When it comes to dining out in Pigeon Forge, one of the places you have to try is The Old Mill Restaurant! This legendary restaurant is known for its historic setting, friendly Southern hospitality, and delicious comfort food that is sure to satisfy your appetite! Here are the 4 things you need to know about The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge before you visit:
1. What to Expect
The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge offers a welcoming atmosphere that is loved by both locals and visitors to the Smoky Mountains! Whether you are dining for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you will enjoy the tables that overlook the Little Pigeon River and the water wheel of the 200-year-old mill! The Old Mill Restaurant prides itself on offering down-home cooking with tasty fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, tender country ribs, and other Southern classics! Regardless of what you decide to order, you can count on delicious meals, huge portions, and affordable prices at The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee!
2. Menu Items
The breakfast menu at The Old Mill Restaurant is served from 8 am to 11 am and features biscuit breakfasts, pancakes, and omelets. The Cinnamon Raisin Pecan French Toast Breakfast is worth the trip to the Smokies on its own! The lunch menu, served from 11 am to 4 pm, offers just about everything imaginable, including burgers, soups, sandwiches, and more! Dinner is available from 4 pm to 9:30 pm and features a variety of hearty meals, all which are served with a cup of signature corn chowder, corn fritters, house side salad, homemade mashed potatoes, green beans, and a choice of bakery fresh desserts!
When you fall in love with the popular dishes at The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge, don’t worry — you can recreate your favorite dishes at home! The restaurant has put together recipe cards for some of their most famous meals so that you can make them any time you’re missing the Smokies. You can find recipes for Southern Fried Catfish, Easy Pan Fried Chicken, The Old Mill Buttermilk Pancakes, and more. You’ll also find recipes from their sister restaurant, Pottery House Café & Grill! Find all The Old Mill Restaurant recipes here.
3. Historic Background
The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge is not only a fantastic place to eat but has a fascinating history as well! The Old Mill was built in 1830 by William Love, the son of a pioneer named Isaac Love, who had inherited the land from his mother-in-law. This picturesque spot on the river quickly became a gathering spot for the community, and local farm families brought wheat, corn, and other crops to the mill for grinding. Today, The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee remains the lifeblood of the community and still serves as a community gathering spot! On June 10, 1977, The Old Mill was recognized for its importance to the community and its place in American history by being placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
4. Gift Shop Information
After dining at The Old Mill Restaurant, be sure to browse through The Old Mill General Store! This shop offers the opportunity to take a taste of the Smoky Mountains home, and you will find lots of goodies that remind you of your dining experience! The shelves are stocked with pancake mixes, homemade jams, jellies, dip mixes, and other popular products from The Old Mill Signature line of foods. The Old Mill General Store also shares its space with the working grist mill, where you can see years of tradition at work!
More About The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
The Old Mill is more than just the still-working grist mill and incredible restaurant. It’s the collection of businesses on the property! Known as Old Mill Square, this area is fun for people of all ages and interests. History lovers won’t be able to get enough of the unique story of the buildings, and they will want to go on the tour of the mill. Shoppers will love browsing through the general store, kitchen store, and other unique places around the square. Anyone who is 21 years old and up won’t want to miss out on The Old Forge Distillery, and people of all ages will want to grab something sweet at the creamery or the candy kitchen. You’ll have a great time exploring around The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee!
We know you’ll have a great time visiting this popular destination on your next Smoky Mountain vacation! If you want to learn even more, check out these can’t-miss shops at The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge!
