There’s no shortage of great places to eat in the Smoky Mountains, so how do you narrow down your search for a nice restaurant? We did the work for you and compiled this list of 5 Smoky Mountain restaurants you must try on your next trip!
1. Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar
There’s another celebrity restaurant in Gatlinburg– Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar! You can expect live music and a lively atmosphere with a diverse menu, from burgers to pasta. Starters include dry rub wings, mac and cheese bites, and pulled pork nachos. Choose from entrees such as chicken and waffles, pot roast, beer can chicken, and ribeye steak. And don’t forget dessert! There’s a 7 layer chocolate cake with a decadent bourbon glaze, as well as New York-style cheesecake!
2. Puckett’s Restaurant
Puckett’s Restaurant is known for its Southern classic, slow-smoked BBQ, and laid-back atmosphere. Everything on their menu is delicious, but we recommend their most popular dish (it really is the most popular for a reason) the Piggy Mac– cherry wood-smoked pulled pork in an iron skillet, topped with white cheddar mac and cheese and biscuit crumbs. Other favorites include baby back ribs, smoked meatloaf, and country-fried steak. Each meal comes with two sides and their signature Cajun corn cake. For dessert, you must try the cinnamon roll bread pudding, but their cobbler is also mouth-wateringly good– be sure to ask what the seasonal cobbler flavor is!
3. Cumberland Jack’s LeConte Kitchen
If you’ve got a big appetite, Cumberland Jack’s LeConte Kitchen is the place to go! A hitching post for both locals and tourists, this restaurant in downtown Gatlinburg serves up hefty portions of fried chicken, corned beef and cabbage, fried catfish, and more. Momma’s cast iron cake is a one-of-a-kind dessert you absolutely have to try! They also offer a wide selection of alcoholic drinks, craft sodas, and plenty of other non-alcoholic drink options. Southern, down-home cooking doesn’t get any better than this!
4. The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe
One of the most well-known restaurants in Pigeon Forge is the Old Mill Restaurant, but right next door is The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe, which is also a great place to enjoy a meal. They serve lunch and dinner 7 days a week and also offer brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM until 2 PM. With fresh salads, soups, sandwiches, artisan bread, and homemade desserts, this quaint cafe is the perfect lunch spot! We also recommend their fried green tomatoes, grilled salmon cakes, and quiche.
5. Iron Forge Brewing Company
Iron Forge Brewing Company is an up-and-coming hangout spot in Sevierville with a full restaurant menu you won’t want to miss. Situated along the Little Pigeon River, they have indoor and outdoor space to enjoy one of their many in-house brews, and a complete bar menu is also available if you and beer aren’t best friends, so you’ll be able to find something you like! Their menu features smash burgers, wings, loaded fries, and more, with vegetarian and kid-friendly options. It’s a great place for food, relaxation, and beautiful mountain views!
Are you ready to head to the Smokies and try out some of these amazing restaurants? Find out some more Smoky Mountain restaurants you should visit for a delicious breakfast!
