16 Restaurants in Pigeon Forge That Take Reservations

First-time visitors to the Smokies will quickly notice a less-than-desirable quirk about local restaurants in Pigeon Forge – reservations are a rare offering. There may be many reasons why a local restaurant decides it’s better off without a reservation system, particularly in Pigeon Forge. But the primary reason boils down to money. You see, it just doesn’t make sense to hold tables in this bustling tourist town. Holding a table for patrons and risking a no-show instead of just giving that table to hungry on-site tourists just isn’t a great business decision.

However, this preference can be distinctly frustrating for visitors who prefer to plan ahead. This is why, we here at TheSmokies.com have taken the time to put together this list of restaurants in Pigeon Forge that take reservations (or at the very least, offer an online waitlist).

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 If you find that any of the following information is out-of-date please contact us.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. Dick’s Last Resort (American)

In the mood for something a bit different? Dick’s Last Resort has two locations in the area – one at the Island in Pigeon Forge and the other in downtown Gatlinburg. It’s a chain restaurant that is famous for its American-style cuisine served up with a side of shenanigans. Dick’s Last Resort sometimes offers a waitlist via Yelp. Group reservations, however, were closed at the time of this writing.

2. Hard Rock Cafe (American)

An American-style chain, Hard Rock Cafe is also well-known for the unique rock memorabilia found throughout the restaurant. Hard Rock features entrees like ‘Legendary Steak Burgers’, ribs, BBQ, fish, chicken and a variety of cocktails. Hard Rock Cafe accepts reservations through OpenTable. To make a reservation at Hard Rock Pigeon Forge, click here.

3. Local Goat (American)

An American-style restaurant, Local Goat features scratch-made, locally sourced and sustainable classics including wings, burgers, steaks and ribs. However, the Local Goat is one of Pigeon Forge’s most popular restaurants. Reservations can be difficult to score and are rarely available same day. So, if you want to dine at The Local Goat, you’ll likely need to plan ahead. The Local Goat accepts (mostly next-day) reservations through Google in partnership with ConnectSmart. To make a reservation at Local Goat, click here.

4. Smoky’s Pancake Cabin (Breakfast)

Smoky’s Pancake Cabin doesn’t take reservations per se, but they do have a waitlist. The restaurant features all of the Southern breakfast classics that you would expect from a pancake joint in the Smokies. The menu includes a wide variety of made-from-scratch pancakes as well as omelets, waffles, egg platters and biscuits. Do keep in mind that your window for dining at this location is fairly limited because they close at 1 pm daily. You can add your name to the Smoky’s Pancake Cabin waitlist on Google. To add yourself to the waitlist, click here.

5. Olive Garden (Italian)

The Olive Garden is technically on the Sevierville side of town, but it’s so close to Pigeon Forge that we’d regret it if we left it off the list. Olive Garden is an Italian chain restaurant that serves traditional dishes like pasta, soups and salads. A waitlist can accessed on the Olive Garden website and app.

Editor’s Note: The Olive Garden is frequently our go-to when we have a car full of hungry travelers. It might not be the most unique restaurant on this list, but we find it’s highly reliable and the food is always ready on time. This location does a great job of handling the busy Pigeon Forge crowds.

6. Harpoon Harry’s Crab House (Seafood)

Harpoon Harry’s features quality seafood, crab buckets, lobster, burgers and sandwiches at an affordable price. Reservations are available on opentable.com. Click here to reserve your table.

7. Azul cantina (Tex-Mex)

Azul Cantina offers specially crafted drinks that you can enjoy on their rooftop bar, which features a great view! The eatery also features unique Tex-Mex offerings. To reserve your table, visit the website here.

8. Red Lobster (Seafood)

Located right next to Olive Garden (and also technically located in Sevierville but close enough), Red Lobster is a seafood chain that’s famous for their Cheddar Bay Biscuits and American-style comfort food. Red Lobster reservations are available via Google.com. Click here to make your reservation.

9. Five Oaks Farm Kitchen (Southern)

Located right across from Tanger Outlets (and a great go-to after working up your appetite shopping), Five Oaks Farm Kitchen features Southern-style classics including breakfast, BBQ, chicken & dumplings and larger-than-your-head cinnamon buns. While this restaurant doesn’t take reservations per se, they do sometimes allow patrons to book ahead using a waitlist. That said, the waitlist was closed at the time of this writing. To view the waitlist, click here.

10. Puckett’s (Southern BBQ)

Tennessee staple Puckett’s offers some of the best Southern-style BBQ on the Parkway, and also on select nights, live music and entertainment. This restaurant accepts reservations on OpenTable. So, to reserve a seat, click here.

11. DreamMore’s Song and Hearth (Southern)

Ever wanted to check out DreamMore Resort without actually forking over the cash for an overnight stay? Perhaps a meal at DreamMore’s Song and Hearth restaurant will fit the bill! This restaurant is open to both Dollywood DreamMore Resort guests and non-resort guests. Complimentary parking and valet parking are also available. Song and Hearth serves Southern-style comfort food including Southern fried chicken, prime rib and potatoes. Reservations are available on OpenTable. To save your spot, click here.

12. The Appalachian (Southern)

The Appalachian is a relative newcomer to the local scene. Located in downtown Sevierville just minutes away from Pigeon Forge, The Appalachian serves upscale Southern cuisine in an elevated atmosphere. Reservations are available on Resy. Click here to reserve your table at The Appalachian.

13. Gaucho Urbano Brazilian Steakhouse (Brazilian)

Gaucho Urbano is a Brazilian Steakhouse that serves continuous table-side meat samplings of over 16 different cuts of meat including but not limited to: Picanha, Filet Mignon, Coxa de Frango and Bisteca de porco. Translation: Arrive hungry. Reservations are available directly on Gaucho Urbano’s website.

14. Outback Steakhouse (Steaks)

The Outback Steakhouse is another American-style steak restaurant located just outside of Pigeon Forge in Sevierville. The Outback Steakhouse is famous for its steaks and bloomin’ onions. Reservations to Outback can be made directly on their website.

15. The Chop House

The Chop House also has a couple of locations in the Smokies – the first is located in Kodak, TN, across from Smokies Stadium on Exit 407 right off of Interstate 40. The second is located in the middle of the Tanger Outlets shopping center in Sevierville (again, right outside of Pigeon Forge). The Chop House serves American-style classics but is mostly known for its steaks. You can reserve a table at The Chop House on OpenTable by clicking here.

16. J.T. Hannah’s Kitchen

Last but not least, J.T. Hannah’s Kitchen in Pigeon Forge offers a wide variety of Southern classics that truly offer something for everyone. Yes, this includes gluten-free options. They specialize in burgers, ribs, pasta, sandwiches and “Made Fresh Daily” appetizers. You can join an online waiting list with Google.

Do you know of a restaurant that takes reservations in Pigeon Forge that we can add to the list? If so, let us know in the comments.