Cabins USA Gatlinburg Logo
Loading Page
RESERVATIONS
(800) 584-9872
Cabins USA Gatlinburg Availability Search Icon Availability Search Small Icon


7 Local Restaurants in Gatlinburg

Blog Home : Category Posts : 7 Local Restaurants in Gatlinburg

Where Do Locals Eat in Gatlinburg? | 7 Local Favorites

With all the great dining restaurants in Gatlinburg, you may be wondering how you can pick the best places to eat in Gatlinburg.

A time honored way to dodge tourist-trap restaurants and enjoy a unique dining experience is to go where the locals eat.

To save you time and help you find great local restaurants, we've made this list of the top 7 favorite places where locals eat in Gatlinburg, TN!

View of Downtown Gatlinburg at Night

1. Best Italian Cafe and Pizzaria

This casual Italian cafe in the heart of Gatlinburg has earned quite the following over the years. This restaurant is famous for its garlic rolls, New York style pizza, and calzones, but they also have a great selection of pasta dishes such as Chicken Marinara and Eggplant Parmesan.

While this restaurant isn't known for its décor or service, we can all appreciate a place with hearty portions of delicious food – not bad for a high density tourism area like Gatlinburg. This business has two locations on the Parkway, so if there's a long wait for one, you always have a backup plan.

2. The Pancake Pantry

From strolling in past the numerous pancake houses in Downtown, you might guess that everyone in Gatlinburg starts their day with a big stack of flapjacks.

Of all the breakfast restaurants in Gatlinburg, The Pancake Pantry reigns supreme as the oldest and most popular pancake house in Gatlinburg for both locals and vacationers alike.

While we can't say this restaurant isn't touristy (it's often packed with visitors), the Pancake Pantry has earned its reputation of serving some of the best hotcakes and sandwiches in Gatlinburg.

Over the years, the Pancake Pantry has served distinguished diners such as Dolly Parton and US Senators, so you can be sure the food here is top-notch.

3. The Peddler Steakhouse

The Peddler steakhouse is built out from an old log cabin complete with a chimney, chinking, and weathered logs. While part of the restaurant may have an old, rustic appeal, the Peddler is one of the finest places to eat in all of Gatlinburg.

This upscale restaurant serves up incredible Filet Mignon, Prime Rib, and seafood. Without a doubt, the Peddler is the nicest steakhouse in Gatlinburg. This is where the locals go to celebrate special occasions or to enjoy a romantic dinner.

To get the most out of your trip, ask to be seated outside on the covered patio by a beautiful stretch of the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River.

4. The Donut Friar

Known for having the most mouth-watering donuts in the Smokies, The Donut Friar is a Gatlinburg classic that's been open since 1969. As a result, they've had plenty of time to perfect their made-from-scratch recipes.

Although, the Friar isn't a proper restaurant, it’s a great place to stop for breakfast or a snack. Better yet, this shop opens at 5 AM daily, so you can grab a bag of delicious baked goods before you start your day in the mountains.

5. Smoky Mountain Brewery

While this brewery is part of a local chain in Tennessee, it's still a favorite stop for locals.

Diners here can enjoy great burgers, pizza, wings, and dinner entrees, but the main attraction at this brewery is, of course, the beer. This handcrafted beer is brewed in house with recipes inspired by the Smoky Mountain area. Be sure to try the Cherokee Red Ale or the Tuckaleechee Porter.

The Smoky Mountain Brewery is a great place to catch the big game and on weekends this restaurant is a hot spot for seeing live music.

6. The Three Jimmy's

One of the best ways to find where Gatlinburg locals eat is to drive further away from the main downtown area. By doing so, you could run into a hidden gem like the Three Jimmy's that's a popular stop for locals.

This great live music venue and restaurant serves up Barbecue and other American classics. Not only does this non-chain restaurant serve homemade dishes, but they also they smoke all of their meats in house.

For the complete experience, ask to be seated on the covered patio and order their award-winning wings.

7. The Mountain Lodge

No frills and good food should be the motto of The Mountain Lodge in Gatlinburg.

This breakfast house serves up East Tennessee classics like sawmill gravy, sausage, biscuits, grits, country ham, and omelets cooked just the way you like. Diners can also enjoy a full lunch menu with burgers, sandwiches, fried catfish, fried chicken and gravy, pork chops.

If you're looking for a traditional East Tennessee diner experience, it's hard to beat the Mountain Lodge. For a real treat, check out the Sunday brunch menu, but try to arrive there before the church crowd!

Map Of Favorite Local Restaurants in Gatlinburg

Where's your favorite place to eat in Gatlinburg? We'd love to hear about it in our comment section!

Written by

Recent Articles

Gatlinburg Staycation: Have Fun And Relax

Ways to Enjoy a Fun Staycation in Gatlinburg

You don't have to travel far to enjoy a fun vacation. Check out all the ways to enjoy a fun staycation in Gatlinburg with friends and family.
How To Plan The Perfect Girl's Trip In Gatlinburg

Planning the Best Girl's Trip in Gatlinburg

Enjoy the perfect vacation to the Smoky Mountains by putting together a memorable girl's trip in Gatlinburg with our tips and ideas.
Gatlinburg Vacation Tips: The Best Fall Activities

The Best Fall Activities in Gatlinburg

Embrace the best season in the Smoky Mountains by adding our picks for the best fall activities in Gatlinburg for the best vacation experience.

Categories

Blogger Bear's Adventures In The Smoky Mountains - Blog Post

Blogger Bear's Smoky Mountain Adventures

Meet our new guest blogger! This blogging bear loves sharing the Smoky Mountains with everyone. He knows his home well
read more...
Hiking Blog In The Great Smoky Mountains - Blog Post

Hiking in the Smokies Blog

Planning adventures in the great outdoors? Our hiking blog has tips and tricks for vacationers in Gatlinburg who want
read more...
Seasonal Events And Celebrations In Gatlinburg, Tn - Blog Post

Seasons in Gatlinburg

Any time of year is a great time to visit Gatlinburg and the Smokies! Explore these articles to learn more about fun e
read more...
Gatlinburg Vacation Tips - Blog Post

Vacation Tips

Make the most of your vacation in the Smoky Mountains with our tips and tricks!
read more...

Please Note: Cabins USA Gatlinburg's area information, area events, and blog pages are provided as a public service. Cabins USA Gatlinburg does not endorse any of the products, vendors, consultants, or businesses referenced in these web pages. Any mention of vendors, products, businesses, or services on the Cabins USA Gatlinburg web site is for informational purposes only. Users of this web site are responsible for checking the accuracy, completeness, currency and/or suitability of all information. The inclusion of this information does not imply endorsement by Cabins USA Gatlinburg. Furthermore, specific questions regarding any content should be directed to the appropriate organization and not necessarily to Cabins USA Gatlinburg.

Cabins USA Gatlinburg Official Logo
star star star star star
849 Glades Rd., Unit 1A1
Gatlinburg, TN  37738
(865) 436-5031

VLS #157
Smoky Mountain Cabin Rentals
Guest Reservations
(800) 584-9872
2 Night Minimum

























































Cabins USA Gatlinburg Help Icon
Copyright 2013-2024, Cabins USA Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg, TN

Want to receive up to date information on cabin specials and events in the Smokies? Sign up for our newsletter! Simply provide a contact name and email so that we can reach you. Cabins USA Gatlinburg respects our guest's privacy and never shares this information with third-party sites. We treat any information that you share as confidential.

For each of the fields, please provide the following information:

There are several boxes that can be checked to broaden or narrow your search. Once you select your desired amenities or locations, simply click "search" to filter out available properties for your desired date. Once search results are provided, you can sort your results by bedrooms, name, rate, and rating.

After your first search, it isn't necessary to click the "search" button again as this feature will automatically filter your results for any new search features you provide, unless you change the date, the number of nights, or go to a new webpage.

It isn't necessary that you wait for a search to be completed before you select or deselect different search features.

When browsing results, you can add them to your "favorites" by clicking the red plus mark on the bottom left of your desired property. You can view your selected properties by click the "favorites" tab at the top of the search bar.

Add/Remove Favorites
When using our "search" feature, you can make a list of favorites. After doing an availability search for your desired vacation date, our site will produce a list of available cabins. Simply click the "+" sign on the lower left side of the property you are interested in.

Doing this will add the rental to your favorites list. You will notice that the "+" has now changed to a "-". You can click this minus sign to "unselect" this property from your favorites list.

You can also remove a property from your favorites list by clicking the minus sign to the right of the property name under the favorites tab. Additionally, you clear your favorites list by clicking "remove all" on the favorites bar. After doing this, you will have to perform a new availability search.
The number next to the favorites tab is the number of properties you have selected.

View List
To see all of your favorite rentals on one page, simply click "view list"

Compare Favorites
Under the favorites tab on the search bar, you can view your selected favorites. By checking the box next to your selected rentals, you can compare up to three properties.
Simply select the 2 – 3 properties you wish to compare, then click "compare" to see these rentals side-by-side.
Once you find your perfect rental for the right date, simply click "book now" to begin the booking process.