Do you need somewhere to have a birthday bash with all your family and friends while traveling near the Smokies? Or are you planning a work retreat and want to bring all the departments together for a delicious meal? Either way, you definitely need somewhere nice to dine with a large group.
Here are several spots to consider where you can get the tastiest food and drinks while dining with a crowd:
The Park Grill
The Park Grill | 1110 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Located in the heart of Gatlinburg, The Park Grill lets you dine in a rustic mountain lodge designed with your comfort in mind. The warm and inviting atmosphere sets the stage for a wonderful meal, making it perfect for both intimate dinners and large gatherings. It’s renowned for its exceptional service, too, so you know you’ll have a wonderful time out with all your tablemates.
Book your visit ahead of time to ensure you have the best dining experience. Choose between their private and semi-private dining rooms, then select the best time and let them know how many people to expect. This eatery can accommodate up to 150 guests, so don’t hesitate to bring your entire party.
Your guests will get to enjoy the fresh salad bar before choosing from their many excellent dishes. The most popular items on the menu are the Hickory Grilled Moonshine Chicken and Fresh Rainbow Trout. Premium cocktails are also available for all, including their phenomenal Knob Creek Manhattan.
Calhoun’s
Calhoun’s in Gatlinburg | 1004 Parkway #101, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 – Photo Credit by @visitgatlinburg on Instagram
A Smoky Mountain favorite, Calhoun’s offers the perfect blend of traditional and modern Southern dining. Beyond that, the ambiance is cozy, with wooden accents all around, and the service is second to none.
This restaurant is known for its award-winning baby back ribs, slow-smoked until tender and basted with hickory barbecue sauce. But you really cannot go wrong with any of the smoked meats on their menu. Their team expertly smokes the meat over split seasoned hickory logs to create that iconic smoke ring that lets you know it will be good.
When dining with 10 or more, you’ll need to call ahead to reserve your spot or fill out their online form to book a private event. Either way, get ready to enjoy the best BBQ around with the drinks to match.
Alamo Steakhouse
Alamo Steakhouse | 705 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Want Texas-style steak excellence while visiting Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg? Just head on over to the Alamo Steakhouse. This eatery has an unforgettable Western-themed ambiance elevated by truly impeccable service.
Whenever you visit, it’s well worth enjoying one of their world-famous hand-cut aged steaks, served with hearty sides. But if that’s not your jam, you can choose between their full range of seafood and chicken dishes instead.
Call ahead to ensure they have room for your group. Then, arrive with a huge appetite to get the full dining experience. Begin with the appetizers for the table, load up on delectable entrees, and then finish with a scrumptious Chocolate Burrito. Or, if you prefer a fruity kick instead, go for the Killer Key Lime Pie or Pineapple Upside Down Cake for dessert.
Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
Big Daddy’s Pizzeria | 714 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 – Photo Credit by @lrcoc on Instagram
Feeding a crowd is as easy as pie with a visit to Big Daddy’s Pizzeria. It’s not just a plain Jane pizza place, either. At this eatery, the pizzas start with homemade dough tossed and topped with fresh, local ingredients. Then, they land in the wood-fired oven at a sizzling 550 degrees Fahrenheit until hot, bubbly, and ready to devour.
While you can get their pizza deliciousness at all three Smoky Mountain locations, the Pigeon Forge spot is the best for large groups. It’s big enough to accommodate however many people you want to bring. And it has Big Daddy’s Arcade inside to keep everyone well entertained while you wait for the pizzas to come out of the oven.
Just be sure to give them a ring before coming by to ensure they’re ready to serve your party. You may need to work with them to find the best time for your meal, but it’ll be well worth the extra effort it takes.
The Peddler Steakhouse
The Peddler Steakhouse | 820 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
The Peddler Steakhouse is a definite family favorite located near the Pigeon River in beautiful Gatlinburg. With its riverside setting, this eatery is about more than serving up good food; it’s all about offering the ultimate dining experience. Whenever you come here, you get to gaze upon the scenic views while enjoying the relaxing atmosphere and quality service.
Since it offers the full package, it’s no surprise that people make it a tradition to come here to celebrate all their special occasions, from birthdays to wedding anniversaries. If you’d like to make it a tradition for your group, you won’t be able to book your spot ahead of time. Instead, you must give them a call about one hour before they open on the day you’d like to visit to get on the seating list.
Once you get a seat, whet your appetite with their outstanding starters, like the French Onion Soup. After that, everyone in your group will need to figure out what to nosh on. The Prime Rib is their most popular entrée, although the Portabella Chicken and Grilled Salmon are equally as good.
J.O.E. and Pop’s Sub Shoppe
J.O.E. and Pop’s Sub Shoppe | 1244 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Whenever you’re craving fresh and delicious sandwiches, J.O.E. and Pop’s Sub Shoppe in Gatlinburg is the place to be. At this eatery, they pride themselves on using the freshest, simple ingredients to craft mouthwatering subs. They also have wings, hot dogs, and chicken meals galore if you prefer.
No matter what your group wants to order, you can count on their team to whip up your selections with flair. They work fast without compromising on quality, so no one has to wait long to fill up their bellies.
Although their restaurant has a large footprint, they’re not always set up for large groups. So, give them a call before you plan to arrive to see if they’re up to serving your group.
You’re bound to have a wonderful meal, no matter which of these restaurants you decide to visit. To pick the best one, just browse the menus and see what they have to offer to zero in on the spot that’ll suit your fancy. If you have time, consider dropping by more than one of these spots to experience true culinary delights while visiting the Great Smoky Mountains.
