If you’re a new visitor to the Smokies, you may quickly notice a quirk about local restaurants in Gatlinburg – reservations are a rare offering.
And even worse, wait times to the tune of 2-3 hours long are all too common.
Unless you want to get stuck eating fast food on your vacation when hunger strikes, I highly recommend you plan ahead.
We here at TheSmokies.com have taken the time to put together this list of restaurants in Gatlinburg that take reservations (or at the very least, offer an online waitlist).
Read Also: Restaurants in Pigeon Forge that take reservations
Editor’s Note: We do our best to keep this list updated, however it is important to note that things change quickly in the Smokies. If you find that any of the following information is out-of-date please contact us.
1. TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays is a chain that specializes in American-style treats and mouth-watering creations like its new Whiskey-Glazed Donut Burger.
This restaurant also has a location in both Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.
In Gatlinburg, TGI Fridays is located along the main strip. You can put your name on a virtual waitlist or find a table via Yelp.
2. The Melting Pot
The Melting Pot is located on the second level of TGI Fridays. This chain is known for its fondue-style dining.
This restaurant promises delicious cheese, entree options and tasty chocolate fondues.
You can make reservations online via Open Table. Click here to make your reservation.
3. Dick’s Last Resort
Dick’s Last Resort has two locations in the area – here in downtown Gatlinburg and another at The Island in Pigeon Forge.
This chain restaurant is famous for its American-style cuisine served up with a side of shenanigans.
Dick’s Last Resort accepts reservations via Resy. To make a reservation at Dick’s, click here.
4. The Park Grill
Located within a few hundred yards of the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Park Grill offers American cuisine in a casual, mountain lodge atmosphere.
And as a rare find in Gatlinburg, The Park Grill also offers on-site parking.
The Park Grill accepts reservations through Resy. Click here to make a reservation.
You may also call ahead for seating at (865) 436-2300, ext. 104.
5. The Greenbrier Restaurant
The Greenbrier Restaurant in Gatlinburg is well-known for its rich history and fantastic food. It offers American cuisine in a log cabin setting.
Home of the Greenbrier Whiskey Society, this restaurant offers opportunities for whiskey and bourbon tastings.
The Greenbrier Restaurant accepts reservations via Resy. Click here to find a table.
6. Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin
As its name might suggest, Flapjack’s offers delicious stacks of pancakes and is open during breakfast hours (usually until about 1 pm).
Flapjack’s has a total of six locations in the Smokies, with three locations in Gatlinburg alone.
You can join the waitlist online via Google.
7. Ruby Sunshine
Ruby Sunshine is a new brunch spot in Gatlinburg and is located along the main strip.
It features Louisiana-inspired specials and delicious breakfast cocktails.
Ruby Sunshine has a virtual waitlist directly on its website. To join the waiting list, click here.
Read Also: Ruby Sunshine: The good the sad and the butter
8. Johnny Rockets Gatlinburg
Johnny Rockets is a classic American-style restaurant inspired by 1950s diners.
They specialize in burgers, shakes and fries.
Johnny Rockets has a virtual waitlist via Yelp. Click here to join the waitlist.
9. Red Oak Bistro
The Red Oak Bistro offers food inspired by European and Mediterranean cuisines. They also offer a unique selection of bourbon, beer and wine.
Reservations are recommended, especially between 5:30-7:30 pm.
The Red Oak Birstro accepts reservations directly through its website. Click here to make your reservation.
10. Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
Crockett’s Breakfast Camp is another popular breakfast spot in Gatlinburg, and it’s located right along the main strip.
Like many other breakfast spots, it is only open until about 1 pm.
Luckily, you can join a waitlist via Google to avoid its inevitably long wait times. Click here to join the virtual waitlist.
11. Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina
The Loco Burro offers Tex-Mex food.
This classic Mexican restaurant offers delicious guacamole, queso, margaritas and all of your Mexican favorites.
It’s located on the main strip in Gatlinburg.
Loco Burro offers a virtual waitlist via Yelp. Click here to join the waitlist.
12. Chesapeake’s Restaurant
Chesapeake’s Restaurant specializes in seafood and offers a modern dining experience for its guests with a river view and raw bar.
It’s located along the Parkway in Gatlinburg.
Chesapeake’s takes reservations online via Open Table. Click here to find your table.
13. Alamo Steakhouse
Alamo Steakhouse has two locations in the Smoky Mountains area, one in Gatlinburg and the other in Pigeon Forge.
This restaurant is known as one of the best places to get a good steak in the Smokies. You can make reservations specifically for “Love Nest” seating.
Love Nest seating is available for two people for special occasions. Call (865) 436-9998 or email them to make your reservation. Click here to learn more.
14. Bubba Gump Shrimp
Bubba Gump Shrimp is another restaurant that offers delicious seafood, Southern classics and cajun food.
Also located along the main strip, Bubba Gump Shrimp offers a virtual waitlist via Yelp. Click here to join the list.
15. Cherokee Grill
Cherokee Grill is located across from the entrance to Ober Gatlinburg.
This upscale restaurant offers a true Southern experience with its steaks, seafood and rotisserie-style staples.
Cherokee Grill accepts reservations through Open Table. Click here to make your reservation.
16. The Peddler Steakhouse
I guess you could say we saved the best for last, because The Peddler has been ranked No. 1 for best steak in Gatlinburg with TheSmokies.com.
The Peddler is a popular restaurant, and offers limited online reservations for parties of four or less online.
You may put your name down in person or by calling (865) 436-5794 or use the Resy App.
Read Also: Who has the best steak in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg?
Do you know of a restaurant that takes reservations in Gatlinburg that we can add to the list? Let us know in the comments.
