There's Plenty Of Room At The Table In The Smokies
By Leif Palmer
Posted on February 21, 2019
Millions of people come from all over the world to visit the Great Smoky Mountains each year. They shop, they play, they hike, they sightsee. And three times a day, on average, they eat. Fortunately, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville are home to dozens and dozens of restaurants, a wide range of eateries that's geared to accommodate virtually every cuisine preference and every budget.
This week, we'll take you on a quick tour of some of the area's most popular restaurants. Some are national chains, some are purely local. Some are fast-food chains, while others are more upscale. The bottom line is that no matter what part of the area you're visiting or staying in, you should have no trouble finding a dining spot to suit your needs.
In Sevierville, diversity abounds and the quality runs high. You might grab a quick Mexican-style meal at Chipotle or opt for more of a sit-down affair with a menu showcasing classic Southern fare at Holston's Kitchen on Dolly Parton Parkway. In the mood for a steak? There's a LongHorn Steakhouse on the Parkway in Sevierville that cooks some of the best beef in town.
Moving on to Pigeon Forge, you could cast your lines for a bountiful array of seafood at Joe's Crab Shack or settle into some all-American favorites like burgers or ribs at J.T. Hannah's Kitchen.
In Gatlinburg, there are also lots of options, and although downtown wasn't always known for having abundant public parking, Gatlinburg has more than made up for it in recent years with more easily accessible and affordable parking lots than ever before.
So now you can walk to just about any downtown Gatlinburg restaurant, including long-time favorites like The Peddler and The Park Grill, both located near the south end of the Parkway. If you're more comfortable with a familiar brand, you could sit down to the diverse menu at T.G.I. Friday's or take that special someone to a romantic fondue dinner at The Melting Pot. Along the way, you might try some delicious southern barbecue at Bones BBQ Joint, some south-of-the-border dishes at No Way Jose's, dining and celebrating with a local flair at Blaine's Bar & Grill or start your day with down-home Southern favorites at Crockett's Breakfast Camp.
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.