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16 Best Restaurants In Pigeon Forge TN You Must Try

You know instead of wondering if there are really good restaurants in pigeon forge, Tennessee, the real question should be, can you actually visit all of them?

This is because if these restaurants on the great smoky mountain have any superpower, it is definitely plating great dishes at multiple locations.

From family restaurants to fine dining locations, most of these restaurants offer a specialized culinary menu with a little bit of everything else.

In other words, when you decide to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner at different places, your taste buds will very well taste different states, countries, or continents within that time.

However, like anything good, they are not all clustered at one address.

Hence, below is a comprehensive list of the best restaurants to visit while in Pigeon forge, Tennessee.

Best restaurants in Pigeon forge, Tennessee

1. Local Goat

Best restaurants in Pigeon forge

Local goat, pigeon forge

No doubt, this restaurant is good enough to deserve its name as the greatest of all times in pigeon forge.

From the food to the service, ambiance, and everything else, the local goat is like a rule-of-thumb restaurant in pigeon forge.

However, when it says local goat, it actually means Local Goat.

In other words, this” casual hub for modern American eats” gets its ingredients locally to ensure sustainable and quality outcomes.

Moreover, since it literarily produces everything from scratch, visitors can always bank on getting an authentic taste only familiar within its walls any day.

Given that its menu is quite extensive, visitors usually try anything that sounds wild or familiar to them.

While you can never go wrong with this approach, please don’t leave the local goat without trying their burgers or the cheese fondue or the salad, or some juicy steak.

However, while delicious dishes make up a third of the restaurant’s accolades with hospitability, getting another third, the icing on this proverbial cake is the craft beer menu.

I mean, since opening in 2016, that part of the menu has been a hit almost as much as the food.

What’s even better is that it is not limited to adult beverages alone.

Simply put, make your first foodie tour stop in pigeon forge at the local goat any time and you will be beyond glad you did.

Plan a visit any day from 11 am to 10 pm or target their happy hours from 3 pm to 6 pm from Thursday to Saturday.

Address: 2167 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States

2. The Old Mill Restaurant

The old mill restaurant, pigeon forge

The old mill restaurant, pigeon forge

When nostalgia is served on a plate, it is called comfort food, but when an 1830 grist mill serves it, it is called the old mill restaurant.

However, while it started in 1993 with a mission to host and feed families visiting pigeon forge on a budget, it has now become more like a home away from home.

In fact, while celebrating 25 years of hot biscuits, and homemade pecan pie was a major milestone in 2018, celebrating all the various families and customers that now make up the old mill family was the headliner.

Because as you will see during your visit, great food and friendly conversations are all right here in the old mill restaurant.

Speaking of great food, there are some signature dishes at the old mill you just have to try to have a complete pigeon forge experience.

Some of them would be the corn chowder, the corn fritters with maple butter, and the homemade mashed potatoes.

Considering its location and history, it should come as no surprise that its menu screams sumptuous southern cooking.

Hence, visitors can expect to get the best southern fried chicken, homemade meatloaf, southern-style ground round, and more.

Interestingly, the old mill restaurant also has a children’s menu for kids 12 years and under featuring a list of entrées along with fries or mac & cheese and ice cream and beverages.

In other words, everybody always wins at the old mill restaurant.

Plan a visit to the Old Mill Restaurant any day from 8 am to 9 pm and specifically plan for brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm.

Address: 164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States

3. Bullfish Grill

Bullfish, Pigeon forge

Bullfish, Pigeon forge

Unlike the casual dining food chain by the name bonefish, which it is frequently mistaken for, Bullfish grill is local to pigeon forge.

Popular for serving seafood and aged grand champion Angus bee in various ways, it is also a steak and seafood specialty restaurant.

I mean with a menu featuring their signature dishes like hand-cut sirloin, half-rack ribs, and grilled cilantro-lime chicken, what other proof would you want?

However, some of their dishes, like the chicken pasta and other entrees, are sure going to satisfy your intercontinental cravings.

Speaking of satisfaction, it will interest you to know that even if you are on a diet, there is still a menu for you here to enjoy.

Having said all this, it is good to come aware that lunch and dinner time are usually rush hour time.

Hence, while the typical wait time during this period might be quite long, it is just enough to enjoy their various appetizers and beverages.

All in all, the bullfish grill is definitely recommendable any day for all members of the family.

Also, if you enjoy some outdoor sitting after a hearty meal, they have just the spot for you.

Plan to visit the Bullfish Grill steak and seafood any day from 11 am to 9 pm

Address: 2441 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States

4. Mama’s Farmhouse, Pigeon Forge

Mama's Farmhouse, Pigeon Forge

Mama’s Farmhouse, Pigeon Forge

There was a time when a great grandmother popularly called mama featured a lot of southern cooking and goodies for generations of her family at her table.

Although this was always a wonderful family time together with a lot of food and conversation, the food was always a highlight.

This is because apart from always making the best of everything with a generous amount of love, mama always sought out the best and freshest ingredients.

Today, this family tradition has grown into seven unique concepts under the umbrella of the Johnson family of restaurants.

In fact, with 11 locations right in the smoky mountains alone, mama’s cooking is now closer to more families than it ever was.

In pigeon forge, mama’s farmhouse adopts the family-style concept from the seven unique concepts of serving visitors and locals alike.

What this concept means is that you get to eat a little of everything and more of what you prefer.

As easy as that sounds, now will be a good time to say the menu is not at all just basic.

As a matter of fact, one popular tip for this place will be to please go hungry or go with the kids when they are most active.

Simply put, that is more food than you can eat.

However, before you fill up, remember to try out their award-winning biscuits, banana pudding, and more.

Furthermore, after eating you don’t need to be in a hurry to leave as you can spend a while digesting or burning off some calories at mama’s play area.

Plan a visit to Mama’s Farmhouse from Thursday to Tuesday from 8 am to 9 pm.

Address: 208 Pickel St, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States

5. Alamo Steakhouse, Pigeon Forge

Alamo Steakhouse, Pigeon Forge

Alamo Steakhouse, Pigeon Forge

Still on the Johnson family restaurants and their impact in pigeon forge, alamo steakhouse is like a staple for a great steak.

Well, that is not to say this is all there is to their menu because there is so much more with the addition of some recipes too.

However, if you are in a hurry, you will prefer to visit when there is so much less crowd here.

If you can stand the wait time and you are with kids, you can be sure they will love playing with the wikki stix.

Speaking of the menu, it sorts of puts you in a mood for some grilled goodness from just scanning through it.

However, actually going through the menu from the starters, soups & salads, chef’s selection, chef’s addition, steak burger, beef menu, seafood, pork, and poultry, to the sides and drinks, Alamo screams variety.

Interestingly, the alamo steakhouse has been a scratch kitchen since it started in 1999.

Hence you can expect fresh, hand cut and in-house seasoned, ground steaks, burgers, and more.

Simply put, if you love some precision and intentional detailing to your steak, this is your sure bet location in pigeon forge.

Plan a visit to Alamo Steakhouse from Thursday to Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm and plan for dinner on Monday and Tuesday from 3 pm.

Address: 3050 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States

Planning a road trip outside of Pigeon Forge? Check out the finest restaurants with the best southern food in Memphis!

6. Puckett’s Restaurant – Pigeon Forge

best restaurant Pigeon Forge

Puckett’s Restaurant – Pigeon Forge

An excellent dining experience cannot be better paired than the way Puckett’s restaurant pairs it- food and music.

While there is a relatively long history behind Puckett’s brand, it became a restaurant business in 2002.

However, it opened its pigeon forge location in 2019 and has since become a household name when it comes to BBQ.

Nevertheless, its southern kitchen menu features breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites.

In addition to this, you also get a kid’s menu and, of course, a colorful bar menu.

Speaking of its menu, specifically its Tennessee favorites, you are sure going to enjoy the taste of tender and juicy grills.

In fact, if you decide to dwell on only this part of the menu for days, you are not likely to get bored by the plating or the taste.

To even mention a few, make sure to try their meatloaf, baby back ribs, and, of course, the southern fried chicken.

Moving on to other recommendable sections like the piggy mac, burgers and sandwiches, and their homemade desserts, you will love loving it!

As I mentioned earlier, a distinct feature of Puckett is pairing good food with good music to give that Nashville vibe.

However, it doesn’t just pair it; it makes a very mini musical museum out of it.

Hence, like they will say, if that sound like your kind of place, then you are their kind of person!

Plan a visit to the Puckett’s Restaurant any day from 11 am to 9 pm or visit during happy hour from Monday to Friday, 3 pm to 6 pm.

Address: 2480 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States

7. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen

Paula Deen's Family Kitchen, Pigeon forge

Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen

One memorable thing about pigeon forge visits any day will be the southern-style cooking.

However, one particular thing you will remember about this style, especially if you are visiting with the family, is the family style serving.

While this is not available in every single restaurant, when you find it, especially if you grew up eating at a big family table, you will enjoy it.

One place you will find it though on the island in pigeon forge is Paula Deen’s family kitchen.

However, since it is not the only family restaurant, this is the point you would want to know if you love large servings. This is it.

Their menu is broadly divided into three buffet choices complete with home dishes and four of Paula’s famous sides.

“The Albany “(2 down home dishes and 4 sides), “the savannah” (3 down home dishes and 4 sides), and “the Georgia” (4 down home dishes and 4 sides).

Following this, of course, is a desert in which everyone gets a different one with constant refills (yes!).

Another notable reason to visit Paula Deen’s family restaurant will definitely be because of the cheddar biscuits (really good!).

Since this is a classic southern kitchen with a history of offering that quintessential southern vibes, Paula Deen adds a gift shop to the already delicious mix.

Hence, after a hearty meal, you get to burn off some calories by shopping for some unique and beautiful gift items.

Plan a visit to Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen any day from 8 am to 10 pm.

Address: 131 The Island Dr #8101, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States

Enjoy more of Tennessee while in pigeon forge with our list of the best things to go in other cities like Brentwood, Sevierville, and Crossville!

8. Gaucho Urbano – Brazilian Steakhouse

Gaucho Urbano - Brazilian Steakhouse

Gaucho Urbano – Brazilian Steakhouse

Honestly, if it’s just for the mood and ambiance, you should definitely visit a Brazilian steakhouse.

However, when authentic Brazilian dining with a modern twist comes to the heart of pigeon forge, it is called Gaucho Urbano.

Hence, at Gaucho Urbano, it is always more than the ambiance; it is an experience!

Starting from the fact that you get to fix your own salad at the salad bar to, of course, the “meat” of your visit, it’s just great.

Speaking of meat, you can decide to go big or simple with any of their options and you will still love it.

Specifically, when you go big with the gaucho experience, you get the option of 15 meat cuts plus harvest and chef’s table.

On the other hand, going simple with the sample experience gives the option of 9 meat cuts plus harvest and chef’s table.

The most notable part of this visit that is sure delighting to every food lover is how the meat keeps coming.

Of course, you can stop it by flipping a card to have the red side up, meaning stop, but if you keep the green side up, it is all you can eat.

Some tips when visiting this restaurant will be to come hungry, be frugal with the sides, and be ready to spend.

Yes, Gaucho Urbano is a bit pricey, so if you are on a budget, save this one for a special occasion.

While the hours might differ on some days, plan a visit to Gaucho Urbano any day from 4 pm to 10 pm.

Address: 111 Valley Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States

9. Brick and Spoon – Pigeon Forge

Best restaurants in Pigeon forge

Brick and Spoon – Pigeon Forge

There is no need to break your early breakfast habit because you are on a vacation.

In fact, if you are used to skipping breakfast, this is just the right time to know what you are missing out on.

To start with, brick and spoon is definitely worth being the first place you see in the morning.

However, that is not the major reason locals and visitors love coming back.

Though its name is no doubt out of the proverbial box, it has everything to do with its southern style of cooking and happy dining customer.

Hence, it features a breakfast, lunch, and brunch menu of southern comfort as well as healthy and creative dishes.

Speaking of creativity, some of their beverages and cocktails like the screwmosa are just so lovely!

Interestingly, you too can get creative at the “make your own Bloody Mary” bar.

Ultimately, the one perk of choosing brick and spoon will be the amount of variety it offers.

Hence, if you really intend to have breakfast like a king, this is a recommendable location any day.

Some popular favorites include breakfast tacos and, of course, the banana foster French toast

Other suggestions will include shrimp & mac n cheese, shrimp Po Boy, strawberry and spinach salad, and killer creole omelet.

Also, check out the kid’s menu if you come out with the family and start your day in the best of moods.

Plan a visit to the Brick and Spoon from 7 am to 2 pm.

Address: 136 Community Center Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States

10. Mel’s Classic Diner

Best restaurant in Pigeon forge

Mel’s Classic Diner

While it gives an iconic vibe, its flavors are very much current, and the experience is new every morning.

However, speaking of its iconic vibe, Mel’s classic dinner gives a classic 50s style from theme to dining menu.

In other words, if you want a large serving of classic and nostalgic American food under the right atmosphere, this is it.

However, much can be said about its age and growth in pigeon forge.

From first dates to other special occasions, Mel’s diner is definitely a place to make memories and relive them.

In fact, since it started in 1993, it is now an important part of the city’s history.

What this means is that this is no doubt where you also get the classic southern hospitality treatment.

In addition to that, you get to pick from a complete line of its limited-edition T-shirts to remember your visit.

Hence, when community love meets the all-American home-cooked experience from grandma’s recipe, you get Mel’s classic diner you always want to come back to.

Mentioning some recommendable dishes will take a while, but the banana split is definitely worth all the hype any day.

Plan a breakfast, lunch, or dinner visit to Mel’s Classic Diner any day from 7 am to 12 am

Address: 119 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States

Since you are in pigeon forge, this is the perfect time to visit the famous “gateway to the smokies.” In fact, truly explore Gatlinburg with our comprehensive list of fun things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

11. Sunliner Diner Pigeon Forge

Best restaurants in Pigeon forge

Sunliner Diner Pigeon Forge

If you ever imagine what it looked like in the 1950s, you no longer have to imagine what the restaurants looked like.

In fact, since that time saw a lot of diners and not fast-food restaurants as are popularly now, it is a welcome change of pace.

Hence, Sunliner diner is everything you think it should be and more

Because when you think it cannot do any better considering the retro newspaper menu and the jukebox music, look again and you’ll see a 1952 ford convertible and more.

More importantly, this is a family-friendly destination.

In other words, bring along a lot of eaters and, of course, the kids because the servings are really generous.

Speaking of eating, Sunliner diner serves every meal of the day with the same enthusiasm and friendliness.

Little wonder the large space is always crowded with smiling customers.

Since this is a classic American comfort food-style restaurant, it is always about dessert.

Hence, while the main menu is quite extensive, with more than a few memorable dishes, you will want to leave enough space for your dessert.

Some recommendations on this menu include the authentic 1950s shake, and the big tickle party shake, to name a few.

Of course, so you don’t skip out on some Sunliner specialties too. Please come hungry.

Plan a visit to Sunliner Diner any day from 8 am to 10 pm.

Address: 2302 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States

12. Wild Bear Tavern

Best restaurants in Pigeon forge

Wild Bear Tavern

Whether you are looking for a great selection of food or drinks, this is just the right place.

First, this Bavarian-style German restaurant delivers authentic German comfort food and beverages.

From home-style pancakes to Bavarian-style sandwiches and authentic German cocktails, it always comes down to how much you can eat.

In other words, if you will pick a German pot roast or an apple strudel over some southern fried chicken, welcome home.

However, there are always some popular southern favorites to enjoy with family and friends.

In fact, you are sure to enjoy the southern style décor and ambiance at the tavern.

Second, it is part of the wild bear inn which is close to town, so that is like comfort on all levels.

Simply put, wining, dining, and lounging the southern German is what the wild bear tavern offers.

Having said that, a fun appetizer suggestion is Oma’s bacon and cheddar cheese potato pancake.

Plan a lunch or dinner visit to the Wild Bear Tavern from Thursday to Sunday

Address: 4236 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States

13. Big Daddy’s Pizzeria

Big Daddy's Pizzeria

Big Daddy’s Pizzeria

If you are indifferent to pizza, odds are you have not been to the smoky mountains.

What has one thing got to do with the other?

Well, that’s what you are about to find out at big daddy’s pizzeria, pigeon forge.

If you have not already guessed, big daddy’s pizzeria is one of the seven unique concepts of Johnson’s family of restaurants.

Hence, as always, you can always expect homemade and fresh ingredients in every detailed bit.

In fact, to solidify this commitment to serving fresh Neapolitan pizza, there are no onsite freezers!

Interestingly, big daddy’s pizzeria goes American-Italian in their service style.

As far as I am concerned, though, what this means is that it is more adventurous and ideal for a family with different preferences.

However, while your preferences should stand any day, you should really try out the dough daddies and the pretzels.

While at it, check out their other delicious offerings in pies, sandwiches, salads, and more.

One more thing to expect is the one-of-a-kind arcade.

In fact, for lack of a better vocabulary to describe it right now, let’s just say it is really entertaining.

Plan a visit to Big Daddy’s Pizzeria from Thursday to Tuesday from 11 am to 9 pm.

Address: 3053 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States

14. JT Hannah’s Kitchen, Pigeon Forge

JT Hannah's Kitchen, Pigeon Forge

JT Hannah’s Kitchen, Pigeon Forge

From a freight warehouse and stockyards to kitchen and dining tables, JT Hannah still does its best on the great smoky mountains.

In other words, if you love a historic look with a classy-laid-back feel, this is where you want to be.

Opened in 1930, JT Hannah’s kitchen thrives on a tradition of hospitality, quality, reasonable cost, and an appreciation for its roots.

In fact, one reason why this kitchen is really popular among tourists is its warehouse theme and all the history on the wall.

In addition to that, the staff here are no doubt really personable people with enough knowledge to point you to the next best attraction in pigeon forge.

Speaking of its menu, vegetarians and meat lovers will definitely have a swell time with that variety of options.

From signature steaks, seafood, ribs, pasta, salads, and more to desserts, it is always a hearty fare.

Simply put, there are a lot of southern food choices here.

Plan a visit to JT Hannah’s Kitchen every day from 11 am to 10 pm.

Address: 3214 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States

15. Smokies Cuban Café

Best restaurants in Pigeon forge

Smokies Cuban Café

Let’s go Cuban!

Can you go to the heart of the smoky mountain and not do southern food?

Yes, yes, and yes.

However, wherever you choose to replace the great southern delicacies with has to be truly authentic, right?

Well, the smokies Cuban café checks all those boxes just fine.

Operated as a family-owned authentic Cuban restaurant in pigeon forge, it doesn’t just follow a recipe.

In fact, the Cuban-born chef Carlos uses authentic ingredients to religiously follow the traditional Cuban recipes passed down from generation.

Hence, when you order a shot of Cuban cafesito, croquetas, yuca, empanadas, or pastelitos, you can taste the difference.

Of course, where there is good food, there are happy customers, but behind every crowded café is great service.

Simply put, smokies Cuban café gets crowded with happy customers.

Get adventurous and discover a new favorite place while at it.

Gracias!

Plan a visit to Smokies Cuban Café any day from 11 am to 7 pm.

Address: 3526 Parkway #4, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States

While you are enjoying the food of pigeon forge, you can also enjoy Johnson City’s splendor with our list of those fun things to do in Johnson City, Tennessee.

16. Blue Moose Burgers & Wings

Best restaurants in Pigeon forge

Blue Moose Burgers & Wings

There is definitely no top 16 for me without mentioning pigeon forge’s only family sports grill.

While its name says a lot about its specialty in burgers and wings, there is more to the blue moose.

In fact, since 2007, blue moose burger and wings have been offering a variety of juicy unique options.

However, although serving award-winning and delectable dishes is an important reason to visit, it is not why it has its special title.

That part will be owing to the fact that it also features about 20 flat screen televisions to watch the latest games.

If you rather eat to your favorite lineup of songs, that option is also available.

Speaking about all the different aspects of this restaurant and why you should visit will involve a lot of praise-singing.

In fact, one word to describe the food here with crunchy.

However, nothing beats the thrill of experiencing it all firsthand.

So, if that sounds like the next best thing to slice bread for you, hurry up and pay them a visit.

Plan a visit to the Blue Moose Burgers and Wings from 11 am to 10 pm.

Address:  2430 Teaster Ln #108, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States

Final Remarks

Speaking of the best restaurants in pigeon forge is sometimes like trying to pick a favorite grandkid.

In other words, that is never an easy fit.

However, since no one expects you to eat at them all, we have compiled a list with a bit of everything.

From southern home cooking to authentic intercontinental varieties, enjoy your meal and enjoy your stay.

Safe travel!