Gatlinburg is a gorgeous mountain city in the state of Tennessee. It is the best place to go if you want to retreat from your busy life and enjoy some quiet time. But it is also a great city for a memorable culinary experience. In the best places to eat in Gatlinburg, you can try some freshly baked goods, fresh seafood specialties, and even amazing pasta dishes.
There are diners like American classics, but also delis, joint servings, and more. There are four must-try local favorites, and those are ogle dogs, old-fashioned buttermilk pancakes, Taffy logs, and pit-smoked barbeque.
Some people say the economy of the city is built upon a three-legged stool of tourism commerce. And that is lodging, entertainment, and food.
What is Gatlinburg famous for?
The only ski resort in Tennessee is in Gatlinburg. Called Ober Gatlinburg, it opened in 1962 and is famed for its aerial tramway. The pinnacle of the city, the Gatlinburg Space Needle was built in 1969. It offers a panoramic view of the city and the Great Smoky Mountain backdrop.
Speaking of the Smoky Mountains, you just have to visit the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Some other famous spots in the city include the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower and the award-winning theme park Anakeesta. In the latter, you can spend a whole day on attractions like the treetop skywalk and 880-foot sky bridge.
Gatlinburg is only four miles away from Pigeon Forge. If you want an amazing sleeping experience, get a Pigeon Forge cabin rental.
And when you finish your exploring tour of the city, be sure to visit some of the best places to eat in Gatlinburg for a gastronomic experience.
Best Restaurants in Gatlinburg
Southern Comfort
The Southern Comfort restaurant at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and Water park screams comfort. It is the best place to go to relax and enjoy some quiet time. It is a hidden gem and a foodie dream come true spot.
Here, you can try some old-fashioned fried chicken, a popular Southern dish served with chicken and biscuits with some grilled watermelon and fresh-out-of-the-oven buttered biscuits.
Another great food choice is the bacon-wrapped meatloaf. It tastes as amazing as it looks. It is a grilled meatloaf wrapped in crispy bacon goodness.
Buckhorn Inn Restaurant
The delightful eatery is located in the Buckhorn Inn, a charming bed and breakfast spot. Here, you can enjoy a laid-back experience and try some of the mouth-watering dishes. Your palate will be thankful.
The menu can change during the year. So, depending on when you visit, we recommend trying dishes like Roast Beef Tenderloin, a dish served with a Merlot bordelaise sauce.
Another great option is chicken breast with white wine, tarragon, and butter sauce.
Mountain Edge Grill
Next on our list is the low-key restaurant with ski-lodge décor. They serve bison burgers and traditional American fare.
But the best part is they offer takeout services. So, if you want, you can get some food and enjoy it in your cabin rental in the mountains.
Tennessee Jed’s
Located at Baskin square, a downtown Gatlinburg shopping mall, it is a place where you take a break from all your walking and shopping. It is a charming eatery offering some hand-crafted sandwiches and kid-friendly food options.
There is both indoor and outdoor dining area in this downtown Gatlinburg restaurant. The classic BBQ is a savory sandwich you just have to try. It boasts a toasted bum, house-made barbecue sauce, pulled pork, and pickles.
The Rueben, a sandwich with toasted marble rye with braised corned beef, kraut, Swiss cheese, and island dressing is another favorite.
Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar
Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar is an acclaimed eatery in Gatlinburg TN. It is part of the famous restaurant chain where you can have an amazing dining experience.
The aesthetically pleasing interior, combined with a lively bar and accommodating staff will make you feel welcomed.
Now, for the great food options. If you are there for lunch, we recommend trying the broiled seafood platter with cod, shrimp, scallops, Maryland crab cakes, and tartar sauce.
If you are going for dinner, you can try the Filet Mignon and Grilled shrimp with freshly baked bread on the side.
Estrella Hondumex
This is the best place for trying Mexican food in the city. Estrella Hondumex brings the taste of Honduras. Located in the back of a Hispanic grocery, it is a great spot for real Central American and Mexican cuisine. You just cannot find such food on the strip.
The two options we recommend are the Asada Honduras style and Shrimp Devil. The latter has a bit more kick.
Just a fair warning, you might need to practice your Spanish before you go there.
Pancake Pantry
Not all the best places to eat in Gatlinburg Tennessee are restaurants. Some of them serve breakfast. This Gatlinburg classic is open for breakfast and lunch. Pancake Pantry started the trend of pancake restaurants in the Smoky Mountains.
Their lunch menu is not as big, but you can try the Polish Aristocrat. It has layers of Swiss cheese, corned beef, and coleslaw in rye. The grilled sandwich will be enough if you are not as hungry.
Breakfast, on the other hand, is a long menu of 24 different pancakes.
Red Oak Bistro
Opened in 2018, Red Oak Bistro is an upscale dining restaurant that serves European-style dishes. It is the best restaurant to visit to end your day.
Inside, you will find a grand fireplace, a patio for al-fresco dining, and a full-service bar. Experienced chefs are hired to prepare your dishes.
We recommend trying Charcuterie Board, it is an amazing dish of rosemary ham, prosciutto, Italian salami, Dijon mustard, and toasted bread. Combine it with fine wine and relax after a full day of touring.
New Orleans Sandwich Company
The family-operated Cajun restaurant in Baskin Square offers a causal setting and reasonable price. The New Orleans Sandwich Company is the place to go to try the best Cajun cuisine. Visit with friends, family, or your loved one.
If you want to experience the authentic New Orleans taste, try the Gumbo. This dish contains okra, a medley of spices, chicken, Louisiana Andouille sausages, and a side of rice and French bread.
If you are after a Cajun favorite, try the Fat Tuesday Ferdie Poboy, a dish with roast beef, brown gravy, turkey or ham, and Swiss cheese with a side of French bread.
The Peddler Steakhouse
Located at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains, you can find this local restaurant deeply rooted in Gatlinburg history. The Peddler Steakhouse was founded by Charles Earl Ogle Senior. He was a descendent of one of Gatlinburg’s earliest settlers.
The famous Gatlinburg restaurant has been serving delicious steak dinners to locals and tourists for more than 30 years.
Draft Burger Bar
Located in the River Terrace Resort, Draft Burgers Bar is a unique spot. It is half craft burger joint and half open-space sports bar.
The place has a reputation for serving the best hamburger in Gatlinburg. The resort restaurant is a must-visit for tourists who want to enjoy a calming dinner.
Cliff Top at Anakeesta
We mentioned the theme park at the beginning. Well, once you are there, you have to grab something to eat, right?
Cliff Top Grill offers a dining experience with a view. It has one of the best open-air dining spots in the Smoky Mountains.
Cliff Top Grill is a great date night spot, but you can also visit with friends and family. The menu has lots of burgers, sandwiches, and steaks. But the view is why you go there, not the food to be honest.
Alamo Steakhouse
The Alamo Steakhouse is a fantastic restaurant and many people call it their favorite restaurant in the city.
Owned by the Johnson family of Restaurants, they are part of a big restaurant family.
Start your meal with a shrimp cocktail and then try their El Presidente Porterhouse with asparagus and button mushrooms.
Hickory Cabin Seasoning Company
This top secret spot is a local favorite. Hickory Cabin Seasoning Company is the place to go to try smoked pork. They have an award-winning dish.
If you have room for dessert, then try their popular Granny’s Banana Pudding.
Taste of Italy
We continue our list of best places to eat in Gatlinburg with a family-friendly restaurant serving traditional Italian food.
It is a casual spot where you can dine with your friends in an Italian-style atmosphere. The vibrant bar and shareable platters make it a great spot for parties and groups.
Deluxe Pizza is one such meal you can share with your group. The toppings include red peppers, pepperoni, sausages, mozzarella, mushrooms, onions, and olives.
If you are a fan of pasta, then we recommend trying the Baked Spaghetti Combo.
Trish’s Mountain Diner
This Gatlinburg restaurant is located among several hotels, making it a popular spot for travelers. You can enjoy a great breakfast without paying a lot.
The dining establishment got famous as a budget-friendly place and a deck backed by a scenic landscape.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast in a relaxed space. We recommend Country Benedict, a dish with toasted English muffin, two fried eggs, grilled sugar ham, sliced tomatoes, gravy, and your choice of home fries or hash browns.
For lunch, you have to try Trish’s Mountain Burger, a house specialty.
Timber Log Cabin Restaurant
Gatlinburg is a mountain city, so it is only fitting we finish off our list with Timbers Log Cabin Restaurant. It is a foodie haven where you can try juicy hamburgers, homemade soups, fresh salads, loaded hotdogs, and more.
The locally-owned dining establishment serves classic Southern comfort fare. The Doors Burger is something you have to try, a dish with a buttered bun, 1/3lbs patty, bacon, cheese, and avocado slices.
If you want a Southern classic, try the spaghetti and meatballs served with garlic bread and salad.
Hi, I’m a clinical psychologist and inclined towards best buying practices for home and kitchen things. Critical towards choosing the best product and honest with my feedback. I’m a seasoned writer having more than 4 years of experience in multiple niches as well.
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