The Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant knows what it’s about: Apples. Patrons start off their meal with complimentary apple fritters, homemade apple butter, and apple juleps—that’s before ordering. With an apple barn and cider mill on property, the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant has been serving up delicious Southern style meals for over 34 years.
WHERE: 240 Apple Valley Road, Sevierville, TN 37862 | CALL: 865-428-1222
Right at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains you’ll find the Peddler Steakhouse, a local restaurant with deep roots in Gatlinburg history. Founded by Charles “Earl” Ogle, Sr., a descendent of one of Gatlinburg’s earliest settlers, the Peddler Steakhouse has been serving up delicious steak dinners to Gatlinburg locals for over 30 years.
WHERE: 820 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | CALL: 865-436-5794
Family-owned and operated, Mel’s Classic Diner has been serving up 1950s Americana diner vibes for over 20 years—easy to see with its retro trailer aesthetic. With Americana in mind, patrons can get all-day breakfast, top-notch burgers and fries, and classic banana splits. It’s not fussy, but it is delicious.
WHERE: 119 Wears Valley Road, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | CALL: 865-429-2184
Local favorite, Smoky Mountain Brewery is a cross between a ski lodge and a Bavarian beer hall. It’s a great place to go after a long hike to sit back relax and enjoy their popular burgers and micro-brewed beers, all with the Smoky Mountains as a beautiful backdrop.
WHERE: 1004 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | CALL: 865-436-4200
Looking for locally sourced, farm-to-table dining in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains? Local Goat Tavern has you covered. Conveniently located at the base of the mountains, Local Goat Tavern is a favorite amongst sustainability-conscious diners and hikers.
WHERE: 2167 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | CALL: 865-366-3035
For upscale, fine dining with a mountain backdrop, look no further than the Greenbrier Restaurant, a self-proclaimed food and spirit outpost. In the midst of lush greenery, the Greenbrier offers delightful dishes including oyster flights and grilled seafood making it a great spot for intimate dinners and dates.
WHERE: 370 Newman Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | CALL: 865-412-1576
True, not every meal needs to be a full-blown dinner. For the smaller snacks in between, turn to the Donut Friar. Tucked away in the Village Shops of downtown Gatlinburg, the Donut Friar delivers the type of high-calorie sweet joy only an artisanal donut can bring. But beware: The Donut Friar is cash-only.
WHERE: 634 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | CALL: 865-436-7306
Ole Red takes dinner and a show a step further with a menu full of country music homages and live performances by local up-and-coming country music artists—and the occasional celebrity guest. Don’t believe us? Just ask Blake Shelton.
WHERE: 511 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | CALL: 865-325-3101
Here’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance: Eating a cinnamon roll in honor of the famous Davey Crockett—the greatest soldier, frontiersman, and devoted family man this side of the Mississippi. Feel free to have a full breakfast on his behalf, too.
WHERE: 1103 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | CALL: 865-325-1403
Elvira’s Cafe is the epitome of a quaint, countryside eatery. Founded by Elvira, a Siberian student who fell in love with the views and spirit of Southern Tennessee, the café is a community favorite well-known for its warm and inviting charm. So, what should you eat when you visit Elvira? Our recommendation: The sweet crepes.
WHERE: 4143 Wears Valley Road, Sevierville, TN 37862 | CALL: 865-366-2263
The Pottery House Cafe’s menu items are made from scratch with quality local ingredients, in the spirit of Appalachia. The famous breads are baked on-site daily, with grains straight from the mill. Have a slice of sourdough or onion-rye with the Baker’s Garden Salad.
WHERE: 175 Old Mill Avenue, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | CALL: 865-653-6455
