August 25, 2017
The Smoky Mountain area is home to some of the very best restaurants in East Tennessee! With hundreds of eateries to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to go out for lunch or dinner. If you’re looking for an authentic taste of the Smokies, we suggest eating where the locals eat! To help you make the most of your next vacation, Hearthside Cabin Rentals has put together a guide to the top seven local favorite restaurants in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Located across from Pigeon Forge’s historic grist mill, The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe & Grille is a can’t-miss destination for any getaway in the Smokies. This hugely popular restaurant serves delicious Southern fare in a charming environment. All of the food at the Pottery House Cafe is made from scratch and many of the dishes use freshly ground flour from The Old Mill. Highlights of the cafe’s menu include the quiche, French onion soup, club sandwich, catfish, and coconut cream pie.
Blue Moose Burgers & Wings is another one of the local favorite restaurants in Pigeon Forge. This restaurant styles itself as a “family sports grill” and specializes in everything you need to enjoy the big game: chicken wings, burgers, and beer. Blue’s award-winning jumbo wings come in 16 mouthwatering flavors, including Thai Curry, Mango Habanero, Sriracha Ranch, Honey BBQ, and Sesame Ginger. Anyone craving a burger will not be disappointed by one of Blue’s half-pound creations, which include the Steakhouse Burger, Patty Melt, and Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger.
If you’re looking for something a little different during your vacation, be sure to check out Smokies Cuban Cafe . This hidden gem serves authentic Cuban cuisine right on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. Owned and operated by a Cuban family, the cafe has inspired a loyal following for its empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, palomilla steak, ropa vieja, and yuca. Coffee drinkers will love the restaurant’s cafe con leche, while kids will enjoy the tasty fruit smoothies.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Three Jimmy’s is always a reliable choice. This wonderful restaurant boasts a varied menu that includes Southern BBQ, pizza, salads, burgers, steak, and even more delicious food. During the evening, Three Jimmy’s offers excellent live entertainment, with everything from local bands to karaoke. Be sure to save room for dessert, because Jimmy’s cheesecake is out of this world!
Parton’s Deli is the definition of a local favorite! This awesome lunch spot has been a popular destination on the Gatlinburg Parkway since 1974. Parton’s serves a variety of fantastic submarine sandwiches, which are steamed to perfection with ooey-gooey cheese and flavorful meats. In addition to its great subs, Parton’s also offers deviled eggs, potato salad, chili dogs, and lemon pound cake. Parton’s Deli does not take credit cards, so you may want to visit an ATM before your visit.
Local Goat Tavern is a relative newcomer to the Pigeon Forge restaurant scene, but it has quickly established itself as one of the best places to eat in town. Everything at Local Goat is homemade, from their freshly baked bread to their fresh squeezed juices. Standout items on the Local Goat menu include the cheese fondue, Elvis burger (topped with peanut butter, bacon, and fried bananas), Fettucine Rocco, teriyaki kabobs, and fish and chips. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with the crème brûlée!
With locations in both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Smoky Mountain Brewery is the perfect place to spend a night out during your vacation. This restaurant is famous for its house-brewed beer and classic American food, including pizza, burgers, wings, sandwiches, salads, steaks, and pasta. Smoky Mountain Brewery has numerous TVs and regular live music performances.
When you stay with Hearthside Cabin Rentals, you will be near all of these local favorite restaurants in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Our cabins come with your choice of spectacular amenities, including mountain views, theater rooms, arcade games, and swimming pool access. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 18 bedroom cabins, we are guaranteed to have the perfect property for your vacation. To start planning your getaway, browse our selection of cabins in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg!