Pigeon Forge is well-known for its family-friendly attractions and easy location to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and all of the fantastic hikes and sights that the park and the surrounding region have to offer. This is a place where it’s easy to go go go all day long and never get bored, whether you choose to enjoy Dollywood thrills or take a long hike chasing Appalachian waterfalls. But in order to stay going all day long, you’re going to want a hearty breakfast that will give you plenty of energy.
Consider then a stop at one of the following beloved breakfast restaurants in Pigeon Forge:
1. The Old Mill
The Old Mill Restaurant | 164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | (865) 429-3463
The Old Mill is a beloved local restaurant located on the banks of the Little Pigeon River. As its name suggests, this restaurant is built from a repurposed old mill and boasts a charming interior. But while it is a cool place to look at and sit within, it’s truly the food that people flock here for. Here, you’ll enjoy massive portions of finger-licking home-cooked Southern comfort food. Favorite breakfast entrees here include the Old Mill Chicken & Dumplings entree that features made-from-scratch dumplings paired with creamy-sauce chicken that’s been simmered to perfection, and their Cinnamon Raisin Pecan French Toast off-the-griddle menu item that features three thick slices of homemade cinnamon raisin pecan bread that’s been dipped and served with whipped butter and warm maple syrup.
2. Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe
Frizzle Chicken Cafe | 2785 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | (865) 774-7707
The Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe is a quirky restaurant that children and those with a fun sense of humor will love. This beloved breakfast and lunch joint also serves up quality Southern country fare, but it’s best known for its lively and entertaining atmosphere that centers upon singing and dancing robotic chickens. No, seriously, robotic chickens come alive every thirty minutes or so to serenade guests with popular tunes. So lean back and enjoy the fun while feasting on a favorite breakfast entree like the Rock Smith Special which features two thick slices of country ham served atop buttered and grilled biscuits, or the Chicken n Waffles menu item which features savory fried chicken served atop a crisp Belgian waffle.
3. Mama’s Farmhouse
Mama’s Farmhouse, 208 Pickel St, Pigeon Forge, TN | (865) 908-4646
Mama’s Farmhouse is a bit of an institution in Pigeon Forge and has been operated by the same family for several generations. In fact, many of the menu items here are based on recipes concocted and honed by the family’s matriarch, Great-Grandma Johnson. And you can easily try all of those menu items as this Pigeon Forge restaurant is an all-you-can-eat restaurant that serves food family-style. You’ll sit down and enjoy a multi-course country breakfast served to you and your traveling group. The restaurant posts all of the day’s menu items at the front of their restaurant as well as on their website to give you an idea of what’s being served before you sit down.
4. Lil Black Bear Cafe
Lil Black Bear Cafe | 3068 Veterans Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 97863 | (865) 366-1181
The Lil Black Bear Cafe is a bit of a hole-in-the-wall breakfast and lunch spot in Pigeon Forge. This beloved restaurant is housed in a simple one-story building that may not look like much from the outside, but inside you’ll be treated like family. Food is made by personable chef and owner Lynn Sherrod who is happy to honor special orders so long as his team has the necessary ingredients in stock. Otherwise, enjoy feasting on their menu full of popular breakfast items, omelets, burger specials, hot dogs, and more.
5. Flapjacks Pancake Cabin
Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin | 2734 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | (865) 908-6115
Flapjacks Pancake Cabin is a local breakfast chain that was created by owner Brent Collier in 2001, with his first restaurant opening up in Sevierville, Tennessee. Collier desired to build a log cabin-themed breakfast brand that served reliably large and delicious breakfast dishes. The business quickly took off with both locals and visitors falling in love with the brand. Today, there are nearly a dozen Flapjacks Pancake Cabins across the region, including one right at the heart of Pigeon Forge along US Highway 441. Go here for a savory breakfast meal served in a cozy atmosphere.
6. Reagan’s House of Pancakes
Reagan’s House of Pancakes | 2820 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | (865) 428-0652
Reagan’s House of Pancakes is a large breakfast joint located just off of the intersection of US Highways 441 and 321. This is also a joint you will want to go to with a large appetite. That’s because Reagan’s House of Pancakes offers a massive breakfast buffet for guests to enjoy at a very affordable price. Or, if you have something specific in mind, they also have a sizable entree menu that you can order from. Some popular entrees on this menu include the Steak and Eggs meal which features a breakfast steak, two eggs that are prepped and cooked to your liking, and three fluffy pancakes, and the Country-Fried Steak and Eggs entree which features a large country-fried steak served with two eggs prepped and cooked to your liking, your choice of bacon or sausage, and three fluffy pancakes.
7. Mel’s Classic Diner
Mel’s Classic Diner | 119 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | (865) 429-2184
Where many restaurants in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg lean into more of an Appalachian, country atmosphere, Mel’s Classic Diner went a different direction. This local favorite chose instead to build up its exterior, interior, and menu to reflect a more 1950s style of diner. Here, the menu boasts a playful menu featuring classic American diner fare like hearty sandwiches, massive pancakes, and, of course, gigantic banana splits and milkshakes. This is the type of place that you go to for the fun and authentic atmosphere and stay (and keep coming back) for the delicious food.
Learn More About Pigeon Forge’s Best Dining Establishments
We hope the above list gives you a good idea of where to go for a good meal to start the day. But, of course, breakfasts aren’t the only meal served in Pigeon Forge! Make sure to check out our other pages on Pigeon Forge to learn more about this mountain town and all of the great places to eat, drink, and more.
