Local lists top restaurants in Gatlinburg, TN that take reservations, have a virtual waitlist

If you’re a new visitor to the Smoky Mountains, you may quickly notice a quirk about local restaurants in Gatlinburg – reservations can be a rare offering. 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 have a plan.

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.

Heirloom Room

Overlooking the river in Gatlinburg, the Heirloom Room has breakfast and offers chicken, steak and shrimp at dinner. But they also are unique with their wide variety of game meats including a frog legs option as well as smoked wild boar croquettes with roasted garlic aioli. Also on the menu is a Spicy Venison Loin – New Zealand red venison tenderloin with smoked chili rub, tarragon béarnaise with crispy heirloom fingerling potatoes. It’s New Zealand venison, so not only is it delicious, but it also has a surprising sense of humor. Heirloom is located at 333 Parkway in Gatlinburg. To make reservations, follow the website here.

The Melting Pot 

The Melting Pot is known for its fondue-style dining. This restaurant promises delicious cheese, a variety of entree options and tasty chocolate fondues. You can make reservations online via Open Table. You can make reservations via the restaurant’s website here. The restaurant is located at 959 Parkway #2 in Gatlinburg.

Vista Grill at the Park Vista

The Vista Grill offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu offers something for everyone. And weather permitting, patrons can eat outside on the patio with a view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Indoors, the restaurant feels warm and inviting. Make reservations with DoorDash and view the menus via the website here. Park Vista is located at 705 Cherokee Orchard Rd. in Gatlinburg.

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. Click here to make a reservation on Resy via the website. Park Grill is located at 1110 Parkway in Gatlinburg.

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. Make reservations with Resy and view the menus at the restaurant’s website here. The restaurant is located at 370 Newman Rd. in Gatlinburg.

Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin 

As its name might suggest, Flapjacks is open during breakfast hours (usually until about 1 pm). The restaurant has a total of six locations in the Smokies, with three locations in Gatlinburg alone. The pancakes are hard to beat! Follow the website here. You can join a waitlist online via Google. Flapjack’s is located at 146 Parkway in Gatlinburg.

Calhoun’s Gatlinburg 

This BBQ restaurant is a local Tennessee favorite. The barbecue is well known, but the menu offers something for everyone in your group. It is casual dining at its best. Click here to view the menu and to reserve your table. Calhoun’s Gatlinburg location is found at 1004 Parkway #101.

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 Bistro accepts reservations directly through its website. Click here to make your reservation. The restaurant is located at 669 Glades Rd. in Gatlinburg.

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. The website can be found here. Crockett’s is located at 1103 Parkway in Gatlinburg.

Chesapeake’s Restaurant

Chesapeake’s Restaurant specializes in fresh seafood. This Smokies staff favorite offers a modern dining experience for its guests with a river view and raw bar. It’s located at 437 Parkway in Gatlinburg. Chesapeake’s takes reservations online via their website located here.

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. The restaurant is located at 705 East Pkwy. in Gatlinburg.

Bubba Gump Shrimp 

Bubba Gump Shrimp is another restaurant that offers delicious seafood, Southern classics and Cajun food. It is also located along the main strip. To get on Bubba Gump’s virtual waitlist, click here. For menus and delivery options, click here. Bubba Gump’s is located at 900 Parkway in Gatlinburg.

Cherokee Grill and Steakhouse

Cherokee Grill is located across from the entrance to Ober. This upscale restaurant offers a true Southern experience with its steaks, seafood and rotisserie-style staples. The Grill is located at 1002 Parkway in Gatlinburg. To make reservations and to learn more, follow the website here.

The Peddler Steakhouse 

The Peddler has been ranked No. 1 for the best steak in Gatlinburg with thesmokies.com. This is a popular restaurant and offers limited online reservations for parties of four or less online. To learn more, follow the website here. The restaurant is located at 820 River Road in 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.