One of the best things about going on vacation is getting to sample some of the area’s local cuisine. While you are in the Smokies, you can enjoy all sorts of amazing food, including BBQ, country cooking, and even seafood! As you explore the numerous restaurants in the area, you will notice that there is plenty of family-owned places that have been serving the community for decades! Here is your guide to the best local restaurants in the Smoky Mountains:
Breakfast
Pancake Pantry
For over 60 years, Pancake Pantry has been serving locals and visitors one of the best breakfasts you will find in the Smokies. The story of this local restaurant began way back in 1960 when the owners, who had no previous restaurant experience, decided to take a leap of faith to open their own restaurant. The dream paid off, as the Pancake Pantry became the first specialty pancake house in Tennessee. Since that time, millions of customers have walked through the doors to enjoy the 24 different varieties of pancakes on the menu, to go along with a variety of other breakfast classics.
Log Cabin Pancake House
The Log Cabin Pancake House is another locally owned and operated breakfast restaurant in Gatlinburg. They first opened in 1976 and have been thriving ever since serving all sorts of delicious entrees. One of the most unique things about this restaurant is that they serve breakfast every day from 7 AM until 2 PM! Therefore, both the early risers and those who like to sleep in while on vacation can enjoy the deliciousness that awaits at Log Cabin Pancake House!
Lunch
Local Goat
While Local Goat is still relatively new to the area, it has taken off since its opening in 2016. This is one of the few scratch kitchen restaurants in the Smoky Mountains, which means they thrive in serving in-house products made with locally sourced ingredients. You will also be pleased with the menu selection at Local Goat, which features everything from sandwiches and soups to steak and seafood. The restaurant is located right on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, making it an easy place to stop in for a delicious lunch!
Pottery House Cafe
If you are looking for a local restaurant with a true Smoky Mountain feel, the Pottery House Cafe is the place for you! It is located in the Old Mill Square where you will also find all sorts of unique shops. The lunch features at the restaurant are served each day from 11 AM until 4 PM. A few of the things you will find on the menu include fried catfish, shrimp & grits, pork chops, and much more. Of course, one of the highlights of your meal will be the complimentary bread that is baked in-house!
Dinner
Blue Moose Burgers & Wings
For one of the most lively atmospheres in the Smokies, head to Blue Moose Burgers & Wings in Pigeon Forge. This restaurant serves all your favorite bar classics, including over 20 flavors of jumbo chicken wings and gigantic burgers. This is also one of the best places to catch your favorite sports team in action, as they have flat-screen televisions plastered all throughout the restaurant. Blue Moose is also proud to be the only family-friendly sports bar in Pigeon Forge, so feel free to bring the kids along for the fun as well!
The Peddler Steakhouse
When it comes to the best local restaurants in the Smoky Mountains, it would be hard to leave The Peddler Steakhouse off the list. This amazing steakhouse in Gatlinburg has it all, including hand-cut steaks, an unbelievable salad bar, and a view of the Smokies that you won’t believe. The dining room has a multitude of tables by the window, where you can look out over the Little Pigeon River while you enjoy your meal with your loved ones. The Peddler Steakhouse is great for any occasion, but it is also one of the most popular date night restaurants in the Smokies.
Now that you know about some of the local places to eat during your trip, be sure to check out these restaurants in the Smoky Mountains that are off the beaten path! We look forward to welcoming you to the Smokies!
