Local ranks best restaurants that are open late in the Smokies

So you want to eat late? Round here, that means 8 pm. As a local, I’ve found that this tourist town doesn’t exactly keep retirees’ hours, but I’d say restaurants are far more likely to be busy at 5:30 than they are after 9 pm. After 9 pm, you get to watch as the staff starts the process of closing for the night. After 10 pm, you’d best have a plan. While mom-and-pop shops offer some of the best food options in town, you likely won’t find them open much past dark. Luckily, you still have a few options where you can comfortably eat late:

Editor’s Note: Restaurant hours may vary (especially during holidays) and are subject to change. Always confirm before making plans.

1. Dick’s Last Resort

This unique chain has two locations in the Smokies, one in downtown Gatlinburg and the other at The Island in Pigeon Forge. The menu items have punny (and cringeworthy) names, including “The Dolly” for Dolly Parton, which has a “voluptuous” grilled chicken breast. There are certainly better food options in the area, but if you’re near The Island, Dick’s is usually open until 10 or 11 pm. The Pigeon Forge location is at 131 The Island Drive.

2. Downtown Flavortown

As one of the relatively newer establishments in East Tennessee, Downtown Flavortown features unique flavor creations from Chef Guy Fieri. The entertainment venue and restaurant also offer a full Tiki bar, full arcade and duckpin bowling. Downtown Flavortown is open until 11 pm on most evenings. The restaurant and entertainment venue can be found at 2655 Teaster Lane in Pigeon Forge.

3. Timberwood Grill

Going back to The Island in Pigeon Forge, Timberwood Grill is open until 11 pm or midnight on most evenings. The restaurant features authentic mountain dining and has huge, half-pound burgers and pretty good steak selections. You could do a lot worse than Timberwood if you’re visiting The Island.

4. Mel’s Diner

What are we looking to accomplish here? Do you want an elegant late dining experience? This isn’t the place. However, in my experience, there are two types of late-night eaters and one of the two has had a few drinks. Mel’s Diner, usually open until midnight, serves classic 50s diner fare. Burgers. Fries. Shakes. Dogs. It’s good food. And it’s certainly better than anything you’d get at a place with a drive-thru. On the plus side, I can order a Big Bopper Bacon Cheeseburger and regale the crew with my quite excellent Big Bopper impersonation. Chantilly Lace forever, y’all. It’s located at 119 Wears Valley Road in Pigeon Forge.

5. Hard Rock Cafe

You would think that a restaurant dedicated to hard rock would be open til the wee hours of the morning. However, most nights the Hard Rock is open only until about 9 or 10 pm. Still, if you catch it in time, it has the right vibe for late-night eating. Plus, it’s located at 2050 Parkway and features memorabilia from the likes of Madonna and Jimi Hendrix.

6. Blue Moose Burgers

This restaurant was once one of the best-kept secrets of Pigeon Forge. Lately, it’s not much of a secret anymore. Blue Moose offers delicious chicken wings and juicy burgers. I’ve always had exceptional service when I visit, and it’s one of our favorite choices when having a late dinner in the area. Blue Moose is open until 10 or 11 pm on most evenings and can be found at 2430 Teaster Lane.

7. Funky Budha Sports Bar and Lounge

One of the few real night spots in the area (and maybe the only one) the Funky Budha lays claim to be the only restaurant on the list named after a Cypress Hill lyric. The Funky Budha is not necessarily the place to wind the family down after a long day. As a lounge and sports bar, the restaurant is simply a division of the operation. Still, the food is funky and spicy. Open until 1 am, Funky Budha is 21 and up after 9 pm. It’s located at 3909 Parkway in Pigeon Forge.

8. The Chop House

I’m playing a little fast and loose with the rules here. Throughout the week, the Chop House shuts down at 10 pm. However, on Friday and Saturday, it is open until about 11 pm. This is a completely different vibe than the others on the list. Low-key, quiet and classic, and family-friendly, the Chop House is a great place for gatherings that aren’t just about getting some cold beers or finding a dance floor. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. If you want something fairly light, the salads are fresh and varied, the appetizers are fantastic – try the deviled eggs. Seriously. Chicken, steak, pork and seafood, there’s something for everyone. Chop House is a great place to stop after a long day and have an excellent meal. It’s located at 1649 Parkway in Sevierville.

9. Smoky Mountain Brewery

Though the beer is of course the main attraction, you could do a lot worse dining late in Sevier County than the Smoky Mountain Brewery. Open until midnight, the brewery serves sandwiches, burgers, wings, apps and a nice pizza. If you’re looking for something a little heartier – and who isn’t at 11 pm – they have a quality selection of steaks and ribs as well. Myself? I’m a fan of the calzone. But be warned. If you’ve had a few of the house beverages, the calzone is a dangerous choice as there’s a chance you’ll be wearing as much of it as you ate. It’s located at 2530 Parkway in Pigeon Forge, with another location in Gatlinburg.

10. J.T. Hannah’s Kitchen

J.T. Hannah’s is only open until 9 or 10 pm most evenings. More serious dining than some late-night hot spots, J.T. Hannah’s hits the right notes for eating out late. Relaxed, laid back and fun, but unlikely to get too crazy, J.T. Hannah’s offers burgers, seafood and steaks. It’s the St. Louis-style ribs that are the star of the show. The deep-fried Mississippi catfish is also a favorite and goes great with Hannah’s Fried Pickle Chips as an appetizer. The restaurant is located at 3214 Parkway.

What are your favorite late-night dining options in Pigeon Forge? Let me know in the comments.

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