I’ve eaten at dozens of lunch spots in Gatlinburg, and these are the best

It’s Gatlinburg’s job to keep the tourist business going. What does that mean? It means giving the people what they want. Which is, among other things, to be fed well. There are a few million places to eat in Gatlinburg. You can certainly get a good lunch from most of them. Therefore, a list like this is subjective. In other words, we give a definitive list, then get our readers talking and advocating for their favorites. And of course, that’s good. We want to hear what you like, too. But as someone who’s been venturing in and around the mountains of the Smokies for nearly 35 years, I’ve tried a lot of lunch spots in Gatlinburg. And I’d say these are the best.

1. Tennessee Jed’s

There’s a lot of great food on this list. So why did I rank a sandwich shop at the top? Because a carefully crafted sandwich is a work of art and also the perfect lunch. Tennessee Jed’s makes great freaking sandwiches. What makes a better lunch than that? Now with two locations in Gatlinburg, the first on the strip at 631 Parkway A8, the second at 450 Brookside Village Way. Tennessee Jed’s is likely the best place you’ll ever eat that directly abuts a Dollar General Store. I personally like the Reuben with ham and Swiss. But my favorite is probably the Cubano. Do expect to pay for parking in a nearby lot, as Tennessee Jed’s is located right along the main strip of downtown Gatlinburg.

2. Pancake Pantry

The Pancake Pantry is the best of the area’s many, many pancake places. Also, they have the best crepes in the business. If you’re in the area for multiple days, you have to do the Pantry at least once. The only downside is that you’ll probably have to wait since the restaurant does not take reservations or call-ahead seating. Instead, you’ll likely see a long line at the entrance. And expect to pay for parking in a nearby lot. This one is in the middle of the downtown strip. When you get in, try the Caribbean pancakes with bananas, nuts, coconut, and powdered sugar. Pancake Pantry is located at 628 Parkway in Gatlinburg.

3. Boudicca’s Celtic Pub

This Celtic Pub sits in the Village behind the Pancake Pantry. The Pub features a variety of beers that can be enjoyed in the Public House style area downstairs. But, in addition, there’s also a family-friendly dining room upstairs with adults and kids menus featuring burgers, fish and chips, and other pub food. The Pub opened in 2021 and has quickly become a favorite stop in the Village Shops.

4. Calhoun’s

Of course, there are many great places to get BBQ in Sevier County, and Calhoun’s is barbecue royalty in East Tennessee. It’s probably the best “chain” restaurant barbecue you can get in the area. Also, it’s a nice option if not everyone in your party wants the barbecue. I also love the fried green tomatoes. Make reservations online via their website. Calhoun’s Gatlinburg is located at 1004 Parkway #101, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

5. Mama’s Chicken Kitchen

The sister restaurant of Mama’s Farmhouse in Pigeon Forge, Mama’s is a great option if you’re looking for something to-go. For example, it’s perfect for a picnic in the national park. The dine-in menu includes classics like chicken and dumplings, a variety of fried chicken options, and chicken wings. Also, make sure to sample the banana pudding. Mama’s is located at 1244 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. You can put in a to-go order online. And there is free on-site parking – a Gatlinburg rarity!

6. Log Cabin Pancake House

This may be considered breakfast and not lunch, but it will keep you full for a while. And it’s one of several pancake places on the list. Open 7 am to 2 pm, it serves breakfast throughout the day. They do have a variety of sandwiches and burgers for the lunch crowd, but if you go to a pancake house, get some pancakes. Log Cabin Pancake House is located at 327 Airport Rd. And there’s free parking on-site.

7. Crockett’s Breakfast Camp

Open 7 am to 1 pm, Crockett’s Breakfast Camp, which is named for a mountain guide, not Davy, is full of hearty breakfast options. Try the scramblers, the cathead stackers, or one of the Aretha Frankenstein pancakes, which uses pancake mix from the famed Chattanooga eatery. Crockett’s is located at 1103 Parkway. Join the waitlist via their website.

8. Smoky Mountain Brewery

This brewery is another pub-food eatery, with nachos, pizza, calzones, and pasta, as well as a variety of entrees like ale steak. This restaurant is also known to host events and has its own flagship beers. The Smoky Mountain Brewery is located at 1004 Parkway #501, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

9. New Orleans Sandwich Company

This time we also have jambalaya! I like the Pontchartrain Shrimp Poboy with Gulf shrimp battered and fried to a golden brown. It’s served on traditional French bread. New Orleans Sandwich Company is located at 631 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Again, expect to pay for parking in a nearby lot.

10. Split Rail Eats

Split Rail’s mission statement – as is appropriate for a culinary institution with the word “Eats” in its name – is to make good food. The appetizers range from Southern standards like fried pickles and pimento cheese to the more unique chicken fritters or Fredo fries – which sound like weak fries that fail to live up to their family’s hardscrabble mafia upbringing. But they are only fries smothered in alfredo sauce, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses, topped with bacon and green onions. 

But when we arrive at the sandwiches, the world opens, and the Split Rail grill begins to shine. The Hot Seoul – thinly sliced sirloin or grilled chicken, Korean marinade, provolone, and slaw on a potato roll – is a standout. The Polish Reuben is also great. They also offer burgers and salads. Split Rail Eats is located in the Arts and Crafts Community with ample parking available at 849 Glades Rd Suite 1B1, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

Do you have a favorite Gatlinburg lunch spot? If so, let us know in the comments and on the socials!