooking with a lunch and dinner menu that can change, depending on what Mama thinks is premium that day. Fried chicken or steak, meatloaf, tasty sides and vegetables will keep you going, and the hearty breakfast options will get you started.
• Mad Dog’s Creamery serves hand-dipped ice cream in 24 flavors and sweet-tooth fare such as sundaes, split and shakes. Crispy funnel cakes and super light, fruit-filled donuts add ballast, with multiple flavors and imaginative creations. It’s very pet friendly, with doggie treats and picnic tables with water bowls for Fido.

Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and Farmhouse Grill are two associated restaurants up in Sevierville, just a few minutes from Pigeon Forge. Sprawling along the riverbank just off of Parkway (yes, Sevierville extends the strip even farther), the two restaurants are bookends to multiple venues all deriving from the apple farm, including a hard cider bar, a winery, ice cream and candy, and a general store. There’s plenty of parking so you can stroll and explore all the places. The restaurants are popular for their great food, from an American menu with a creative kitchen that knows how to please. Southern cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and apple fritters you’ll remember forever. Lots of good flavors here, at either restaurant, and a comfortable experience. See the full details in our feature page: Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and Farmhouse Grill.

Dinner Shows Too

And if you’re looking to eat in Pigeon Forge, don’t forget the dinner shows, comedy and theatrical setups that also serve up a handsome meal with the entertainment. Check out the Murder Mystery Show or step into the Hatfield and McCoy feud, visit Country Tonite or Dolly Parton’s Stampede. And the kids will love the Pirates Voyage swashbuckling dinner and show. See our guide to Pigeon Forge Dinner Shows, and explore all the Shows & Nightlife in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

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 world-class Frito Pie!), as well as desserts and ice creams to finish off the meal in hundreds of flavors and recipes.

You’ll never go hungry in Gatlinburg, but you may get dizzy trying to sift through the countless options. Here are a few of our favorite places to eat in town – no offense to the many great other venues in town – so if your time is limited and you have a hankering for a certain type of food, you won’t go wrong with the following selections.

The Johnson Family of Restaurants is high on the list for good eating in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The steakhouse, barbeque restaurant and pizzeria shown below have locations in both towns, and you can also get farmhouse cooking and hand-dipped ice cream treats in their Pigeon Forge venues. See the full family of foods in our feature story: Johnson Family of Restaurants and meanwhile here in Gatlinburg:

• Alamo Steakhouse is frequently voted the best steaks in town (including by the Washington Post), and offers the best in hand-cut and aged Angus, as well as seafood, chops and an extensive menu to suit all the crew.
• Bennett’s Pit BBQ offers hickory-smoked meats that fall off the bone. Pork, brisket, chicken and ribs, as platter or sandwich, with a killer secret sauce. Try the combo taster.
• Big Daddy’s Pizzeria uses a wood-fired oven for its thin-crust offerings, and ingredients so fresh that the place has no freezer, as well as great sauces, meatballs and other treats from a creative kitchen.
• Mama’s Chicken Kitchen offers chicken to eat in or take out, in a variety of chicken meals cooked southern style, and excellent homemade side dishes and salads as well as a kids menu.
• J.O.E. and Pop’s Sub Shoppe serves deli sandwiches and subs (and beer) including Philly, Italian, Reuben and make your own with a variety of meats and cheeses as well as pork, shrimp and tuna.
• Mad Dog’s Creamery offers handmade ice cream in a variety of sublime servings, along with airy and filled donuts with multiple fruit and chocolate flavors, crispy funnel cake and other cakes, pies and specialties – and it’s pet friendly.

Split Rail Eats is off the beaten track, and locals are fine with that since it serves American fare from a very wide-ranging menu backed up with a creative kitchen. Breakfast and lunch and food to go. Nice atmosphere and patio also. Check out our feature story: Split Rail Eats Restaurant – in Gatlinburg Along the Arts Trail.

Taste of Italy is another hidden gem, and lives up to its name with a perfect kitchen serving up classic Italian dishes as well as a great pizza, as well as vegetarian options and a kids menu too. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, a welcome hideaway from the bustle of town. See our feature: Taste of Italy Restaurant: A Gatlinburg Hidden Gem.

Crockett’s Breakfast Camp is the place to get your day off to a robust start. It’s popular, so use the online wait list to get in place – the line moves pretty quickly. The food is fantastic, and the place packs a history punch too. It’s busy but very friendly and real. Check our feature: Crockett’s Breakfast Camp – Hearty Breakfast Meals in the Smoky Mountains.

Delauder’s Smoky Mountain BBQ has been voted among the Top 25 in the nation. You can’t fool barbeque fans, and this family-run place gets nothing but praise for its fare. Event people from the Southeastern states of the USA rave about this place. Check it out: Delauder’s BBQ: Award-Winning Hidden Gem in Gatlinburg.

The Greenbrier Restaurant offers an elegant fine dining dinner experience, chef-driven with seafood, chops and steaks, as well as other fine dishes, and an extensive wine and cocktail offering. The location and setting are part of the enjoyment, secluded and with a large patio feel. Not cheap, of course, but a place to settle and enjoy a special time. Our write-up: The Greenbrier Restaurant: Chef-Driven Dining, Wine & Spirits.

Smith & Son Corner Kitchen is a lunch and dinner restaurant with American fare and an upstairs bar with signature cocktails. The food is excellent, and hearty, with a large menu selection. Dips, salads, sandwiches, burgers, desserts – and a kitchen that knows what to do with brisket, pastrami and other mouth-watering treats. This is food to make you happy and keep you going. See our feature: Smith & Son Corner Kitchen in Gatlinburg.

Smoky Mountain Brewery offers a sports bar and mountain lodge experience, with lunch, dinner and drinks, and open until midnight – but still remaining a family-friendly restaurant and offering plenty of options for the kids. There are micro brews of course, and cocktails and wine, all to wash down the extensive menu items such as fish n’ chips, deli sandwiches, burgers, spaghetti, shells, steaks, chicken and many salads. Vegetarians are welcomed as well as those who love key lime pie. Take out and delivery also. See our feature: Smoky Mountain Brewery in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge.

Cherokee Grill is a dinner restaurant (with lunch on weekends) located next to Smoky Mountain Brewery, offering steakhouse fare rounded out with seafood and pasta dishes, as well as salmon, pork chops and burgers. High quality service and food and generous portions. It’s elegant dining in a very relaxed atmosphere, perfect for everyone. Smoked trout and crab bisque here are highly regarded, while of course the meats are superb and the appetizers are creative and tasty. The restaurant serves wine and microbrews (from the Brewery, its sister). See more: Cherokee Grill: a Prime Gatlinburg Steakhouse.

Smoky Mountain Trout House is now in its fifth decade of serving Gatlinburg with fresh local trout in almost a dozen different preparations. There’s a good cheeseburger here, and the steaks are comparable with steakhouse fare. Catfish, shrimp and Sandwiches are on offer, as well as a good kids menu. Come hungry, the appetizers are appealing. The place is small but extremely friendly and worth finding – locals eat here. Serves wine and local and imported beers. See our feature: Smoky Mountain Trout House in Gatlinburg.

Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar is a seafood restaurant that lives up to its designation, flying in fresh seafood daily and placing itself on a par with the best coastal seafood restaurants in the country. The kitchen handles its top-line foods with appetizing flair, serving up tasters, chowder, gumbo and bisque as well as sandwiches, but of course the main dishes are fresh oysters, lobster, salmon, tuna, grouper, clams, shellfish and the catch of the day. Steaks are great here and the spacious layout offers a capacious bar easily good enough to dine at, and a heated patio overlooking the river. Wine, spirits and microbrews. More: Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar in Gatlinburg.

Smoky Mountains Creperie. If you long for the crepes of Paris that America no longer cherishes, this little counter café run by a Romanian couple serves up the best crepes in America (and maybe France). The Creperie adds Yankee flair to its perfectly created crepes, filling them on the sweet side with fruits, cream and chocolate, and on the savory side with meats, cheeses and veggies. Everything is delicious, and delightful just to look at. Get the breakfast crepe or go straight into lunch, dine at the counter or take out to the street and walk on happy. Read our feature story: Smoky Mountains Creperie in Gatlinburg: Crepes Are Back!

Fannie Farkles. Here’s another place to get food that you can eat on your feet, including the best hot dog (we didn’t say it, people from Chicago do), and the foot-long corn dog. The counter window on Parkway presents a hidden gem in plain sight, and you can go in and sit to eat or walk along munching. Sausage subs and cheesesteaks slathered in peppers and onions can set a body right after, or before, a trek along Parkway. In back is an arcade with both modern and retro games that all the generations will enjoy. See more: Fannie Farkle’s in Gatlinburg: Food and Fun For the Family.

Tennessee Jed’s has long been a favorite with locals for fabulous sandwiches for lunch and breakfast, with fresh ingredients and roasted meats served tender and moist. Understated and very human-friendly, Jed’s offers great service and a very savvy kitchen. Sausage, BBQ, Reuben, turkey, chicken, and even quiche and vegan food, as well as great homemade side dishes (Tip: potato salad), AND a real Frito Pie! Two locations in Gatlinburg and now only one offers the famous breakfast, so see our feature story to learn which one: Tennessee Jed’s: Fabulous Sandwiches, Now 2 Gatlinburg Locations.

The Atrium is a breakfast and lunch restaurant that believes in home cooking and friendly service, satisfying locals and visitors for over 20 years. It specializes in some amazing pancakes (including a baked-apple monster) with excellent texture and delicious taste. Savory breakfasts include great bacon, as well as ham and sausage, and eggs prepared a number of different ways, including two Benedicts and beautifully made omelets, all with tasty home fries or grits. Lunch offers some excellent sandwiches and burgers. Portions here are large, and sharing is okay – but come hungry. Vegan and vegetarian welcome too. See our feature on The Atrium in Gatlinburg: Family-Style Breakfast Feast.

The Peddler Steakhouse is on the pricey side but well worth it for fabulous food and wonderful ambience. It’s local-approved for that special occasion or treat, and for 30 years has offered friendly and attentive staff, custom preparation of your steak, and a perfect menu filled with flavor. The side dishes are appetizing and the salad bar is immense, and between these and the ala carte dishes you could make a great meal even without the entrees. Oysters, salmon, trout, mushrooms and chicken all compete with the steak, which can be custom cut at your table and cooked exactly the way you want it. Combo plates help you sample the menu. The desserts are award-winning and large enough to share. Wine, beer and cocktails complement the cozy ambience nestled in the trees at the national park end of town. See our page on The Peddler Steakhouse: Quality With Mountain Flair.

The Best Italian Café & Pizzeria is one of those hidden gems that are easy to miss and that locals love – and there’s a school of thought that says the restaurant’s name means exactly what it says. The kitchen serves classic Italian dishes but understands New York style, so you can find a perfect thin crust pizza or calzone here. But the dishes are creamy or tangy and all bursting with flavor. Stuffed shells, linguini, fettucini, meatballs, ricotta, mozzarella, Alfredo or marinara, shrimp, clam or calamari – yum! It’s delicious, it’s family, it’s unpretentious and it’s a quiet sanctuary off the street on Parkway to enjoy lunch or dinner with a glass of wine. There’s even a back patio on the river. Don’t tell anyone, but check out our feature on this gem: The Best Italian Café & Pizzeria.

New Orleans Sandwich Company brings an authentic Louisiana genre to town with Cajun and Creole cooking that is some of the finest to be found inland of the Gulf coast. There are plenty of authentic dishes besides the sandwich stuffed with delicious preparations – fried oysters, shrimp, fish, ham, roast beef, you name it – wrapped in the traditional “po boy” style French bread. How about some Gumbo (highly recommended) or Jambalaya, or Crawfish Etoufee? It’s all here at this taste of New Orleans – a hidden gem very much worth seeking out. See our write-up on New Orleans Sandwich Company.

The Wild Plum Tea Room is an eclectic tea and lunch venue with original dishes prepared from fresh and seasonal ingredients in a superbly competent kitchen. The menu varies daily depending on the chef’s inspiration and what’s in season, and can range from Yellowfin tuna to bison burgers and the chef’s special of Lobster Pie. Salads are creative and the desserts are gorgeous. Vegan and custom preparations are available by prior arrangement – the Tea Room is only open on some days of the week, and requires a 24-hour reservation in advance. It’s also cash-only, no plastic. If you have the time to enjoy this place along the Arts Trail, the lunch and the setting are totally worth it. See our feature for details: Wild Plum Tea Room.

Be sure to check out our continually growing list of Notable Eateries in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for even 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. No matter which restaurant in the Johnson Family you choose, you will find the friendly service, comfortable atmosphere, and fresh food they have become famous for.

Check out each of these Johnson Family Restaurants and see what they have to offer.

[Note that all the restaurants close on Wednesdays.]

Alamo Steakhouse

Images courtesy of Johnson Family of Restaurants

Locals have voted this steakhouse the best maker of steaks in the area for six different years. The food here is so good that even the Washington Post recommends it!

Taking the family out to a fantastic dinner just has a way of making you feel like you’re on vacation, and both locations of Alamo Steakhouse offer refined yet casual ambience, friendly service, and delicious food that make them worth a visit. Every steakhouse worth its salt better have quality beef cooked to perfection, and Alamo Steakhouse allows you to choose from a variety of cuts such as Ribeye, Porterhouse, and Filet Mignon and have them prepared according to your preference. The steaks come from Black Angus beef and are hand-cut and aged in house for maximum flavor. The steaks aren’t the only star of the show at Alamo, however, and those in your group looking beyond the beef will find an extensive menu full of inventive appetizers, a variety of seafood and chops, and much more

Black Angus beef is the specialty, but delicious appetizers, seafood, chicken, and other dinners are available too. There’s a menu just for the kids, private booths, and a large private dining room that holds up to 50.

705 E. Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-9998
~~ AND ~~
3050 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 908-9998
http://www.alamosteakhouse.com/

Bennett’s Pit BBQ

If you love hickory-smoked BBQ, Bennett’s is the place to be! Winner of 2013’s “Best Ribs, Best BBQ in the County”.

If you’re craving real, hickory-smoked BBQ during your trip to the Smoky Mountains, then you need to make your way to Bennett’s Pit BBQ in either Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. They have been doing BBQ the right way for over 25 years, and the dedication to the craft and care show in the fall-off-the-bone tender meats, some of which are smoked for up to 14 hours, and in their signature sauce. All of your BBQ favorites including pork shoulder, beef brisket, chicken, and baby-back ribs are available, many of them as a platter or a sandwich. If you’re really hungry you can opt for one of the combos that gives you a taste of several of their signature BBQ classics.

You can’t go wrong with any of the sumptuously tender BBQ meals at Bennett’s. They use their own secret sauce, and smoke your pork, chicken, or beef up to 14 hours before serving. Many customers swear they’ve had the best BBQ in the world at Bennett’s.

714 River Rd., Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-2400
~~ AND ~~
2910 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 429-2200
http://www.bennetts-bbq.com/

Big Daddy’s Pizzeria

Fresh ingredients, hand-made dough, and blazing hot wood-fired ovens are the benchmarks for great pizza, and Big Daddy’s pizzeria has them all. The toppings and sauces they offer are so fresh, they don’t even keep a freezer in the restaurant!

Pick from among their creative specialty pizzas or build your own, and maybe add some of their famous homemade meatballs as an appetizer. All Big Daddy’s pizzas are homemade, and get topped off with their own sauces and ingredients.

If you love thin-crust pizza, you’ll love Big Daddy’s! And when the kids are done, let them have a blast in the arcade at the Pigeon Forge location.

1820 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862
(865) 908-1123
~~ AND ~~
714 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-5455
~~ AND ~~
3053 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 429-7171
http://www.bigdaddyspizzeria.net/

Mama’s Farmhouse

Ever been to a restaurant without a menu? At Mama’s, you have no choice but to enjoy a great meal every time!

For a true southern country cooking experience in the Smokies, head to Mama’s Farmhouse in Pigeon Forge. A variety of southern classics such as fried chicken, meatloaf, and country fried steak are all on the menu, but keep in mind that not every entree is available every day. Each selection comes with a choice of down-home sides such as macaroni and cheese, creamed corn, and cole slaw to round out that traditional country dining experience. Oh, and we can’t forget to mention the acclaimed buttermilk biscuits, which won the People’s Choice Award at the 2015 International Biscuit Festival. Mama’s Farmhouse is also open for a hearty breakfast if you need to fuel up for your day of exploration

You get a mix of delicious Southern-style vegetables and meat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Then, top it off with a strawberry, banana, or peach dessert.

Look for the big silo!
208 Pickel St., Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 908-4646
http://www.mamasfarmhouse.com/

Mad Dog’s Creamery

Funnel cakes and soft-serve ice cream have just been added to Mad Dog’s menu! But, you can get hand-dipped ice cream 10 months out of the year (closed January and February).

When your sweet tooth hits, nothing satisfies quite like some hand-made ice cream, and Mad Dog’s Creamery and Donuts has just the cure. Whether you want a simple scoop of chocolate or a giant sundae with all the fixings, the selection of sweets at Mad Dog’s will satisfy your cravings. Both locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge now offer light and airy donuts, crispy funnel cake, and much more. Special dog donut treats are also available if you want to bring your four-legged companion.

Make sure you make a pit stop here when you visit Pigeon Forge on your family’s vacation!

3048 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 774-5558
~~ AND ~~
731 East Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 430-5757
maddogscreamery.com

Mama’s Chicken Kitchen

Sometimes it has to be fried chicken. And when that happens, Mama’s Chicken has it for you, a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice offering southern cooking by the plate to eat in, or by the bucket to go – and the location on the east side of Gatlinburg puts you close to some great picnic spots in the national park.

Southern cooking from Mama’s kitchen offers cuts of chicken in full meals, a chicken tender or a southern fried chicken liver meal, chicken and dumplings, chicken fried chicken, and a 3-veggie meal. Wings are available of course, with a variety of special sauces. And there are plenty of fresh and substantial salads to vary the cuisine for the whole group.

The homemade side dishes include French fries (or chili cheese fries enough for two people), mashed potatoes and gravy, creamed corn, green or baked beans, coleslaw of course, and soup or onion straws. And there’s a kid’s menu with grilled cheese and other sandwiches, hot dogs and chicken tenders.

1244 East Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 412-1333
mamaschickenkitchen.com

J.O.E. and Pop’s Sub Shoppe

For subs and deli sandwiches, Joe and Pop offer Philly steak and cheesesteak, with a chicken cheesesteak version as well, along with Italian subs, open faced roast beef, club sandwich and the Reuben of course for the corned beef lover, and also a pork cutlet, a shrimp dish, and more. You can build your own sub with deli cheeses and meats and even tuna, and grab a hot dog too, to smother with chili and cheese or other dressings.

Joe and Pop’s is next door to Mama’s Chicken Kitchen, sharing the same building divided into two restaurants, but you can order from Mama’s menu at Joe and Pop’s also, so there are plenty of chicken varieties of meal, as well as salads and sides. Joe and Pop’s serves beer as well as some desserts you won’t find at Mama’s. Prices are reasonable and service is happy and professional.

1244 East Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Tel: (865) 412-1333
joeandpops.com

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. It offers a great breakfast and lunch menu, as well as food to go. It’s located along the Arts & Crafts Community Trail, so it makes a good place to rest and recharge in between the window shopping.

Image courtesy of Split Rail Eats

The owners of Split Rail Easts are known for going out of their way to create a pleasant and inviting dining atmosphere for their guests. In response to their excellent reputation and equally good food, people from all over come here for all their dining needs, from quick lunch dates to full birthday celebrations.

Dining Atmosphere and Experience

Although the outside setting is back-of-the-stores nondescript – which makes it not readily visible from the main trail – the dining atmosphere at Split Rail Eats is welcoming, with a rustic decor and quaint seating arrangements. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, weather permitting.

Split Rail Eats opened in late 2018, and at the time of writing is a recent addition to the eateries in town, but it’s quickly gained a reputation for friendliness and accommodating service. The staff and owners are welcoming and attentive to ensure their guests leave delighted with their food and dining experience.

Split Rail Eats Menu Items

At Split Rail Eats, they claim that there is something for everyone and back it up with a diverse menu. Notable dishes include “hand pies” made with ham and cheese, chicken pot pie filling or spinach and feta cheese. There’s also an amazing cinnamon-roll hand pie that can be prepared a la mode.

Beyond the hand pies, other snacks include the southern-fried pickles and cheese curds, a great hit with the community. The chicken fritters are especially acclaimed, an exciting mix of shredded chicken and cream cheese breaded in panko, then fried to perfection. When paired with the unique “boom boom sauce”, the flavor combination has been called out of this world.

More favorites include the Naan Fish Taco, which provides a distinctive flavor infusion both unique and memorable – naan bread covered in delicious beer-battered fish, house slaw and spicy chipotle mayo. Even the “ordinary” breakfast items, including biscuits and sausage gravy, omelets and French toast, are noted as anything but ordinary.

No matter what they pick from the long menu offered at Split Rail Eats, by all accounts, it seems that visitors just cannot lose. Every menu item reportedly goes well beyond expectations to keep visitors coming back time and time again for another taste.

Split Rail Eats Location in Gatlinburg

Split Rail Eats is located at the Covered Bridge Shops on the Yellow Route of the Gatlinburg Trolley. Located right along the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Trail, Split Rail Eats it is a great place for people to rest and recharge while shopping or simply exploring the area. Visitors can drive along this eight-mile trail loop on their own or leave the stress behind by taking the Gatlinburg Trolley.

Split Rail Eats
849 Glades Rd, Ste 1B1, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 325-8445
www.splitraileats.com/

Hours
Tue-Sat: 8 am – 7 pm // Sun: 9 am – 3 pm // Monday – Closed

UPDATE: Congratulations to Split Rail Eats for its second-place winning entry in the 2021 GatlinBURGER Week. The restaurant combined its popular mac-n-cheese side dish with a smashed Angus Beef patty, Gruyere cheese, bacon and a tangy sauce to produce the “Daddy Mac” for the annual contest.

image courtesy of Gatlinburg.com

And whether you’re in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, or out in the national park, you can find a convenient cabin just minutes away by choosing from our Gatlinburg cabin rentals, Pigeon Forge cabins, and Wears Valley cabins.

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 with fresh ingredients. The restaurant is located on East Parkway, hidden from sight but close to hand.

Taste of Italy’s menu features a generous selection of Italian-inspired dishes to please the palette of every member of your group. If you’re looking for a classic Italian entree such as Eggplant Parmesan or Chicken Piccata you’re in luck, and you can’t go wrong with one of the gourmet pizzas built on scratch-made dough. Entrees include many seafood and pasta dishes, many salads and appetizers – calzones of course – as well as subs and wraps. The restaurant offers a children’s menu also.

Images courtesy of Taste of Italy

Regardless of taste, all the family can dine together and find something for everyone, because Taste of Italy also offers American fare such as burgers, sandwiches, and french fries to go along with their variety of Italian specialties.

Gatlinburg can get crowded with throngs of visitors, especially during holidays and peak-season weekends. This means that restaurants often fill up fast too, as families roam Parkway in search of a satisfying meal.

Taste of Italy prides itself as being “Gatlinburg’s best kept secret,” largely due to its location just off East Parkway. In other words, most people who dine there are “in the know,” and Taste of Italy usually has plentiful parking and fewer crowds when compared with some of the more centrally located options.

The interior of Taste of Italy is tastefully decorated with Italianate photos and artwork adorning the walls to complement its classic Italian cuisine. The ambience of the restaurant is simple and comfortable, without any trace of stuffiness, making it a great choice for a nice meal out with the entire family, a date night, or as a great spot to refuel amid the rigors of the day.

Planning your visit to Taste of Italy

Taste of Italy is located at 1235 East Parkway, Gatlinburg TN, 37738. You’ll find it at traffic light #2B, in the strip mall at the far end of the Food City parking lot. Reservations are accepted, and you can also call to order take-out.

Taste of Italy serves serves beer both bottled and on draft, and allows guests to bring in their own wine, supplying glasses and charging no corking fee. There is also a wine shop nearby, in case you need to stop in and grab a bottle of wine for dinner on the way.

Hours

Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Closed on Monday
[During January & February: Closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday]
For more information, please visit www.tasteofitalygatlinburg.com, or call 865-325-1750.

And remember, whichever town you go to eat or for entertainment, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are really close, and all the attractions are close to our Gatlinburg cabin rentals, Pigeon Forge cabins, and Wears Valley cabins.

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 of the coasts for freshness and flavor.

The restaurant cuts its seafood on a daily basis, flown in fresh every day, sourced from the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts. There are specials and the catch of the day to watch for also. The menu offers several types of oyster dishes, along with lobster, salmon, tuna, grouper, clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp, and whatever else the fishing boat brings in.

Chesapeake’s has crab also, a special mention here because satisfying connoisseurs of the authentic Maryland Crab Cake is a hard feat and this restaurant does it superbly well. It’s part of the effort to please seafood lovers away from the coast, and this restaurant does that.

The kitchen handles all its dishes, sides and sauces with a lot of flair, serving up combo plates or sandwich offerings, chowder, gumbo, bisque and some wonderful spinach dishes.

You can get a steak here too, that is actually comparable to a steak house, or a hamburger, as well as a variety of other dishes – some rare like baked spiced apples – and salads, chicken and assorted other things. There are several breads, all good, and sharing dishes is a good way to sample more of the treats.

The desserts are impeccable, creamy and rich, with cheesecake, bread pudding, real New England-style shortcake, and the famous Delaware Pie that makes the most of coffee ice cream.

Chesapeake’s is a large restaurant with a good atmosphere. The bar winds around in style, the high tables nearby are well spaced, the booths overlooking the river are worth asking for, along with the adjoining outdoor patio. Staff shuck oysters right behind the raw section of the bar.

Reservations are recommended here, but the bar is open to walk in, and spacious enough that those who like to eat at a bar, or those waiting for a table, will be well satisfied. The restaurant has a good wine list as well as spirits and craft microbrews.

There’s paid parking next door (not affiliated), and free parking is close by.

Useful Information

Chesapeake’s
437 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Tel: (865) 622-6999
Web: chesapeakes.com and Facebook

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, as the owners also run two seafood restaurants on the Florida Gulf coast. So their seafood sources are well established, and the seafood you’ll enjoy at Harpoon Harry’s is very fresh.

Images courtesy of Harpoon Harry’s Crab House

The atmosphere at Harpoon Harry’s is one-of-a-kind, the result of a $3.5 million building project that used reclaimed wood from local barns, milled and kiln-dried on site. Each table in the place was built by local artisans, and every aspect of the restaurant has been carefully designed to create the type of atmosphere that both impresses and welcome you in. Thanks to its size (26,000 square feet!), Harpoon Harry’s doubles as an event center and hosts receptions and parties of all sizes.

The atmosphere is great , and the food matches it as you’d expect. The cuisine here, like all seafood restaurants, is not inexpensive, but Harry’s holds its own as a prime dinner contender. Some guests even report it was the best meal they enjoyed during their time in Pigeon Forge.

Harpoon Harry’s serves up a huge variety of menu items, including several non-seafood choices ranging from steaks to burgers to tacos. Vegetarians and kids can also be happy here, and sushi lovers will find the fare first rate. There’s a full bar for beverages.

Some of the highest-demand menu items include:

The King Crab Boil – One pound of wild-caught Alaskan king crab legs, served up steaming hot and bursting with flavor. It’s a crab house, after all, and doesn’t disappoint.

Lobster Mac and Cheese – Can’t choose between pasta and seafood? This cheesy favorite pairs the ultimate comfort food: mac and cheese, complete with a house-made cheesy garlic sauce, with the sophisticated, buttery flavor of fresh lobster. Expect a very generous portion that’s definitely shareable if you also order an appetizer.

Blackened Shrimp Cobb Salad – This hearty salad features lightly blackened shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, blue cheese, tomatoes, bacon bits, avocado, red onion, and a fresh, crisp bed of Arcadian lettuce – all topped with house-made blue cheese dressing.

Smothered Chicken Dinner – As a superb alternative to seafood, the smothered chicken is memorable. This grilled chicken breast is beautifully seasoned with a mesquite rub and fire-grilled, then smothered with red and green peppers, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and melted Swiss cheese. It’s served up with mashed potatoes and mixed veggies. Definitely a winning chicken dinner.

Sushi – The well-rounded sushi menu features everything from the Rainbow Roll (featuring crab, tuna, avocado, cucumber, salmon, and yellowtail) to a wide variety of cooked sushi favorites to sashimi. You’ll also find vegetarian rolls, fried rolls, and house sake to enjoy on the side.

Harpoon Harry’s is hard to miss. It’s located right on the Parkway where it crosses the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. Ask for upstairs window seating (or outdoor seats with a view) so you can enjoy mountain and river views at sunset!

Parking is easily accessible, and you aren’t likely to have a wait most of the time – not because Harpoon Harry’s isn’t popular, but because they keep so many tables available each night. That said, the restaurant does accepts reservations, which you can also make online.

Useful Information

Harpoon Harry’s Crab House
112 Community Center Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Tel: (865) 428-2006
Web: harpoonharryscrabhouse.com
Hours: Daily, 11am – 9pm

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 – you’ll spot a great Selfie Wall on each side, painted by a local artist, and with a black bear and “Gatlinburg” motif.

Award-winning “The Italian Job” hamburger, image courtesy of Smith & Son Corner Kitchen

The Corner Kitchen is a perfect place to get out of the bustle of the street and dive into a meal of fresh catfish, ribs or sizzling fajitas, and many more – the menu is extensive enough to please everyone.

The Menu

Start with quesadillas, spinach-artichoke dip, or a lovely, chopped salad. Grab a French Dip sandwich or an Ole Fashioned Reuben. This is down home food with an Appalachian flair, and lots of influences. Tuck into smoke meatloaf or a fried shrimp platter with all of the sides that you are looking for. When it comes to sandwiches, burgers and other comforting entrees, Smith & Son has you covered. If you’re looking for something really substantial, consider the chicken fried steak or the Half Smoked Yard Bird, which is chicken that has been slow smoked with a signature Corner Kitchen rub.

Burgers

And before you choose your entrée, check out the hamburgers at the Corner Kitchen. In Gatlinburg’s annual contest for best burger – an event known of course as GatlinBURGER Week – Smith & Son took first place in 2020 and 2nd place in 2021. The contest features numerous local restaurants, frequently with an off-menu creation.

The winner in 2020 which earned Smith & Son Corner Kitchen the title of GatlinBURGER Burgermeister  was the unusual and totally incredible “Italian Job”, described by the kitchen as:

Two Prime Brisket blend patties, topped with creamy melted gruyere. Accented with caramelized onions, thin crispy pastrami wedges, and mouthwatering dill pickles. This flavorful burger was finished off with a roasted red pepper garlic aioli. And served on a perfectly toasted sweet brioche bun.

For 2021, chef Michael Tucker went a little south of the border with “The Gatlin Gunslinger” – a half-pound ground beef and chorizo burger. The meat is topped with Gouda, fried egg and pico de gallo.  A smattering of ghost peppers and Ole Smoky Mango Habanero Whisky sauce with chipotle ranch was the finishing relish.

Drinks

Start your Smith & Son Corner Restaurant experience with a cocktail from the upstairs sports bar. The drinks menu features a wide range of selections. Unique cocktails, like the Miss Kennedy, Hillbilly Hurricane or the White Trash will give you a taste of the hills. Each drink is handcrafted by a bar staff who want you to enjoy your stay. This is a useful place to unwind after a long day or to enjoy the weekend with friends. If you’ve celebrated too hard, try the Sunday Funday hangover cure cocktail.

Final Touches

No meal is complete without dessert. Ask what the cheesecake selection of the day is. If cheesecake is not what you are looking for, try homemade chocolate cake with chocolate mousse or scratch-made banana pudding with real vanilla flavoring. Each dessert aims to satisfy that sweet tooth. Follow that with coffee to complete the meal.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Smith & Son Corner Kitchen
812 Parkway Ste 105, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 430-1978
Web: smithandsoncornerkitchen.com and Facebook
Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-9pm // Fri-Sat 11am-10pm

Gatlinburg offers mouthwatering Southern food around every corner, but some specialties are a little harder to find. Boudicca’s is one of only two Celtic restaurants 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 and kids. It’s a great stop for a casual date or a family outing.

Images courtesy of Boudicca’s Celtic Pub

Boudicca’s Celtic Pub is nestled into a corner of The Village shopping area. It’s easy to overlook when you’re driving up the strip looking for restaurants, but it’s a powerful contender – centrally located, easily accessible, and with plenty of nearby parking. It’s a great lunch stop in the heart of Gatlinburg, or a late-evening meal.

Don’t expect a large restaurant with an expansive dining room. Boudicca’s is a step above counter-serve, but you’ll need to order downstairs at the bar, then walk upstairs to the cozy dining room above. Upstairs, windows overlook the steeply-pitched roofs and cobblestone walkways of The Village and the mountains in the distance–a great backdrop to your fish ‘n chips dinner.

Boudicca’s packs a big personality into a small building. In the style of a good ‘ol Southern steakhouse, you’ll find memorabilia, history, and art all over the walls, but instead of barbed wire and cowboy hats, this memorabilia sets a distinctly Celtic mood. Features like beer keg stools and Scottish crests help imbue the place with notable personality.

Here are some of the most popular menu items.

• Fish ‘n Chips. An all-time favorite, it’s hard to go wrong with fish ‘n chips, and Boudiccas does them up right. Though the fish portions aren’t huge, they are very high quality, and they’re served up piping hot with all the tartar sauce and malt vinegar you need to go alongside the main event. Boudicca’s thick-cut fries (“chips”) are also consistently hot, fresh, and tasty.
• Bangers & Mash. These Celtic sausages are marinated in Guinness before being cooked and served hot alongside fresh mashed potatoes smothered in sweet caramelized onions and Irish gravy. Visitors consistently leave impressive reviews for good reason; this is Irish comfort food worth coming back to.
• Beer Cheese & Chips. Boudicca’s house-made beer cheese is an Irish twist on creamy queso dip. House-made with a secret blend of beer, cheese, and Celtic spices, this is an addictive substance that pairs dangerously well with hot fries–a brilliant snack when you just want a little something instead of a full meal (or a side to enjoy along with your dinner).
• Scottish Street Melt. A more contemporary Scottish food, the street melt is a contender for Boudicca’s most popular menu items. The street melt features Irish white and yellow cheddar cheeses on a warm, buttered potato roll with freshly grilled red and green bell peppers, sweet onions, and a never-frozen 100% Angus beef patty. Served up with hot, Celtic-sea-salt-seasoned chips, it’s hard to go wrong with this favorite.
• Boudicca’s also cooks a perfect steak that isn’t on the menu, and well worth asking about.

Oh, and Boudicca’s understands the American burger only too well – the pub won the 2022 GatlinBURGER Week Award for best out of 16 competing restaurants. That’s high praise for the kitchen, and a nod to the awesome bangers that fit perfectly with the beef in the bun.

Bringing the whole family? You’ll also find a kid’s menu that will please even the pickiest of small appetites. Staples like chicken strips and fries, a simple burger, and cheese & fries will keep the younger set happy. There’s even a menu item for the canines: chopped steak in a doggy dish that’ll satisfy a dog’s appetite.

Boudicca’s is a great stop if you’re craving a snack, meal, or pint at odd hours. It also offers special menu items that aren’t always on the official menu; these are always worth a try, as well. If you’re thirsty for a pint, or hungry for some food from the old country, stop by this hidden jewel while you’re visiting Gatlinburg.

Useful Information

Boudicca’s Celtic Pub
The Village Shops, 634 Parkway, Gatlinburg,TN 37738
Tel: (865) 325-1113
Web: boudiccascelticpub.com
Open Daily, 10 am – 10 pm (approximately)

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 has an inventive, bold twist that takes those familiar classics up a few notches. And the range of the menu enlarges the southern cooking to include some worldly items.

Image courtesy of Local Goat

The Local Goat scratch-made kitchen isn’t afraid to play with flavor, and it typically wins – winning also with local ingredients. Ninety-nine percent of the menu items are made completely in-house, using locally sourced produce, high-quality grass-fed beef, and local craft beers and wines. The fried green tomatoes here are sourced from Grainger County (well known locally for its prolific, tasty tomatoes), and they’re served with caramelized onions, goat cheese, and bacon jam. Some visitors have slapped a new label on the Local Goat’s menu offerings: “craft food”, to accompany the craft beer and wine they serve. Every down-home classic seems to have a brilliant modern twist.

Even the art on the wall is made by local artisans – adding to the atmosphere of the restaurant. Local Goat isn’t spectacular from the outside, looking a bit like a ho-hum strip mall restaurant, but that’s where the similarities end. In fact, the impressively crowded parking lot should tip you off that this is a highly popular place. Local Goat is a locals favorite for its excellent food, and as it’s become better known to visitors, it can be quite full. It’s a good idea to call ahead for a reservation, and Local Goat actually requires reservations for parties larger than 8, so keep that in mind if you’re visiting with a crowd.

Inside the restaurant you’ll find a clean and cozy atmosphere, friendly and professional service, and the aromas of excellent food wafting through the room. All breads and desserts are made from scratch in the kitchen daily, and beef for the burgers is ground each day. Of the 24 craft beers on the menu, 22 are local to the Pigeon Forge area – and you’ll find an excellent wine list from local vineyards and around the world.

Attire is casual and kids are welcome. The lounge area has large HDTVs for watching the game, but the dining area doesn’t typically get as noisy and chaotic as the typical sports bar – so if you’re heading out for a casual date or a family dinner, you can expect a good atmosphere.

The menu also includes dips, wings, fondue, peppers and fabulous Deep-Fried Deviled Eggs (!) in the starters arena. There are some great salads (including Mediterranean), with protein additions for the salads ranging from grilled salmon and seared tuna to steak and other meats. There’s a bisque and a soup of the day worth asking about.

Entrees include fish and chips, steaks, ribs, bison meatloaf, pork chops, shrimp, salmon, teriyaki, chicken, and pastas – all of which come with their own compelling flavorings. There are lots of different burgers and hot sandwiches, with ingredients ranging from lamb and feta, portobello and goat cheese,  and fried bananas, to beef and bacon, chicken, Ahi tuna and a vegetarian meatless.

There are only a few vegetarian meals on the menu, but everything is tasty – the sides are all delicious and the desserts are wonderful. There are plenty of soft beverages. This is a dine-in restaurant, with nothing available to-go. Happy hour happens every day from 3-6pm, with discounts on draft beers and wines by the glass.

Local Goat is located right off the Parkway in north Pigeon Forge, less than 1/4 mile south of the Tanger Outlets. If you want to beat the crowds, visit during non-peak times or make reservations in advance. The parking situation in particular can get a bit sticky at dinnertime.

Useful Information

Local Goat – New American Restaurant
2167 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Tel: (865) 366-3035
Web: localgoatpf.com
Hours: Daily, 11am – 10pm

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 at the counter or phone in for takeout or have it delivered (they also cater).

Image courtesy of Smoky Mountains Creperie

For those not familiar with them, crepes are flat and round like a tortilla, but with a thinner texture and a more delicate flavor, which really highlights whatever delicious food is contained inside. Crepes can come fluffy and light, or with a crisp outside and even super thin and crispy. They can be folded over or rolled, or made into a cone. This means you can hold most any kind of tasty or delicious food and eat it all as one fantastic taste treat – and the Creperie has a lot of  those to choose from.

On the Sweet Side

The Creperie offers several concoctions with Nutella for that wonderful chocolate-hazelnut taste, often combined with bananas or strawberries (the perfect pairing) or both. Crepes come with marshmallows, apple & cheesecake, peach & white chocolate (!), almonds, caramel – ingredients are all sourced fresh from local farms, and will vary with the seasons.

You can add flavors of ice cream for an extra boost to your crepe – and be advised that the whipping cream is homemade and many customers call it the best they’ve ever had. Kids love the crepes and will enjoy the snow-cones that are also available.

The crepes come folded in half with spreads and ingredients inside, and then folded over the quarter with even more goodies inside and on top. And also these fine things can come in rolls. Or they can all come packed in a cone, carried in paper or a cup.

On the Savory Side

If you’re hungry for a snack rather than a sweet, try the chicken, cheese and veggies crepes, or go for beef, ham or even smoked salmon. Go with a teriyaki or a bbq style crepe, or a spinach and feta delicacy. The California Chicken adds spinach, veggies, avocado and sauce for a real meal experience.

The Creperie is a breakfast place as well as a brunch/lunch solution, so maybe go for the Monte Cristo in the morning, with eggs, Swiss cheese, ham and sauce. You can add avocado or eggs to anything, and there’s also the Veggie Suprema that adds a flavor explosion to cheese.

Drinks

The Creperie offers several soft drinks as well as lemonade and energy drinks. And they know about coffee here too, as well as chocolate (and both together if you want). As well as the freshly made coffee with free refills, you can get an espresso, latte or frappucino here also, to offset the savory or sweet. White chocolate and mocha flavor in your coffee drink? Sure thing.

The Experience

Smoky Mountains Creperie is a walk-in place where you can sit at the counter to eat or get it to take outside. As mentioned, you can call in a takeout order too. And the place is hooked up with Uber Eats, which means you can have that delicious goodness delivered to your cabin if you want.

Prices here are reasonable and the crepes are quite filling – lots of people are glad they didn’t order two, but if you really want a meal, two will do it for you. It’s a great stop along the way to take some fuel on board and then carry on with the serious business of exploring Parkway, without getting bogged down at a table in a restaurant and getting stuffed.

Crepes are the light food made for foot traffic, and many people will never have eaten a crepe sitting down. In Paris you may find a crepe stall on the sidewalk along the way to wherever you were going or whatever you were doing. The Creperie adds an extra dimension with its variety of flavors, its chef-quality recipes and presentation, and the friendly atmosphere of the place.

For a time in America, crepes were popular (the Magic Pan was the notable chain), but the nation seems to have lost the yearning for them from about the Nineties on. It’s definitely our loss, as visitors to Europe generally testify when they discover this hidden gem in Gatlinburg.

Owned by a friendly couple from Romania, Smoky Mountains Creperie brings this genius European food back to America, and Gatlinburg gets the benefit. The location is right next to the Space Needle.

Useful Information

Smoky Mountains Creperie
812 Parkway Suite 111, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Tel: (865) 325-6030
Website and Facebook
Hours: 11 am – 9 pm (11 pm Fri-Sat)

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 to get ice cream in an area with hundreds of restaurants and eateries, so let your ice cream instinct be your guide, as well as these picks below.

Image courtesy of Apple Valley Creamery

Apple Valley Creamery

Sevierville is just minutes up the road from Pigeon Forge, and worth a trip to check out the winery and restaurants of this farm, as well as the Apple Valley Creamery for a melt-in-your mouth experience of pure ice cream goodness. With more than 60 flavors of ice cream to choose from, both regular and sugar-free, there will be plenty of flavors you’ll want to sample. The homemade ice cream uses natural ingredients and offers cones, malts, sundaes, milkshakes, and banana splits. The bakery also makes delicious cakes.

Curl de la Creme

At Curl de la Creme in Pigeon Forge, express your creativity by choosing your favorite flavors and letting ice cream artisans prepare your item just the way you like it. Start with choosing a base flavor such as chocolate, vanilla, or mint ice cream then mix in goodies like bananas, cherries, brownies, and more. Add a topping from a list of favorites that include M&M’s, peanuts, sprinkles, coconut, marshmallows, and peanut butter cups, then top it off with your choice of sweet sauce. Your creation is served as a waffle taco, waffle bowl, or a Kremewich. To please all palates, the shop offers gluten-free and vegan products.

Glade’s Soda Fountain

Step back to a simpler time when old-fashioned soda fountains were the place to meet for a cool refreshment. At Glade’s Soda Fountain in Gatlinburg’s arts and crafts enclave of Morning Mist Village (on Glades Road along the Community Trail), take your pick from sundaes, ice cream sodas, floats, malts, banana splits, and milkshakes. If you’re in the mood for a sandwich, try the fresh baked chocolate chip cookies filled with ice cream for a delectable sandwich treat.

Kilwins

For a taste of original recipe ice cream, plan a visit to Kilwins in Gatlinburg, where sweet aromas fill the air. An assortment of treats is available at Kilwins to please everyone of all ages. While deciding which flavor you want to fill the hand-rolled waffle cone, watch as the staff create a variety of hand-crafted confections such as Mackinac Island fudge, caramel apples, and crunchy brittle. Enjoy ice cream favorites such as New Orleans praline pecan in a waffle cone and sea salt caramel milkshakes. Since the 1980s, Kilwins has pleased the palate of visitors wanting a sweet experience.

Mad Dog’s Creamery and Donuts

At Mad Dog’s Creamery and Donuts, customers can definitely “get the scoop” on a variety of ice cream flavors, from traditional vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry to creative flavors such as Yellow Brick Road, Rainbow Sherbet, and Smoky Mountain Fudge. Located in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Mad Dog’s serves an impressive menu of hand-dipped premium ice cream cone, sundaes, milkshakes, and more. Picnic tables and water bowls for your four-legged friend too.

Old Mill Creamery

One of the many choices in Pigeon Forge for delicious ice cream, the Old Mill Creamery offers traditional as well as unique flavors. Consider a hand-scooped serving of browned butter walnut ice cream, a thick and creamy milkshake, or for those who can’t make up their mind, order one of the ice cream flights for an assortment of rich flavors. Whether you’re on your way to or coming back from Dollywood, just 1.2 miles away, stop in for flavorful experience. Enjoy outdoor seating or order your treat to go.

Village Cafe & Creamery

While strolling through The Village and its many shops in downtown Gatlinburg, take a break for a tasty refreshment with a visit to the Village Cafe & Creamery. With a diverse menu featuring specialty coffees and sodas, smoothies and iced drinks, the cafe also serves a variety of ice cream favorites such as old-fashioned sodas, floats, malts, shakes, and 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 palate, from breakfast to burgers, and desserts any time to satisfy a sweet tooth, this diner has long been a Pigeon Forge favorite among locals and visitors alike.

The atmosphere is fun and upbeat with ongoing music from the 50’s and 60’s. Pick your favorite tune from the jukebox, sing along, or challenge others to name that tune while enjoying generous portions from a large selection of classic cuisine.

Start and End the Day Your Way

Breakfast classics offer a delicious and filling way to start the day. Enjoy eggs the way you like them accompanied by traditional bacon or sausage or go classic with a side of fried bologna, beef tips, or country fried steak.

Short and big stacks of fluffy pancakes topped with butter and syrup with assorted sides, sweet and delicious French toast, assorted omelets, or tasty biscuits smothered in sausage gravy and sides, such as hash browns or grits, round out the breakfast menu.

Breakfast is served all day, from 7 am to MIdnight, for those who consider it great at any time. And all menu items are available at all times.

Lunch and Dinner Classic Menu

To start off your meal, Mel’s has plenty to choose from. Savor the flavor of Trevor’s Cheese Fries with Bacon, Tony’s Onion Rings, Abbot & Costello Jumbo Wings, John Wayne’s Chicken Quesadilla, and much more.

If you prefer a light meal, choose from a variety of flavorful soups and salads. The menu offers favorites such as a bowl of hearty homemade chili or chicken noodle soup, or a freshly made Cori’s Chef salad, Julie’s Grilled Chicken Salad, homemade chicken or tuna salad, or a spicy Mucho Lolo’s Taco Salad.

Mel’s sandwich menu turns traditional ingredients into a “blast from the past” with favorites, such as the Bette Davis BLT, Darlene’s Fried Bologna and Cheese, Matt’s Meatloaf Sandwich, or the chicken, barbecue, bacon, and cheese Fabulous Thunderbird.

From traditional hot dogs to burgers, Mel’s also has choices such as Big Foot’s Foot Long Dog, the Buddy Holly Chili cheeseburger, the Chubby Checker Cheeseburger, or the Beach Boy Hamburger.

Betty Jo’s Home Cookin’

Several favorites made from scratch are part of the menu selections that offer guests a taste of tradition. Choose from classics such as Miss Stella’s Country Fried Steak and Gravy, slow-roasted Randi’s Pulled Pork Barbecue or Grandpappy’s Pot Roast, Hungry Eddie’s Hamburger Steak, Bad Boy’s Beef Liver and Onions, Miss Dee’s Hand-Breaded Catfish, and Sudlow’s Made from Scratch Meatloaf

Sweeten the Meal

Rich and creamy ice cream delights sweeten the meal with a selection of shakes, floats, malts, and sundaes. Delve into an order of homemade peach cobbler or enjoy a slice of strawberry shortcake or hot fudge cake.

For the ultimate dessert experience, share an order of Mel’s ultimate banana split featuring six scoops of ice cream accompanied by a banana, and pineapple and strawberry topping, rich chocolate syrup, sweet whipped cream, assorted nuts, and a traditional cherry highlight the pyramid. Guests can enjoy a smaller version of Mel’s banana split available with three scoops of ice cream plus all the toppings.

Planning a Visit

Whether your plans have you headed to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, or area attractions, Mel’s Diner is just a short drive away – located at 119 Wears Valley Road, just off Parkway near Traffic Light #3. (See our Back Roads & Shortcuts guide to see how accessible this location is.)

Mel’s Diner is open 7 am until Midnight, 7 days a week, and caters orders to go as well as seated dining. You can also buy a limited-edition T-shirt with assorted designs and other merchandise to commemorate your visit.

Location: 119 Wears Valley Road, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Phone: 865-429-2184
Web: melsdinerpf.com