Pigeon Forge has a well-deserved reputation for incredible theme parks and attractions. However, the mountain area also features a diverse range of dining options, including award-winning restaurants across multiple cuisines. In this article, we’re featuring some of the best places to eat in Pigeon Forge. Come hungry!
There’s nothing like down-home Southern cooking. Tennessee is known for its hospitality, and the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg culinary landscape reflects that with classic Southern dishes and welcoming restaurant environments. However, Pigeon Forge’s restaurants don’t limit themselves to regional cuisines. Here, you can find everything from local catfish to Cuban classics. Restaurants like the Local Goat are at the forefront of the sustainability movement, while others prioritize unique, chef-created dishes that hold their own against restaurants across America. Whatever your taste, there’s something in the Pigeon Forge mountain area for you.
Pigeon Forge offers dining options to whet the appetite of the history buffs in your group! Learn more about the mountain area’s past while dining in an iconic eatery that tells a story about the early days of Pigeon Forge.
Address: 164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Almost 200 years of history await you when you visit the Old Mill Restaurant! The Loves, early local settlers, built the mill in 1830. Through the years, the mill served as the first local post office, weathered multiple floods, and survived the Civil War. Now, it welcomes guests to explore its historic charm while enjoying a delicious meal! Foodies and history buffs alike will enjoy the traditional Southern dishes served in the iconic structure, from fried chicken to pot pie. Don’t forget to grab a bag of the best grits, ground in the mill itself, on your way out!
Address: 3341 Old Mill St, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Located right next door to the Old Mill Restaurant, the Pottery House offers its own slice of Pigeon Forge history. The cafe was the home of Douglas Ferguson, an acclaimed American potter who set up shop in Pigeon Forge in the 1940s. Today, you can enjoy a delicious sandwich or hearty entree made from Mill-ground ingredients, all while soaking in the historic charm of the Pottery House.
If you love watching cooking shows, you can enjoy dishes created by your favorite celebrity chefs in Pigeon Forge!
Address: 131 The Island Dr #8101, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Enjoy down-home favorites from the queen of Southern cuisine! The 300-seat dining area at the Family Kitchen also puts you in the perfect spot to watch The Island Show Fountains while you eat your meal; the dining room is located on the second floor to give groups of diners the best view possible. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, focusing on Southern menu specialties like beef pot roast and fried chicken. The family-style lunch is especially popular!
Eating like a local is fun and rewarding, and Pigeon Forge offers plenty of opportunities to do just that. Whether you’re in the mood for fall-off-the-bone barbeque, fresh fish, or the best Southern-style favorites, you can find a local spot that offers just the meal and menu you’re craving.
Address: 2167 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
The Local Goat focuses on sustainable and locally sourced items to create mouth-watering appetizers, steaks, wings, and desserts! Everything on the menu (even the bread!) is made from scratch daily, so you’re guaranteed the freshest food possible. Made from locally sourced beef, the burgers are a standout on the menu. Be sure to check out the restaurant’s drink menu as well!
Address: 3330 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
After a day spent hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains or catching thrills at Dollywood, you’re likely to work up a mighty appetite. Fortunately, Huck Finn’s Catfish asks guests to come hungry and enjoy all-you-can-eat catfish, fried chicken, the best house-made hushpuppies, and more! Tennessee Magazine rated Huck Finn’s as the best catfish in East Tennessee, so you can be confident in the quality of your fish. The generous portions mean that even the hungriest appetite is sure to leave satisfied. Stop by the gift shop on the way out to grab a t-shirt, mug, or other Huck Finn’s souvenir.
Address: 2910 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
In the mood for barbeque? You can’t go wrong with Bennett’s, a family-owned joint that has been serving mouthwatering meats for over 30 years. The restaurant won best barbeque in the 2023 Best of Pigeon Forge list and is a Travelers’ Choice spot on Tripadvisor. Bennett’s lives up to its awards with some of the best brisket, chicken, and ribs!
Address: 2480 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
A Tennessee classic, Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant offers delicious comfort food and live music in a restaurant setting inspired by the original Puckett’s Grocery, established in the 1950s. The menu features Tennessee favorites like meatloaf and country-fried steak, plus burgers, desserts, and their crowd-favorite Piggy Mac. Stop by for a home-cooked meal and some music!
Address: 2734 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
For pancakes touted as best in the state by the likes of Southern Living and Delish.com, look no further than Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin! The restaurant serves classic pancakes, house specialties like pecan, and fan-favorite Sticky Bun pancakes. Not a fan of pancakes? You can also order French toast, waffles, and omelets from the menu. Whatever your choice, you’ll find that you leave Flapjack’s fuel for a busy day in the Smokies!
Address: 2831 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Family-owned and operated, Sawyer’s specializes in delicious breakfast and brunch favorites like grits, crepes, pancakes, and waffles. If you’re visiting for lunch, the restaurant offers breakfast all day, or you can choose a burger or salad from their lunch menu. A brunch or breakfast at Sawyer’s is always a memorable experience!
If you’ve had your fill of Southern-style food and want a different dining experience, plenty of restaurants offer international food at an affordable price. Below are some of our favorite restaurants specializing in the best unique international entrees.
Address: 104 Waldens Main St, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Are you craving some Mexican flavors during your Smoky Mountains vacation? No Way Jose’s has you covered with a variety of vibrant traditional dishes! Tamales, salsas, and sauces are all prepared fresh at the restaurant, ensuring the highest quality authentic Mexican flavors. If you’ve already eaten and want a refreshing drink, check out the cantina, which features favorites like margaritas and Piña Coladas.
Address: 3965 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Cielito Lindo serves up everything from chimichanga to fajitas and seafood. The restaurant focuses on authentic Mexican dishes that are scratch-made by Cielito Lindo’s chefs. For an enjoyable and relaxing authentic dinner, look no further!
Address: 3526 Parkway #4, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Mouthwatering empanadas, fried pork chunks, plantains, and more await you at this slice of Cuba in the Great Smoky Mountains! The restaurant makes most of its dishes from scratch and sources its bread directly from Cuba for the most authentic taste. If you’re looking for something different from Southern fare during your Pigeon Forge trip, you can’t go wrong with the Smokies Cuban Cafe.
Pigeon Forge restaurants dish up some of the best steak and seafood around! Below are some of our top choices for upscale food in Pigeon Forge.
Address: 2441 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
The grill specializes in aged Grand Champion Angus beef, plus a wide selection of seafood, chops, ribs, and chicken. You’ll want to try Bullfish’s famous steak; the restaurant won a Travelers’ Choice Award from TripAdvisor in 2022, and visitors rave about the delicious meat. The salmon and tilapia are guest favorites if you’re not a steak fan. Whatever your choice, the Bullfish Grill offers an upscale dining experience to enhance your time in Pigeon Forge.
Address: 3050 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Paying homage to Davy Crockett, the famous Tennesseean who lost his life defending the Alamo, this steakhouse serves up delicious burgers and steaks grilled over an oak fire for the best flavor. The Alamo makes all their sauces, soups, and gravies, guaranteeing the freshest and most flavorful experience. Check their website before you go for periodic discounts and coupons!
Address: 119 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Mel’s offers a classic 1950s diner experience at affordable prices! This family-owned restaurant serves delicious banana splits, juicy burgers, and other diner staples. During your visit, check out the all-day breakfast menu and experience the delicious food that has put Mel’s on Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award list for the past 11 years!
Address: 208 Pickel St, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
For family-style dining in a comfortable and relaxing environment, you can’t go wrong with Mama’s Farmhouse. Named for the Johnson family’s great-grandmother, the restaurant serves a rotating daily menu of delicious Southern dishes–sample them all and decide which you’d like more of! Mama’s has won multiple awards, including first place in the International Biscuit Festival and Best Banana Pudding in Tennessee. All items are all-you-can-eat, so be sure to come hungry.
Address: 2430 Teaster Ln #108, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
For a fun and high-energy sports bar that’s also family-friendly, you can’t beat the Blue Moose. The restaurant serves Southern tailgating favorites, along with a full bar and over 30 HD TVs, so you can be sure to catch your game. While cheering your team to victory, try some award-winning wings, unique burgers, and shareable appetizers.
Address: 137 E Wears Valley Rd Ste. 2, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Want to combine dinner with some country entertainment? At Country Roads Axe Company featuring West by God Coal Fired Pizza, you can enjoy a round of ax-throwing, get some drinks from the self-serve craft beer wall, and enjoy a delicious slice of the only coal-fired pizza in the region. The venue is also the perfect one-stop shop for corporate events and bachelor or bachelorette parties, so be sure to ask the staff if you’ve got a special event coming up.
Address: 2655 Teaster Ln #280, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Junction35 is the first distillery in the Smokies to include a restaurant in the experience. The distillery produces its own whiskey, vodka, moonshine, gin, and tequila–pair your selection with something off the restaurant menu, like a classic smash burger or sandwich. Junction35 offers a wide variety of menu items, including seafood, barbeque, and more. Stop for good food, excellent spirits, and plenty of fun!
Address: 2664 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
J. Dels serves fresh pizza and Italian favorites made from non-GMO and all-natural ingredients. The crust is handmade in-house, and the thin-crust style is a favorite with locals and visitors. Be sure to try the garlic and cinnamon knots during your visit, both of which receive rave reviews.
Address: 2530 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
This combination of microbrewery and kitchen serves up delicious American cuisine and hand-crafted beer that’s sure to delight. The menu features various dishes, from pizza to burgers and chicken. Pair your meal with a cocktail, mule, or hand-crafted beer from the brewery.
Address: 2485 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Go off the beaten path with one of Mellow Mushroom’s creative pizzas, offered in a fun and funky atmosphere. Browse the restaurant’s extensive drink menu and check out the calzones and burgers if pizza isn’t your style.
Pigeon Forge truly has food for every palate. While the region is renowned for its Southern comfort food (and there’s plenty of that here!), you can also experience incredible steaks and seafood, international fare from Mexico and Cuba, handmade pizza, locally distilled beverages, and so much more. No matter where your craving takes you, Pigeon Forge has the restaurant to leave you satisfied and ready to return for more.
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