Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a haven for nature lovers and families, with its breathtaking natural vistas, family-friendly activities, and the enchanting spirit of the Great Smoky Mountains. As you explore this picturesque town, you’ll undoubtedly work up an appetite, and that’s where Gatlinburg’s diverse culinary scene steals the spotlight. Gatlinburg restaurants range from smoky barbeque to fresh donuts and pancakes piled high with fixings, the places to eat Gatlinburg has to offer will leave you spoilt for choice, but there are also lots of fast food places for those in a hurry, or on a budget. With a mix of Southern-style and international dishes, Gatlinburg has a little something for every traveler (and stomach). As far as breakfast places go, there are blue million pancake houses to be found in Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the 25 best places to eat in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Table of Contents
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
2. The Peddler Steakhouse
Located right at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains, The Peddler Steakhouse is a local restaurant with deep roots in Gatlinburg history. Founded by Charles “Earl” Ogle, Sr., a descendant 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. Be sure to check out our best breakfast guide.
WHERE: 327 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-7894
4. Wild Bear Tavern
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 are 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 afterward.
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. Being one of the best places to eat, you will definitely want to arrive early as there’s is always a crowd.
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.
For decades, this has been one my favorite stops. Especially on a cool, or cold night.
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, and an order of their French Toast,
WHERE: 1103 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-325-1403
22. Elvira’s Café
Elvira’s Café 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 the 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. Pro Tip: This is hands down my favorite place to eat in Gatlinburg. It is a local chain, and each of their restaurants are unique. Never once have I had a sub par meal there, the atmosphere is great, they have friendly staff, and delicious food. I would consider it to be something of an upscale restaurant, but without the “stuffy feel” that sometimes comes with that. Dress is pretty much decent tourist dress, from hiking boots, shorts and Tee shirts in the summer, on up. It’s truly one of those unique places that you have to see and experience for yourselves.
My favorite meals there run the gamut from prime rib, or a tasty steak dinner, from custom cut steaks, to a very generous portioned and great tasting BBQ sandwich, great pork chops, and fish. They serve fine fare, or differently put, simply delicious meals, or great food. Between my Wife and I we have had all those dishes. Oh, they offer free parking with proof of receipt (which they don’t seem to care if you have it or not, they are very accommodating about this). The free parking is a big deal in Gatlinburg, and a great option to kill two birds with one stone. By the way, I don’t work for Calhoun’s nor receive compensation from them in any way, shape or form. I just like that place.
WHERE: 1004 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-4100
Bonus: Two more restaurants we couldn’t leave off the list of best places to eat in Gatlinburg!
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
Corky’s Ribs & BBQ
Corky’s bills itself as having the authentic BBQ of Memphis, Tennessee. I’d say if they were not altogether right, that they were certainly close enough, This is a chain restaurant, as Corky’s has them in the larger cities across The State. They have simply great BBQ and Ribs. Or what some might call Southern Barbeque. Their fish is also very good. If you are looking for good food, and a pleasant atmosphere, it is to be found here at a bargain price.
This Corky’s is to be found in Pigeon Forge. It’s a step up from fast food, and what they serve there is a reflection of this, but still on the casual side, with brick walls and cozy booths and tables. The prices are reasonable, and something most families and couples could easily afford.
Now that you’ve filled your belly with good food from all the top places to eat in Gatlinburg, consider a nightcap at a local brewery.
