The exterior of Fannie Farkle's in Gatlinburg.

April 17, 2018

Top 7 Quick Places to Eat in Gatlinburg

There is so much to see and do in Gatlinburg, TN, that sometimes you barely have time to eat during your vacation! Fortunately, our Smoky Mountain city is home to a variety of great restaurants that offer mouthwatering food served in a flash. To help you make the most of your next getaway, Hearthside Cabin Rentals has put together a guide to the top seven quick places to eat in Gatlinburg.

1. Fannie Farkle’s

If you’re looking for a speedy lunch or snack on The Strip, it’s hard to beat Fannie Farkle’s ! This fun restaurant is famous for its delicious country fair-style food, such as cheesesteaks, hot dogs, and sausage subs. The standout item at Fannie Farkle’s is the Ogle Dog: a foot long corn dog that is guaranteed to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. The food at Fannie Farkle’s is served right from a window facing the Parkway, so you don’t even have to enter the restaurant to grab your meal. If you do choose to go inside, however, you will find an awesome arcade that is filled with a wonderful mix of retro and modern games.

2. Mama’s Chicken Kitchen

Tasty Southern fried chicken.

No vacation in Tennessee is complete without some fried chicken! When you visit Mama’s Chicken Kitchen you can pick up a heaping bucket of delectable fried chicken that is perfect for a picnic in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In addition to their signature chicken, Mama’s Kitchen also serves all of your favorite side dishes, including macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes with gravy, baked beans, french fries, and buttermilk biscuits.

3. J.O.E. and Pop’s Sub Shoppe

Visiting Mama’s Chicken Kitchen is really like visiting two restaurants because Mama’s shares a location with J.O.E. and Pop’s Sub Shoppe . If someone in your group isn’t in the mood for chicken, they can order one of J.O.E. and Pop’s irresistible subs. Popular sandwiches include the Tuna Salad Sub, Roast Beef and Provolone, and the Italian Sub. Be sure to save room for dessert, because the banana pudding is amazing!

4. New York Pizza & Pasta

A delicious New York-style cheese pizza.

New York Pizza & Pasta is another one of our favorite quick places to eat in Gatlinburg. Located inside the Mountain Mall on The Strip, this classic restaurant serves authentic New York-style pizza by the slice. The portions are very generous, so just a slice or two can be very filling. Other tasty dishes at New York Pizza & Pasta include calzones, stromboli, baked spaghetti, and garlic knots.

5. Smoky Mountain Shakes N Dawgs

Smoky Mountain Shakes N Dawgs serves the most unique hot dogs you’ll ever eat! Popular “dawgs” available at this quirky restaurant include the Pizza Dawg (topped with marinara, mozzarella, parmesan, and pepperoni), the Moonshine Dawg (marinated in authentic Tennessee white lightnin’), and the Southern Fried Dawg (deep fried in a batter made from Cheez-It cracker crumbs). For dessert, guests can enjoy one of the restaurant’s fantastic milkshakes, which are made with Amish buttercream ice cream.

6. Old Dad’s General Store

Old Dad's General Store and Deli in Gatlinburg.

Whether you’re looking for a breakfast biscuit or a sandwich at lunchtime, Old Dad’s General Store never disappoints! This excellent deli is the ideal place to pick up everything you need for a picnic in the national park. Old Dad’s friendly staff will even pack your picnic for you, taking care to separate the lettuce and tomatoes in plastic bags so they don’t get soggy.

7. Hungry Bear BBQ

Boasting two locations on the East Parkway in Gatlinburg, Hungry Bear BBQ is a can’t-miss stop for anyone who loves authentic Southern barbeque. All of the meats at Hungry Bear are slow cooked to perfection, but they are served lighting fast. Guests will find perfectly tender brisket, pork, chicken, and ribs. Of course, Hungry Bear also serves classic BBQ sides, such as baked beans, mac and cheese, coleslaw, green beans, and Brunswick stew.

Where to Stay in Gatlinburg

Beautiful views from the deck of the Mountain Magic cabin.

When you stay with Hearthside Cabin Rentals, you will be near all of these quick places to eat in Gatlinburg. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 18 bedroom lodges, we are sure to have the perfect property for your escape. To start planning your vacation, browse our selection of cabins in Gatlinburg!