By Leif Palmer
Posted on April 22, 2020
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has set out plans for state businesses to start reopening on May 1. Until then, however, restaurants in the Smokies are still operating on a drive-through, carryout, curbside pick-up or delivery basis only. For now, that's still good news for those living, working or visiting the Smokies on some level. Cooking at home can be less expensive and good for you, but let's face it; there are some days, you just don't want to mess with preparing a meal. And if you're visiting from out of town, unless you're staying in a rental property with kitchen facilities, eating out is sometimes you're only option.
So we're going to share a list of Gatlinburg restaurants that are currently offering some sort of food-service plan. This is the most up-to-date info available, but it's not necessarily a comprehensive list of all eateries offering service.
Alamo Steakhouse – To go only, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Best Italian Café and Pizzeria – Take-out and curbside
Delauder's BBQ – Take-out only
El Soņador Mexican Restaurant – Take-out and curbside
The Fox & Parrot – Take-out and curbside
Gatlinburg Grind – Curbside and contactless delivery. $5 drop fee, free delivery on orders over $20.
Geno's Pizza – Delivery only, 5 p.m. to midnight
J.O.E. & Pop's Sub Shoppe – To go only, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts – To go only, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Mama's Chicken Kitchen – To go only, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Papa John's Pizza – Delivery only, 10 a.m. to midnight
Split Rail Eats – Take-out and delivery through Doordash
The Rampant Lion – Take-out and curbside
Whole Earth Grocery – Curbside only, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For now, it's probably also a good idea to practice social distancing when going out for food or having it delivered. Wear a mask and try to stay at least six feet away from other people. Once you pick up your order, either sanitize to-go containers or transfer your food items to your own containers or dishes. And of course, wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling any restaurant packaging and before you eat. If we all continue to take precautions, we can get through social restrictions faster and get back to normal.
Speaking of which, when stay-at-home orders are lifted on May 1, we'll be seeing a lot more businesses reopening or attempting to get back to some semblance of regular operations. When that happens, we expect to see a lot more people coming back to Gatlinburg, and that means that visitors are going to need places to park again. Any time you need to know the best places to park in town, check back with our site. We can answer all your questions. Where are the best parking lots? And how much is parking in downtown Gatlinburg?
About Leif Palmer
Leif Palmer loves residing in Gatlinburg. He is an avid outdoorsman: rowing for exercise on the lake, trail hiking, and free climbing rocks in the mountains. He indulges his arty side by periodically beating up pieces of marble by sculpting. He is always frustrated by his inability to sink long putts, and hates his curly hair (but his wife loves it). Leif has been known to muster enough courage to change a diaper, and hopes his son will become a chip off the old block.