48 Best Restaurants and Bars to Visit in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Last updated January 4, 2026
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Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer much more than stunning vistas and outdoor experiences.
These delightful towns are a hidden gem of gastronomic pleasures eager to be explored.
From charming breakfast corners to quaint diners offering substantial dishes, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg's culinary scene is filled with taste and personality.
Here are the 48 best restaurants and bars to visit in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge!
1. Cherokee Grill & Steakhouse
Situated in a wooded mountain lodge environment, this is a premier restaurant in Gatlinburg for families.
It provides a high-end environment with a varied menu that caters to all age groups.
From traditional cuts like Filet Mignon to Southern delights like Fried Catfish and Fried Chicken, there is something for everybody here.
2. Pigeon Forge Deli
Tucked away on Wear Valley Road, this is a concealed treasure that's worth finding.
This hidden gem serves a variety of freshly prepared snacks and sandwiches ideal for a fast meal.
What distinguishes this place is its dedication to preparing the majority of its dishes from scratch, leading to delightful flavors you will not want to overlook.
3. The Greenbrier
Located in Gatlinburg, this is a warm and family-oriented restaurant situated in a delightful log-cabin atmosphere.
Renowned for its tasty chef-inspired menu, this restaurant provides a selection of hand-sliced prime steaks, seasonal ingredients, and craft cocktails.
With appetizers like foie gras and scallops, along with entrees such as lamb shank and stuffed trout, the varied menu here guarantees a distinctive dining adventure for both tourists and locals in the lovely Great Smoky Mountain.
4. Corky's Ribs and BBQ
This is a regional establishment that has continued to offer tasty traditional sides and smoked ribs in a lovely, retro-themed environment since 1984.
Featuring several sites throughout the state, even a Pigeon Forge location, this venue delivers the genuine tastes of Memphis-styled BBQ.
5. Crockett's Breakfast Camp
This is a delightful restaurant located within downtown Gatlinburg, honoring David Crockett Maples’ legacy. He is one of the original frontiersmen.
The cabin-inspired restaurant provides a contemporary take on traditional Southern breakfast meals and serves high-quality service and food to every guest.
The atmosphere here is an ideal homage to Gatlinburg for years gone by, and their homemade skillet cakes remain utterly delightful.
6. Calhoun's
Calhoun's is a well-known BBQ chain in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with a varied menu featuring sandwiches, freshly ground burgers, craft beers, and homestyle sides.
It’s ideally situated close to the SmokyMountain Brewery and features an excellent bar space with TVs, serving the exact craft beer made at this brewery.
This restaurant also serves dog lovers with its cozy outdoor seating.
7. Alamo Steakhouse
This is a favored spot for visitors desiring a substantial steak while exploring the Smoky Mountain.
This laid-back chophouse takes pride in offering Angus steaks grilled over oak, as well as a range of chicken and seafood options.
The restaurant's dedication to utilizing fresh, locally obtained ingredients guarantees an unforgettable meal experience enriched with Southern warmth.
8. Margaritaville Restaurant
This Pigeon Forge restaurant provides a lively and relaxed dining atmosphere with traditional American comfort cuisine and drinks.
Situated at The Island’s southern tip, it’s among a well-known shopping and entertainment hub that includes the famous Great Smoky MountainWheel.
The restaurant's welcoming ambiance features natural elements, visible wood, and cozy tropical hues.
9. Peddler Steakhouse
Situated in the center of Gatlinburg, this has been an incredible restaurant since 1976.
The restaurant's charming and elegant atmosphere and closeness to the lovely Great SmokyMountains National Park render it a favored option for both residents and visitors.
The restaurant provides a variety of delicious choices such as grilled beef, trout, chicken, and a generous salad bar included with every meal.
10. Brick & Spoon
This Pigeon Forge restaurant is a well-liked dining spot recognized for its traditional American cuisine, Southern warmth, and delightful decor.
It is a popular location for brunch, offering a menu that includes French toast, beignets, eggs Benedict, scrambled eggs, tasso mac and cheese and shrimp, burgers, and mahi mahi blackened tacos.
The restaurant provides a total southern dining adventure with a refined and relaxed atmosphere.
Even, the proprietors sought to spread southern charm across the country with their venture.
11. New Orleans’ Sandwich Company
This is a warm, family-run restaurant that delivers New Orleans’ tastes to Gatlinburg.
Situated in Baskins Square’s shopping district, this laid-back restaurant serves a range of Cajun favorites including their signature dish - po' boys.
Their substantial French bread sandwich is available with various fillings like roast beef, smoked sausage, oysters, and ham.
12. Puckett's Restaurant
This restaurant within Pigeon Forge remains a well-loved destination famous for its tasty Southern dishes and live performances.
Its menu includes a selection of Tennessee classics including fried Southern chicken, BBQ platters, sandwiches, and burgers.
This restaurant is very renowned for its slowly-cooked BBQ offerings such as Piggy Mac, which features wood-smoked cherry pulled pork finished with biscuit crumbs plus cheese and cheddar mac.
13. Wild Plum Tearoom
Situated in a charming mountain landscape, this spot provides a lovely retreat into a vintage-style teahouse atmosphere.
Taking cues from Austrian classic tea houses, the delightful venue is ideal for meeting up with family and friends to savor freshly made meals crafted from home-grown ingredients and regional produce.
Their menu showcases a variety of seasonal treats such as soups, sandwiches, salads, and irresistible desserts like bread amaretto pudding, and muffins.
14. Smokies Cuban Cafe
This is a small, modern eatery on Pigeon Forge’s Parkway, serving traditional Cuban dishes, coffee, and fruity tropical shakes.
It ranks among the limited Cuban dining options in Sevier/Knox territory and always captivates guests with its distinctive Latino take on BBQ with shredded sautéed beef and expertly made Cuban sandwich.
15. Tennessee Jed's
This is a relaxed restaurant featuring outdoor seating and serving traditional breakfast items, Frito pies, and sandwiches.
Situated within downtown Gatlinburg, it serves as an easy stop-by for a fast lunch while exploring.
Its selection includes well-liked sandwiches such as the Reuben, Turkey BaconRanch, Classic BBQ, Chicken Salad, and Cubano.
Focusing on hot dogs too, choices consist of the Bacon Cheddar hot dog and Classic Chili hot dog.
16. Flapjack Pancake Cabin
This is a cozy restaurant that has continued to offer homestyle lunch and breakfast dishes since 2001.
It is renowned for its tasty Sticky Bun pancake, which showcases a delicious blend of cinnamon-infused pancakes, cream cheese frosting, and pecans.
And alongside its signature meal, there are many other enjoyable pancake flavors available here, including Mixed Berry Pancake, Chocolate Chip Pancake, and Reese Peanut Butter Pancake.
17. Smoky Mountain Brewery
Situated in Gatlinburg, this brewery provides a relaxed atmosphere with a varied menu and craft beer on tap.
The brewery has an on-site facility that makes a range of craft beers such as ThunderRoad Pilsner, CherokeeRed Ale, and others.
Also featuring a mountain lodge atmosphere and sports bar, the establishment remains open until the middle of the night and offers family-friendly choices for children too.
18. Big Daddy's Pizzeria
This is a Pigeon Forge neighborhood chain that serves thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas as well as salads and sandwiches in a relaxed atmosphere.
The restaurant boasts a distinctive brick oven. Here artisanal dough and house-made sauces are utilized to craft tasty pizzas with fresh components.
Customers also have the option to create their own personal pizza with different toppings or select from specialty choices such as Big Kahuna, Smoky Mountains Cheesesteak, or Porky Pie.
19. Split Rail Eat
Situated by Glades Road’s covered bridge, this is a country-style casual cafe inside Gatlinburg that features a range of nice comfort food choices like burgers, Sunday brunch, and sandwiches.
This hidden gem of a restaurant is famous for its creative breakfast sandwiches such as the 'BLEAT' and ‘Yardbird'.
20. JT Hannah's Kitchen
This is a vibrant restaurant that offers traditional American cuisine in a delightful rustic ambiance.
From succulent steaks and satisfying burgers to delectable ribs and tasty seafood, this restaurant offers a variety for all.
The atmosphere here radiates southern allure with its refined wooden deco decorated with chalkboard menus and piled whiskey barrels.
Guests can also savor St. Louis renowned spare ribs accompanied by delicious sides such as baked loaded potatoes and sweet potato waffle-cut fries.
21. LogCabin Pancake House
This is a delightful family-run restaurant situated in the heart of Gatlinburg.
This charming log cabin restaurant is famous for its extensive selection of pancakes, omelets, waffles, and crepes.
Its menu additionally includes homemade biscuits served with sausage gravy.
Founded in 1973, the place provides the best Southern home-cooked cuisine and offers breakfast throughout the day.
From inventive varieties such as butterscotch chips to traditional fluffy pancakes, there's a selection for all pancake lovers here.
22. Mellow Mushroom
This is a lively and artistic pizza chain in Pigeon Forge that is famous for its calzones, stone-baked inventive pizzas, and selection of craft beers.
Accommodating a range of dietary preferences, the eatery provides gluten-free tasty pizza selections such as Mighty Meat, Ultimate Mellow, Kosmic Karma, Veg Out, and other customizable options.
Also, they offer brownies that are gluten-free for dessert.
Their decor inspired by psychedelics contributes to the vibrant atmosphere of this expanding pizzeria franchise.
23. Pancake Pantry
This is a famous lunch and breakfast destination in Gatlinburg, recognized for its diverse selection of pancakes.
Founded in 1960, the restaurant has been providing generous breakfasts for many years.
The restaurant provides a wide variety of breakfast options such as buttermilk pancakes with distinctive flavors such as Caribbean Pancakes, Sugar and Spice Pancakes, and Swiss ChocolateChip Pancakes.
24. Lil BlackBear Cafe
This is a warm Pigeon Forge daytime dining spot, famous for its traditional American lunch and breakfast selections, as well as an array of coffee options.
Although this cafe is quite petite, it has swiftly gained popularity among locals and tourists since it opened some years back.
Families particularly cherish it for its child-friendly environment, allowing kids to participate in coloring projects that are subsequently shared on the social media of the cafe.
25. Best Italian Cafe and Pizzeria
A cherished Gatlinburg restaurant for more than 40 years, serves genuine Italian dishes in the lovely Smoky Mountains.
The family-run spot is famous for its large servings and made-from-scratch meals, pleasing both residents and tourists.
Having two places in Gatlinburg (a downtown express location and a complete restaurant) makes it simple to savor their renowned New York pizzas and traditional pasta meals.
26. No Way Jose Cantina
This is a spirited Mexican restaurant featuring a dynamic ambiance and bright decorations.
They provide a comprehensive menu showcasing fresh ingredients and vibrant Mexican tastes including fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, and others.
The restaurant takes pride in crafting fresh tamales each day and creating queso, salsas, and various sauces for the best flavor.
27. Crystelle Creek
This restaurant provides a charming dining atmosphere featuring ribs, wood-grilled steaks, and various American cuisines.
The restaurant offers a view of a creek. It also features two dining options - a serene indoor area and a heated enclosed sports porch welcoming dogs.
The menu here showcases the best trout, ribs, steaks, and specialty Italian dishes in Gatlinburg.
28. Bennett's Pit BarBQue
This is a cherished barbecue destination with locations in both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Since 1991, the family-owned establishment has been providing hickory-smoked genuine barbecue, gaining recognition for the finest barbecue and ribs in the area.
And alongside their famous BBQ dinner, Bennett's offers a delectable breakfast buffet with more than 50 options, including their smoked signature pork dish.
29. Ole Red
This is a vibrant and roomy restaurant that serves American and Southern dishes including live music, cocktails, and beers.
Named after the popular song of Blake Shelton, 'Ol Red', the entertainment venue highlights carefully selected Nashville talent and presents emerging country music stars.
From regional musicians to leading country stars, the cutting-edge stage here offers a range of acts each evening.
30. Mama's Farmhouse
This is a famous family-oriented eatery within Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, serving classic Southern cuisine for breakfast, dinner, and lunch.
The menu here showcases Mama's favorites such as chicken strips, buttermilk biscuits, hashbrown casserole, and Belgian waffles.
Also renowned for its engaging Southern breakfast adventure, the eatery offers favored items like grits, eggs, seasonal fruits, and bacon.
31. Chesapeake's Seafood & Raw Bar
This is a premier seafood eatery that takes pride in offering fresh seafood delivered daily, competing with the finest coastal seafood restaurants across the country.
The menu here showcases a variety of enticing choices such as chowder, gumbo, tasters, bisque, oysters, sandwiches, lobster, salmon, grouper, clams, shellfish, and tuna.
32. Paula Deen's
This is a well-known venue in the lovely Smoky Mountains, featuring substantial Southern dishes provided in a family-style setting.
This restaurant is famous for its relaxed vibe and ample servings of traditional Southern fare such as fried chicken, gravy and biscuits, green fried tomatoes, and pot roast.
Visitors can also savor breakfast delights here including sausages, pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs, and rich hash brown casserole.
33. Delauder’s BBQ
This is a relaxed venue offering a straightforward menu that includes smoked meats such as pulled pork.
The restaurant has been acknowledged as part of the best 100 dining spots and ranked among the best 25 barbecue eateries in the country.
The family-run establishment takes pride in offering homemade dishes, embracing the motto of ensuring to treat guests as family.
They also provide Holy Bologna tasty sandwiches, baked loaded potatoes, a substantial rib dinner, and loaded nachos.
34. Sawyer Farmhouse Breakfast
This is a delightful, locally operated Pigeon Forge restaurant that has become well-known for its traditional American breakfast selections.
Their menu presents an assortment of delectable choices including Belgian waffles, crepes, and pancakes made freshly from scratch, accompanied by flavorful compotes and syrups.
They also offer lunch options such as burgers, salads, and sandwiches throughout the day.
35. Red Oak Bistro
This is a distinctive and inviting restaurant situated in Gatlinburg, featuring European-inspired small dishes and a wide variety of wines.
The restaurant boasts a cozy interior with a terrace for al fresco dining and several fireplaces.
Their menu features tapas dishes inspired by Mediterranean cuisine and crafted from locally sourced ingredients, offering a nice European flavor in the southern mountain.
A Bulgarian chef creates dishes here recognized for their artistic presentation and blending of Mediterranean, Southern, and Eastern European culinary styles.
36. Smoky Mountain Brewery
This Pigeon Forge brewery is a relaxed brewery famous for its friendly vibe and craft beers on tap.
The brewery provides various entertainment choices including several HDTVs and a live music venue.
Visitors can also savor their menu that includes burgers, sandwiches, pizza, wings, and appetizers, as well as a variety of bourbons, champagne, whiskey, and wine.
37. Cliff Top
Situated at Anakeesta's peak, this restaurant provides a relaxed al fresco dining atmosphere with breathtaking sights of the beautiful Smoky Mountains.
Reaching this restaurant and bar via truck or chairlift, guests can enjoy substantial salads, burgers, and main dishes accompanied by a variety of beers and cocktails.
Their outdoor seating and expansive glass windows offer a fantastic view to savor your food after your day of thrilling activities like ziplining.
38. Bullfish Grill
Situated in the lovely Great Smoky Mountains National Park region, Bullfish Grill provides a distinctive dining atmosphere with its lodge-inspired decor that includes stone flooring and an expansive fireplace.
It is a favored option for families seeking enjoyment, as it’s located near multiple attractions including laser tag, mini golf, the Smoky Mountains Opry, Flyaway Indoor Sky diving, and Gatlinburg SpaceNeedle.
39. Taste of Italy
This is a welcoming Gatlinburg restaurant that offers a delightful and genuine Italian dining adventure.
Operated by the couple Harold and Geri Mabee, the restaurant is famous for its delectable Italian menu offerings.
Its cozy decor further enhances the welcoming ambiance here.
They provide gluten-free and vegetarian choices, ensuring suitability for diverse dietary requirements.
Among well-known meals here are Maine’s lobster ravioli, chicken marsala, and baked manicotti, together with margherita pizzas topped with fresh ingredients.
40. Mels Classic Diner
This is a vintage-themed Pigeon Forge restaurant, offering hearty servings of traditional American diner fare for breakfast, dinner, and lunch.
The atmosphere of the 1950s in the restaurant, featuring rock ‘n’ roll tunes and classic cars, always evokes a sense of nostalgia.
Their menu features homemade dishes such as dumplings and chicken, burgers, hand-bread catfish, sandwiches, soups, chili, salads, and others.
41. Park Grill
A friend suggested Park Grill in Gatlinburg as an excellent place for dining with children.
Its cabin-like facade and inviting interior enhance its charm, while its menu offers classic steakhouse dishes and salad bar selections.
This restaurant is situated inside the Smoky Mountains National Park, rendering it an ideal stop on your hiking or sightseeing trip.
42. Alamo Steakhouse
Found inside Pigeon Forge, Alamo Steakhouse is a famous restaurant recognized for its skillfulness in cooking hand-cut tasty beef on an open fire.
Ranging from tasty New York steaks to tender filet mignon, the restaurant provides a pleasing variety of choices.
And alongside their renowned steaks, this steakhouse offers a varied menu that includes oak-grilled pork chops with a wide array of seafood, sandwiches, chicken dishes, soups, and salads.
43. Three Jimmy's
This is a warm restaurant famous for its substantial American dishes and BBQ, providing a relaxing vibe with live music and a sheltered patio.
The restaurant takes pride in offering bar fare that surpasses expectations, showcasing crispy wings and a variety of burgers, even specialty ones with distinct toppings.
Visitors can also relish heartfelt music while savoring smoked Gouda cheese and macaroni and prize-winning wings from Wednesday to Sunday.
44. Old Mill PotteryHouse Café
This is a delightful Pigeon Forge restaurant that serves baked treats made with grain milled on the premises.
It offers traditional Southern comfort dishes and bistro lunches, featuring lighter variations of Southern cuisine.
One community favorite here is their pimento cheese sandwiches served with tomato basilsoup.
The café embodies the spirit of the lovely Great Smoky Mountain and Pigeon Forge, becoming a favored option for tourists seeking genuine local cuisine in the region.
45. Tom and Earl's
This is a casual and welcoming place situated in the center of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
It’s a favored option for both residents and tourists, providing a warm ambiance, welcoming personnel, and tasty Southern-themed grill and bar dishes.
Its menu includes enticing choices such as green fried tomatoes, BBQ brisket sandwich, large wings, and other additional items.
On Saturday and Friday evenings, visitors can listen to live music as they enjoy unique drinks and draft beer.
46. Huck Finn's
This is a nice family-operated eatery that has continued to cater to the Smoky Mountain for more than 25 years.
It is renowned for its limitless catfish dish, which includes unlimited sides like coleslaw, white baked beans, and hushpuppies.
Also, along with shrimp and catfish dishes, they offer fried and grilled chicken, country-fried steaks, chicken livers, and various Southern specialties.
47. Old Mill Restaurant
Situated within a hub of rustic dining establishments, ceramics, sweets, and toy stores, this is a sanctuary for heartwarming Southern comfort cuisine.
It is famous as part of the Great Smokies area’s most visited restaurants.
Although there may be wait times here, guests can be confident that their meal will be worthwhile.
This restaurant is suggested for individuals with substantial appetites and is famous for offering extraordinarily large servings.
48. Local Goat
This Pigeon Forge spot is a popular casual restaurant specializing in contemporary American dishes made from ingredients that are locally sourced.
Their menu features a selection of creative appetizers like green fried tomatoes and deviled deep-fried eggs, as well as a range of tasty gourmet burgers, including their Elvis burger with peanut butter, fried banana, and smoked bacon.
Focusing on inventive dishes and local, fresh ingredients, Local Goat offers a relaxed environment to enjoy tasty food and artisan draft beer.
