Best Restaurants in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a pancake town. There are more pancake houses per capita here than anywhere in America — and some of them are genuinely great. Beyond the pancakes, the Smokies have excellent BBQ, mountain trout, and a growing craft food scene.

Pancake Houses

Pancake Pantry — The original and the best. Open since 1960. 24 varieties of pancakes including Austrian apple-walnut, sweet potato, and Caribbean. The line wraps around the building on weekends but moves fast. Cash or check only (yes, really).

Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin (multiple locations) — Big portions, creative pancake flavors, and a log-cabin atmosphere. The chocolate chip pancakes and the country breakfast platter are reliable.

Log Cabin Pancake House — Smaller, less crowded, and the food is consistently good. A solid alternative when Pancake Pantry’s line is too long.

BBQ & Southern

Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que — Hickory-smoked ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. Family-run since 1989. The BBQ sampler platter lets you try everything.

Delauder’s BBQ (Pigeon Forge) — Roadside BBQ with honest smoke and fair prices. The brisket is the star.

Mountain Dining

The Peddler Steakhouse — The best steakhouse in Gatlinburg. Overlooking the river. You select your own cut from the display and they grill it for you. The salad bar is an experience in itself.

Cherokee Grill — Upscale mountain dining. Trout (locally sourced from mountain streams), steaks, and a wine list. One of the nicest restaurants in the area.

Calhoun’s (Pigeon Forge) — Ribs, prime rib, and Southern comfort food in a large family-friendly setting. The hickory-smoked prime rib is the signature.

Moonshine Tasting

Gatlinburg’s moonshine distilleries are attractions in themselves. Most offer free tastings:

Ole Smoky Moonshine (The Holler) — The most famous. Live music on the porch, dozens of flavored moonshines to taste, and a gift shop. The apple pie moonshine is the best-seller.

Sugarlands Distilling Company — Premium moonshine and whiskey. More refined than Ole Smoky. The Appalachian Sippin’ Cream (moonshine cream liqueur) is excellent.

Doc Collier Moonshine — Smaller, less crowded, and the tastings are generous.

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