The 25 Best Places to Eat in Gatlinburg!
The 25 Best Places to Eat in Gatlinburg!
When you’re in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, it’s easy to get lost in the natural vistas, family friendly activities, ah-mazing Gatlinburg hotels, and the spirit of the Great Smoky Mountains. After all, that’s what Gatlinburg is all about. But with all of that exploration on the itinerary, you’ll be sure to work up an appetite and that’s where the city’s growing culinary scene takes the stage.
Top Places to Eat in Gatlinburg
Smoky barbeque. Fresh donuts. Pancakes with all the fixins. Tennessee cuisine has a lot to offer, and restaurants in Gatlinburg have perfected the art. With a mix of Southern style and international dishes on the menu, Gatlinburg has a little something for every traveler (and stomach).
Without further ado, here are the 25 best places to eat in Gatlinburg, Tennessee:
1 | Southern Comfort, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park | Nothing screams comfort food like Southern Comfort restaurant at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park! This gem is a foodie’s lover’s dream come true. If you’re down for some old-fashioned fried chicken, a serving of their Southern Fried Chicken and Biscuit with tender juicy bone-in chicken, grilled watermelon and fresh straight out-of-the-oven buttered biscuits is a must-try. The Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf is another prize on their drool-worthy menu we can’t say enough about because it tastes as good as it looks! Just imagine grilled meatloaf wrapped in crispy delicious bacon goodness. Need we say more? The Creole Jambalaya is also amazing with an unforgettable taste to die for as is the Chicken and Dumplings that taste just like a homecooked meal made by grandma herself. (Yum! Yum!) Honestly, you really can’t go wrong with any dish you choose, your greatest challenge will be figuring out what you like best.
WHERE: 915 Westgate Resorts Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-430-0013
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2 | The Peddler Steakhouse | Right at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains you’ll find the Peddler Steakhouse, a local restaurant with deep roots in Gatlinburg history. Founded by Charles “Earl” Ogle, Sr., a descendent of one of Gatlinburg’s earliest settlers, the Peddler Steakhouse has been serving up delicious steak dinners to Gatlinburg locals for over 30 years.
WHERE: 820 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-5794
3 | Log Cabin Pancake House | If you can only make one pancake stop, make it the Log Cabin Pancake House. With always fluffy stacks that come in a variety of flavors (and with a variety of toppings), the Log Cabin Pancake House has everything you need from a pancake breakfast.
WHERE: 327 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-7894
4 | Wild Bear Tavern | If you're looking for Southern favorites and authentic German cuisine, head to Wild Bear Tavern for breakfast, lunch and dinner. From home-cooked-style pancakes for breakfast, Bavarian-style burgers for lunch and German food for dinner, there's always a tasty meal with a treat for every palate throughout the day.
WHERE: 4236 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863| WHO: 865-453-3530
5 | Bennett’s Pit BBQ | Here’s what you should know: Bennett’s Pit BBQ is popular with locals and travelers alike, it was ranked the best barbeque in Pigeon Forge in 2019, and it was given a Certificate of Excellence seven years in a row by TripAdvisor. Need we say more?
WHERE: 2910 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: 865-429-2200
6 | Hickory Cabin Seasoning Company | A top secret spice rub and tender fall-off-the-bone meat is all the Hickory Cabin Seasoning Company needed to become a local favorite. Stop in for their award-winning smoked pork and Hickory Cabin’s popular Granny’s Banana Pudding. And don’t worry; you can buy Hickory Cabin Seasoning Company’s rubs and sauces after.
WHERE: 105 Joy Street, Sevierville, TN 37862 | WHO: 865-908-2400
7 | Buckhorn Inn Restaurant | You know what they say: No man ever steps in the same Buckhorn Inn Restaurant twice, for it’s an ever-changing menu and he’s not the same man. And it’s true; the Buckhorn’s always updated menu of Southern-style cuisine keeps travelers coming back time and time again.
WHERE: 2140 Tudor Mountain Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738 | WHO: 866-941-0460
8 | Mel’s Classic Diner | Family-owned and operated, Mel’s Classic Diner has been serving up 1950s Americana diner vibes for over 20 years—easy to see with its retro trailer aesthetic. With Americana in mind, patrons can get an all-day breakfast, top-notch burgers and fries, and classic banana splits. It’s not fussy, but it is delicious.
WHERE: 119 Wears Valley Road, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: 865-429-2184
9 | Smoky Mountain Brewery | Local favorite, Smoky Mountain Brewery is a cross between a ski lodge and a Bavarian beer hall. It’s a great place to go after a long hike to sit back relax and enjoy their popular burgers and micro-brewed beers, all with the Smoky Mountains as a beautiful backdrop.
WHERE: 1004 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-4200
10 | Local Goat Tavern | Looking for locally sourced, farm-to-table dining in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains? Local Goat Tavern has you covered. Conveniently located at the base of the mountains, Local Goat Tavern is a favorite amongst sustainability-conscious diners and hikers.
WHERE: 2167 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: 865-366-3035
11 | Hungry Bear BBQ #1 | Meet roadside barbeque at its finest. Hungry Bear BBQ #1 is all local, all Tennessee, and all delicious. Once you’re eating, you’ll understand why Hungry Bear BBQ #1 is one of the best barbeques you can have in Tennessee—and why it’s a local favorite.
WHERE: 2263 East Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-325-804
12 | Smokies Cuban Café | Get a taste of the tropics in the heart of the Smokies with Smokies Cuban Café. For classic Cuban cuisine, Smokies has it all. We recommend their croquetas, Ropa Vieja, and Cuban sandwiches. Don’t forget the piping hot cortadito and flan to finish off the meal.
WHERE: 3526 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: 865-365-1700
13 | The Greenbrier | For upscale, fine dining with a mountain backdrop, look no further than the Greenbrier Restaurant, a self-proclaimed food and spirit outpost. In the midst of lush greenery, the Greenbrier offers delightful dishes including oyster flights and grilled seafood making it a great spot for intimate dinners and dates.
WHERE: 370 Newman Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-412-1576
14 | The Restaurant at Buckberry Lodge | Get away from the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg’s downtown and head to the Lodge at Buckberry Creek, where you’ll find the Restaurant at Buckberry Lodge. Once seated, you’re in for an evening of beautiful mountain views and delicious rustic, always fresh, and always in-season menu.
WHERE: 961 Campbell Lead Road, Gatlinburg, TN | WHO: 865-430-8030
15 | Best Italian Café and Pizzeria | Itching for New York-style Pizza while amongst the Great Smoky Mountains? Check out Best Italian Café and Pizzeria to satisfy all of your pizza dreams. Since 1976, this pizzeria has been serving up Gatlinburg’s best pies so you know it’s been tried, tested, and ultimately true to its name.
WHERE: 968, Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-430-4090
16 | The Donut Friar | True, not every meal needs to be a full-blown dinner. For the smaller snacks in between, turn to the Donut Friar. Tucked away in the Village Shops of downtown Gatlinburg, the Donut Friar delivers the type of high-calorie sweet joy only an artisanal donut can bring. But beware: The Donut Friar is cash-only.
WHERE: 634 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-7306
17 | The Three Jimmy’s | Fresh and homemade, the Three Jimmy’s is a favorite amongst Gatlinburg locals. It’s easy to see why with Gouda Macaroni and Cheese and Maple Bourbon Chicken on the menu. Be sure to check out their open mic nights for dinner and a show.
WHERE: 1359 East Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-325 -1210
18 | Cherokee Grill | For a night on the town, hit up the popular Cherokee Grill in downtown Gatlinburg. Though its interior and menu is upscale, you can find all kinds of locals and travelers dining on any given night. As long as you’re hungry, you’re welcome.
WHERE: 1002 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-4287
19 | Ole Red Gatlinburg | Ole Red takes dinner and a show a step further with a menu full of country music homages and live performances by local up-and-coming country music artists—and the occasional celebrity guest. Don’t believe us? Just ask Blake Shelton.
WHERE: 511 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-325-3101
20 | Fox & Parrot Tavern | Stop by Gatlinburg’s only authentic British pub, the Fox & Parrot Tavern, which is easily the best place in town to grab a pint, eat a basket of fish and chips, and try your hand at a game of British darts. Is that different from American darts? You betcha.
WHERE: 1065 Glades Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-0677
21 | Crockett’s Breakfast Camp | Here’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance: Eating a cinnamon roll in honor of the famous Davey Crockett—the greatest soldier, frontiersman, and devoted family man this side of the Mississippi. Feel free to have a full breakfast on his behalf, too.
WHERE: 1103 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-325-1403
22 | Elvira’s Café | Elvira’s Cafe is the epitome of a quaint, countryside eatery. Founded by Elvira, a Siberian student who fell in love with the views and spirit of Southern Tennessee, the café is a community favorite well-known for its warm and inviting charm. So, what should you eat when you visit Elvira? Our recommendation: The sweet crepes.
WHERE: 4143 Wears Valley Road, Sevierville, TN 37862 | WHO: 865-366-2263
23 | Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant | The Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant knows what it’s about: Apples. Patrons start off their meal with complimentary apple fritters, homemade apple butter, and apple juleps—that’s before ordering. With an apple barn and cider mill on property, the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant has been serving up delicious Southern-style meals for over 34 years.
WHERE: 240 Apple Valley Road, Sevierville, TN 37862 | WHO: 865-428-1222
24 | Lil Black Bear Café | Before heading out to Dollywood, check out the Lil Black Bear Café for filling breakfast and lunch staples. Popular for their fluffy pancakes and chicken salad sandwiches, the Lil Black Bear Café offers American comforts, conveniently located for those completing their Dolly Parton pilgrimage.
WHERE: 3068 Veterans Boulevard, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: 865-366-1181
25| Calhoun’s BBQ | If down-home local BBQ isn’t your style, check out Calhoun’s BBQ. It’s award-winning and a little cleaner around the edges than some of the other barbeque joints on this list. But don’t be mistaken: Calhoun’s serves legendary BBQ that has earned its place in the Gatlinburg culinary scene.
WHERE: 1004 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-4100
BONUS: Two more restaurants we could not leave off the list!
Wild Plum Tea Room | Tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountains beneath a canopy of walnut trees, lies the Wild Plum Tea Room, an homage to old Austrian tea rooms. So, make sure to stop into this whimsical gem after a day of artisanal shopping at Gatlinburg’s historic Arts and Crafts Community and unwind with the tea room’s signature wild plum muffins and hot tea.
WHERE: 555 Buckhorn Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-3808
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Last thoughts on the best places to eat in Gatlinburg
There’s a lot to do in Gatlinburg—and a lot to eat. Your biggest decision: How to fill up the valuable real estate in your stomach. Hopefully, with these 25 restaurants and eateries in mind, you’ll have no trouble making your breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack plans.
To make the most of your entire Gatlinburg, Tennessee visit, check out the 10 Top Attractions for Families in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and 51 Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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