Most people know that the area of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and its surroundings is a hotspot for outdoor activities such as horseback riding, zip-lining, bicycling, and hiking. The exuberant natural beauty of the region is what draws many visitors every year. But there’s much more to these Tennessee gems than natural bliss.
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are brimming with culturally stellar restaurants, catering to every type of clientele. Whether you prefer a local hole-in-the-wall restaurant or more upscale eateries, the options always have some things in common: friendly service, mouthwatering cuisine, and beautiful settings boasting mountain views and lush vegetation.
From Southern classics and seafood to national dishes with a modern twist, you’re spoiled for choice from breakfast to dinner. Best of all, most restaurants in the Smokies cherish dishes made from scratch and fresh ingredients, making the region a true gastronomic delight.
The options are plentiful, and if it’s your first time visiting these Tennessee gems, it can be overwhelming picking the right choice. But we are here to help! In this blog, we’ve curated a selection of some of the best restaurants in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the surrounding areas.
Are you ready to savor the mountain flavors?
Best Restaurants in Gatlinburg, TN
Cumberland Jack’s
Want to dine like a local? Cumberland Jack’s is one of your best bets in downtown Gatlinburg. Serving hearty food prepared with the freshest ingredients, every meal at this local gem gives you a true taste of the Smokies.
Hungry residents and visitors can indulge in mouth-watering dishes such as Shrimp & Grits, Blackened Salmon, Deep Fried Mississippi Catfish, and House-made Meatloaf, to name a few. The diverse menu also includes delicious fresh salads, soups, burgers, flatbreads, and tacos. Keep an eye on popular Cumberland Jack’s drinks, too. The extensive drink menu offers draft beer, wine, and signature cocktails such as Tennessee Old Fashioned, Mountain Mudslide, and Jack’s Saddlebag Bloody Mary.
Designed to resemble a mountain lodge, the ambiance is very cozy and warm. The moment you step inside the restaurant, you’ll be instantly immersed in the Smoky Mountain atmosphere. Nothing beats savoring the best of Southern food in a delightful mountain setting.
Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill
Tom and Earl’s Back Alley Grill is another local treasure famous not only for the delicious comfort food they serve but also for their laid-back and no-frills atmosphere.
Stellar dishes on their menu include their burgers and sandwiches. Must-tries include the Burning Bear Burger, Sloppy Jethro, Bust it Big BBQ, and Phatty Melt. The latter is one of the top choices — a beef burger served with melted provolone cheese, grilled onions, and thousand island dressing, a true indulgent treat!
For those looking for something lighter, the menu also features salads, wraps, and nachos. Couple your meal with a draft beer or a signature cocktail, and you’ll get the best combo.
The pub-like interior of Tom and Earl’s Back Alley Grill with wooden tables and a retro red-brick bar is unassuming yet boasts an old charm. Outdoors, they have tables nestled amidst the greenery, creating the perfect setting for an alfresco dining experience.
Crystelle Creek
Crystelle Creek in downtown Gatlinburg is renowned for its perfectly cooked wood-fired steaks and its rustic yet elegant atmosphere and charming views of a creek.
Although their selection of prime steaks, such as Chicago Filet, Nashville Prime Rib, Oklahoma Sirloin, and New York Strip, is the house specialty, Crystelle Creek’s extensive menu also offers salads, seafood dishes, burgers, sandwiches, and even Italian dishes. Every ingredient is of high quality, and prices are quite affordable.
The restaurant ambiance is ideal for dining with your family, dates, and even hosting big friend reunions. Whether you grab a table in their gorgeous indoor space or on the enclosed porch, you always have a glimpse of the creek and the mountains that surround the restaurant.
The Park Grill
Just a few steps away from the entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Park Grill is the perfect choice for before or after exploring the breathtaking natural beauty of the Smokies. Their classic American dishes will give you all the energy you need and keep you coming back.
The menu celebrates Southern flavors and Appalachian traditions featuring dishes like Crunchy Fried Pickles, Home Style Fried Green Tomatoes, Honey and Bacon Brussels Sprouts, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, and Fresh Rainbow Trout. There are also mouth-watering steaks like Rib Eye Steak, Filet Mignon, and New York Strip. Leave space for dessert since their Hot Blackberry Cobbler, Jack Daniel’s Crème brûlée, and Peanut Butter Mud Pie are absolute must-tries.
The restaurant is a state-of-the-art mountain lodge built with reclaimed stone and metal, and dead-standing spruce trees. The ambiance blends a rustic and luxurious feel where diners can also feel immersed in an authentic Smoky dining experience. The wood interior features comfy leather couches, wooden barrels, fireplaces, large tables, and stone walls decorated with mountain-inspired artifacts.
Best Restaurants in Pigeon Forge, TN
Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que
Locally owned and operated, Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que has been serving one of the best barbecues in Tennessee for over 29 years.
Their steaks are simply a feast to the palate — prepared with Bennett’s special sauce and placed over smoldering hickory wood & smoked for up to 14 hours. Some highlights of their menu include BBQ Beef Brisket, BBQ Pork Shoulder, and Jumbo Baby Back Ribs, to name a few. Side dishes like potato salad, coleslaw, deep fried corn, mac & cheese, and green beans are all perfect additions to their flavorful steaks.
With locations in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, both places boast a welcoming and intimate atmosphere. The staff is extremely friendly and patrons usually like the great value for money since prices are affordable while you get high-quality food prepared to perfection
Old Mill Restaurant
This family-friendly restaurant, located in the historic Old Mill district of Pigeon Forge, serves heartwarming Southern classics, offering patrons a memorable dining experience with superb food in a pleasant setting.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Old Mill’s menu features favorites such as fried chicken, homemade meatloaf, pot pie, hot biscuits, country-fried steak, and pot roast with gravy. Seafood options like Southern fried catfish and grilled shrimp are also popular. For breakfast, try the Old Mill’s pancakes, biscuits, and the Southern omelet. Desserts like the Famous Pecan Pie and Banana Pudding are must-tries.
The atmosphere at the Old Mill exudes nostalgia and old-world charm, with a stunning wooden interior and beautiful views of the Little Pigeon River. If there’s a wait for a table, trust us: it’s worth it for the exceptional dining experience.
Huck Finn’s Catfish Cabin
Huck Finn’s Catfish Cabin is renowned for its “All You Can Eat Catfish and Chicken” dinners, consistently recognized for serving the best catfish in East Tennessee. It’s the go-to destination for an incredible feast of delicious food.
Opt for the “All You Can Eat” menu and you’ll not regret it. You can choose to savor their catfish, chicken, or a combination of both, along with unlimited side dishes such as freshly made coleslaw, beans with turkey ham, pickle spears, hush puppies, and sweet onion — all made from scratch and extremely flavorful. A la carte options are also available, and popular choices include Battered Corn Nuggets, Gator Tail, Shoestring Fried Onions, Southern Chicken Fingers, Trout, Country Fried Steak, Southern Pork Chops, and the Ultimate Fried Platter.
Their charming interior adorned with checked tablecloths and wooden tables exudes Southern charm, the staff is very welcoming, and the prices are also excellent.
The Appalachian, Sevierville
Focused on Appalachian cuisine with a modern twist, The Appalachian offers an upscale dining experience in the heart of Sevierville’s historic downtown. Here you’ll savor creative creations while having glimpses of their open kitchen with a wood-burning hearth, where various dishes are prepared using traditional cooking methods.
Their stellar menu features contemporary dishes using classic and fresh Appalachian ingredients with a special attention on smoky flavors. Anything you order will play with your senses and come packed with flavors. Highlights include the Pork Belly, Hoodley Creek Lamb, Duck Breast, Fried Chicken, Shrimp and Grits, and Rainbow Trout. The wood-grilled meats, ranging from filet mignon to dry-aged Porterhouse, are to-die-for. They’re served a la carte, cooked to perfection, and garnished with West Virginia Sea Salt. Make your meal even better by ordering a beer from their extensive selection or a delicious signature cocktail.
The stylish decor of The Appalachian with its black walls, colorful art, and touches of wood, stone, and brass create a very intimate and cozy space and the cheerful staff will make you feel home.
Graze Burgers
Who doesn’t love a good burger? Wherever you are, they’re always a welcomed addition to any meal. In Sevierville, Graze Burgers is the go-to spot to indulge in them. Situated downtown, this local gem is renowned for its affordably priced, all-natural, grass-fed beef burgers and its modern and trendy setting.
The “farm-to-table” menu has several burger options to choose from but highlights among patrons are The Local Farmer, Southern Jam, Chili Chili Bang Bang, and The Tennessee. The latter is a beef burger served with bacon jam, bourbon BBQ, smoked gouda cheese, beer battered onion rings, house slaw, tomatoes, and house pickets. All the burgers are served with delicious hand-cut fries or battered onion rings. The shakes are also a big hit, especially the Reese’s Cup. They also have an extensive drink menu featuring cocktails and bourbons.
That’s not all! Besides the amazing food, Graze Burgers offer a trendy and stylish indoor space and a pet-friendly patio hosting live music during the summer months.
Our Top Favorite Restaurants in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg & Beyond
Mouthwatering, huh? This is just a glimpse into the fantastic culinary scene in the Smokies. If you’re a food lover, you’ll have a blast exploring all the options available. And we know that starting with our selection above, you’ll have unforgettable dining experiences.
For more tips on what to do during your visit to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, head to our destination blog. We cover a wide range of topics, including what to do if it rains and an optimized vacation reading list for when you visit the Smokies. It’s all there, and we’re constantly updating with even more content!
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At Smoky Mountain Holiday, we offer cabins of various sizes and amenities, including hot tubs, full kitchens, fireplaces, cinema and game rooms, and even pet-friendly options. Explore our website to discover our fantastic range of cabin choices.
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