These are the 13 Absolute Best Restaurants in Sevierville, Says a Local

The ultimate list of restaurants not to miss in Sevierville, TN

If you’re planning an upcoming trip to the Smoky Mountains, you should know Sevierville is THE place to go in Sevier County for foodies. I, an area foodie and restaurant reviewer, would know. Below, you will find my ranking of the best restaurants – and some of the most popular restaurants – in Sevierville. We’ve also compiled a printable version of this list here.

1. Preacher’s Smokehouse & Delauder’s BBQ (it’s a tie for #1)

Preachers Smokehouse

Tip: Preachers is open Thursdays through Saturdays

The menu? Written on a chalkboard on the wall. The proprietor? A real-life preacher named Sam Steele. The Food? Oh. My. God. Get the burnt ends. And get the three-meat meal – which comes with two sides. In fact, et everything. Indeed, this is the kind of place barbecue foodies dream about. Hours are limited, so plan ahead. Dine in or take out. You can’t go wrong.

The owner has experienced some serious health issues, so please be patient with the hours. Preacher’s Smokehouse does not accept reservations. Preacher’s is located at 2929 Pittman Center Rd, Sevierville, TN. The phone number is 865-332-9731.

Delauder’s BBQ

Tip: Delauder’s is open Thursdays through Sundays

There was a time that Delauder’s and Preacher’s stared each other down from across the county. But Delauder’s location in Gatlinburg became tenuous and they moved operations to Sevierville. Meaning two of the regions ultimate BBQ locations share a hometown. I’ve never been very good at picking between the two. They are both insanely good East Tennessee BBQ establishments. And I’ve decided I can’t pick between them. They are certainly both worthy of your appetite, investment and reverence.

How good are they? I think the Appalachian is probably the best restaurant I’ve ever eaten at. But, I rank both of them higher. How does the logistics of that work? No idea. This barbecue bends space time and reason. Delauder’s is located at 1305 Dolly Parton Parkway, Sevierville. 

2. The Appalachian

Tip: Utilize the free 2-hour parking

if we’re honoring Sevier County’s burgeoning foodie community, we must recognize the not-quite-so new guard. The Appalachian is one of Sevierville’s most upscale restaurants, serving up delicious food, and also fine dining style. They specialize in bringing a modern approach to traditional Appalachian ingredients and dishes. Dishes change with the season. At the time of this writing, prices range from $24 for the Appalachian Burger to about $155 for the 48 oz. Tomahawk Ribeye.

Certainly, The Appalachian represents an artfulness, a thoughtfulness to the culinary sciences that challenges the idea of what Appalachian cuisine can be. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made at Resy. Free parking is available in downtown Sevierville. The Appalachian is located at 133 Bruce St, Sevierville, TN. They can be reached at 865-505-0245.

3. Ristorante DellaSantina

Tip: Make a reservation

It’s hard to find real, classic Italian in the Smokies. Of course there are a lot of pizza places that dabble, but if you’re looking for the real thing, this off-the-beaten-path eatery is the right spot. It’s the kind of place you probably never knew existed. But once you find it, you’ll keep coming back for more. The food is fresh and organic whenever possible. It’s never frozen or microwaved. And the service is excellent. Ristorante DellaSantina is located at 2004 Red Bank Rd in Sevierville. Free parking is available on. site. Reservations can be made by calling 865-446-4865.

4. Seasons 101

Tip: Free parking on site

For the record, this is not a freshman-level meteorology course. It is a self-described culinary experience. Seasons 101 is located in the heart of Downtown Sevierville at the Historic Central Hotel. It is a comfortable, casual dining atmosphere, combined with upscale cuisine at moderate prices. The season determines how the menu selections are curated. “An ever-changing selection of signature dishes and cocktails inspired by the current season is the heart of our dining philosophy.” And whatever the season, the food is, in fact, always good. Parking is available on site. Reservations can be made through Resy. They can be reached at 865-381-2101.

5. Chubby’s

Tip: Go hungry

Chubby’s is a throwback restaurant with an expansive menu featuring several different styles of dining at affordable prices. What’s it doing here among the seafood and the barbecue and the streak houses? Well, it’s not fancy, but it’s good and fun and has something for the whole family – probably two whole families.

Whether it’s Mexican, or Italian or classic mountain fare, Chubby’s is game to fix you whatever you’re in the mood for. Toss specialization out the window. Certainly, it is not the highest end place in Sevierville. But, it likely the most Sevierville restaurant in Sevierville. The location is 1386 Dolly Parton Pkwy. You can call them at 865-286-5576.

6. Pinchy’s Lobster

Tip: Get the Classic Roll

Pinchy’s Lobster is bringing New England seafood to the Smokies. Freshly opened downtown, they offer delicious fresh sushi, lobster, a raw bar, a beer garden and live music on select nights. We strongly recommend the lobster rolls – and surprisingly, the burger. A seafood restaurant is rarely just as capable of serving beef as they are fish. But I’m starting to realize there’s little this casual-style dining restaurant can’t do. Reservations are available at this location via Toast. Limited parking is available in downtown Sevierville, at 212 Court Ave. Call them at 865-365-4168.

7. Chop House

Tip: It’s a great respite from Tanger Outlet shopping

See – lists like this can be tricky.  The Chop House is East Tennessee restaurant royalty. Classic steakhouse fare done very well, better than that really. But is it really the seventh best restaurant in Sevierville? You could make a legit argument its second or third. But the point of a breakdown like this is to level the playing field so to speak. The point of a list like this is to mix and max genres otherwise we could just go by the most expensive to the list and there you go.

The Chop House is excellent. It’s especially good for a break when doing holiday shopping at the Tanger Outlets. Make a reservation for parties of five or more. And reserving is especially helpful for Black Friday shopping. They can be made at the Open Table or by calling them at 865-932-5198. The address is 1649 Parkway in Sevierville.

8. Five Oaks Farm Kitchen

Tip: Don’t sleep on the huge cinnamon rolls

Five Oaks Farm Kitchen lives up to the name. Run by the family of Dr. John (not the Iko, Iko guy) and Blanche Ogle who originally owned and operated the family farm, Five Oaks is probably the best of the region’s farm-house style restaurants. I’d recommend something from the smokehouse – but that may be my general preference for smoked meat talking. The fried okra is also a must. Ample parking is available on site. Five Oaks Farm Kitchen is located at 1638 Parkway in Sevierville. Join the waitlist (recommended) here. Call them at 865-365-1008.

9. Bustin’ Butts BBQ

Tip: Buy some produce at their market while you are there

Bustin’ Butts is the very definition of a hidden gem. Located far off the beaten path and worth every extra mile, it’s delicious BBQ made fresh daily. It’s served on paper plates with beans, potato salad, smoked mac and cheese or coleslaw. There are also a few outdoor picnic tables if you want to eat on-site, but you can call ahead and pick it up to go. Bustin’ Butts is located at 1698 Newport State Rte, Sevierville, TN. Call them at 865-292-5643.

10. Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant (and Grill)

Tip: Explore the Apple Barn while you wait

The Apple Barn is one of our favorite places to frequent and it happens to be home to another popular restaurant: Sevierville’s Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant. The fare is what you’d expect from a farmhouse restaurant – fried chicken and roast and meatloaf and such but with a few surprises as well.

It’s located right on the line with Pigeon Forge at 240 Apple Valley Road, the Farmhouse is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings. They do not accept reservations but you can check the current wait online. You can call them at 865-428-1222.

11. Aubrey’s

Tip: check for daily specials

Aubrey’s, a higher-end table service style restaurant, is an interesting case study. It’s part of a popular East Tennessee restaurant group that is professional, consistent and good if not great. I’m a fan of the Pizza Rockefeller, the Hawaiian Ribeye and the Strawberry Pecan Salad. I also love the steak and the Rattlesnake Pasta. Ample parking is available on-site. Reservations are not available online. Aubrey’s is located at 928 Dolly Parton Pkwy. in Sevierville. Call them at 865-365-1303.

12. The Diner

Tip: Free parking on site

Car culture is one of the premier attractions of Sevier County over the decades. In particular, from Rod Runs to cruising up and down the strip, the 50s/60s American graffiti vibe is a big part of the social fabric of the area. At The Diner, get a patty melt, some onion rings, French fries, green beans, a chicken tender basket, and a big ole shake. It’s not culinary artistry. Certainly, it’s not Picasso at the grill. But it’s one of the best places in the Smokies for a traditional diner experience. It’s fun and classic and there’s a place in any good food culture for those things, too. Reservations are not available at the diner. Parking is available on-site. The Diner is located at 550 Winfield Dunn Pkwy in Sevierville. They can be reached at 865-908-1904.

13. Junction 35

Tip: Try the Country Reuben

Once a rising star, the challenges of running two restaurants within a couple of miles of each other has caused a strain with the Sevierville location – clearly the lesser of the two. Junction 35 – which is supposed to be a distillery first and a restaurant second -, quickly became one of our favorite places to eat in the mountains. We still like it. They have BBQ, burgers and more. But it doesn’t come as highly recommended as it once did. Seems like they have trouble keep staff, especially in Sevierville.

It’s nothing too fancy, but I will say the Country Reuben – with Montreal beef brisket, Swiss cheese, whole grain mustard, sauerkraut and house sauce on toasted rye bread – is one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. But if you are craving a burger, try the Smash Burger which is also fantastic.  Junction 35 has two locations in the Smokies. The original location is in Pigeon Forge at 2655 Teaster Lane Suite 280, Pigeon Forge, TN. Their newest locations is inside Tanger Outlets at 1645 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862. They are open daily from 10 am-9pm. Free parking is available on site at both locations.