If you’re vacationing to the Smokies soon and you’re looking for some new breakfast, lunch and dinner spots, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re craving Mexican food, Southern cooking or a big slice of pizza, there are plenty of options for you. Here are 15 of the best places to eat in Pigeon Forge:
1. The Local Goat
For an impressive New American menu and brews to match, make sure to check out The Local Goat! This scratch-made kitchen specializes in locally-sourced and sustainable menu items that create an unforgettable dining experience. We suggest trying any of their gourmet burgers or jumbo chicken wings.
2. Smoky Mountain Brewery
If you’re looking for a fun place to kick back, watch some football and listen to some live music, head down to Smoky Mountain Brewery. This restaurant and brewery offers classics like subs and sandwiches, hand tossed pizzas and burgers, as well as fresh salads and juicy steaks. Make sure to try some of their microbrews! Choose from their Mainstays, Premiums and Reserves.
3. Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant
What was originally a little grocery store in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee in the 1950’s, is now a six-restaurant Southern staple. Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant is by far one of the best places to eat in Pigeon Forge, with their live music, authentic comfort food and downhome atmosphere. If you’re looking for dinner and a show, this is one restaurant you don’t want to miss!
4. Blue Moose Burgers and Wings
Looking for a place to watch the big game? At Blue Moose Burgers and Wings, you’ll be surrounded by 20 different flat panel televisions for the ultimate sports watching experience. In addition to being a sports fan’s paradise, Blue Moose also offers some of the best wings and burgers in the Smokies. Choose from 16 flavors of their jumbo wings and enjoy a cold beer on the side.
5. Mellow Mushroom
From their homemade crust to their fresh and quality ingredients, Mellow Mushroom is serving up the best pizza pies in Pigeon Forge. In addition to their pizzas, they also have calzones, hoagies and burgers. They also provide gluten free and vegan menus for those interested.
6. The Old Mill
If you’re on the hunt for authentic Appalachian flavors and classic Southern hospitality, you should try The Old Mill Restaurant. All of their dishes are made with the care and dedication of generations who ran the mill since 1830. Visitors and locals alike claim that this is easily one of the best places to eat in Pigeon Forge!
7. Mel’s Classic Diner
Take a step back into the 1950’s and enjoy a meal at Mel’s Classic Diner! This family owned and operated American classic diner has been a Pigeon Forge staple since 1993. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at this one-of-a-kind restaurant, and make sure to split a milkshake with your sweetheart!
8. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen
While you’re exploring The Island in Pigeon Forge, stop into Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen and enjoy a unique family-style setting with endless portions of mouthwatering Southern specialties like fried chicken, pot roast and meatloaf. Make sure you come hungry and ready to try some of Paula’s world-famous dishes!
9. Timberwood Grill
If you’re at The Island and aren’t in the mood for Southern cooking, head over to Timberwood Grill and try their premium meats. We suggest the Gunpowder Ribeye or Trapper Jack’s Handcut Sirloin. If you can’t decide what you want, check out their Lock, Stock and Barrel Combos.
10. J.T. Hannah’s
Located in the heart of Pigeon Forge, J.T. Hannah’s Kitchen serves up an All-American menu and offers some award-winning specials, like their St. Louis Spare Ribs. Inspired by the Great Smoky Mountains businessman, J.T. Hannah, this restaurant offers awesome dishes and a rich history.
11. Mama’s Farmhouse
Are you curious to see what an internationally-ranked biscuit tastes like? When you dine at Mama’s Farmhouse, you’ll get the chance! If you’re an early riser, you have to get up and come down Mama’s for their incredible breakfast options! Enjoy a big plate of biscuits and gravy with a warm cup of coffee!
12. Alamo Steakhouse
Carefully aged, hand-cut and seasoned to perfection, the steak at the Alamo Steakhouse will blow you away! Voted best steak in Pigeon Forge, the Alamo produces some of the most incredible meats in the Smokies. Try the Texas T-Bone, El Presidente Porterhouse or Rio Grande Ribeye.
13. Harpoon Harry’s Crab House
Just because you’re in the Smoky Mountains doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some fresh seafood! At Harpoon Harry’s Crab House, you can dig into quality seafood delivered everyday to the restaurant, including Harry’s Buckets. Choose from Snow Crab, Alaskan King Crab or Dungeness Crab steamed with red potatoes, andouille sausage, corn on the cob and seafood stock.
14. Sunliner Diner
This retro diner has become one of the best places to eat in Pigeon Forge! Sunliner Diner offers classic diner cuisine, as well as all-day breakfast. Whether you’re stopping in for brunch or dinner, try one of their signature cocktails like a classic Bloody Mary and Mimosa, or branch out and sample the Sunliner Margarita.
15. No Way Jose’s
Craving some chips and salsa? When you dine at No Way Jose’s in Pigeon Forge, you’ll have access to some of the best Tex Mex cuisine in the Smokies area! Take your pick from a variety of menu options, including classic Mexican dishes and even a gluten free menu! Make sure to enjoy one of their speciality drinks while you’re there!
Are you planning on spending some time in Gatlinburg while you’re exploring the Smoky Mountains? Check out all of the best places to eat in Gatlinburg if you’re looking for something a little different than the options above!
Now that you have an extensive list of the best places to eat in Pigeon Forge, you can begin deciding which spots you want to try on your next Smokies vacation. Are you still looking for a place to stay? Check out all of our Pigeon Forge cabins and chalets and stay near these incredible restaurants. We look forward to seeing you!
