These Are the 20 Absolute Best Restaurants in the Smoky Mountains

A local shares his picks for best restaurants in the Smoky Mountains

The times, they are a changing. Not long ago in Sevier County, there were only a handful of good restaurants. The key was low price, high volume and acceptable taste. But today, visitors will find the mountains full of delicious and interesting dining options.

What are the criteria when breaking down the best restaurants in the Smoky Mountains? First, location. Restaurants must be located within Sevier County. Second, a combination of flavors, cost and availability.

Best Restaurants Smoky Mountains

Rank	Restaurant	Best for …
1	Preacher’s Smokehouse	Genuine smoked BBQ served way off the beaten path in a small cabin in the mountains of Sevierville (another local fav!).
2	Bustin’ Butts BBQ	Smoked-on-site BBQ served out of a shack on an off-the-beaten path in Sevierville.
3	Old Mill Restaurant	Southern cooking and incredible fried chicken in Pigeon Forge.
4	Trish’s Mountain Diner	A mountain diner known mostly to locals, serving breakfast and lunch at an affordable price in Gatlinburg.
5	Delauder’s BBQ	BBQ in a cozy cabin setting in Sevierville
6	Lil’ Black Bear Cafe	A fun spot to grab brunch and lunch in Pigeon Forge.
7	Pancake Pantry	Pancakes in downtown Gatlinburg (these are the best pancakes you will ever have).
8	Applewood Farmhouse	Steaks (now at two locations in the Smokies – one in Gatlinburg and one in Pigeon Forge).
9	Pawpaw’s Catfish	Cajun-style catfish in Sevierville.
10	Pinchy’s Lobster	High-end seafood in a casual atmosphere in downtown Sevierville (a local favorite)!
11	Mama’s Farmhouse	All-you-can-eat Southern cooking, family style (order for the table at this restaurant).
12	Chesapeake’s Seafood	High-end seafood in Gatlinburg.
13	The Greenbrier	Exclusive high-end American dining off the beaten path in Gatlinburg.
14	Wild Bear Tavern	Sandwiches and burgers in Pigeon Forge near The Spur.
15	Junction 35	BBQ and Burgers (two locations in the Smokies – one in Sevierville and one in Pigeon Forge)
16	Seasons 101	High-end American dining in downtown Sevierville.
17	The Peddler	Steaks and a salad bar in a historic setting in downtown Gatlinburg.
18	Alamo Steakhouse	Steaks (now two locations in the Smokies – one in Gatlinburg and one in Pigeon Forge).
19	The Local Goat	Burgers and sandwiches in Pigeon Forge (a local favorite)!
20	Ristorante DellaSantina	High-end Italian in Pigeon Forge

1. Preacher’s Smokehouse

Preacher’s is run by an actual preacher. So, out of respect, I won’t make any jokes about the holiness of great barbecue. It’s the kind of mountain cabin local gathering spot where everyone calls you by name, asks about the kids, and knows your favorite order. I could certainly eat here every day of the week.

I recommend the pulled chicken, banana pudding or a combo plate if you can try it all. However, you can’t go wrong with anything on the chalkboard menu. Perfect for dine-in (with limited indoor seating) or takeout, Preacher’s is certainly one of the best-kept secrets in the Smoky Mountains. Preacher’s is only open three days a week – Thursday, Friday and Saturday – from 11 am-7 pm and is located at 2929 Pittman Center Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876. Preacher’s is very casual and therefore, reservations are not a thing. First come, first served. A small gravel lot accommodates parking on site.

2. Bustin’ Butts BBQ

Founded by two single dads from North Carolina Craig, and Brent, this barbeque joint will convert even the non-BBQ-lovers in your life. It’s practically a spiritual experience. It’s an ultra-casual walk-up location located next to a produce stand. Although there are a few picnic tables located on-site if you need a place to sit. The menu features what you’d expect – pulled pork, chicken, ribs and sandwiches as well as a variety of sides including mac n’ cheese, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, green beans and mashed potatoes. I have an affinity for the pulled chicken. Like Chick-fil-A and Preacher’s Smokehouse, they are also closed on Sundays. Good sandwiches can be so hard to find on Sundays! Bustin’ Butts is located at 1698 Newport State Rte, Sevierville, TN 37876. Due to the nature of this casual roadside eatery, reservations are not a thing. Limited parking is available on site.

3. Old Mill Restaurant

Now we’re getting more into the type of dinner fare people may expect in the Smokies. The Old Mill is a multi-purpose facility with a historic mill, restaurant, Old Mill Pottery House Cafe and Old Mill Creamery. This is more of a table-service kind of restaurant. The menu features Southern classics that go perfectly with sides like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese or green beans. We’re talking Southern fried chicken, beef liver or country-fried steak. Also, meatloaf, chicken and dumplings or a chicken pot pie. It’s Southern-style farmhouse eating, and it’s all good. This restaurant does not accept reservations and wait times can be up to an hour or more during the busy season. The Old Mill is located at 164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. Limited free parking is available on site.

4. Trish’s Mountain Diner

Located in the Cobbly Nobb area in Gatlinburg, cash-only Trish’s Mountain Diner offers some of the most affordable dining in the Smoky Mountains. And the quality is superb. We usually go for breakfast. We love their breakfast sandwiches (for as little as $3.95 each). Trish’s keeps limited hours and their small dining room fills up fast – especially during the busy season (April-December) so arrive early if you want to guarantee yourself a seat. Trish’s is open for breakfast and lunch from 7 am-2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and open from 7 am-8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Sadly, like so many other quality establishments in the Smokies, it is closed on Sundays. Trish’s Mountain Diner is located at 3614 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

5. Delauder’s BBQ

Delauder’s isn’t fancy. The experience is similar to the vibe of the aforementioned Preacher’s Bustin’ Butts and Trish’s. They have checkered tablecloths and a menu that’s heavily based on smoked meat and pork products. What should you get? My recommendation is the sampler dinner. You get to try a little bit of everything. Still, if your stomach is not quite ready, there are two and three meat options available. Delauder’s is only open four days a week from Thursday-Sunday. They are open for dinner only (4 pm -8 pm) on Thursdays, lunch and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays (12:30 pm-8 pm) and lunch only on Sundays (12:30 pm-2:30 pm). Delauder’s is located at 1305 Dolly Parton Parkway in Sevierville.

6. Lil’ Black Bear Café

This tiny little breakfast and lunch spot is truly one of the best in the region. Open Tuesday through Friday from 8 am to 2 pm, its pared-down menu is a couple of sandwiches and a handful of breakfast items but there is not an ounce of messing around. If you could get the same food at a larger establishment, I’d probably move it high up the list. But truly, if you want to get away from the cookie-cutter Pigeon Forge breakfast experiences, this is your spot. The Lil’ Black Bear Cafe is a tiny establishment with very limited seating. If you want to dine here, arrive early and plan ahead. Reservations are not available. They are located at 3068 Veterans Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. Free parking is available on-site.

7. Pancake Pantry

At this point, the Pancake Pantry is a Smoky Mountain institution. It’s also the first of the now multitudinous Sevier County pancake houses. This is where you go for pancakes, maybe some French toast or something from the lunch menu. It’s a popular eatery, therefore, come early and bring your appetite. And if you don’t come early, you’ll probably find yourself outside waiting in line to get in. But it will be worth it. They, like many others on this list, do not accept reservations. The Pancake Pantry is located at 628 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 inside the Village Shoppes. They are open daily for breakfast and lunch from 7 am-3 pm. Parking is not available on site. You will likely have to pay for parking in a nearby paid lot or walk from your downtown hotel.

8. Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant

Located at the Apple Barn, this menu is full of chicken options and classics like pot roast or pork chops. Each meal comes with a serving of apple fritters, apple butter and the Applewood Julep. If you want to be authentic in your country dining, be sure to get a side of pinto beans with your meal. Pro-Tip: If this eatery is busy, try their sister restaurant, The Applewood Farmhouse Grill, located just a few feet away. Neither restaurants accept reservations. They are, however, open daily from breakfast to supper. The Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant is located at 240 Apple Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862. Free parking is available on-site.

9. Pawpaw’s Catfish Kitchen

This is an off-the-beaten-path Cajun restaurant between Pigeon Forge and Townsend. I’m especially particular about my Cajun food, and I enjoy this place a lot. If you make the trip to Sevier County, you owe it to yourself to drive through Wears Valley and go play in the water at Metcalf Bottoms. And if you’re going to do all that, you might as well stop at Pawpaw’s for a Po Boy. Pawpaw’s Catfish is a casual family-run eatery. They do not accept reservations. They are open four days a week (Wednesday-Saturday) from 11 am-8 pm and are located at 2760 Wears Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862. Limited parking is available on site.

10. Pinchy’s Lobster & Beer Co.

Pinchy’s is another important piece of the rising Sevierville foodie scene. Good seafood is something of an anomaly in the Smoky Mountains. In particular, the restaurant serves northeastern fare like lobster rolls, oysters, sushi, great burgers, sandwiches and fish and chips. It’s fun and fresh and cool and also completely different. Pinchy’s does not offer reservations but you can order online. They are located at 212 Court Ave, Sevierville, TN 37862. We suggest utilizing free 2-hour street parking in downtown Sevierville.

11. Mama’s Farmhouse

Mama’s has family-style comfort food that will stick to your ribs. They are known for their family-style style dining. This means when you order, you order for the table. But it’s all you can eat, which is awesome. They are famous for their fried chicken and award-winning biscuits. But admittedly, I like a little more seasoning – especially at breakfast. However, I know not everybody shares that feeling. They are open daily from 8 am to 8 or 9 pm, depending on the day. Mama’s Farmhouse is located at 208 Pickel St, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. Free parking is available on-site. We suggest making reservations online in advance.

12. Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar

Chesapeake’s is a higher-end table service restaurant conveniently located near Anakeesta and Margaritaville in downtown Gatlinburg. This is just classic seafood done with excellence. Everything from the fresh sea scallops to the shrimp cocktail seafood bar is certainly top-shelf cuisine. If you’re dining with a friend or two, the Seafood Tower is also a delight. Chesapeake’s is open daily from 8 am to 8 or 9 pm. You will likely have to pay for parking in a nearby paid lot or walk from your downtown hotel. Chesapeake’s is located at 437 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Making a reservation before you go is highly recommended.

13. The Greenbrier Restaurant

Some will be outraged at the Greenbrier’s placement here. If we were ranking chef-inspired high-end dining in the Smokies, The Greenbrier would truly stand in a league of its own. From the Chilean Sea Bass to the Duet of Beef or the Rack of Lamb, they consider the Greenbrier the best high-end dining destination in the mountains. Of course, they are not wrong. Keep in mind that the menu rotates seasonally. The Greenbrier is open from 4:30 pm-9 pm Tuesday through Sunday. They are closed on Mondays. The Greenbrier is located at 370 Newman Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Free parking is available on-site.

14. Wild Bear Tavern

I love the idea that someone looked at the pancake houses and the farmhouses and the fast food joints on the strip in Pigeon Forge and said, “You know what this place needs? The taste of Bavaria.” To that culinary visionary, I can only say “Ya vol,” which I realize now – given the East Tennessee context – looks like a celebration of the Tennessee Vols. But I was going for the German, “Yes, absolutely.” At any rate, the schnitzel, bratwurst and pork shank are all delicious. The burgers and sandwiches are also solid. And I love their open-air patio on a clear sunny day. The Wild Bear Tavern is open daily from 8 am-9 pm and is located at 4236 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. Free parking is available on-site.

15. Junction 35

This one is a rising star. Junction 35 – which is supposed to be a distillery first and a restaurant second – is quickly becoming one of our favorite places to eat in the mountains. They have BBQ, burgers and more. But it’s nothing too fancy. 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 now has two locations in the Smokies. The original location is in Pigeon Forge at 2655 Teaster Lane Suite 280, Pigeon Forge, TN. Their newest location is inside Tanger Outlets at 1645 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862. They are open daily from 10 am-9 pm. Free parking is available on-site at both locations.

16. Seasons 101

17. The Peddler Steakhouse

The Peddler, in my opinion, is in a constant three-way horse race with the Greenbrier and Chesapeake’s for the best high-end restaurant in Gatlinburg. On any given day, I could choose one of the three over the others. But the good news is you’re going to get a great meal no matter which one you choose. The Peddler menu is pretty typical steakhouse fare with an excellent salad bar in a historic cabin on the river. There’s not a lot of frou-frou messing about. It’s a local fan favorite. The Peddler is located at 820 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Free parking is available on site but the lot is small and availability is limited. Make a reservation before you go for the best results.

18. Alamo Steakhouse

The Alamo specializes in aged steak, hand cut, and seasoned in-house before it’s grilled over an oak fire to sear in all the juices and natural flavors. The menu is pretty classical steakhouse fare with a few Texas spices thrown in. Try the Horseradish-Parmesan Prime Rib Strips appetizer if you don’t mind starting your steak meal with a little more steak. It is prime rib cut into strips, blackened to make them spicy, and then topped with horseradish parmesan crust. The Alamo Steakhouse has two locations in the Smokies – one in Pigeon Forge and one in Gatlinburg.

Reservations are generally not accepted. The only exception to this rule is the couples-only Love Nest in Gatlinburg. The Gatlinburg Location is at 705 East Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN, and the Pigeon Forge location is at 3050 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN. Both are open daily for lunch and dinner Thursday-Sunday. They are also open for late lunch to early dinner (starting at 3 pm) Monday-Wednesday.

19. The Local Goat

A self-described new American restaurant with a scratch kitchen, the Local Goat manages to deliver a menu that is familiar and especially unique. For example, think deep-fried deviled eggs or bison meatloaf. From artisanal burgers and handhelds to steaks, pasta and more, the Local Goat delivers. However, it’s more accessible and not as fancy as the places immediately below it on the list. Finally, reservations are always a good idea. Free parking is available on-site. The Local Goat is located at 2167 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.

20. Ristorante DellaSantina

It’s hard to find real, classic Italian in the Smokies. 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, Sevierville, TN 37876. Free parking is available on-site. Reservations can be made online.

What restaurants in the Smoky Mountains have a view?

There aren’t that many restaurants with spectacular views around in my opinion, mostly because the best views tend to be high up in the mountains. Most restaurants tend to be down in the valleys where it’s easy for people to get to them. That being said, Cliff Top at Anakeesta in downtown Gatlinburg probably has the best combination of restaurant and views in the Smokies. The only reason it didn’t make the above list is that you’ve got to buy an Anakeesta ticket and then pay for your meal.

Of course, it’s the same deal if you want to eat at Dollywood, but if your sole purpose is a night out at dinner, that’s a steep cover charge. Another place with a view is the SkyCenter, which is part of the Gatlinburg SkyPark. There’s a little cafe at the top of the SkyDeck. The food is certainly snacky, though. You have pizza slices, pretzels, hot dogs, etc. – but the views – which are almost precisely across the strip from Anakeesta – are great. But again, you would have to pay admission to the park to eat there.

What about restaurants in Wears Valley?

Finally, don’t look over the restaurants in Wears Valley. In truth, they all have a pretty good look across the wide-open valley to the mountain range on the other side. Also, if I’m being honest, I don’t love the views of the mountains from restaurants in Pigeon Forge. But John, you might say, what about all the neon and blinking lights and traffic along the strip? Isn’t that beautiful in its own way? I suppose. But if you’re coming to the Smokies for a view of a bunch of neon signs or a lighted Ferris Wheel, you may be doing it wrong. Try local favorite Elvira’s Cafe for best results.

So, what is your favorite Smoky Mountain restaurant? Let us know in the comments!