Indulge in the most important meal of the day at the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Gatlinburg, Tennessee in a treasure trove of breakfast delights, with everything from crispy bacon and fluffy pancakes to delicious donuts and fresh coffee. Did I say pancakes? Every type of pancakes and flapjacks (which is just the informal name for pancakes) are available for your dining delight. This guide will help you find the best breakfast in Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas, ensuring your day starts off just right!
1. Pancake Pantry: A Gatlinburg Classic
The Pancake Pantry is a beloved institution in Gatlinburg. As Tennessee’s first pancake house, it’s set the standard for scrumptious breakfasts in the area. Nestled in downtown Gatlinburg, this eatery prides itself on its homemade pancakes, topped with real butter and freshly whipped cream. With 24 varieties of pancakes, and other delectable options like waffles and golden butter-fried hash brown potatoes, it’s a must-visit for breakfast enthusiasts.
Specialty pancakes abound with options such as wild blueberry pancakes and even sweet potato pancakes. A trip to Pancake Pantry is a must. It is truly one of the best places for pancakes this side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Your stomach will thank you.
2. Crockett’s Breakfast Camp: A Hearty Start to Your Day
For those with a big appetite, Crockett’s Breakfast Camp is the place to be. This rustic, cabin-themed popular restaurant serves up generous portions of classic Southern breakfast dishes with a modern twist. From griddle cakes (yet another name for pancakes) to scramblers and French toast, their menu is diverse and delicious. A fan-favorite is the “Postmasters Favorite” which includes chicken fried steak, homestyle sausage gravy, and farm-fresh eggs. Yum!
3. Five Oaks Farm Kitchen: A Newcomer with a Lot to Offer
Five Oaks Farm Kitchen is a relative newcomer to the Smoky Mountains dining scene, but it’s already made a big impression. This Sevierville-based restaurant offers hearty, shareable plates like “The Back 40”, a pan-fried pork tenderloin smothered in sausage gravy, or sweet treats like “Blanche’s Thick Ring Baked Griddle Cakes” served with sweet cream butter and warm maple syrup. Free parking and good eats make this a perfect place to eat all your favorite breakfast foods.
4. Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant: A Scenic Breakfast Spot
Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant offers a unique breakfast experience, combining beautiful farmland scenery with mouthwatering food. Warm apple fritters and fresh apple julep are the stars of the show, but there’s plenty more to explore on the menu. After your meal, take a stroll around the Apple Barn Village, where you’ll find a winery, cider mill, candy factory, and more. Be sure and arrive hungry!
5. Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin: A Pancake Lover’s Paradise
With several locations in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin is never far away when you’re craving pancakes. Of all the pancake houses to choose from (and there are quite a few), this great place is top of the list. It’s so good there’s generally a line at all locations. Just more proof it is one of the best breakfast restaurants in Gatlinburg. Their expansive menu includes everything from “Elkmont Egg Platters” to “Campfire Skillets”, ensuring there’s something to suit every taste.
6. Atrium Pancakes: A Local Favorite
Atrium Pancakes is a hit with locals and visitors alike. This Gatlinburg pancake house is famous for its “Baked Apple Pancake”, stuffed with warm apples and served golden brown with plenty of butter and syrup. If pancakes aren’t your thing, they also serve country ham, Belgian waffles, and eggs.
7. Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant: A Pigeon Forge Gem
Located in Pigeon Forge, Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant offers a wide range of breakfast dishes, from hearty platters to homemade pancakes. Try the “Sawyer’s Special Breakfast – The Forge”, which includes 2 eggs, home fried potatoes, gravy & biscuit, and your choice of smoked bacon, sausage, country ham, or sugar cured ham.
8. Donut Friar: Sweeten Your Morning
Donut Friar is a must-visit if you’re looking to start your day on a sweet note. Located in The Village Shops in Gatlinburg, their selection of freshly made donuts and pastries, complemented by a warm cup of coffee, is hard to resist. The have some of the seriously best doughnuts in the State of Tennessee.
9. Elvira’s Cafe: A Hidden Gem in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Wears Valley, Elvira’s Cafe is an off-the-beaten-path eatery that’s worth the trip. Known for its freshly prepared food and homemade crepes, it’s a charming spot for a leisurely breakfast.
10. Log Cabin Pancake House: A Smoky Mountain Staple
Log Cabin Pancake House has been serving up delicious breakfasts for over 40 years. Known for its friendly service and delectable food, it’s a must-visit during your Smoky Mountains vacation. It’s one of top places to start your day on the right foot with these great pancakes.
11. Dollywood: Honorable Mention
While it’s unusual to include a theme park in a list of best breakfast options, the cinnamon bread at Dollywood is more than enough to list it as one of the best breakfast choices in all of East Tennessee. This stuff is soooo amazing that it’s almost addictive. It’s good any time of day, but it hits extra right at breakfast time. While you are there, you can take in the shows and ride the many rides and fantastic rollercoasters, including their wooden rollercoasters. And be sure and get some extra cinnamon bread to take with you. You’ll be glad you did.
That’s it! If you are looking for hearty breakfasts with great breakfast foods, look no further than a trip to one or more of these for a delicious breakfast. They are just some of the many great places where you can enjoy the best breakfast in Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. Whether you’re a pancake lover or a donut devotee, a hearty breakfast awaits you in this charming mountain town. Remember, the early riser gets the best pancakes and all your breakfast favorites. Enjoy!
Now that you’ve started the day off right, use all that energy to explore many Gatlinburg and Smoky Mountain activities such as:
- Complete Guide to Ripley’s Attractions in Gatlinburg
- Exciting Things to Do at the Gatlinburg SkyBridge
- Horseback Riding in the Smoky Mountains Gatlinburg
- Snow Tubing Near Gatlinburg TN: A Comprehensive Guide
And don’t forget, if you work up an appetite, to check out the best breweries in Gatlinburg and top places to eat in Gatlinburg.
