Gatlinburg Restaurant Guide: The Best Places To Dine

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a beautiful town nestled deep within the great smoky mountains. It is known for its beautiful scenery, country charm, and above all, its incredible southern cookin’!

Gatlinburg is full of attractions and activities for every age and is home to some of the best restaurants, drawing people from all across the country to the beautiful town. Whether you are planning your next vacation or just got done with a long day of hiking in the smokies and need a quick place to eat, we have you covered. Get your appetite ready because here are our top picks for mouth-watering Gatlinburg restaurants.

Log Cabin Pancake House

Log Cabin Pancake House is a Gatlinburg eatery serving up some of the best food in Gatlinburg. To get ready for a long day of hiking, exploring, or riding rollercoasters at the nearby Dollywood theme park, you are going to need a hardy breakfast and great food. The Log Cabin Pancake House is known for its fluffy cakes and delicious brunch items. 

With french toast, crepes, omelets, and a variety of pancake options, you are sure to satisfy any breakfast craving you might have. They have been in business for more than 40 years, and they have earned their name as one of the best breakfast spots in all of the south. If you show up, expect a short wait since they are usually busy but always moving fast!

Southern Comfort

When I think of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, the first thing that comes to mind is my sweet grandma’s mouth-watering homemade comfort foods. Years later, I still find that same pleasure from the Southern Comfort restaurant at the Westgate Smokey Mountain Resort & Waterpark. Whether you are staying at the resort or not, you need to pay this restaurant a visit. 

From classic country fried chicken to freshly baked biscuits, they have country comfort dialed down. Their grilled watermelon, chicken and dumplings, and bacon-wrapped meatloaf are two of their most popular entrees. Every item on their menu is noteworthy, and you are sure to have an incredible dining experience. 

Ole Red

You haven’t been to Tennessee without hearing about the famous Grand Ole Opry. Well, some of the stars have opened up their restaurant and bar right in the heart of Gatlinburg. Blake Shelton and Ryman Properties created this two-story restaurant in 2019, featuring some of Nashville’s classic entrees: chicken and waffles, burgers, BBQ, cold beer, and sweet tea! 

This Gatlinburg restaurant includes a dancefloor and a performance hall, where you might even catch a live show by one of your favorite country singers!

Calhoun’s

If you want to experience some old-school classic Tennessee grub, you have to try Calhouns. Since they originated in 1983, Calhoun’s cooks have been incorporating the classic flavors of Tennessee into every dish. They won the title of the “Best Ribs in America” and live up to their name. 

Calhoun’s is a steakhouse and are also known for their brisket, which you can only get on Wednesdays. With steak, mac ‘n cheese, and homemade triple fudge cake, you are sure to leave with a happy tummy. 

Cherokee Grill

What is the one thing that is better than amazing country food? Amazing country food with a view! Cherokee Grill is a beautiful mountain lodge tucked away in the mountains where you can get steaks that are to die for. Overlooking the downtown Gatlinburg strip, you can dine and enjoy the views simultaneously. The cozy fireplace and upscale feel make this a great spot for fine dining with your spouse or other special occasions.

The menu at Cherokee Grill is packed with delicious options. Appetizers include calamari, shrimp, and more. Entrees feature seafood, pork, chicken, steak, and so other delectable dishes. They have incredible desserts to finish off your meal, such as a homemade brownie and ice cream.  

DeLauder’s BBQ

DeLauder’s BBQ is right outside of Gatlinburg’s main area, nestled a few miles away in the Arts and Crafts Community. This award-winning restaurant is the epitome of southern bar-b-que. They have been voted as one of Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat. Not only that, for two consecutive years, they were named Travel+ Leisure’s Best BBQ!

The key to experiencing DeLauder’s BBQ is showing up at the right time. They open at 12:30 and serve their meat until they run out, then they close up for the evening. Go early because, on weekends, they often run out long before typical dinner times (4 or 5 pm!). If you have the opportunity, go early, and make sure that you don’t show up on a Monday or Tuesday since those are the days that they are closed. 

Donut Friar

I know what you are thinking, what about dessert? Well, Donut Friar is where you need to be. Located in the Gatlinburg Village, their handmade donuts and cinnamon bread is the reason I have to go to the gym. Not only do they have pastries, but their coffee is incredible as well, making them a local favorite.  

This high-calorie haven has the biggest selection of delicacies in the morning, so the earlier you can go, the better. Make sure and bring cash with you since they do not accept cards. 

Final Thoughts

There you have it, some of the best Gatlinburg restaurants to fill your hungry belly. This list was only able to touch the tip of the iceberg, and I have rarely had a meal I didn’t love in the town. Right next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can enjoy the views and have some great food. 

Whether you want a steakhouse, bar-b-que, Italian, Mexican, fried chicken, mountain trout, brisket, ice cream, or anything else, you are guaranteed to find some great food in Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Use this list as a guide to hit some of the best spots in town, but no matter where you end up eating, you are almost guaranteed a meal that leaves you satisfied and full to the brim!