Looking for a place to grab a quick bite in Gatlinburg? Sometimes you don’t want to put your day of exploring on pause for a long meal. But finding reliably delicious local restaurants offering quick, tasty food can be hard to find!
Here are some of our favorites:
1. Tennessee Jed’s
Tennessee Jed’s promises “Craft sandwiches, fast.” And they deliver! This down-home counter-serve restaurant serves up mouthwatering sandwiches, Frito pies, and meat by the pound. You’ll find something for the whole family on the menu here. Service is quick, and the food brings in rave reviews again and again. Tennessee Jed’s doesn’t have a ton of indoor seating, but they do have a large outdoor patio.
2. J.O.E. and Pop’s Sub Shoppe
This little sandwich shop offers a boutique sandwich feel, a clean, old-fashioned aesthetic, and excellent grub–even for picky eaters. Stop by for a hoagie, BLT, or gluten-free wrap that’ll knock your socks off. Some reviewers have even reported that J.O.E. and Pop’s Sub Shoppe offers the best fries they’ve ever had–definitely something to test out! Service is quick, and you can be in and out with your food in no time, whether you grab a sandwich, a boxed lunch for one, or a family meal deal to satisfy your entire group.
3. Split Rail Eats
Split Rail is a casual restaurant that serves up Southern classics along with a variety of modern favorites. Expect hot, fresh food, quick service, and a clean, welcoming atmosphere that’ll make you feel right at home. Customers keep coming back for the tater tots, homemade pies, and fried chicken. They also have ice cream and a full range of espresso drinks–the perfect pick-me-up, whether you need caffeine or indulgence.
4. Three Jimmy’s Good Time Eatery
Want some BBQ, outdoor dining, and maybe even some live music–all at a great price point? Three Jimmy’s is popular among Gatlinburg locals and visitors for a reason. Their pot pies, bbq brisket, chicken and pork, and excellent salads and sides make them a powerful contender among the quick-bite options in town.
5. Smoky Mountains Creperie
Most quick-bite restaurants in Gatlinburg feature down-home, Southern-style food. Get something a little different at the Smoky Mountains Creperie, which also serves up coffee (a full range of espresso options), ice cream, and desserts. The owners here prioritize sourcing local, fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies, so the menu will vary a bit depending on the season–but expect a range of mouthwatering crepes, from sweet Nutella and strawberries to savory crepes featuring peppers, onions, ham, and cheese. Whatever you order, it’s likely to be quick, Instagram-worthy, and absolutely delicious.
6. Slice Pizza Bakery
There are plenty of great pizza shops in the area, but Slice is a bit different: their service is reliably fast, whether you’re dining in or getting take-out. The best part? Their pizzas taste like savory slices of heaven. Expect NYC-style pizzas: thin and foldable. Slice also offers calzones and subs, all served up hot, fresh, and uniquely flavorful (no big-box pizza flavor here). If you order by the slice, expect slices to be large!
7. New Orleans Sandwich Company
Another welcome variation from Gatlinburg’s predominantly Southern-style cuisine, the New Orleans Sandwich Company is a casual greasy spoon serving up Cajun-style gumbo, po’boys, and other New Orleans-style classics. Make sure to save room to try some of their delicious sides, like the beer-battered mushrooms, Louisiana blue crab cakes, or Zydeco fries. Expect a cozy mom-and-pop atmosphere and delicious food that’s consistently quick and tasty.
These are just a handful of Gatlinburg’s many options–but they’re all local favorites that have been around long enough to become Gatlinburg institutions. And they’re all reliable stops for quick meals, so you can spend more time exploring the Smokies and less time waiting for your food to be served.
