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 each other: the Old Mill Restaurant and the Old Mill Pottery House Cafe & Grille. Read on for the scoop on each place.

To see the many treats lying in wait around both these restaurants, see our feature guide to the Old Mill District & Square. And note that you can shop online for some of the great products available at both these restaurants (the artisan bread is shipped nationwide).

Images courtesy of the Old Mill

Old Mill Restaurant

The oldest restaurant in Pigeon Forge serves family style food that will satisfy any hunger – large portions of country food are the standard here (and you can split an entrée).

Breakfast, until 11 am, offers farm eggs backed up with stone-ground corn grits, biscuits, muffins, breads and pancakes, all ground at the Mill. There are lots of meat choices, including pork loin, country fried steak, bacon, ham and sausage.

Lunch (11am-4pm) includes many Southern dishes such as pot roast, barbeque, chicken & dumplings, spiced liver & onions, as well as a gourmet meatloaf, ground round, and country fried steak. Several chicken meals (including pot pie) contend with roast turkey and boneless pork chops for your attention.

Shrimp, trout and catfish also feature, with burgers and many different sandwiches, along with tasty vegetables, quiche and salads, soups, corn chowder and selected desserts (but see our guide to the Old Mill District to know about The Creamery before you settle on dessert).

Dinner, from 4 pm to close, features many southern and country fried, high quality meats, shrimp, catfish and trout, as well as fine grilled meats, vegetables, salads and quiche, and fruits. All foods are fresh, and hand-cut or ground. Plus, real mashed potatoes!

The restaurant offers a children’s menu, and takeout is available. The Old Mill Restaurant doesn’t take reservations, and there’s no virtual wait-list, so you may get lucky or you may have to wait some time to get in. Staff move tables very efficiently.

This place is hugely popular, for good reason, and the wait is actually not a hardship because there are so many other things immediately around just a few steps away, from going to inspect the water wheel, to checking out one of the shops, to feeding the ducks on the river, or taking the selfies that the Old Mill is famous for. And once you’re seated at an upstairs table, the view of the river is charming.

There is no beer or wine at this venue (see below for that) but it sits across from a distillery so maybe that’s a consolation!

Old Mill Restaurant
164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Tel: 865-429-3463
Web: old-mill.com/the-old-mill-restaurant
Hours: 8 am – 9 pm (9:30 pm Fri-Sat)
No reservations, takeout available

Old Mill Pottery House Café & Grille

Just across the road is the Pottery House Cafe, with substantial but less gigantic servings, and flavors slightly sharper. This is a lunch and dinner venue, with weekend brunch. In nice weather the outside garden patio area is a lovely place to eat, and the indoor great stone fireplace can warm up any cold weather.

As with the Restaurant above, many items here come from the grist mill, including the grains that go into the artisanal breads available here. The breading on the fried entrees also comes from the Old Mill’s own ground flour. Breads are baked on-site daily, and include mouth-watering tastes such as sourdough, onion-rye, green olive and raisin pecan – and more.

Both places use plates, bowls and bakeware made by the Old Mill Pigeon River Pottery, even to the ceramic sinks in the bathrooms. And both share the same policy of fresh ingredients prepared daily, and quality meats, with local sourcing wherever possible.

The full menu is served all day, but lunch here especially highlights salmon, shrimp and catfish along with steak and roast beef, pork chop and chicken and turkey in various styles including great sandwiches and soups.

The menu is extensive and includes an Alfredo and Florentine as well as stir-fry, and tasty sauces and seasonings on quality meats. The Cafe has several hearty soups, and lots of enticing, flavorful salads, as well as various quiches. A large variety of side dishes can accompany most any meal you’re in the mood for, and appetizers include salmon cakes, dips and spring rolls.

From choice Black Angus hand-cut steaks and hand-ground burgers to a range of sandwiches, soups, salads and dozens more specialties, anyone can get happy eating here. This includes the children, with a Kid’s Menu that adds a corn dog, mac & cheese and grilled cheese to the mix, as well as burgers of course, for the complete American cuisine!

Homemade desserts include many pie and cake concoctions – but visitors may also want to know about the Old Mill Creamery for some of the best ice cream in town, including flavors from the Old Mill Candy Kitchen and the Old Forge Distillery. See our guide to the Old Mill District for details).

The Weekend Brunch finally breaks out the eggs, with Benedicts, Steak, omelet, sausage, cheeses, with a knowledgeable use of pecans, pralines and raisins. Breads, biscuits and waffles are all home made of course, and Mimosas and Bellinis can quench the thirst.

The Cafe serves a selection of wines and beer including some local craft beers.Chef specials are always worth asking about. This place is hugely popular also, and takes no reservations. There is a virtual wait list online to help with any wait, and as with the Restaurant, the area is endlessly fascinating to explore during any wait time. Takeout is available here also.

Pottery House Cafe
3341 Old Mill Street, Pigeon Forge, Tn 37863
Tel: 865-453-6002
Web: old-mill.com/pottery-house-cafe-grill
Hours: 11am – 9pm Daily
(Sat-Sun Brunch menu until 2pm, open at 10am)

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 Tennessee barbecue is an American treasure, known throughout the nation for its distinctive flavor and tender texture. Local cooks specialize in pulled pork, but have applied their talents to everything from ribs to chicken, to brisket, and even to vegetables. If you’re looking for a truly American culinary experience, you can find one of the best right here in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Images courtesy of Delauder’s BBQ

Delauder’s: Highly Awarded Barbecue

Delauder’s Smoky Mountain BBQ puts Tennessee’s proud culinary tradition on display for all to enjoy. Located off the beaten path in Gatlinburg, Delauder’s has consistently impressed visitors from all over the United States. The restaurant in June of 2018 received recognition for its delicious flavors and distinctive regional style in Travel & Leisure Magazine’s list of America’s Top 25 Best Places for Barbecue. The year before it was awarded in Yelp’s list of the Top 100 Best Places to Eat in America.

Fresh Food & Signature Styles

The first thing you’ll notice about Delauder’s is the sheer variety of barbecue styles they serve. From pulled pork to rack ribs to brisket to chicken chunks, the restaurant offers every variety of meat, putting its unique, smoky spin on each. Delauder’s also serves veggie and fruit trays, salads, and both traditional and jalapeño-based sauces. Combined with baked beans, fried green beans, barbecue nachos, cobblers, and a host of other sides and desserts, you can have your pick of unique local foods.

As the restaurant’s founder and owner, Denny Delauder has one main goal: to “feed people like you are family.” To that end, he makes all his barbecue fresh each morning, so you can experience it at its best. This is why the restaurant only opens in the afternoon, and closes each day as soon as the barbecue has sold out. Denny and his team need the mornings to slowly roast this delicious meat, and refuse to serve any that wasn’t cooked that day. He wouldn’t serve leftover meat to his family; why should you be treated any differently?

Rave Reviews Across the Country

Delauder’s has consistently earned glowing reviews not only from locals, but also from visitors hailing from all over the country. Customers praise its meats on every front, describing its “melt in your mouth” texture and calling its flavor “like eating a juicy campfire.” The sides are also a big hit, with past patrons being particularly fond of Delauder’s fried green beans and its unique take on nachos.

This isn’t just coming from people who never had barbecue before, or who’ve only had the specific style of Eastern Tennessee. Past customers include people from North Carolina, Texas, Kentucky, and Missouri— states with their own renowned barbecue styles. Yet all these customers say that Delauder’s served them some of the best barbecue they’ve ever had.

Delauder’s used to be hard to find, hidden behind shops along the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Trail – which was a great stop for refueling in a day’s worth of shopping. But note that it moved, and is located about 4 miles out on East Parkway (Hwy 321) that splits off from Parkway at Traffic Light #3 in Gatlinburg. The operation has taken over a former gas station, so there’s plenty of parking off the highway. The new address is 1875 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

Delauder’s is small, family run, and its hours of operation vary by day, but generally last from lunchtime until around 7 pm. Make sure to get there early or call ahead, because if they run out of meat they’ve cooked that day, they won’t serve anything that’s old!

Useful Information

Delauder’s Smoky Mountain BBQ
1875 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Tel: (865) 325-8682
Web: Facebook
Hours: Thurs-Sun (closed Mon-Wed), from lunch until close (times vary, check ahead).

TIP: Check our other resources for more things to do in Gatlinburg.

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 the lowlands of Louisiana, but it turns out you can still find some tasty and authentic Cajun and Creole cooking up here in the Tennessee mountain country. That’s because New Orleans Sandwich Company is cooking up some of that city’s classic dishes in downtown Gatlinburg, so that you don’t have to go without a taste of the Big Easy during your mountain vacation.

New Orleans Sandwich Company features a variety of different New Orleans-inspired sandwiches and more, and locals and visitors alike agree that this is some of the best Cajun food you will find outside of the Gulf coast. Next time you’re in town, stop in to grab a delicious sandwich with your family, and enjoy the friendly service and laid-back atmosphere that are as famous in New Orleans as the food.

Try a variety of classic Louisiana favorites that will please every palette

New Orleans Sandwich Company serves up an eclectic array of dishes that are as classic Cajun and Creole as it gets, along with some other favorites that are given a flavor upgrade courtesy of famous Louisiana spices and seasonings. Their sandwiches are obviously the focal point here, and they offer all of the classic New Orleans fillings on traditional, “po-boy” style french bread, lightly dressed in the normal style with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. The seafood selections such as fried oysters and shrimp are obviously classics on the Gulf coast, but don’t ignore the savory roast beef sandwich served with a rich gravy. It’s a favorite among those in the know.

The sandwiches are complemented with other classic Louisiana dishes such as Gumbo cooked with dark roux and spicy andouille sausage, Crawfish Étouffée, and the classic Creole rice dish, Jambalaya. Even American standbys like burgers, hot dogs, and BLTs get a cajun twist here, so no matter what dish you choose you’ll be transported to the bayou.

Stop in for a casual meal while you explore Gatlinburg

Downtown Gatlinburg is a great place to enjoy on foot, and exploring the area is also a fantastic way to work up an appetite. When the craving for something hearty and authentically Cajun hits you, then New Orleans Sandwich Company should definitely be on your list of places to satisfy your hunger. The restaurant is located on the Parkway in the charming and fascinating Baskins Square, a great little outdoor mall right across from the Village.

Thanks to warm service and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere, you can feel comfortable stopping in for a delicious New Orleans sandwich for lunch or dinner, whether you’re just getting started exploring what’s outside one of our Gatlinburg cabins, or winding down your day, and heading back to the hot tub.

Useful Information

New Orleans Sandwich Company
631 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Tel: 865-430-2151
Web: neworleanssandwichshop.com

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 to your table. The restaurant is family-owned, the atmosphere is upbeat and upscale and the service is quality.

The grilled meats are the star of the show, and for good reason. They’re all well seasoned, exceptionally tender, and perfectly cooked every time. These skewered meats are cut at your table, and you can enjoy up to 16 different cuts of meat, ranging from filet mignon and lamb chops to chicken legs, smoked sausage and even teriyaki chicken.

Images courtesy of Gaucho Urbano

The kitchen also serves up traditional Brazilian dishes and sides, with its own touches added for a nicely unique experience. Ingredients are fresh and authentic. Complementing the meats are a range of salads, sides and various substitutes such as salmon.

Seasonally varying, the Harvest Table offers salads made fresh daily, including Brazilian potato salad, salmon salad, and green salad. Quality cheeses and the kitchen’s heart of palm creations.ass to the options.

The Chef’s Hot Table gives you a chance to pile on the rice, beans, and other scratch-made sides and Brazilian provincial dishes. Soup, stew, and other seasonal items round out the offerings, pairing with the grilled meats however you wish.

How it Works

Table service is continuous, and at your whim. You get a token to flip as needed to bring a passador to your table. To begin, the server will get you settled in at your table, take your drink orders, and direct you to the gourmet salad bar and chef’s hot table. Once you return to your seat, flip your token to green to let the passadores know you’re ready for the meats brought to the table.

Turn your token to the red side after filling your plate to give yourself time to savor all the flavors before you. Then, repeat this procedure as long as you want until you’re fully satisfied. It’s an all-you-can-eat restaurant for a set price (not counting drinks and desserts), so there’s no limit to how many times you can fill up your plate. Just remember to save room for dessert or risk missing out on sweet treats to remember.

Guests can choose their menu offerings. The full Gaucho Experience offers the 16 meats as well as full access to the Harvest Table for salads and fresh and steamed vegetables, as well as cheeses and other delicacies. Also included is access to the Chef’s Hot Table for Brazilian dishes, sides and soups, with seasonal items.

You can choose a limited version of the Gaucho, with 9 meats selected daily by the Chef and the same full access to the Harvest and Hot Tables. You can trim the selection down even further with select chicken dishes and the Harvest Table offerings. And finally, you can bypass all the meats and dine superbly well from a Harvest and Hot Tables combo.

With a full bar at your fingertips, you can elevate your meal by ordering up all your favorite drinks. Handcrafted cocktails are the name of the game, but Gaucho Urbano has a full national and international wine list, and of course non-alcoholic beverages also.

Any of the restaurant’s eight handmade desserts serve as the perfect way to end your meal. You can choose from their papaya cream, Brazilian flan, and such – or just go with a specialty coffee to finish things off with a kick.

Useful Information

Gaucho Urbano Brazilian Steakhouse
111 Valley Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Tel: (865) 366-1002
Web: gauchourbano.com
Hours: Daily 4-10 pm, extended Sat-Sun.

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 that will transport your palate to the Caribbean.

Images courtesy of Smokies Cuban Cafe

Enjoy traditional Cuban food far from the ocean

The chef and owner of Smokies was born in Cuba and raised in Miami, so he knows how to deliver the authentic flavors and ingredients of his homeland, even in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Locals and visitors in the know consider Smokies Cuban Cafe to be a good option for a type of cuisine you normally wouldn’t think about when visiting this area. If you’re looking for a place with reliably good food as you explore Pigeon Forge, then you should definitely make time for Smokies Cuban Cafe.

Sample freshly cooked island cuisine in a homey atmosphere

Ask just about anyone who’s eaten at Smokies Cuban Cafe, and they’ll tell you that it’s held in such high regard among the locals and regular visitors because all of the food is prepared fresh. The chef goes out of his way to cook as much as possible from scratch and make everything to order. He also sources products from local vendors and farmers as often as possible, and you can taste the dedication in the various dishes on the menu.

If you’re in the mood for a Cuban classic then you have to try the restaurant’s take on the Cubano sandwich made with tender ham, succulent pork, cheese, pickles, and mustard all on perfectly pressed Cuban bread. The tostones, or smashed and fried green plantains, are always a perfect side to accompany any meal. They also have some selections that you might not be familiar with, including the marinated and lightly-breaded pork steak that is fried until golden brown. Or you could check out the distinctly Cuban take on the burger – the Frita – which is a flavorful mix of ground beef, ground pork, and chorizo accentuated with additional spices.

The decor and atmosphere in Smokies Cuban Cafe are simple and welcoming, and they really underscore the fact that you are getting some real authentic Cuban home cooking. Since everything is prepared fresh, it’s worth noting that some menu items may take a little longer to prepare.

Try a few specialty Cuban beverages before you go

An island experience for your taste buds wouldn’t be complete without some traditional Cuban beverages, and Smokies Cuban Cafe has several refreshing options that will provide a break from the usual sodas. You can order a variety of juices and shakes made from tropical fruits such papaya, guava, mango, and guanabana, and they perfectly complement the rich and hearty dishes on the menu. If you’re not interested in something on the sweet side, try a shot of Cubano espresso, famous for its frothy crema and balanced flavors.

Go for the unexpected on your next Smoky Mountains vacation

Cuban food may not be at the forefront of your mind when you plan your trip to the Smokies, but with scratch-made dishes and a family-friendly atmosphere, this authentic Cuban cafe is definitely worthy of a visit. They also accommodate take-out orders called ahead if you want to enjoy some Cuban cuisine back in the comfort of one of our Pigeon Forge cabins.

Useful Information

Smokies Cuban Cafe
3526 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(It’s set back just a little from the road, so map it)
Tel: 865-365-1700
Web: smokiescubancafe.net

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.

Images courtesy of Tennessee Jed’s

Sandwiches may sound easy, but when everything is perfectly cooked and with complementary flavors – as is the case at Jed’s – they come into a world of their own. Jed’s is a mouth-watering kind of place, where literally every single thing on offer tastes great. The ingredients here are locally sourced and meats are roasted in-house daily, and served tender and moist.

Offerings at Jed’s range from breakfast sandwiches stuffed with good things in a bun – with sausage, home-cooked biscuits, gravy, and even quiches available as well – to the lunch sandwiches that include a world-class Reuben, BBQ, turkey, smoked chicken, and an excellent  Cubano: a pulled-pork with ham and cheese sandwich.

There’s also a variety of beef hot dogs, and a scaled down kid’s menu of choice sandwiches, and even a tofu sandwich as vegans are not forgotten. Sides include slaw, beans and a homemade (and highly acclaimed) potato salad. If you prefer, there’s a Chef Salad on offer as well. Drinks include good fresh coffee for that breakfast treat and soft drinks.

Meats are available to buy by the pound, and once you taste them you may well want to get some to take back to the cabin, to eat once you’ve regained your appetite. Several desserts are on offer at Jed’s, if you have room, including some with seasonal fruits.

With so many great sandwiches, there’s still one last thing to highlight – a real Frito Pie, in case you haven’t been able to find one in a while. This comes as the Classic (except on a plate and not in the actual Fritos bag) and the Loaded version, with extra fixings. The chili is homemade and frequently praised by customers.

With a Grateful Dead decor (hence the restaurant name) and a chalkboard menu, Tennessee Jed’s has limited seating inside, with very pleasant tables also outside. The atmosphere is laid back and the food is the thing. A great staple for years in Gatlinburg, the restaurant opened a second location in 2022, also in Gatlinburg. Both locations are slightly hidden away, in two of our favorite, funky shopping areas.

The original Tennessee Jed’s is in the delightful Baskins Square Mall, a quaint outdoor mall with some unusual shops, often overlooked because it sits right across the street from The Village. It’s worth a look, and you won’t go hungry doing so, and not just from Jed’s. You can stroll into this mall from your walk along Parkway.

The second location is in Winery Square off of East Parkway, a place we’ve noted several times for the Smoky Mountain Winery, Whole Earth Grocery and the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum. Now add Jed’s to the list of attractions there, going under the name of 321 (from Hwy 321, which is East Parkway). This one you can drive directly to, with parking available.

Note some changes, as of July, 2022. The original location (downtown) has now stopped serving breakfast, and extended its hours, starting and ending later in the day. It’s heavily focused on that lunch sandwich, but now available into the late afternoon and early evening. The new location at 321 Jed’s serves the famous Jed’s breakfast still, taking on the traditional hours of the original legend for breakfast and lunch.

The people and the kitchens are the same, and while we know it can be tricky changing hours or locations for a restaurant, we don’t worry about Jed’s – the food has kept a lot of us going over the years, and this will certainly continue as the operation spreads its wings farther afield in the town.

Useful Information

Tennessee Jed’s (Downtown Jed’s)
631 Parkway Suite A8, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Tel: (865) 412-1131
Open Daily 11 am – 7 pm

Web: tennesseejeds.net and Facebook

321 Jed’s (4 minutes away with free parking)
450 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Tel: (865) 436-5445
Open Mon-Sat, 7:30 am – 3 pm

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 time we went, to the next time you go), and actually has earned a certification from the US Catfish Institute, which not everyone gets.

Huck Finn’s was voted Best Catfish in East Tennessee by Tennessee Magazine, and customers seem to agree, frequently calling this the most delicious catfish they ever ate. The restaurant also serves a wide range of quality dishes, appetizers, sides and combos.

The Food

Huck Finn’s offers a very flexible menu with several ways to order, and the portions are huge, so sharing for most items is highly acceptable. The sides that come with every meal include white beans and turkey ham, coleslaw made fresh daily, and hush puppies – plus a few more things, and all are delicious.

The “All U Can Eat” dinners are catfish or chicken, or a combo of both. Other entrees include several catfish, chicken and shrimp dishes, clam strips, trout, salmon and a Fish of the Day. Also offered are a country-fried steak, chopped steak, and southern pork chops – all of these are really good. And for the adventurous, there are frog’s legs, or Gator Tail bites from Florida alligator.

For a down-home place, the kitchen at Huck’s is clever with its flavors, offering more than one family secret recipe, and several different grilled seasonings to complement the meals. Many of the foods are offered either grilled or fried, and the fried dishes are not at all greasy, and in all, nothing here is mushy – everything is fresh with a crisp, sharp texture and flavor. Even the ordinary items are homemade.

Children have a kid’s menu to choose from, and the desserts include cobbler, pudding, sweet potato patties and ice cream.

Check the Menu for the full details.

The Place

As mentioned, you can do a lot of mix and match with all the items on the menu and the super friendly staff will advise you exactly how to do it to suit your group and taste best. Even when it’s busy the wait staff manage to get everything on the table fast, and cater to each guest personally.

The dining room is open and spacious, and with a casual atmosphere. Huck Finn’s also offers delivery, take-out, and curbside pickup and you can order online.

If you can still walk when you leave (those huge portions again), check out the  gift shop section of the restaurant. You can find tee shirts, hats, magnets, koozies, stickers, and some food items that you can take home.

Useful Information

Huck Finn’s Catfish
3330 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Tel: 865-429-3353
Web: huckfinnsrestaurant.com

TIP: If you want to walk off a lunch at Huck Finn’s, you’re just across Parkway from Patriot Park, with its riverside walking trail, as well as the Old Mill District for some shopping, and the Riverwalk Greenway to really stretch your legs.

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 the Smoky Mountains. The historic building adds to the dining experience (with good parking across the street). The place is small but with two floors, and the friendly and efficient service will have you feeling right at home.

A favorite with locals, the restaurant also won the Travelers’ Choice Award from Tripadvisor in 2020. Winning this award points to their endless hospitality for locals and tourists alike along with all their top-notch menu items.

Memorable Building, Great Food

Smoky Mountain Trout House opens at 3pm for a late lunch or early dinner, and serves until 9pm most days, unless customer traffic fizzles out before then, when they’ll close their doors early. So, you definitely don’t want to wait until the last minute to come get a bite to eat.

They do not take any reservations, although they prefer that you call ahead when planning to dine in a group of five or more. Since it’s walk-in only, you’ll want to be ready for a bit of a wait for a table to open up. The wait can go well past 30 minutes during the height of the tourist season. It’s worth it.

The historic building has the classic fish house design, adding to the appeal of dining on ultra-fresh seafood. The rustic decor has a homey feel and gives a nod to some of the mountainside cabins surrounding it. Truly friendly service makes it easy to get cozy while you await tasty home-cooked food.

Serving Smoky Mountain Favorites

For the full dining experience available at the Trout House, it’s best to bring a big appetite. The appetizers are tasty, and you’ll want to start with one (or more!) before moving onto the main course and dessert.

When it comes to their starters, go with their Trout Fritters, for sure, especially if you only want one starter. A house specialty, this dish starts with fresh trout combined with onions, peppers, and potatoes. They put the fritters in the fryer until golden brown before serving them up with their homemade dill sauce.

If that’s not quite your style, you can’t go wrong with the Fried Pickles, Fried Mushrooms, or Wisconsin Cheese Curds. The restaurant serves non-alcoholic beverages, local and imported beers, and has a full wine list.

Whenever trout goodness calls your name, just set your sights on their 10 distinct rainbow trout dinners. With its cornmeal breading and classic sides, The Eisenhower is a house favorite. Other dishes include blackened, grilled, broiled, and even stuffed and smoked trout.

The fire-grilled steaks at the Trout House are very good. The Ribeye is acclaimed, but the New York Strip and Sirloin may be your choice. Deep-fried catfish and shrimp, grilled chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, and cheeseburgers round out the menu. There ‘s also a handful of selections made just for kids, so all ages can enjoy their visit to the fullest.

Although it’s tempting to fill up on appetizers and entrees, save room for dessert. Otherwise, you might end up missing out on Chocolate Lava Cake, Key Lime Pie, and Coconut Cream Pie.

Useful Information

Smoky Mountain Trout House
410 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738​
Tel: (865) 436-5416
Web: trouthousegatlinburg.com
Hours: Daily 3-9 pm

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 old farmhouse on the property (renovated many times over since its first days, of course), and Applewood Farmhouse Grill was built just up the road to accommodate even more guests as Farmhouse popularity grew.

Images courtesy of Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant

You’ll also find the Apple Barn Cider House on the same property, where you can sample various delicious apple hard cider varieties brewed on site, and explore a carefully curated gift shop. The Restaurant or the Grill will make just as many memories, though, from the moment servers place a steaming basket of apple fritters on your plate – which is right before you even get started.

Those homemade apple fritters come standard with breakfast, lunch, or dinner, served up as frequently as most places serve bread. Many visitors say they’d come back just for those perfectly spiced, crispy balls of apple goodness, but the rest of the menu can hold its own, and then some.

Farmhouse Restaurant menu favorites run the gamut of Southern-style staples. Come for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch, and expect excellence, whether you choose Biscuits Benedict or fried catfish. The pot pie, old-fashioned chicken and dumplings, and country fried chicken with gravy are all favorites that keep locals and visitors coming back again and again, but you’ll also find lighter options like Cajun grilled catfish, roast turkey, as well as excellent soups and salads.

The sides might be the best part of each meal. Rich, hearty homemade soups, salads, sweet potato casserole, and fried okra top the list of favorites. Each meal also comes with Applewood julep, cinnamon muffins or fritters, and homemade apple butter. If you need a hearty plate of comfort food in your life, this is the spot.

Save room for dessert, for sure. Try the homemade apple pie with house-made, homemade vanilla ice cream. If you’re a fan of apple pie, you’ll love this home-grown iteration. The banana pudding and peanut butter chocolate chip pie are also powerful contenders.

The Farmhouse Grill a couple of blocks away serves up many of the same favorites as the original restaurant. The menu is a lighter selection with a few unique tastes of its own, and it offers up an impressive array of options. It’s often a bit faster to get in and out of this place to if you’re in a hurry to get out the door for a day of exploring Sevierville, or to see all the things available in this Apple Valley grouping.

You’ll find Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant nestled on (surprise!) Apple Valley Road, just beside a bend in the Little Pigeon River. It’s easy to access either from Pigeon Forge down the road, or from the heart of Sevierville, just south of the Sevierville Tangier Outlets center. There’s plenty of parking even during the busiest seasons, and the whole Applewood conglomeration is worth a stroll through..

Insider tip: in the Restaurant, ask to sit in the sun porch room when you arrive. The atmosphere is a bit quieter and more intimate, and expansive windows offer lovely natural light and views of the trees outside.

Useful Information

Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant
240 Apple Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862
Tel: (865) 428.1222
Web: applewoodfarmhouserestaurant.com

Applewood Farmhouse Grill
220 Apple Valley Rd., Sevierville, TN 37862
Tel: (865) 429.8644

All the Apple Valley Establishments

The Apple Valley riverside enclave contains several places to know about. As the map below shows, in strolling distance between the Restaurant and the Grill are a number of establishments. Connected in one sprawling building are the Apple Barn Cider House, with its Cider Bar next door for sampling on site, as well as the General Store with all good things to purchase.

Included here too is the Candy Shop, where the kids can go crazy watching hundreds of different confections being made. And the Apple Valley Creamery is here too, which we include in our short list of the Best Ice Cream in the area. Lots of reasons to linger here.

Next door to this is the Apple Barn Winery, part of the Wine Trail in the area (as well as the Cider House, by the way), and vintner of some unique apple and berry wines, including the famous Southern sweet wines, and others from the region. Right next door to this is the Christmas and Candle Shop.

So it’s quite the exploration to visit here – be prepared to browse, to sample, to shop – and to refuel at either of the fine restaurants flanking the spread. And then maybe take a stroll along the riverbank and admire the lovely view.

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 Atrium has something for everyone – but their specialty is pancakes. Portions here are huge – come hungry or with a crew.

Images courtesy of The Atrium

The Food

Breakfast at The Atrium is served every day until 2 pm (from 7:30 am), so even if you sleep in you won’t miss the window for the breakfast you’ve been craving. Whether you order up the baked apple pancakes or the M&M pancakes, you won’t be disappointed by the fluffy, golden discs that arrive at your table piping hot; in fact, you’ll find such a wide array of pancake options on the menu that you might find yourself coming back again and again to sample more of their offerings.

Expect very generous serving sizes; sharing isn’t out of the question here. If you’re more interested in protein than loading up on pure pancakes, the Atrium also offers the full spectrum of eggs, including eggs Benedict, breakfast meats, omelets and more. One of the most-requested combo plates, the Happy Hiker, features eggs, bacon or sausage, and either pancakes or waffles to round out the plate. The kitchen here knows about bacon and doesn’t skimp on the meat portion. But you can also get vegetarian and vegan here.

Balance out your pancakes with home fries or grits, and you’ll be in breakfast heaven. Is it a lot of carbs? Yes. Is it worth it? Again, yes. It’s hard to go wrong with the offerings here. No matter what you choose, you’ll be set for a first meal of the day before exploring all that the Gatlinburg area has to offer.

Though the breakfast is consistently good, The Atrium’s lunch menu offers an excellent variety of familiar options as well. From chicken strips to BLT’s to burgers, you’ll find it here–served up promptly, with a smile. You won’t find any out-of-this-world dishes; this isn’t a specialty brunch destination. But you will find a quick, casual meal, good cup of coffee, and reasonable prices – an excellent combination.

The Place

The friendly and authentic atmosphere adds to the appeal of The Atrium, already impressive for its food. This diner-style cafe is located right beside a (man-made) waterfall. If you’re lucky enough to score a window seat, you can enjoy the view along with your mouthful of pancakes and syrup. Don’t hesitate to ask if they have window seating available when you walk up.

The Atrium is fairly small and with limited parking, but there’s free parking next door at the motor lodge and paid parking across the street. It’s well known and regarded in town, and isn’t as easy to spot as many of the other attractions on Parkway unless you’re looking for it, but sometimes you’ll find yourself waiting for a table if you visit during peak breakfast hours on the weekend. It’s worth the wait.

Useful Information

The Atrium Gatlinburg
432 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Tel: (865) 430-3684
Web: theatriumgatlinburg.com
Hours: 7:30 am – 2 pm (Breakfast all day, lunch from 11 am)
Dine in – Takeout – Curbside

Reagan’s in Pigeon Forge is popular for its all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, which offers a wide range of options for a reasonable price. Additional menu options for breakfast and lunch ensure that everyone in your group is happy, and the restaurant offers a very large variety of sides to make a plate to suit any taste.

The buffet includes hardy fare for those who want some fuel for the day, including biscuits and gravy, sausage, bacon, turkey sausage, turkey bacon, and eggs cooked to order, with more omelets available from the men. The buffet offers a lot of hearty foods to fill the plate, and the staff are attentive to keeping it filled with fresh and hot servings.

TIP: It pays to walk the whole buffet before you fill your plate, and take note of all the many toppings, sides and extra that allow you to custom-design a plate to suit your taste. The friendly staff will explain everything available to you.

Reagan’s offers a great selection of French toast, Belgian waffle and pancakes, with many toppings, including caramel nut, Bananas Foster, blueberry, blackberry, peach, apple, strawberry, M&M, chocolate  chip, pecans, peanut butter, and more.

The side dishes include a seasonal fruit plate, sugar-cured ham, country ham biscuits, plain biscuits, toast, and much more. Drinks include coffee, hot and iced teas, hot chocolate, soda, juice, and milk.

The breakfast buffet offers a reduced rate for children, and kids under age 4 eating free with a paid adult. Family and locally owned, and popular with locals and visitors alike, the restaurant caters well to families and larger groups. And it expanded to a second location just along the street from the original, a sure sign of doing something right.

Useful Information

Reagan’s House of Pancakes
2820 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Tel: (865) 428-0652
and
3516 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Tel: (865) 453-4600
Web: reaganshouseofpancakes.com
Hours: Daily, 7 am – 12:30 pm

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, and incomparable atmosphere.

This isn’t a budget-friendly stop, but it’s a memorable one.

Image courtesy of The Peddler Steakhouse

The Food

The Peddler is one of the more expensive date night restaurants you’ll find in Gatlinburg, but it’s well worth the expense. Splurge on appetizers and desserts while you’re there, as well; they are famous for a reason! When it comes to appetizers, it’s hard to go wrong with anything on the menu, but some of the most popular options are oysters on the half-shell, fried cheese sticks, and shrimp stuffed mushrooms.

The steak is excellent: perfectly aged, never frozen, and grilled over Tennessee hickory charcoal. Steaks can be custom-cut at your table, and each cut is cooked to specification every time. Other entrees of note include grilled salmon, portabella chicken, and fresh rainbow trout. There are several appetizing side dishes that you can order a la carte or interchange with the entrees. Many of the dishes can be prepared gluten-free also.

Can’t decide? Opt for a combination plate and choose a petit steak and a serving of salmon, chicken, or another entree as well. For the younger set, a well-curated kid’s menu offers mouthwatering offerings perfectly suited to most children’s palates.

The salad bar (included with every entree) is massive and exceeds all expectations. It’s constantly refreshed and cleaned, and it offers an impressive array of farm-fresh greens and veggies of all colors and shapes please even the most selective of salad aficionados. You can mix in custom sides as well and make a fabulous meal in its own right if you wish.

If you’ve saved room for dessert after all those offerings, Kristi’s Chocolate Cake is a fan favorite (and large enough to serve two or three). The Peddler Mud Pie is another house-made confection that wins rave reviews year after year. All dessert portions are quite substantial, making sharing both practical and delicious!

The restaurant serves a good range of wines (you can bring your end for a corkage fee), as well as beers, and has a full bar that also offers some specialty cocktails on the menu. The Peddler is very popular and fills up quickly at peak times – especially weekend evenings. Although they don’t take formal reservations, they do take call-ahead seating requests, so if you’re hoping for a window table, it makes sense to give them a call before you drive over.

The Atmosphere

When you walk through The Peddler’s Doors, you’ll feel like you’ve come home – if home is a beautiful mountain lodge set for company. The well planned interior design has aged well and, of course, much of it has been updated over the years. You’ll get the impression of a warm, inviting mountain lodge just waiting to welcome in highly-anticipated guests.

Whether you’re on a date with your significant other or out for a nice dinner with the family, you’ll love the intentional, warm lighting and the impression of homelike (but definitely not homely) elegance. Request a table with a view of the river, and you’ll enjoy the added benefit of a burbling creek view just outside.

The Peddler Steakhouse is located just a block over from Parkway, at the southern end of town, close to the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s nestled in the trees and overlooking the Little Pigeon River, with a nice getaway ambience, and friendly and attentive service.

Useful Information

The Peddler Steakhouse
820 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Tel: (865) 436-5794
Web: peddlergatlinburg.com
Hours: Open Daily at 5pm for dinner

The Park Grill is a lunch and dinner restaurant situated right at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Sister restaurant to The Peddler steakhouse, Park Grill offers meals ranging from upscale dining to down-home comfort food, and the excellent kitchen creates tasty dishes. A kids menu as well as vegetarian and vegan fare are offered.

Image courtesy of the Park Grill

The menu boasts a wide array of upscale steakhouse classics, as well as some down-home Southern comfort foods. Favorites include rainbow trout, New York Strip, surf & turf platters, and to-die-for shrimp and crab bisque. An expansive salad bar offers crisp, fresh produce and a huge array of toppings.

The large building  feels like a welcoming lodge, carefully designed and constructed from reclaimed, dead-standing spruce trees, local stones, and some great architecture. It was built to impress, with soaring cathedral ceilings and gorgeous views at every turn, and it fits the Smoky Mountains ambience perfectly.

Expect the feel of a traditional mountain steakhouse. Think dark woods, stone walls, and a relatively quiet atmosphere (unless you’re seated at the bar). Visitors have been known to spot bears from the windows; that’s how at home in nature you’ll feel at this location.

The atmosphere, while on the upscale side, is also family friendly. A children’s menu ensures everyone in your group will be happy with their meal (mac and cheese and chicken tenders, anyone?). Plus, they’re not snobbish enough to turn away guests who’ve spent their day thoroughly enjoying the mountains. If you’ve spent the day hiking in the GSMNP, a top-notch dinner is very well deserved, even if you haven’t had a chance to wash the dirt off your shoes.

The Park Grill is way more than attractively arranged timber and rocks. Praised by locals and visitors alike, it’s earned the reputation as an excellent purveyor of both comfort food and upscale cuisine. Not sure whether you’re in the mood for fried green tomatoes or filet mignon? The Park Grill has got you covered. And its team manages to do it effortlessly and consistently.

Signature dishes include moonshine marinated chicken, which takes the humble chicken dinner up several notches in terms of flavor and quality. Moonshine marinated chicken is also available on a plate with New York strip, and that combo consistently earns rave reviews from visitors. The rainbow trout is hard to beat, and the sides – from the garlic mashed potatoes to the sweet potato casserole – are an experience in themselves.

If you visit for lunch, you’ll be met with a big selection of sandwich and other lunch meal options. No salad or sandwich is too humble to be delicious here; even the fried cheese and bologna sandwich is a star in its own right. The Park Grill does the basics well, whether you’re in the market for a BLT or a sirloin, and that’s one of the reasons it’s so successful.

Most dinner entrees are in the $25-40 range, so don’t expect budget meals when you stop here. But in our experience, a stop is well worth the time and money. Quality ingredients, quick service, and friendly, helpful staff are hard to beat, especially when the food is this consistently good.

And because it’s located at the end of the Gatlinburg Strip, just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance, it’s particularly well suited to start or end a day of outdoor adventures. This is a popular restaurant, so make a reservation online or call ahead for a table – but walk-ins are welcome and can usually be seated without too much of a wait.

Useful Information

The Park Grill
1110 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Tel: (865) 436-2300
Web: parkgrillgatlinburg.com

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 a day in advance are highly recommended. Although The Wild Plum technically allows walk-ins, you may be in for a very long wait or not be seated at all. Service can be slow depending on who’s working that day and how busy the tea room is. When you come, be prepared for a leisurely visit. This is not a place to go if you need a quick bite in a hurry. This is also a dog-friendly restaurant; you can take your pet onto the deck.

[Note: be sure to see our range of Gatlinburg pet friendly cabins and our pet friendly cabins in Pigeon Forge.]

Images courtesy of Wild Plum

The Menu

Certain items on their menu vary daily depending on what’s available and what has inspired the chef. However, when you make a reservation, you can request a special meal. This includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options as well as dishes that work around any food allergies.

The Wild Plum offers specials including:

• Salad dishes like The Wild Plum Medley
• Chef’s Specials like their bestselling Lobster Pie
• Seasonal Bison Burgers
• Fresh Yellowfin Tuna cooked to order

This restaurant also features an enchanting array of desserts every day as well as the Wild Plum Sampler. For families with picky little eaters, The Wild Plum includes a kid’s menu. Finally, what is a tea room without a robust selection of beverages? Their signature Wild Plum Tea is delicious whether served hot or iced, and you’ll also find a choice of coffees, juices, beers, wines, and standard fare like sodas.

Hours of Operation

The Wild Plum is open on a schedule that varies depending on the time of year. For January to February, its operating hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 am until 3:00 pm. You can find out more on the contact page of their website.

Parking

There are some free parking spots including a handicapped parking space in front of the building. More free parking is available in an overflow lot across the street.

Payment

The Wild Plum is a cash-only establishment. Credit cards not accepted at this time.

Contact Information:

The Wild Plum

555 Buckhorn Road, Gatlinburg TN 37738

(865) 436-3808

https://www.wildplumtearoom.com/

As a good way to take a break from the bustle of Gatlinburg, the Fox and Parrot Tavern is a great option for a tasty and relaxing meal. Serving up traditional English pub fare, with every meal made to order – and be warned that this is slow food, not at all fast – the Fox and Parrot Tavern is a wonderful place to have a drink and wind down from a busy day.

Owned by Brian Papworth, who has worked hard to create a traditional British pub environment (and who has since also created the Rampant Lion Celtic Pub), the Tavern regularly receives rave reviews from those who can search it out, tucked away as it is along the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Trail.

Images courtesy of the Fox and Parrot Tavern

The location (see below) is off the beaten track, which is appropriate for this other-worldly haven – check the map and look for the sign to turn off of Glades Road (the Arts Trail).

As a great break from fast food and quick-turnaround restaurants, The Fox and Parrot Tavern is a great example of slow food, where you’ll enjoy a drink or two while your food is being freshly prepared from scratch. A quaint pub with antique decor, the Tavern provides the best of British comfort food at a good price. The staff and owners are known for their friendliness, and while alcohol is served, including a wide range of amazing ales and beers, it’s entirely family-friendly, including if you bring your four-legged companions.

Food & Drink

And now for the part you’ve been waiting for – the menu! Let’s start with drinks, as you’ll want to unwind a bit while waiting for your fresh food to be prepared. The Fox and Parrot Tavern boasts a whopping 34 options, including popular favorites such as Newcastle Brown Ale, Magners Apple and Pear, Guinness, Harp lager, Elysian Space Dust IPA, 1911 Raz Cider, Yazoo Hefeweizen, Boddington’s Bitter, Sam Adams, and a wide range of additional selections, many of which may change out based on the season, the distributors – or from Brian finding a fabulous new brew he wants to give a try.

Why not try some appetizers while you’re waiting? Guests rave about the Scotch eggs, which for the non-native is a hard-boiled egg wrapped in Scottish pork sausage, which is then cooked. But there are many other great possibilities to consider as well, some of which could almost be a meal on their own. Welsh Rabbit is toasted bread that is covered in beer cheese sauce featuring Newcastle Brown Ale, alongside traditional British chips.

For something a little more light and cultured, get the Ploughmans Lunch, featuring sausage, cheese, celery, tomato, onion, and fresh beer bread (as well as the English spelling of the plow). There are also chicken tenders, parrot wings, bangers and mash, chips and cheese, Hadrian’s Wall, and traditional British chips with malt vinegar or Worcestershire sauce.

For the main course? There are so many delicious possibilities, including Cornish pasties, fish & chips, Reubens, steak & mushroom pies, shepherds pie, poachers roll, scallops when available, Bubble & Squeak (delicious!), or corned beef with cabbage, onions & potatoes. All meals are served with traditional British chips, except for the scallops and the bubble & squeak, which are served with fresh beer bread.

The kids menu features more traditional American fare including beanie weenies, chicken tenders, grilled cheese, peanut butter & jelly, cheese sticks, and doodles & knees, which are spaghetti noodles covered with melted cheese, and all meals come with British chips.

If you’ve saved room for dessert after all this, there are a range of UK favorites to eat there or take for later. These include English trifle, Scottish shortbread, Eccles cakes, bread pudding, egg custard, and everyone’s favorite dessert to mock, spotted dick. But the sweetness doesn’t start with dessert, as you’ll be treated like a beloved local the entire time you’re in The Fox and Parrot Tavern. For a quiet late lunch after a busy morning or a quaint, quiet dinner after a day on the town or in the woods, this Gatlinburg gem is miles from home, but tastes just like it.

Useful Information

Fox and Parrot Tavern
1065 Glades Rd Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Tel: 865-436-0677
Web: foxandparrottavern.com
Hours: Daily from noon

With one British pub under their belts (the Fox and Parrot Tavern) Brian Papworth and his wife Dana decided to go with a more Celtic flair, opening the Rampant Lion Celtic Pub in Gatlinburg. The list of liquors has grown immensely over the years, now numbering around 200 different spirits.

Focusing on a range of worldwide whiskies, the Rampant Lion Celtic Pub offers American Bourbon, Scottish, Irish, Australian, Welsh, Canadian, and even Japanese whiskies, along with a wide range of 80 wines, 50 gins, 22 draft beers, and traditional Celtic foods, all delivered with tremendous hospitality and friendliness.

Atmosphere

But don’t rush through the door expecting a quick slap of shepherds pie on a plate with a dram. When you get a drink or a meal at the Rampant Lion Celtic Pub, you’re in for a slow and satisfying and experience. Located on the top level of the owner’s original photo gallery and dark room, it’s only a mile and a quarter from East Parkway, putting it in a beautiful, quiet setting that you don’t have to drive forever to get to. In the fashion of traditional Celtic pubs, it’s entirely family-friendly, and the atmosphere compares with community pubs you’ll often find in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, and the Isle of Man – places where the entire family may go for an evening out in the community.0

Your food is cooked fresh, so it will take longer than the average Gatlinburg establishment, but there are board games and cards to help you pass your time, as well as the friendly company of Brian and Dana, and the rest of the crew. Regular community events offer opportunities to discover even more culture, so take a look at their calendar, whether you want to hit the annual chili cook-off with a twist or enjoy Guy Fawkes Day, Boxing Day, or Burns Night with more traditional fare. This is definitely one of Gatlinburg’s hidden gems, with a wealth of atmosphere, scrumptious authentic fare, and a beverage selection that can’t be beaten.

Food

Customers agree that everything on the menu is good, so it’s up to your personal preference. Start out with tasty Scotch eggs, a prawn cocktail, sprats on toast, or bangers and mash. Or go lighter with a big garden salad or bread with oil and vinegar.

For your main course, you may want to sample the fish and chips, that great ex-pat longing. But don’t let it keep you from ordering any of the numerous other tasty entrées, including Cornish pasties, pan-seared lamb, steak and mushroom pie, shepherds pie, poachers roll, or deep-fried oysters, among others. For a budget restaurant price, you’ll get a serious foodie experience.

Though you’ll get some sweet attention as soon as you get through the door, the dessert menu will sweeten you up even more, from the less-sweet brie with preserves, to the stronger Tira Mi-Su (that’s tiramisu, Italian with a Celtic lilt) and its Celtic cousin Scottish Tipsy Laird. Keep going with the death-by-chocolate Chocolate Overload Cake and slightly tropical pineapple cake. If you’re not familiar with Scottish Tipsy Laird, it starts out as ladyfingers soaked in alcohol, much like the tiramisu, but in this case it’s Drambuie – a Scottish whiskey liqueur with honey, spices and herbs – which is then topped with raspberries, homemade custard, and sliced almonds.

When you’re at the Rampant Lion Celtic Pub, you’re treated like family, and there’s no push to get you out the door so that they can seat someone else. You’ll enjoy the authentic pub atmosphere, the wonderful fare, and the company you’ll find there. Don’t forget the beer cheese dip – it’s a favorite!

Useful Information

The Rampant Lion
734 Powdermill Rd, Gatlinburg, TN
Tel: (865) 567-5217
Web: rampantlionpub.com
Hours: Wed-Sat noon-10pm; Sun 11-4pm

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 food store that aims to please the palate in more ways than one. Whole Earth is a two-for-one location with fresh food and an assortment of health items that will turn a one-time visitor into a repeat customer.

The Cafe – Natural Meets Delicious

The vegetarian and vegan cafe is the perfect place to stop for many reasons: whether you’re heading out for a day of sightseeing and want a quick bite, you’re planning a picnic while hiking and you want to order a few carry-out items, or you’re in the middle of exploring Gatlinburg’s many superb shops or the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Trail.

Combine a trip to Whole Earth Grocery with a visit to Smoky Mountain Winery, since both are located in Winery Square, a slightly off-the-beaten-track area filled with good surprises.

Lunch is served Monday thru Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the cozy cafe with delectable food choices on the menu that will make your mouth water in anticipation. Start with a lentil burger salad, a fresh house salad with assorted veggies, a traditional Greek salad stopped with feta cheese, or a creamy tuna or chicken salad plate,

If you want a little more “bite” chow down on a tasty lentil burger or get wrapped up in flavor with one of the delicious veggie, chicken, tuna, or egg salad wraps. Add a side dish of pasta or potato salad and crunchy organic blue corn chips and your appetite for a nutritious meal will be more than satisfied.

Whoever thought a cafe isn’t capable of serving good shots hasn’t stopped by Whole Earth to try a wellness shot that packs a punch of healthy goodness. Consider a Power Shot made with wheat-grass, lemon and ginger, a Fuego shot mixed with lemon, ginger and turmeric with cayenne for a little extra kick, or a flavorful Julius with tangy orange, lemon and ginger.

The Store – Natural Items Galore

Once you step inside the grocery, you won’t know which way to go with so many different shelves lining the walls and counters filled with natural products. Whether you dine at the cafe first then peruse the store’s inventory, or vice versa, the two are a winning combination of natural goodness you’ll want to experience more than once.

The store’s inventory includes a wide variety of herbs and supplements, essential oils, fragrant soaps, vitamins, organic foods, seasonal produce, aromatherapy, natural beauty products, homeopathic remedies and much more, from brands such as Nature’s Plus, Natural Factors, Renew Life, Enzymatic Therapy, Solaray, Twinlab, Source Naturals and more.

Whole Earth Grocery also now carries the superb dinnerware and unique handmade pottery of Alewine Pottery, so you can buy both your plate and the meal to put on it, all in one stop!

Whole Earth Grocery is open six days a week. Store hours are Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Remember also, if you’re staying in one of our Gatlinburg rental cabins or Pigeon Forge cabins, that services exist to buy your groceries in advance and stock your cabin with your order prior to your arrival. See our In-Cabin Services feature on Smoky Mountain Grocery shopping & delivery service.

The reviews are in and each one has only good things to say about the quality food served in the cafe, the friendly atmosphere, and the stocked shelves of natural products designed for a health-conscious lifestyle.

So when your day in Gatlinburg is planned around exploring for hidden gems, add the Whole Earth Grocery to your itinerary of “must do” destinations. The Whole Earth Grocery is a small jewel set amid the goings-on of a popular city and provides an oasis of flavor for travelers with good taste and a penchant for good health, too.

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.

Images courtesy of Best Italian

Embrace the Italian classics

Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria is proud of the fact that it mostly sticks to serving the iconic Italian dishes, because it means the kitchen can take the time to prepare them the right way without taking shortcuts. All you have to do is take one look at their menu to see that it’s dishing up all the favorites you love, and just one taste will prove that the restaurant is committed to quality and freshness.

Try the famous Garlic Rolls, baked to golden brown perfection and topped with a blend of garlic, herbs, fresh cheese, and olive oil. Or consider the Eggplant Parmesan, featuring a stack of layered crispy eggplant slices and creamy mozzarella cheese, with just enough salty, rich Parmesan flavor. This is just a small sample of the many lovingly prepared Italian dishes you’ll find on the menu at Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria.

Head off the beaten path to discover a Gatlinburg hidden gem

Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria is a little bit off the beaten path from some of the more visible restaurants in Gatlinburg, and it’s hard to just stumble across it unless you know where you’re going. That means that it’s a favorite of locals and repeat visitors to the area, and if you ask around you’ll find that many families making the trip to Gatlinburg plan to get some delicious Italian favorites every year on their Smoky Mountains family vacation.

Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria is located in the Elks Plaza shopping area, a place bursting with unique and interesting retail options. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, and the service always comes with a smile, just as you’d expect from a great neighborhood Italian spot that prides itself on serving the community. There’s a back patio that faces the creek behind the restaurant, so you can feel even further removed from the throngs of people packing into many of the other restaurants that face the Parkway.

Get the full Italian culinary experience with everything from antipasti to pizza

With a menu focused on delivering the best possible versions of the classics, Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria offers something that everyone in your group will love. Twirl your fork around a traditional pasta dinner like fettuccine Alfredo or spaghetti with meatballs. Dig into a rich and creamy plate of stuffed shells with ricotta cheese. Or enjoy the classic combo or perfectly fried calamari paired with tangy and slightly sweet marinara sauce. You really can’t go wrong here.

And sometimes nothing can satisfy quite like the perfect pie, which is why Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria has been delighting customers with thin-crust NY-style pizza and calzones for years. No matter what direction you decide to go in, the odds are great that a meal here will have you feeling like a part of la famiglia.

Useful Information
Open seven days a week from 11 AM to 10 PM (11 PM Fri-Sat), Best Italian Café is located in Gatlinburg between traffic lights 9 and 10, across from the aerial tramway.

Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria
968 Parkway, Suite 9, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Tel: 865-430-4090
Web: www.bestitalian.com

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 (till midnight). Along with all this, it serves a kids menu and is a family-friendly place.

Smoky Mountain Brewery in Gatlinburg

Vibe and Events

The Brewery easily blends in with the environment with its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with a combination beer hall and ski lodge feel. Whether you’re sitting on the enclosed deck for scenic views of the Smoky Mountains or watching the latest game on one of the many TVs placed throughout, there’s an “at-home” atmosphere.

On certain days, visitors can participate in events such as live team trivia, karaoke, listening to scheduled live music, or playing bingo with a musical spin.

Brewery Food Menu

The inviting menu has a variety of savory items and a creative list of quality micro beers brewed onsite.

From the food menu, start off with snacks and appetizers such as Brewhouse nachos with chili, fried shrimp, or chicken quesadillas. Sandwich choices are plentiful with assorted burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, Reubens, and more. Hand-tossed pizzas and calzones are also readily available with assorted toppings and fillings, as well as a variety of flavorful Brewery wings with savory sauce.

For hearty appetites, the menu offers fish and chips, spaghetti or stuffed shells, “Brew-b-que” chicken, Brewery Ale steak, filet Mignon and Ribeye steaks, and a chicken and steak combo platter. Garden fresh Caesar, portabella, tossed, and oriental chicken salads round out the menu and a slice of key lime pie is the finishing touch.

The Brewery’s menu also includes vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

Guests can dine, order takeout, or order food to be delivered. The establishment is wheelchair accessible, has available parking, and guests can get connected on free Wi-Fi.

Brewery Drinks and Microbrews

The Brewery offers an impressive menu of drinks that include cocktails, wine, champagne, and non-alcoholic lemonades. Select a classic such as a martini, margarita and premier mule, or specialty drinks like Long Island Tea, cherry limeade, and berry mojitos. Assorted red, white, and sparkling wines are light and refreshing. Assorted bourbon, whiskey, and scotch are served neat, on the rocks, or customized.

Guests also have access to handcrafted micro beer brewed right onsite. Savor the flavor of specialties such as Cherokee Red Ale, Appalachian Pale Ale, and India Pale Ale. There is also a sampler for guests to experience the flavor of 3 to 10 beers.

Brewery Locations

In Gatlinburg, you’ll find the family-friendly Smoky Mountain Brewery conveniently located at the southern end of Parkway in Calhoun’s Village, a small mall area behind Calhoun’s, which also offers overflow parking for the Brewery (a big plus in Gatlinburg, where parking can be tight).

Smoky Mountain Brewery in Pigeon Forge is located in Lumberjack Square, a shopping complex convenient to the northern entertainment end of town and the western adventures of the Smokies.

Both Brewery locations are adjacent to a Calhoun’s, which is another tasty destination. Calhoun’s offers a more southern cuisine, and complements the food of the Brewery with smoked meats for those who have to have it smoked (and some days you do). And in Gatlinburg the Brewery is next door to Cherokee Grill steakhouse, so you’re spoiled for choice in this one block-area.

Both restaurants and settings in both towns offer great locations as well as food and drink options. If you’re a little lost for directions, take a look at our guides to Getting Around and Shortcuts & Back Roads to see the lay of the land.

The Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge locations of Smoky Mountain Brewery are open for business daily, serving lunch and dinner.

Useful Information

Smoky Mountain Brewery
1004 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 – Tel: (865) 436-4200
2530 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 – Tel: (865) 868-1400
Websites for Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge