The outside of Cherokee Grill restaurant in Gatlinburg TN.

June 26, 2018

Top 7 Places to Have Dinner in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Going out to eat is one of the best parts of being on vacation! When you visit Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN, you’ll find a wide variety of excellent restaurants to visit. Whether you’re in the mood for authentic Southern BBQ or pizza, you’re guaranteed to find exactly what you’re looking for in the Smokies. 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 have dinner in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

1. Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria

Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria in Gatlinburg TN.

For more than 40 years, Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria has been a can’t-miss destination in Gatlinburg, TN. Guests can expect to find all of their favorite Italian dishes including pizza, pasta, and some of the biggest calzones you’ve ever seen! Best Italian is also legendary for its irresistible garlic knots, which are coated with butter and parmesan cheese. Downtown Gatlinburg is home to two Best Italian locations: the original restaurant in Elks Plaza and a second restaurant on the Parkway.

2. Cherokee Grill

Cherokee Grill is one of the very best restaurants in Gatlinburg. Boasting an upscale mountain lodge decor, this restaurant is perfect for a date night or a special dinner with the whole family. Popular menu items at Cherokee Grill include the prime rib, baked macaroni and spinach, blue cheese grits, and crab cakes. The portions at Cherokee Grill are quite generous, so be sure to come hungry!

3. Calhoun’s

Calhoun's in Gatlinburg TN.

Calhoun’s is another one of our favorite places to have dinner in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Boasting locations in both cities, this local chain is famous for its mouthwatering BBQ, steaks, and sandwiches. Calhoun’s is especially proud of its ribs, which have placed first in the National Rib Cook-Off in Cleveland, Ohio. In addition to all of the tasty food, guests at Calhoun’s can also enjoy a great selection of local craft beer from the Smoky Mountain Brewery, which is owned by Calhoun’s parent company.

4. Crystelle Creek Restaurant & Grill

Crystelle Creek Restaurant & Grill offers one of the most unique atmospheres in Gatlinburg. Tucked away beside a mountain stream, this one-of-a-kind restaurant features a large tree that is decorated with hundreds of lights, cascading water on the roof, and live entertainment every night of the week. Of course, Crystelle Creek also serves wonderful American fare, including seafood, oak wood-fired steaks, burgers, sandwiches, and a variety of chicken dishes.

5. The Old Mill Restaurant

The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge TN.

No trip to Pigeon Forge is complete without dinner at The Old Mill Restaurant . This iconic eatery is located adjacent to The Old Mill, a historic grist mill situated along the Little Pigeon River that has been in operation since 1830. Guests at The Old Mill Restaurant will start their meal with complimentary corn chowder, corn fritters, and maple butter, but make sure you save room for your entree! Popular dishes at The Old Mill Restaurant include the Southern Fried Country Steak, Homemade Meatloaf, and the Traditional Turkey and Dressing.

6. Mama’s Farmhouse

If you’re looking for some genuine country cooking, it’s hard to beat Mama’s Farmhouse in Pigeon Forge! This excellent restaurant serves all of its homemade Southern food family style, so you can share heaping helpings of fried chicken, honey-glazed ham, fried okra, sweet potato casserole, and all of your favorite dishes. Mama’s Farmhouse is all-you-can-eat, so if you want more of any of the entrees or sides, all you have to do is ask your server. Guests at Hearthside Cabin Rentals can redeem their Freedom Fun Pass for one free dinner and drink at Mama’s Farmhouse.

7. Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show

The outside of the Hatfield & McCoy show in Pigeon Forge.

For an unforgettable dining experience, you can spend the evening at the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show . When you’re not chowing down on the theater’s all-you-can-eat Southern feast, you’ll be cracking up at the hilarious antics of the Hatfield and McCoy families as they try to resolve their longstanding feud once and for all. Hearthside’s Freedom Fun Pass is good for one free adult admission to the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show.

Where to Stay in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

When you stay in one of our cabins, you will be just a short drive from all of these wonderful places to have dinner in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins for romantic getaways to 18 bedroom lodges for family reunions, we are sure to have the perfect accommodations for your escape. To start planning your vacation, browse our selection of cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge!