In the picturesque Smoky Mountains, the towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville are not only known for their breathtaking landscapes but also for their vibrant culinary scenes. Each town boasts its own unique flavors, from traditional Southern comfort foods to innovative dishes that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re craving sweets, savories, or something utterly unique, these three towns have something to delight every palate. Let’s embark on a journey to explore the can’t-miss foods in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.
Pancakes at the Pancake Pantry
Located Gatlinburg since 1960, Pancake Pantry stands as Tennessee’s first-ever pancake house, inviting both locals and visitors to savor its rich tradition and cozy, cabin-like ambiance. A pioneer in breakfast cuisine, the Pancake Pantry offers an extensive menu that includes not only a variety of sumptuous pancakes but also diverse options like crepes, French toast, waffles, and a selection of eggs and omelettes. This legendary establishment prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients, ensuring every dish is as delightful as it is satisfying.
Among the vast selection of breakfast delights, the sweet potato pancakes with cinnamon cream syrup are particularly renowned. This signature dish encapsulates the essence of southern comfort, offering a unique twist on traditional pancakes with its rich, buttery flavor enhanced by the sweet, spiced syrup. Beyond pancakes, the menu also features special items and incorporates thoughtful options for children, ensuring that every member of the family can enjoy a hearty, joyful meal. With a warm, inviting atmosphere and a commitment to delicious, homemade food, the Pancake Pantry remains a pivotal part of Gatlinburg’s culinary scene, promising a memorable dining experience for all who visit.
Tennessee Whiskey BBQ Sauce
A culinary adventure in Gatlinburg is truly incomplete without the deep, smoky flavors of local BBQ, particularly the kinds that are generously slathered with the uniquely concocted Tennessee whiskey BBQ sauce. This iconic sauce, known for its perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and a hint of fiery zest, transforms every meat it touches into a mouth-watering masterpiece. While there are several spots in town to enjoy a good BBQ, Delauder’s BBQ has carved out a niche for itself with its authentic flavors and dedication to quality.
Situated at 1875 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Delauder’s BBQ has become a must-visit for both locals and tourists, as evidenced by the overwhelming positive reviews — over 702, to be precise, lauding the establishment for its mouth-watering cuisine. With a menu boasting an impressive array of BBQ delights, including customer favorites like the ‘Fried Mac’, ‘The Sneaky Pig Sandwich’, and the classic ‘Pulled Pork Sandwich’, it’s clear that Delauder’s knows a thing or two about tantalizing the taste buds. What truly sets Delauder’s apart, however, is their use of the locally made Tennessee whiskey BBQ sauce, creating an authentically Gatlinburg BBQ experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Southern Fried Chicken at Mama’s Farmhouse
Tucked away in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Mama’s Farmhouse offers a culinary journey back in time to when meals were hearty, homespun, and filled with warmth. As described on their website, this country-style restaurant at 208 Pickel Street isn’t just about dining; it’s about experiencing Southern hospitality and the familial bond of sharing meals. Their all-you-can-eat, family-style service ensures that no one leaves the table anything but full and happy, especially when indulging in their celebrated Southern Fried Chicken.
Mama’s Farmhouse has been recognized for its commitment to delivering the authentic taste of the South, particularly with its award-winning biscuits celebrated at the 2015 International Biscuit Festival. However, the real star of the menu is their Southern Fried Chicken. A testament to traditional cooking, this dish captures the essence of Southern comfort with its impeccable seasoning, crispy exterior, and juicy interior, ensuring every bite is as satisfying as it is flavorful.
The restaurant’s unique family-style concept is not just about the food but also about bringing people together, just as a meal at Mama’s feels like being welcomed into a warm, loving Southern home.
Apple Fritters at The Apple Barn Cider Mill & General Store
At this storied establishment, apple fritters have become a renowned delicacy, perfectly encapsulating the local apple-producing heritage that has long defined the area. These fritters, beloved by all who try them, offer a warm, sugary embrace with each bite, bestowing upon your palate the true taste of Tennessee’s apple country.
These apple fritters, renowned throughout the region, are crafted with care from locally harvested apples, delivering not just flavor but tradition in every bite. Graced with a delicate, crispy exterior and a soft, apple-laden interior, they serve as a delightful confluence of textures. The finishing touch, a generous dusting of powdered sugar, adds just the right amount of sweetness, creating a treat that is as visually tantalizing as it is tasteful.
Immersing yourself further into this rustic culinary journey, there’s no better accompaniment to the apple fritters than a glass of The Apple Barn’s fresh apple cider. This cider, a robust and tangy elixir, is pressed from the same varieties of apples that blanket the surrounding orchards, ensuring a truly harmonious flavor profile when paired with the fritters.
Country Fried Steak at The Old Mill Restaurant
The Old Mill represents the pinnacle of Southern culinary tradition, a place where the time-honored practices of Southern cooking are not just preserved but celebrated. Here, dishes like country fried steak are more than meals; they are a homage to the rich agricultural heritage of Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains. The Old Mill, with its roots stretching back to 1830, has been a purveyor of all things good, providing its visitors with an authentic mountain experience that includes an array of hearty, comfort food classics.
Imagine a country fried steak at The Old Mill, meticulously prepared following recipes that have been passed down through generations. This quintessential Southern dish would likely be crafted from premium, locally sourced beef, tenderized to perfection, then enrobed in a seasoned batter that offers a crisp exterior while maintaining the meat’s juiciness. Fried to a golden perfection, it would be served smothered in rich, mill-made gravy crafted from the drippings of the steak, thickened with flour ground at The Old Mill itself. Accompanied by signature sides like mashed potatoes and green beans, each sourced from the surrounding bountiful gardens and prepared using time-honored techniques, the country fried steak would exemplify The Old Mill’s dedication to quality, community, and the celebration of Appalachian flavors. Dining at The Old Mill, especially with a classic dish like country fried steak, invites visitors into a world where Southern hospitality and culinary craftsmanship converge, promising an experience that’s deeply rooted in the essence of Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountain heritage.
Moonshine at the Tennessee Shine Co.
Nestled at the gateway to the iconic Smoky Mountains in Sevierville, Tennessee, Tennessee Shine Co. presents a must-visit destination for both discerning moonshine aficionados and curious newcomers alike. With its prime location just off Exit 407, this venue serves as the perfect starting or ending point for your journey into Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Known for being the largest of its stores, TN Shine Co. in Sevierville offers not just an unparalleled selection of moonshine and wine but also an engaging experience that dives deep into the heritage of Tennessee’s moonshining traditions.
Upon stepping into the Sevierville store, visitors are immediately welcomed into a world where moonshine is not just a spirit—it’s a craft. The store’s vast size is matched only by its comprehensive array of moonshine flavors, offering free tastings that invite you to discover your favorite “flavor of the week.” Beyond the bottles, the store is a treasure trove of branded merchandise, ranging from hats and shirts to shot glasses, ensuring that every visitor can take a piece of the Tennessee shine tradition home with them. For those intrigued by the moonshine-making process, the active still on-site offers a fascinating peek into the artistry and science behind every bottle of TN Shine Co.’s premium spirits.
Visiting the Smokies?
When planning your getaway to the scenic triad of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, there’s no better way to savor the essence of the region than by indulging in the iconic culinary experiences on offer. Join us at Smoky Mountain Holiday where the local fare is a vibrant tapestry of stories, aromas, and tastes, all embodying the spirit of the Smoky Mountains. Each bite, from the airy perfection of locally renowned pancakes to the satisfying crunch of expertly fried chicken, and the regional tradition packed in each slice of moonshine-infused cake, captures the rich diversity that parallels the breathtaking Smoky Mountain vistas. Prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey at the heart of Appalachia that’s as unforgettable as the adventures the mountains themselves promise. With Smoky Mountain Holiday, your vacation will be filled with moments of culinary delight that echo through the valleys and peaks of this storied region.