September 28, 2017
7 Amazing Places to Eat Breakfast in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains
If you love going out for breakfast on vacation, Gatlinburg, TN is the place for you! The Smoky Mountain area is filled with more pancake houses and breakfast restaurants than just about anywhere else in the country. With so many options, deciding where to start your day can be a tough decision. To help you make the most of your next getaway, Hearthside Cabin Rentals has put together a guide to seven of the best places to eat breakfast in Gatlinburg and the Smokies.
1. Pancake Pantry
The flapjacks at the Pancake Pantry are truly the stuff of legends. This hugely popular restaurant was the state of Tennessee’s first pancake house, and over the years it has achieved an almost mythic status for its irresistible hotcakes. Guests at the Pantry will find an impressive variety of pancakes to choose from, including Swiss Chocolate Chip Pancakes, Wild Blueberry Pancakes, Sweet Potato Pancakes, and Pecan Pancakes. All of the mouthwatering dishes at the Pancake Pantry are made with real butter, fresh whipped cream, and the very best ingredients. Be sure to stop by an ATM before your visit, because the restaurant does not accept credit cards.
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious breakfast in Gatlinburg, you can’t beat The Donut Friar ! Tucked away in The Village Shops off of the Parkway, this amazing bakery is famous for its donuts, pastries, cinnamon bread, and excellent coffee. Open every day starting at 5 a.m., The Donut Friar is a favorite destination for shoppers and people watchers on The Strip. Like the Pancake Pantry, The Donut Friar is a cash-only business.
3. Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
Named after local hero David C. “Crockett” Maples, Crockett’s Breakfast Camp serves creative versions of traditional Southern breakfast dishes. Instead of typical pancakes, Crockett’s makes special “griddle cakes” that are over an inch thick! Other highlights of the menu include the giant cinnamon rolls, corned beef hash, country ham, biscuits, and the skillet breakfasts. During the weekend, Crockett’s can attract a long line, but we think it is definitely worth the wait!
4. Elvira’s Cafe
Located in Wears Valley, Elvira’s Cafe is considered a hidden gem in the Smoky Mountains. This wonderful restaurant has built a loyal following for its freshly prepared food. According to the shop’s exuberant owner, “everything is homemade and prepared to order…it’s home cooking without you washing the dishes and cleaning up the kitchen!” In addition to standard breakfast favorites, Elvira’s also serves incredible crepes, which come in a number of sweet and savory varieties.
5. Mel’s Classic Diner
A visit to Mel’s Classic Diner is perfect for anyone who likes to sleep in on vacation! This awesome restaurant serves breakfast all day long, so you can enjoy pancakes and french toast for lunch or even dinner. Mel’s offers a fun 50s-inspired atmosphere and a variety of tasty breakfast specials that are very reasonably priced. Fans of the classic TV show Alice will appreciate the staff’s “Kiss My Grits” T-shirts, a nod to the iconic catchphrase often uttered by the character Flo at Mel’s Diner.
The Log Cabin Pancake House has been an institution in Gatlinburg for over 40 years! Famous for its spectacular food and friendly service, the Log Cabin is a no-frills breakfast spot that never disappoints. Some of the most talked about menu items at the Log Cabin Pancake House include the omelets, all-you-can-eat biscuits & gravy, buckwheat pancakes, and the French Toast Royale (topped with bananas and a special cream cheese sauce). In addition to its Gatlinburg location, the Log Cabin anticipates opening a second restaurant in Sevierville in the spring of 2018.
7. Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant
Popular with both locals and vacationers alike, Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant serves one mean breakfast. This spectacular eatery makes everything from scratch, from its pancake and crepe batter to its syrups. The peanut butter syrup, in particular, gets rave reviews from all of Sawyer’s guests. Other fantastic items on the Farmhouse menu include the Banana Fosters French Toast, Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Waffle, Western Omelet, and the Spiced Apple Crepes.
When you stay with Hearthside Cabin Rentals, you will be near all of these awesome places to eat breakfast in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 18 bedroom cabins, we are sure to have the perfect property for your escape. To start planning your vacation, browse our selection of cabins in Gatlinburg!
