There are so many choices when it comes to dining. Just how do you come up with a decision on where to stop for breakfast, lunch, or dinner? We took out the headache of decision making and came up with two spots each that you should try if you haven’t already done so.
Breakfast
Smoky Mountain Pancake House
Celebrating being in business for 50 years, this family-owned and operated restaurant is a staple for visitors. It’s off the Parkway in Pigeon Forge near traffic light #10. Come and sink your teeth into made-from-scratch buttermilk pancakes, waffles, omelets, traditional biscuits and gravy, stuffed french toast, and more.
Espresso Yourself
Located in Pigeon Forge on Old Mill Street, this coffeehouse serves up plenty of coffee drinks and daily made baked goods. If you want a quick bite to eat like a muffin, cinnamon roll, or a few biscotti to dunk in your coffee, plan to try this cafe.
Lunch
Mel’s Diner
Step back in time and sit in this old-fashioned diner in Pigeon Forge. Everything inside makes you feel like you are having a meal in the 1950s, from the memorabilia on the walls to the booths and tables. Enjoy classic American food like cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, and meatloaf. Before you leave, grab a souvenir shirt to take with you (they change every year).
Mama’s Chicken Kitchen
Located on the outskirts of Gatlinburg (perfect if you’re on your way to Rafting in the Smokies from Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge), this restaurant also shares space with J.O.E. and Pop’s Sub Shoppe. If you want to grab food on the way to Rafting in the Smokies, they can provide a bucket of chicken and sides to go. Both restaurants offer box meals, and Mama’s Chicken Kitchen also has group meals.
Dinner
Boss Hogg’s Bar B’ Que
Head down the Parkway in Pigeon Forge and turn onto Wears Valley Road to find finger-licking-good hand-pulled pork shoulder barbecue, smoked or barbeque chicken, and ribs. Complement the meat with sides like baked beans, coleslaw, green beans, and potato salad. Boss Hogg’s also offers a variety of sauces to pack even more flavor into every bite.
Smoky Mountain Trout House
Situated close to the Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster and next to Zoder’s Inn & Suites, this restaurant serves up fresh trout direct from local fisheries in the Smokies. Because trout is their specialty, you’ll be able to try trout cooked a variety of ways, from fried or blackened to broiled or grilled. They also have other options like steak, chicken, catfish, and shrimp.
We hope you enjoyed our list and had options to fill you up either on your way to Rafting in the Smokies or after an adventurous visit.
