Places to Eat in Gatlinburg TN: 10 Most Unique Places

Embark on a food adventure where waffles, wings, and wild plum tea await at the unique places to eat in Gatlinburg TN. Get ready to indulge in the best dining experience!

If you’re one of the people who ask, “Where do locals eat in Gatlinburg?” we’ve got you covered! Off the beaten path with good service, excellent food, picturesque views, and infused with southern hospitality and charm, visitors savor eating at these restaurants in Gatlinburg TN.

Stop your search for places to eat near Gatlinburg TN. Instead, keep reading to discover ten great palate-pleasing locales!

1) Pancake Pantry

628 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

You’ll notice a lot of pancake houses lining the Parkway of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Most are pretty good, but only one takes the pan-cake: Pancake Pantry.

Operating since the 1960s, Pancake Pantry, one of the best places to eat in Gatlinburg TN, started the pancake craze in the Smokies and continues to be a tradition for breakfast-goers. The massive pancakes, made from scratch and served with real butter and fresh whipped cream, fill up the hungriest-of-hungry visitors.

Choose classic buttermilk pancakes or try a combination unique to the Pancake Pantry, like pecan pancakes; Caribbean pancakes; blueberry pancakes; and sweet potato pancakes.

2) Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant

240 Apple Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862

The postcard-perfect setting of the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant makes it a top contender for the best place to eat Gatlinburg TN, and it is most frequented by locals.

Showcasing original built-in oak furniture, rocking chairs on the front porch, and a gazebo with jaw-dropping views adds to the down-home feel and makes it one of the most cool places to eat in Gatlinburg TN.

Of course, the real reason people rave about Applewood is the southern cooking. Tuck into savory dishes such as their homemade farmhouse soup or signature apple fritters slathered with homemade apple butter. All washed down with an ice-cold Applewood Julep. Additional popular orders include their famous fried chicken, old-fashioned chicken and dumplings, and country meatloaf.

3) Smoky Mountain Brewery

1004 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Calling all skiers, hikers, snowboarders, and, of course, foodies! With its warm and cozy ambiance, relaxing vibes, and the Smoky Mountains backdrop, Smoky Mountain Brewery has become one of the most popular places to eat Gatlinburg TN.

Since its opening in 1996, Smoky Mountain Brewery has grown from a small watering hole to a mainstay at the base of the Smoky Mountains. Beginning their journey with carefully crafted beers to expanding their menu selection, which now includes pizzas such as Brewmaster and Brew-B-Que Chicken and sandwiches like the Ole’ Smoky Burger, they have become the ideal spot to wind down after outdoor adventure.

Unsurprisingly, through the years, it has established its reputation as one of the most fun restaurants in Gatlinburg TN.

exterior ground view of Smoky Mountain Brewery Restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA — photo credit: Smoky Mountain Brewery via Facebook

4) The Park Grill

1110 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

If you are looking for cool places to eat in Gatlinburg, you are in for a treat. Located right next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance, The Park Grill offers a true ”heart of the Smokies” dining experience. This historic gem in Gatlinburg is a must-visit for everyone who wants to enjoy fresh food and a majestic view.

The Park Grill is known for its savory steak, fresh seafood, and a great wine list that is perfect to end your day after exploring the Smokies. Their menu includes craveable items such as Hickory Grilled Rib Eye, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, and a Hickory Grilled Angus Burger.

Alongside their delicious food menu, the dining experience at The Park Grill is unparalleled. Its rustic décor provides a warm mountain lodge atmosphere perfect for a night out with friends and family or a romantic dinner.

5) Wild Plum Tea Room

555 Buckhorn Road, Gatlinburg TN 37738

The Wild Plum Tea Room, located at the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, is one of the most unique places to eat in Gatlinburg for several reasons.

First, it is inspired by Austrian tea houses and decorated with charming, mismatched eclectic decor. Second, its natural setting in the woods creates a cozy ambiance that visitors and locals love. Thirdly, the fare is made fresh daily with seasonal ingredients.

To top it off, the Tea Room’s outdoor patio garden is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your pets to lunch. The menu changes daily, but, rest assured, you can always have a cup of wild plum tea! We highly recommend it!

Exterior building of the Wild Plum Tea Room in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA — Make your reservation at one of Gatlinburg’s hidden gem restaurants.

6) Crockett’s Breakfast Camp

1103 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

As we have mentioned before, Gatlinburg is famous for its pancake houses. However, Crockett’s Breakfast Camp is putting a unique spin on breakfast in Gatlinburg.

The frontier-style restaurant is named after David C. “Crockett” Maples, who served as a private and corporal in Company H, Ninth Tennessee Cavalry, from October 1, 1863, to June 8, 1865. With an interior formed from rough-hewed logs and walls lined with cast iron skillets and sepia-toned pictures, the rustic camp feel of the restaurant is super fun, making it one of the favorite restaurants in Gatlinburg.

However, the real draw is the absolutely delicious food on the menu. Favorites include the giant, ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls, fresh-squeezed strawberry orange juice, the Cathead Stacker, and the Black Bear Camp Skillet.

7) The Peddler Steakhouse

820 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

The Peddler Steakhouse is one of the most unique places to eat in Gatlinburg. This restaurant was originally a rustic pioneer cabin built by one of the Smokies’ first families – The Ogles.

It has since been transformed into the popular Peddler Steakhouse, although you can still see the home’s facade in the front dining room. With soft lighting and beautiful views of the Little Pigeon River, the Peddler Steakhouse is a favorite for date night rendezvous.

As you may imagine, these seats are very popular, so a reservation is highly recommended. When trying a cut steak, your best bet is to order one of their signature steaks. You get to hand-select your meat, then sit back and relax as it is grilled to perfection over real Tennessee hickory charcoal. Save room for dessert, though, as their blackberry cobbler is legendary!

Inside The Peddler Steakhouse in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA — photo credit: Peddler Steakhouse via Facebook

8) Log Cabin Pancake House

327 Airport Rd. (formerly Historic Nature Trail), Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Another pancake house?! Gatlinburg isn’t the pancake capital of the South for just any reason. You are in for a hearty breakfast at the Log Cabin Pancake House, one of the best places to eat in Gatlinburg TN. The renowned eatery has served tasty waffles, pancakes, and other breakfast options since 1976.

Walking into the restaurant is like stepping back in time, with rustic log cabin décor and incredibly welcoming staff. Log Cabin Pancake House is known for its generous portions and scratch-made recipes, like its famous cinnamon roll pancakes and egg and bacon platters.

If you’re a sweet or savory breakfast fan, The Log Cabin Pancake House is an absolute must-visit for those seeking tasty morning food in Gatlinburg.

9) Cliff Top Grill and Bar

576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Enjoy a first-class dining experience at the top of Anakeesta Mountain when you eat at Cliff Top Grill and Bar.
The restaurant offers flavorful char-grilled burgers, garden-fresh salads, and signature cocktails. All are made using the finest ingredients by the skilled chefs in the restaurant. House specialties include smoked pork pulled brisket, Smokehouse Stacker, and Smoky Mountain Burgers.

With its terrific location and breathtaking view, Cliff Top Grill and Bar is a great spot to unwind and enjoy mouth-watering food with family and friends. Don’t forget to get a shot of the incredible view before heading back down the mountain.

Please note that tickets to Anakeesta are required to dine at Cliff Top. Score discount Anakeesta tickets from Tripster and enjoy this alpine oasis nestled in the Smoky Mountains.

Wide shot of the Cliff Top Grill and Bar at dusk at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA — photo credit: Anakeesta via Facebook

10) Smoky Mountain Trout House

410 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Revisit the past and enjoy the present. Experience a wonderful dining adventure at Smoky Mountain Trout House.

Located at one of the oldest buildings in Gatlinburg and operating for almost 50 years, the restaurant is a premier must-try destination for both locals and visitors.

The restaurant features a wide selection of dishes. As you may imagine, the restaurant’s seafood dishes are a must-try and a crowd favorite. Give the smoky mountain trout and shrimp cocktail a whirl, or choose their classic steaks, pasta, burger, and chicken. Finish everything up with a sweet dessert as a cherry on top!
Where Will You Dine?

Experience Unique Gatlinburg Restaurants

So, if you’re still asking, “Where do the locals eat in Gatlinburg?” you now have numerous places to write on your “must-visit” list. With these places to eat in Gatlinburg, TN, you’re guaranteed a memorable, satisfying meal, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Where is Your Favorite Place to Eat in Gatlinburg?

Did we miss any of your favorites? Leave us a comment below!

Written by Sara Berden

Sara is a Content Writer from the Philippines experienced in writing for websites and social media in different industries. She is an introvert...

Best Place to Eat in Gatlinburg TN: 10 Most Unique Places