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
