February 20, 2025
Top 5 Smoky Mountain Restaurants Off the Beaten Path
Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains are home to some of the best restaurants in the Southeast! When you take a vacation to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, you’ll find a wide variety of eateries that serve everything from traditional country cooking to international cuisine. While there are a number of famous restaurants in town, there are also a handful of hidden gems that are definitely worth a visit. To help you make the most of your next getaway, we’ve put together this guide to the top Smoky Mountain restaurants off the beaten path.
1. Elvira’s Cafe
Tucked away in scenic Wears Valley, Elvira’s Cafe offers mouthwatering home-cooked meals. A native of Russia, Elvira fell in love with East Tennessee as a student, and after years of hard work, she opened her own restaurant in 2012. For breakfast, Elvira’s Cafe serves all of your favorite dishes, including French toast, biscuits and gravy, country ham, and a variety of crepes. All of the cafe’s meats, eggs, dairy products, and flour are locally sourced. Elvira’s Cafe is also a great spot for lunch or dinner if you’re in search of a hearty meal! Lunch options include a variety of sandwiches, burgers, salads, and savory crepes. For dinner, you can enjoy sandwiches, burgers, and Southern entrees.
Are you looking for the perfect burger? Head to Graze Burgers in downtown Sevierville! The beef is grass fed, and many of the ingredients are locally sourced. Start out with one of the tasty appetizers on the menu, like the fried pickles or crispy mushrooms. If you like a traditional burger, the Classic comes with cheddar cheese and all your favorite toppings. There are also a number of unique burgers on the menu. The Southern Jam is a favorite with pimento cheese, bacon jam, and bourbon carmelized onions. You can also order salads and loaded hot dogs. Save room for a milkshake or float! This restaurant off the beaten path also has a variety of cocktails and even spiked milkshakes for guests 21 and over
3. El Ranchero Loco
If you’re craving Mexican food during your vacation, you can’t beat El Ranchero Loco! This is one of the top Smoky Mountain restaurants off the beaten path. You can find El Ranchero Loco on Veterans Boulevard just under a mile away from the entrance to Dollywood. It’s easy to miss because it doesn’t look like much from the outside. However, this restaurant serves some of the best tacos, enchiladas, chimichangas, fajitas, and arroz con pollo in the area! Before your meal arrives, you can munch on savory chips and fresh salsa. The portions are quite generous, so be sure to come hungry.
4. Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill
Hidden away in downtown Gatlinburg, Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill is one of the best Smoky Mountain restaurants off the beaten path! This is a fantastic place to enjoy a casual meal and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. This fun pub has a great patio where you can kick back and listen to some live music during your meal. Tom & Earl’s serves a variety of American fare, including burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Some of the most popular items at this restaurant include the Hillbilly Philly, Rocky Top Nachos, and Kickin’ Chicken Wrap. Finish your meal with the Funnel Cake Fries for a sweet treat!
5. Chubby's Restaurant
Chubby’s Restaurant is another one of the favorite Smoky Mountain restaurants off the beaten path. This Sevierville restaurant is all about classic Southern food. They serve delicious hand-pattied burgers and a variety of sandwiches, including a Fried Pork Tenderloin Burger that’s big enough to share! If you’re looking for a hearty meal, order a classic plate of liver and onions, country fried steak, or open faced roast beef. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can order one of the salads on the menu. Make sure you save room for dessert so you can enjoy homemade Cornmeal Peach Cobbler or Banana Pudding!
Where to Stay in the Smoky Mountains
Would you love to stay near all these fantastic Smoky Mountain restaurants off the beaten path as well as the best attractions and shopping destinations in the area? Our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals are conveniently located near all the action but have a secluded feel. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 26 bedroom lodges, you are guaranteed to find the ideal accommodations for your escape. Are you ready to start planning your next vacation? Browse our selection of cabins in the Smoky Mountains today!
