Best Restaurants in Pigeon Forge TN – 12 Delicious Places to Try

A visit to Pigeon Forge may no longer be a well kept secret, but something about this rugged Tennessee oasis will always leave you coming back for more. Experience over 800 miles of Great Smoky Mountains National Park trails. Or ride a real coal fired steam engine at Dollywood.

When your tummy begins to growl, don’t fret, as the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge offer a little something for everyone. Follow along to discover the 12 best restaurants in Pigeon Forge TN.

Dreaming of something delicious? No matter if you’ve got a hankering for a plate of southern classics like fried chicken, biscuits, and gravy, or are on the hunt for an elevated supper of locally sourced ingredients and spellbinding Pigeon River views, Pigeon Forge restaurants aim to please.

Indulge in a decadent banana split after a day of white water rafting in Gatlinburg, or feast on tacos and queso at a Mexican Grill.

Ready to feast in Pigeon Forge? Read on…

Best Restaurants in Pigeon Forge Tennessee

Mama’s Farmhouse

Mama knows best! No one can turn down a home cooked meal of Southern comfort. Enjoy a hearty supper for a steal, when you break bread as a clan of two (or more) at Mama’s Farmhouse. Best known for her tender award winning biscuits and banana pudding, there are endless goodies to sample at Mamas.

Don’t even fret about buffet lines, as everything is served family style straight to your table. Enjoy mountains of fried chicken, meatloaf, and honey glazed ham, while your little ones burn off their energy at the outdoor play area.

person putting butter on pancakes
photo credit: Pexels via Pixabay

Huck Finn’s Catfish

Worked up a hefty appetite hitting those Smoky Mountain trails? Refuel in true southern style, when you make the pilgrimage to Huck Finn’s Catfish. Considered some of the best Southern cooking in the Smokies, Huck’s envelopes you in warm hospitality the second you sit down.

Snag a table outfitted in red, white, and blue checked cloth and eagerly await your feast of award winning All You Can Eat Catfish, Fried Chicken, and Vittles. For the uninformed, vittles are tasty from scratch sides which include hushpuppies, fresh-made coleslaw, white beans with turkey ham, pickles, and more.

Not in the mood for some US Farm raised catfish? Tempt your tastebuds with some deep fried gator tail or Southern Pork Chops.

Blue Moose Burgers & Wings

When the wing craving hits true locals know where to go. Hightail it to Blue Moose Burgers & Wings for a down home sports bar experience. This family friendly bar boasts two locations, and has been slinging their mouthwatering jumbo chicken wings for over 15 years.

Related Post: Free Things To Do in Pigeon Forge TN – 16 Fun Activities

Savor your order of honey garlic or sriracha ranch wings with a side of seasoned fries. Come by on game day, and check out the score on any of their over 30 HD TVs or sip an ice cold Gaelic ale.

close up of chicken wings and celery sticks on side with dip and drinks on wooden table at Blue Moose Burgers and Wings in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA
photo credit: Blue Moose Burgers and Wings via Facebook

Cielito Lindo Mexican Grill

On the prowl for the best Mexican restaurant in Pigeon Forge? Devour heaps of authentic South of the Border cuisine when you make a reservation at Cielito Lindo Mexican Grill. Experience the sensation of the freshest ingredients prepared using traditional Mexican recipes, as you sample molcajete with creamy avocado or fundido topped with spicy chorizo.

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Save some room for your main, as you’ll want to try tacos de carnitas or an order of sizzling steak fajitas served with Mexican rice, refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and tortillas.

Alamo Steakhouse

Whether you choose to hole up in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge you’ll never be too far from a succulent steak. With locations in both Smoky Mountain cities, carnivores all over Tennessee will be in heaven when they dig in at the Alamo Steakhouse.

Family owned and operated, the Alamo takes pride in only serving the best aged and hand cut steak. Sink your teeth into one of their hefty burgers containing house ground meat. Or tuck into a plate of hand breaded cheesy mozzarella sticks. From the hefty 13 oz New York Strip to the luxurious Porterhouse, all of their beef entrees are unsurpassed. Don’t forget to sneak in some vegetables with a side of creamed spinach or Alamo potatoes.

close up of steak and baked potato at Alamo Steakhouse in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA
Alamo Steakhouse Pigeon Forge/Facebook

Bullfish Grill

Beef, it’s what’s for dinner at the Bullfish Grill! Bullfish Grill is located in Pigeon Forge, and is proud to provide customers with a superior steak experience. Relish their filets and hand cut sirloin, or sample delights from the sea such as charbroiled oysters.

Stop by during the week to raise a glass of their half priced wine during happy hour, or really tie one on with a Mason Jar margarita. Don’t forget to make a dent in the drool worthy appetizer selections. Such as fried green tomatoes and homemade beer cheese dip.

The Old Mill Restaurant

Time honored traditions blended with Appalachian flavor have been enticing locals and visitors alike to dine at the Old Mill Restaurant for years. This 1830 Grist Mill complex features both the Old Mill Restaurant and the Old Mill Pottery House Cafe. Making it an ideal stop for brunch, lunch, dinner, or anything in between.

Slow down the pace and soak in some Pigeon River views prior to your supper at the Old Mill. Or consume one of the Cafe’s specials such as an open faced roast beef sandwich served on dishes created by the potters next door.

Be aware that many consider the Old Mill the best restaurant in Pigeon Forge. So you may encounter a small wait on your way to devouring rainbow trout or spicy broiled catfish.

Old Mill in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA

Wild Bear Tavern

Rugged, rustic, and drawing influence from the German beer halls of yore, the Wild Bear Tavern offers up a welcome respite after a day of Pigeon Forge fun. Settle in under the antler light fixtures and wood paneling, as you peruse their menu of authentic Bavarian inspired cuisine.

Pique your appetite with a pillow Bavarian pretzel or smattering of bacon and cheddar potato pancakes. Next sample some sauerkraut topped bratwurst or throw caution to the wind with an entree of traditional schnitzel topped with Jager sauce. Wash it all down with a refreshing Pilsner or a local whiskey flight.

Local Goat

Exposed brick, local craft brews, and exceptional desserts. Sign up for a true Pigeon Forge party when you pay a visit to East Tennessee’s best restaurant for craft food and drinks. The Local Goat delivers a menu of from scratch gourmet favorites. Which include jumbo wings, fresh salads, chops, and fall off the bone ribs.

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Chow down against the stunning backdrop of Mount LeConte. Or get cozy at the bar as you sip a Double Milk Stout or Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale. Split an order of Tennesse Whiskey Glazed wings accented by just a hint of pineapple and brown sugar. Or enjoy the signature local specials of Bison Meatloaf and the Billy Burger.

Chocoholics will be in rapture, as their dessert menu is loaded full of decadent treats such as gooey lava cake and rich chocolate peanut butter pie.

Close up of a Meditteranean Salad with Grilled Salmon from Local Goat in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA
photo credit: Local Goat New American Restaurant via Facebook

Mel’s Classic Diner

Classic retro and chrome furnishings, plus a glowing neon sign come together to make Mel’s Diner the old school eatery of everyone’s fantasies. For over 30 years, this Pigeon Forge staple has served up a traditional 50s diner experience. Famished families flock here for American comfort food such as juicy burgers, country fried steak, and of course their legendary banana splits.

Stop by in the morning for a stick to your ribs breakfast of biscuits, eggs, gravy, and sausage. Or swing by later on for a decadent three scoop banana split served with strawberry and pineapple toppings, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, nuts, and a glistening cherry on top.

Ristorante DellaSantina

While Ristorante DellaSantina may technically be located in Sevierville, this Italian eaterie’s sublime Italian fare and laidback riverside ambiance make it well worth the drive from Pigeon Forge. Relax on their sun-soaked patio and enjoy a Strawberry Lemon Martini al fresco, or dine inside and savor a mezze of Mediterranean favorites from antipasto to deep fried Arancini.

Keep it classic with an order of Chicken Parmesan or dig into one of their seafood specialties such as Shrimp Valentino, served in a spicy buttercream sauce over fettuccine. Wind down your night with a nibble of something ‘dolce’ with the daily made tiramisu or chocolate italian mousse pyramid.

Spaghetti and meatballs

Pigeon Forge Hotels

Waterpark filled resorts, cozy mountain cabins, and budget friendly inns. Whatever your Pigeon Forge travel plans, it pays to secure your lodgings ahead of time. Lock in your own slice of Smoky Mountain paradise to ensure you make the most of your time in this Sevier County city.

Munch your way through the best restaurants in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and then recharge with five star amenities such as hot tubs, fitness centers, and spas. As always, book any of our Pigeon Forge Hotels stress free knowing you are always guaranteed our lowest rates online.

Related Post: 10 of the Best Places to Stay in Pigeon Forge

Psst..hoping to combine your Pigeon Forge eating with some epic equestrian entertainment? Add some razzle dazzle to your standard dinner plans, when you take in 32 magnificent horses and a four course meal with Dolly Parton’s Stampede.

The island in Pigeon forge, restaurants and a shopping area with a ferris wheel at sunrise.
Photo Credit: The Island in Pigeon Forge via Facebook

Down in East Tennessee, life moves a little slower. Warm mountain hospitality abounds and the natural beauty of the Appalachians envelopes you with every step.

Thankfully this Southern charm and fervor for food extends to the Pigeon Forge culinary scene.

Nourish your body and your soul with a hearty family style meal of fluffy biscuits and country fried steak. Or savor some suds when you check out the Pigeon Forge craft beer scene.

Take a break from your gravy soaked lunches and dinners with plates of fettuccine and lasagna at Ristorante DellaSantina. Or, embrace your sugar coma with a molten chocolate lava cake at Local Goat.

From Bavarian beer halls to simple Mill inspired cafes, the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge deliver equal parts diversity and deliciousness.

Tell us, What is The Best Restaurant in Pigeon Forge TN?

Did we miss any of the best restaurants in Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge?

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Written by Isis Maya Nissman

A New York native, Isis-Maya spent most of her professional life working in TV production until a vacation whisked her away to Central...


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