Best Places to Eat in the Great Smoky Mountains

 

 

 

 

There is so much to do in The Great Smoky Mountains. There are hundreds of fun activities and places to eat there. (You can read more about our trips to “The Smokies” HERE, HERE, and HERE.)

If you are visiting for the first time or have made many trips, you’ll want to know some great places to eat. Here are the best restaurants you will definitely want to check out while you’re visiting The Smoky Mountains – Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.

 

 

 

 

The Park Grill

Above photo via.

 

Why it’s great:

• The Park Grill has received rave reviews for its steaks (especially the filet mignon), specialties (the Pecan Crusted Chicken is wonderful), and their desserts (you gotta try the Brownie Bash). It also offers a massive salad bar. You will leave with a full tummy and a smile on your face. See the full menu HERE. 
• 2017 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence. They offer a sophisticated children’s menu and offer a variety of children’s “Daiquiris”.
• Lovely atmosphere in a huge, rustic mountain lodge with beautiful high ceilings and rock fireplaces. See photos of restaurant HERE. 

 

 

 

Crockett’s Breakfast Camp

Photo’s via Trip Advisor

 

Why you’ll happily gain 10 lbs:

• Cinnamon Rolls are delicious and they are as big as your head. Their pancakes also consistently receive great reviews from locals and tourists alike. See full menu HERE.
• Skillet Breakfasts as big as the dwarf planet Pluto. Lots of menu options and massive portions. They also offer gluten-free menu items.
• Crockett’s received Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence for 2017.

 

 

 

Cherokee Grill

Above photo via.

Why you’ll love it:

• In addition to some fantastic steaks, the menu features fresh fish, seafood, rotisserie chicken, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. There’s something for everyone! See full menu HERE.
• Offers Happy Hours Weekdays 4-7 p.m. The restaurant serves their own high-quality, handcrafted microbrews. Their beers are created locally, in small batches, and are all-natural. They also serve Sunday Brunch from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Offers a Gluten-Free Menu.

 

 

Taste of Italy

Why you have to try it:

• Don’t judge this restaurant by its location ( behind a gas station in a strip mall). The authentic Italian food is fantastic (You gotta try the Baked Spaghetti with Meatballs, Baked Ravioli, Baked Tortellini with Shrimp, Chicken Parmesan, etc – you may have to make many visits).
• Great appetizers like garlic knots and killer desserts like Tiramisu and Cannoli’s.
• Massive portions for even the biggest of appetites. They continue to receive great reviews on their friendly customer service.

 

 

New Orleans Sandwich Company

Why you’ll have a great meal:

• Authentic Cajun food with great menu options like Jambalaya, Crab Cakes, Crawfish Etouffee, and Po’ Boys.  More info HERE.
• 2017 Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence. Top 10 Restaurants in Gatlinburg.
• Nice, casual atmosphere. You can order sandwiches to go if you want a nice picnic lunch for Smoky Mountain hikes or other outings you have planned.

 

 

 

Bennett’s Pit BBQ

Above photo via

Why you’ll be lickin’ your fingers:

• Bennett’s pork ribs, chicken, pulled pork and beef briskets are smoked over hickory wood & smoked for up to 14 hours. The meats are moist and juicy – a carnivore’s dream. And, people can’t stop raving over Bennett’s BBQ Sauce! See the full Menu HERE. 
• Other menu options include a salad bar, steaks, grilled chicken, and chili for those who don’t want BBQ.
• Has Received Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence for 2012-2017! There are two locations – One in Gatlinburg and one in Pigeon Forge.

 

 

 

The Best Italian

Why you’ll want to save a week’s worth of carbs for this one meal:

• The Best Italian has stood the test of time and has been open since 1976.You’ll love the New York-style thin crust pizza and amazing sauce. The calzones are also massive. The portions are huge and fantastic. See full menu HERE.
• Each table receives a basket of buttery garlic knots – topped with chopped garlic, parmesan cheese, and parsley. The melted butter puddles in the bottom of the basket so that you can dip you bread into the butter/garlic/cheese mixture. They are a taste of heaven in your face.
• You have to try The Bloody Mary. You can thank me later.

 

 

No Way Jose’s

Why you’ll yell OLE!:

• Lively atmosphere, generous portions, fresh ingredients, and friendly staff. The food is fantastic!
• Fresh, chunky salsa served with warm tortilla chips as you wait for your meal.
• Knowledgeable staff who can recommend Gluten-Free options.

 

 

 

Calhoun’s

Above photo via

Why you’ll  keep coming back:

• Located in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Calhoun’s is a very popular restaurant. You’ll love the massive Pulled Pork Sandwich topped with their signature BBQ sauce and piled high with coleslaw – Yes,please! Their menu includes salads, burgers, wings, BBQ, sandwiches, steaks, and port chops. See full Menu HERE.
• Calhoun’s Desserts are homemade and include Macadamia Nut Banana Pudding, Triple Fudge Cake, Key Lime Pie, and Cheesecake.
• Enjoy the atmosphere at Gatlinburg’s (and/or Pigeon Forge’s) mountain lodge restaurant, authentic southern hospitality, and their award-winning food.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Smoky Mountain Brewery

Above photo via

Why it’s great:

• The Smoky Mountain Brewery is a microbrewery and has many beers on tap to choose from.
• This brewery serves up delicious goodies like Oven-Baked Soft Pretzels that are served with hot beer cheese dip. YUM! From sandwiches, pasta, burgers, pizza, calzones, salads, and steaks, there is a wonderful variety of food options. See Full Menu HERE.
• They have a Gluten-Free Menu for those with allergy issues. This menu also includes Vegetarian options. See Menu HERE.
• Locations in Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg.

 

 

 

Huck Finn’s Catfish

Why you need to bring stretchy pants:

• Huck Finn’s Catfish Shack is know for it’s “All You Can Eat” Catfish & Chicken Dinners. See Full Menu HERE.
• All dinners come with all you can eat VITTLES:  coleslaw, baked beans, french fries or homemade mashed potatoes and gravy, hushpuppies,dill pickles and onions slices.
• They been awarded BEST CATFISH IN EAST TENNESSEE, by Tennessee Magazine four years in a row.

 

 

 

Bullfish Grill

Above photo via

Why it’s absolutely fantastic:

• Bullfish offers fish that is delivered daily to guarantee quality and freshness.
• They serve Lunch, Dinner, and Sunday Brunch. Their options include steaks, seafood courses, salads, signature dishes, small plates, and desserts. See full menu HERE.
• Offers a selection of the finest wines and ales.

 

 

Mama’s Farmhouse

Why you’ll go home to kiss your sweet grandma:

• Mama’s Farmhouse served breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is a constant supply of food (served family style on a lazy-Susan on the table)and it is all-you-can-eat.
• The food options vary, so you can call ahead to see what “Mama’s” serving that day. See options HERE.
• Winner of 2015 International Biscuit Festival.

 

 

Local Goat New American Tavern

Above photo via

Why you’ll have a great experience:

• It has a weird name, but from the beer selection to the food, everything is fantastic! You can get a Tuna Steak, Bacon Burger, Whiskey Glazed Chicken Wings, Deep Fried Deviled Eggs, Steaks, and Burgers. The bread pudding and Cinnamon Ice Cream are also big favorites. See full menu HERE.
• Everything is made from scratch and they even bake their own breads. They also serve locally sourced and sustainable foods.
• The tavern serves local craft breweries, craft cocktails and fine wines. They offers specials on their beer and wine selections. For example:  $1.00 off draft beers and wines by the glass from 3pm – 6pm, every day. $1.00 off draft beers all day on Tuesdays.  1.00 off wines by the glass on Wednesdays. Half Price on all bottles of wine on Saturdays.

 

 

The Old Mill

Why you’ll keep coming back:

• Whether you stop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you will enjoy a classic Southern meal. The portions are generous and the veggies are served family style. The bread is freshly baked in their in-house bakery. See full menu HERE.
• Each table receives a basket of mini muffins, Smoky Mountain Special Preserves, and sourwood honey for breakfast. At lunch and dinner, you get a basket of fritters and maple butter.
• You can sit at a table with a view of the river that flows to the waterwheel next door.

 

 

Blue Moose

Why you’ll ask for extra wet naps:

• With a nice variety of Hot Wings, Huge Wing Plates, Sandwiches (Moosewiches), Burgers, Appetizers, and Salads – you won’t leave hungry. See full menu HERE.
• Hot wings are award-winning and come in a variety of flavors including Lemon Pepper,Italian Parmesan, and the super-hot Atomic.
• Blue Moose offers Daily Specials, Nightly Specials, and a Happy Hour so you can eat & drink more for less $.

 

 

 

 

JT Hannah’s Kitchen

Above photo via.

 

Why you’ll love it:

• JT Hannah’s prides itself on cooking with the freshest and best local ingredients, and serving the finest cuts of meat (Won the 2014 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence).
• There’s something for everyone on the menu – Pasta, Chicken, Seafood, Salads, Burgers, Deluxe Sandwiches, Steaks, and Fajitas. Everyone in your party will be happy. See full menu HERE.
• Offers a Gluten-Free Menu.

 

 

 

Alamo Steakhouse

Above photo via

Why you’ll never be a vegetarian:

• Alamo is a great place for steak lovers – tender, aged steaks grilled over oak fire. One section of their menu is titled Beef, Beef, and More Beef – a carnivore’s dream. They even grind their own burgers! See full menu HERE.
• Won Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence in 2017.
• Offers semi-private tables (by reservation) for anniversaries or special occasions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

English Mountain Trout Farm

Why you might drool in public:

• Fish doesn’t come much fresher than this. You fish isn’t caught or cooked until you order it. Or you and your family can catch your own fish and English Mountain Trout Farms will cook it for you.
• Menu options include: Fresh Lemon Pepper Trout, Fried Trout, Fried Catfish, and fish dinner platters (served with 2 side and wonderful hushpuppies!) They also serve burgers and a Chicken Platter. See full menu HERE.
• No frills restaurant with casual atmosphere and very friendly staff.

 

 

 

Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant

Why you’ll feel like your at grandma’s house:

• Feels like you’re eating at your grandma’s rural farmhouse (or you sit on the porch if you have 4 or fewer in your party). Menu options include Southern classics like the Smoky Mountain Biscuit Benedict or Banana Fosters Waffles at breakfast. Or the Fried Chicken or Sugar Cured Ham for lunch or dinner. See full Menu HERE.  An Allergen Menu is also available. See it HERE. They also serve many kid-friendly items.
• When you are seated, you are served Apple Fritters sprinkled with powdered sugar,Apple butter, and fruit juice.
• Voted the top 10 ten restaurants in Sevierville and has received Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence for 2017.

 

 

Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin

Above photo via

Why you’ll have the best morning ever:

• From Egg Platter, Omelets, Campfire Skillets to Waffles, French Toast, and Pancakes – You will NOT leave hungry. See full menu HERE.
• They offer Gluten-Free Pancakes.
• Pancake options include: Sticky Bun, Strawberries and Cream, Reese’s Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chips, and Southern Pecan, just to name a few.

 

 

 

PawPaw’s Kajun Kitchen

Why you’ll invest in an elastic waistband:

• With delicious catfish that keeps people coming back,  PawPaw’s Kajun Kitchen is very popular. It is one of the top 5 Restaurants in Sevierville (according to TripAdvisor). They also serve authentic Cajun food that locals and visitors both love. Learn more about PawPaw’s Kajun Kitchen HERE & HERE. 
• You will leave here full and happy from the generous portions and genuine Southern hospitality.
• They have received 2017 Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence.

 

 

 

The Chop House

Why you’ll be glad you went:

• The Chop House consistently receives rave reviews for their steaks and seafood. With options like a Slow-Roasted Prime Rib Sandwich, Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes, Steaks, Seafood, and Pork Loin, everyone in your party will be happy. The Caramel Cookie Crunch is one of their must-try desserts. See full menu HERE. They also offer a Gluten-Free Menu.
• They have a nice wine menu and a specialty/craft cocktail menu and serve drinks like the Treaty of Paris Martini and The Chop House Bloody Mary (topped with a deviled egg, bacon, and bleu cheese stuffed olive!).

 

 

The Diner

Above photo via

 

Why it’s nice:

• Feel like you’ve stepped back into the 50’s at The Diner. The portions are generous and hearty, and you’ll definitely leave with a full tummy.
• The Diner offers a traditional breakfast and American food options at lunch. See full menu HERE.
• Fresh, homemade food that is char-grilled to order. You can stop in with the whole family for a banana split or a milkshake.

 

 

 

Bistro 109

This photo of Bistro 109 is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Why you’ll love it:

• If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, head over to Bistro 109. They have an elegant dining room and serve Five-star, southern-inspired dishes.
• The menu is large with a nice variety of exciting dishes -like Maine Lobster Stuffed Ravioli and Escalopes Veal Lamponi. See the full menu HERE.
• Reservations are recommended.

 

 

 

Big Daddy’s Pizzeria

Above photo via

Why the whole family will leave happy:

• Home-made dough, home-made sauce, fresh ingredients and topping, pizzas cooked in brick oven – what’s not to love!
• With a variety of appetizers, salads, pizzas, sandwiches, and desserts – you will leave full and happy. See full menu HERE.
• They offer a nice variety of Specialty Pizzas like the Tuscan Pizza (Alfredo sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, cheeses, mushrooms, red pepper, chicken, and artichoke hearts).

Oh, man, this list is making me hungry. I guess it’s time to plan another trip to The Great Smoky Mountains!

Have you been to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Sevierville? Any great restaurants we should know about?

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