If you’re looking for a memorable culinary getaway, why not give Gatlinburg a try? This bustling town sits at the foot of the Smoky Mountains, ready to delight you with a wide range of dining experiences. Home-cooked breakfasts, steakhouse delights, and more are all within reach when you come to this area. Ready to start your delicious adventures? Here are five of the best restaurants in Gatlinburg you need to visit.
Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
1103 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 325-1403
Whenever you want to start your day off right, just go over to Crockett’s Breakfast Camp right when they open. This Gatlinburg favorite offers a homey atmosphere you’re sure to adore, plus exceptional service from the very second you walk through the doors.
The ambiance is truly second to none, but the real magic happens once you open the menu. It’s chockful of all the tastiest brekkie fare around. The dishes range from omelets stuffed with cheese, meats, and veggies to giant stacks of pancakes covered in all the best toppings.
If you cannot choose what to get, try the Fried Cinnamon Roll. This delightful treat starts with a fresh batch of humongous cinnamon rolls. Then, when you order, they take one out, batter it, and fry it until golden brown. Caramel sauce and real whipped cream go over the top right before serving, completing this picture of perfection.
The Greenbrier
370 Newman Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 412-1576
First and foremost, The Greenbrier is an exquisite resort offering luxe rooms in a tranquil setting. It’s where you want to go when rest and relaxation are your #1 goal. But you cannot go wrong in simply stopping by for a bite to eat in the main dining room.
Made to impress from end to end, the main dining room boasts an incredibly posh ambiance that instantly sets you at ease. The gorgeous décor is well worth a look, too, with elegant furnishings throughout. Live music adds to the experience, providing a soothing backdrop for your meal.
If you can pull your gaze away from the luxury all around, you’ll find fine dining dishes galore on the menu pages. For the full experience, start with a drink and appetizer. You could go with a Fizzy Apple cocktail with their cheese plate or choose the classic 1850 Sazerac to complement the Butternut and Pumpkin Risotto. Then, treat yourself to whatever suits your fancy, like the Maryland Crab Carbonara, before finishing up with their seasonal dessert special.
Alamo Steakhouse
705 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 908-9998
When nothing else will do but a monstrous steak cooked just how you like it, the Alamo Steakhouse is the place to go in Gatlinburg. At this popular restaurant, they know steak, but they also have burgers, soups, and more.
If you go with the steak, you can count on getting only the finest cut of beef around. Better yet, they know just how to cook it over an oak fire to sear in the juices and bring out its best flavors.
While you might not need much else besides the steak, their sides serve as the perfect accompaniment. You have many to choose from, too, including garlic mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, and a vegetable medley.
If you’d just like to stop in for drinks and dessert instead of a full meal, they’ll happily accommodate you. Just be sure to try the Pineapple Upside Down Cake at least once to experience moist, buttery decadence in every bite.
The Peddler Steakhouse
820 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-5794
The Peddler Steakhouse is another must-try venue in the heart of Gatlinburg. At this steakhouse, they are equally dedicated to ensuring you only get the finest steaks around at every visit. Their variety of custom cuts means you can perfectly personalize the meal to your tastes. Plus, they’re happy to add grilled shrimp, trout, or salmon for an extra charge.
If steak isn’t your jam, this eatery is still worth trying. They have many other dishes to consider, such as Portabella Chicken, Fresh Rainbow Trout, and Grilled Salmon. You can add their signature baked potato to the side or go with something lighter, like their seasonal veggies.
Want to take your meal to the next level? Ask your server for wine-pairing recommendations. There’s everything from light and fruity white wine varieties to bold reds. They also have a variety of premium cocktails and draft and bottled beer if you prefer.
With more than a half dozen desserts on tap, you’ll surely find something you’ll love. The Peddler Mud Pie is an obvious choice, but they also have Key Lime Pie, Strawberry Shortcake, New York Cheesecake, and so much more.
The Park Grill
1110 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-2300
If you head over to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance, you’ll find a true local treasure: The Park Grill. This restaurant embraces its mountainside roots, exuding endless rustic charm inside and out. Spruce trees and natural stone adorn the exterior, while the dining room has a mountain lodge aesthetic through and through.
A vast menu filled with American classics like Crunchy Fried Pickles, Fresh Rainbow Trout, and Hickory Grilled Moonshine Chicken complements its cozy feel. Many people come in craving one thing, however, which is the Award Winning Baby Back Ribs. This dish gets slow-cooked until fall-off-the-bone tender and then slathered in tasty barbecue sauce.
No matter what you order, save room for dessert. Otherwise, you’ll miss out on sweet treats like Hot Blackberry Cobbler and Nanner Puddin’. For the ultimate dessert experience, grab the Peanut Butter Mud Pie, for sure. Just be prepared to share it or risk getting far too full to move.
To get the full dining experience at every one of these restaurants, it’s best to plan for a leisurely meal. Soak in the ambiance, savor the flavors, and enjoy the overall experience to find your top choices. That way, you can come back to your favorite spots again and again whenever you’re in town. Dining out in Gatlinburg isn’t just about the food and drinks—It’s about creating a lifetime of memories while getting a chance to kick back and relax.