16 Restaurants You Need To Try In The Smokies

So you've officially booked your mountain getaway in the East Tennessee side of the Smokies and now you're ready to start planning the itinerary! Well if you're a foodie like I am, you've come to the right place. This is going to be your one stop shop for every meal during your visit. The restaurants that you'll find on this list have been chosen for the quality of the cuisine, the atmosphere, and the overall taste of the Smokies experience. Some are doing it so well they've made it onto the list for more than one meal of the day!

Breakfast

As we dive into our picks for the best breakfast in the Smokies, I think you'll notice a pattern here. The Smokies knows how to do breakfast and do it well. When visiting you will find breakfast restaurants everywhere you look. Narrowing down this list was a challenge but I think we've done a pretty good job. The breakfast on this list has classic Appalachian fare all over it - from Pancakes to Country Hash to Chicken + Waffles.

Sunday Bluegrass Brunch at Appalachian Bistro

If you are looking for a delicious meal with a lively atmosphere, you've got to head over to the Appalachian Bistro for their Sunday Bluegrass Brunch in Townsend! Every Sunday the Bistro hosts live acoustic Bluegrass bands ringing their old songs through the trees. Come hungry as this is a buffet styled brunch.

Don't forget about the Mimosa and Bloody Mary bar when you visit!

This wonderful establishment is a product of the Oldham Hospitality Group who is paving the way for good food + good atmosphere over in Townsend, TN - or as they like to call it, the peaceful side of the Smokies!

Southern Comfort

Southern Comfort is Gatlinburg's newest comfort food restaurant and they are killing it! Located in the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, this restaurant has a wide range of all our favorite Southern cuisine. They are also one of the few restaurants in Gatlinburg that take reservations, which is a major bonus in my book.

At breakfast, you will find everything from pancakes and French toast to a Build-your-own omelet and a Country skillet.

Lil Black Bear Café

Located on Veteran's Blvd, this little café is the perfect spot to grab a quick breakfast before you head off to explore the Smokies.

Lil Black Bear Café is known for their uniquely thick pancakes and delicious sandwiches!

Be warned: You'll want to get their early. It's a tiny café so seating is limited. Closed on Saturdays and Mondays.

Pancake Pantry

Welcome to Tennessee's first Pancake specialty restaurant! This Gatlinburg staple is a must try if you're in the mood for a classic pancake breakfast. The Pancake Pantry offers 24 varieties of pancakes, along with many waffle and omelet dishes! Located right on the strip, you can't miss it.

Apple Valley Café

Another Townsend staple you need to try if you're looking for a home cooked breakfast. Here you will find traditional golden pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and all the sides to go with it! This is a wonderful place to stop in on your way out of town. A final meal to send you on your way, and leaving you wanting more of the Smokies!

Crockett's Breakfast Camp

Another Gatlinburg staple located right on the Parkway! Crockett's Breakfast Camp made the list for the variety of dishes they offer. In addition to thick pancakes, you will find dishes like Huevos Rancheros, Eggs Benedict, and a build-your-own biscuit dish.

This is a wonderful option for groups who who have a different idea of what breakfast should look like. There is something for everyone on their diverse menu.

Don't forget to try a giant cinnamon roll! They are known for them.

Flapjacks

I feel like this list wouldn't be complete without our final addition - Flapjacks. If you've visited the Smokies before, or if you're a local, you've likely dined at a Flapjacks. At the very least you've seen one of their several locations as you've driven through the Parkway. Delish.com voted Flapjacks the best pancakes in the state. They do offer an array of other dishes and they are known for their wonderful hospitality.

It's no wonder they've been around for over 50 years!

Here's a list of local coffee shops throughout the Smokies:

• Honeybee Coffee Co.

• Towns End Coffee Co.

• Black Rifle Coffee Co.

• The Dancing Bean

• Coffee & Co.

• Gatlinburg Grind

• Painted Bear Coffee Co.

Lunch

So I feel like sometimes lunch is forgotten when you're on the move. At least that's how I am. I spend my vacation days exploring away and usually save my larger meals for breakfast and dinner. That being said, sometimes a good lunch is exactly what you need to keep the momentum going! These lunch spots made the list for the casual, comfortable environments they offer when you're taking a break from your explorations. One stop has a wonderful history to it and offers 2 restaurants on site. And we've included the perfect girls day out spot!

Peaceful Side Social Brewery + Craft Kitchen

The Oldham Hospitality Group has done it again with the opening of Peaceful Side Social in Townsend! This is the perfect place to stop in after adventuring in the Smokies. With a casual, family friendly environment and delicious eats, you can sit back and relax while you take in the peaceful side of the Smokies.

Peaceful Side Social offers a limited yet diverse farm to table menu as well as their own craft brews. They are known for their sourdough pizza!

Couple things to note: Guests are given an option to round up their total to donate towards the preservation of our Great Smoky Mountains and the water ways. Peaceful Side Social will then match a percentage as well. What a wonderful way to contribute to the community!

Also, Peaceful Side Social is dog friendly! Bring your furry best friend along with you while you sip and dine on the patio!

Old Mill Restaurant and The Old Mill Pottery House Café

For this next pick on the list, we are technically naming 2 separate restaurants but they are both at the same location. Located on the Little Pigeon River in Pigeon Forge, you will find one of the oldest operating gristmills mills in the nation. The Old Mill has been operating since 1830 and they've got quite the history to share.

The Old Mill offers 2 dining establishments where you can find quite the assortment of made from scratch meals from breakfast to dinner!

The Old Mill Restaurant opens their doors at 8am. You can't beat their homemade biscuits or stone ground grits. For lunch and dinner, you'll find every kind of classic fried southern dish you can think of and staples like chicken + dumplings.

At The Old Mill Pottery House Café you will still find classic southern dishes but with lighter fare. This is a great place to stop in for soups and sandwiches or grilled salmon!

The Old Mill is also famous for their amazing quiches! Looking for some quick and delicious breakfast to keep at your cabin, you can buy whole quiches. I promise you won't regret it!

Wild Plum Tea Room

Tucked away in the mountains of Tennessee lives this wonderful lunch restaurant. Just a few minutes outside of Downtown Gatlinburg, you will be transported into the wonderful world of the Wild Plum Tea Room. When the men go fly fishing, the ladies go shopping away and ladies, this is the perfect girls day out spot in the Smokies.

They are known for their amazing chicken salad, lobster pot pie, and vegan / vegetarian friendly options.

Plus, you're welcome to bring your own wine! They are open Thurs-Sunday and reservations are required. Be sure to add this one to your itinerary when you're visiting the Smokies.

Dinner

Appalachian Bistro at Dancing Bear Lodge

This unique restaurant tucked away in the Dancing Bear Lodge resort in Townsend is Appalachian cuisine like you've never seen before. Executive Chef Carter has crafted casual elegance with the flavors of the Appalachian region. If you are looking for a full circle Appalachian dining experience, you have to make a reservation for the Bistro. With an ever changing seasonal menu, you can visit time and time again to experience the new flavors their dishes have taken on.

The Appalachian Bistro uses fresh produce grown on site as well as the highest quality, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy their time on the Bistro patio or make s'mores over the fire pit. This is a true farm to table experience!

With dishes ranging from pan seared Scallops to Rainbow Trout with grits to Truffled Filet Mignon, there is bound to be something for everyone at the Appalachian Bistro.

The Peddler Steakhouse

The Peddler is, yet again, another Gatlinburg staple. Known for their flavorful steaks, great salad bar, and mountainous environment! This restaurant has been around since 1976 so they must be doing something right. Trip Advisor voted them Traveler's Choice in 2022. They do take reservations and open daily for dinner.

Dinner In The Barn at Blackberry Farm

Located in Walland, TN, Blackberry farm consists of 4,200 acres of luxurious mountain escape. Accommodating guests for over 80 years, Blackberry Farm has evolved into one of America's most celebrated intimate luxury hotels. If you ever have the pleasure of staying at this fine resort you will not regret it. Today, we are here to talk about the food.

I must say, if you are not staying at Blackberry Farm then it is quite difficult to get a table at The Barn. They do reserve a few tables for non guests, however, this will take quite a bit of planning ahead. To get a table you'll need to make an inquiry to Blackberry Farm. They will then get back with you with their availability.

The Barn at Blackberry Farm is the definition of Appalachian elegance. This multi course menu digs deep into the roots of the foothills. As you can imagine, you'll find the freshest ingredients in every bite as they come from right outside the door of the restaurant. The Barn also houses an incredible wine cellar and an impressive Whiskey list. If you are looking for an experience, this is the place to find one. There is a dress code and guests dining at the Barn must be older than 10 years old.

The Greenbrier

If you're looking for a quality meal, wonderfully crafted cocktails, and an evening ambience, you need to grab a table at Greenbrier. The Greenbrier chef's have cultivated quite the menu.

With offerings such as in-house dry age steaks, lemon thyme chicken, and Alaskan Halibut, you will have a hard time choosing only one entrée when you visit. Greenbrier also offers a weekend brunch which is sure to impress!

Trotter's Whole Hog BBQ

I feel like this list wouldn't be complete without some barbeque! It's only tradition to enjoy some barbeque when you're in the mountains. Trotter's BBQ is located in Historic Downtown Sevierville and has taken the Smoky Mountain barbeque scene by storm.

You'll find the classic sandwiches and wings on their menu, along with all the right sides and stuffed hushpuppies to accompany your platter!

Seasons 101

Seasons 101 is a wonderful date night spot in Downtown Sevierville. Located in the Historic Central Hotel, you'll find a comfortable dining environment coupled with modern cuisine and craft cocktails.

Seasons 101 opens their doors for brunch on the weekends and offers an enticing array of sweet and savory dishes.

Seasons 101 is also open for lunch weekly and offers a 15% local discount if you provide a Sevier Co. ID!

Southern Comfort

Southern Comfort made it back on the list for the dinner portion of the day! After a long day of exploring, sometimes comfort food is exactly what you need to wind down.

With everything from fried green tomatoes to shrimp & grits to Nashville hot chicken, you will leave feeling full and comforted.

The hot tub back at the cabin is going to be calling your name after this meal!

There are so many restaurants through the Smokies to try. This list only names a few. Whether you're looking for fine dining or comfort food, you will find it during your visit. The restaurants that made this list are local staples that will get you outside of the hustle and bustle of chain restaurants.

If you're planning a visit to the Smokies, let me know which one of these restaurants you'd most like to try! If you've visited prior or live locally, I'd love to hear your personal favorites and any restaurants you think should've made the list!

Thank you so much for checking in.

xx Lauren