Author: Prestige Vacation Rentals

Though it serves as a popular jumping-off point for visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, more than holds its own as a travel destination. With dozens of attractions, plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, and gorgeous scenery to boot, this city has everything you could want and then some.

That includes a world-class dining scene, with diverse options ranging from high-dollar steakhouses to budget-friendly breweries. You can eat mouthwatering ribeyes, fuel up with decadent pancake breakfasts, and, yes, sample some of Tennessee’s finest barbecue right here in town.

You’ll find dozens, if not hundreds, of eateries in the area, so we’re sharing our top picks for the best restaurants in Gatlinburg. That way, you can start making your dinner reservations and planning detour-worthy lunch stops ahead of time.

Even more important than where you’ll eat, though, is where you’ll stay. Book your trip dates with Prestige Vacation Rentals, so you’ll be just a few minutes away from all the must-try food that Gatlinburg has to offer.

The Peddler Steakhouse

Photo Credit: Jim Bowie

• Address: 820 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN
• Favorite menu item: Prime rib
• Price point: $$$

The Peddler Steakhouse’s upscale yet comfortable atmosphere is perfect for just about any kind of dining occasion — and that’s before you take into consideration their famous steaks and popular salad bar.

For almost 50 years, this local favorite in the outskirts of downtown Gatlinburg has garnered a reputation for delicious eats and custom cuts of meat (including specially sized steaks just for kids). As an added bonus, you can take in views of the Little Pigeon River while you eat.

Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar

Photo Credit: Chonlapron S

• Address: 437 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
• Favorite menu item: Broiled seafood platter
• Price point: $$$

Though Gatlinburg is often called the Myrtle Beach of the Mountains, the city is still in the very much landlocked state of Tennessee. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t eat amazing seafood right here in the mountains.

Head downtown to Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar to slurp oysters, sip craft cocktails, and chow down on Maine lobster. Once you’ve finished your meal, walk off those calories with a short jaunt to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.

The Donut Friar

Photo Credit: Alexander Prokopenko

• Address: 634 Parkway #15, Gatlinburg, TN
• Favorite menu item: Chocolate eclair
• Price point: $

One of 27 boutique shops and restaurants located in a Bavarian-themed shopping center known as The Village, The Donut Friar is renowned for its fluffy pastries and morning pick-me-ups. Offerings range from traditional yeast donuts to European-style sweets like eclairs, crullers, and danishes.

Make sure to wash your donut down with a latte or cappuccino — the coffee here is every bit as tasty as the baked goods.

Crockett’s Breakfast Camp

Photo Credit: David Pimborough

• Address: 1103 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
• Favorite menu item: Griddle cakes
• Price point: $$

Alright, everyone has tried breakfast classics like eggs benedict, omelets, and cinnamon rolls — but we bet you haven’t had them the way Crockett’s Breakfast Camp makes ‘em.

You may need to wait a little while for a table since this ultra-popular spot doesn’t take reservations, but the hearty food is more than worth it. Once you get seated, start your day off right with a heaping helping of Crockett’s hot griddle cakes, so rich and sweet you might not need any maple syrup to top them off.

Tennessee Jed’s

Photo Credit: fornStudio

• Address: 631 Parkway Suite A8, Gatlinburg, TN
• Favorite menu item: Reuben
• Price point: $

If you’re looking to grab some quick grub on your way to your next adventure in Gatlinburg, make a pit stop at one of Tennessee Jed’s two locations for hefty sandwiches, hot dogs, and just-the-right-kind-of-greasy frito pies. Need to feed a large group? You can purchase pulled pork, corned beef, and Virginia ham by the pound, a great choice for picnicking in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Smoky Mountain Brewery

Photo Credit: P Maxwell Photography

• Address: 1004 Parkway #501, Gatlinburg, TN
• Favorite menu item: Boneless wings
• Price point: $$

Gatlinburg is home to a respectable handful of craft breweries, but Smoky Mountain Brewery ranks as the most popular by far. In addition to a wide selection of original beers on tap, Smoky Mountain Brewery also features live entertainment and a lengthy menu of sports bar fare, including entrees like chicken wings, pizzas, calzones, and hamburgers.

For dessert, you can choose between a slice of key lime pie or one of the daily rotating cheesecakes. This spot also has regular live music and outdoor seating, making it perfect for a night out!

The Greenbrier Restaurant

Photo Credit: sweet marshmallow

• Address: 370 Newman Rd, Gatlinburg, TN
• Favorite menu item: Bone-in ribeye
• Price point: $$

Anyone seeking a romantic night out should do themselves a favor and book dinner reservations at the Greenbrier Restaurant, housed in a historic log cabin that dates back to the 1930s. But the restaurant limits the rustic charm to its decor — the menu is all modern, with hand-cut Premium USDA steaks, stuffed Carolina trout, and a few European-inspired dishes like duck rillette.

No matter what you pick, pair your meal with a seasonal craft cocktail from the Greenbrier’s extensive drinks menu.

Delauder’s BBQ

Photo Credit: Brent Hofacker

• Address: 1875 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN
• Favorite menu item: Pulled pork sandwich
• Price point: $

A feast of Appalachian comfort food awaits visitors to Delauder’s BBQ, an award-winning local favorite. There’s no fuss or frills here — take a seat at one of the checkered-cloth-covered tables and order up some smoked brisket or a juicy pulled pork sandwich with a side of fried mac-n-cheese for good measure.

Those who feel like taking a walk on the wild side should try the Sneaky Pig sandwich, which comes dressed in Delauder’s famous habanero sauce. It’s a dining experience you won’t soon forget!

Cliff Top at Anakeesta

Photo Credit: Cartela

• Address: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
• Favorite menu item: House battered fried green tomatoes
• Price point: $$

You might come to outdoor adventure center Anakeesta for the ziplines, mountain roller coasters, and other fun activities, but you’ll stay for much longer once you get a whiff of the food cooked at their on-site eateries and bars. While all serve solid menus of good food, Cliff Top is the most popular for its panoramic mountain views. Start with a plate of fried green tomatoes, a popular appetizer, before getting a hamburger or one of the signature salads. After dinner, swing by for an American classic — Pearl’s Pie in the Sky for a hand-dipped ice cream cone or sundae.

Dine in or Out in Gatlinburg

Now that you know all about the best restaurants in Gatlinburg don’t wait to reserve your tables and book your stay with Prestige Vacation Rentals. You can even order takeout from some of these restaurants and enjoy your meal from the comfort of your rental cabin’s patio or dining room.

Just make sure to bring your appetite when you visit — we take our food seriously around these parts.

Between Dollywood, Ripley’s, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and much more, you’ll have no shortage of things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. But to fully seize the day here, you’ll need the right fuel. That starts with the most important meal of the day—breakfast.

From country breakfast nooks to upscale brunch places, the best breakfast spots in Gatlinburg won’t disappoint. You can choose from a variety of different breakfast experiences, starting with the eight restaurants we’ve picked out for this guide.

Book your stay at Prestige Vacation Rentals, and read on to find out what to eat when you arrive.

Crockett’s Breakfast Camp

Photo Credit: Julia Lav

• 1103 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
• crockettsbreakfastcamp.com
• $$
• Essential stop for a Southern-style breakfast

Crockett’s Breakfast Camp, located right on the Parkway, doesn’t take reservations. So, this is your cue to arrive as early as possible to snag your table. Locals and visitors alike love this ultra-popular spot for its giant cinnamon rolls (and we’re talking giant), but its other breakfast options include hearty bacon and eggs and French toast, cooked just like grandma used to make.

The expansive menu can be a bit daunting, so it’s best to go to Crockett’s with a group. That way, you can try a little of everything. While you eat, you might want to read up on some local history—the restaurant’s namesake, David C. “Crockett” Maples, Sr., and his wife sold breakfast to hungry travelers near Mount LeConte in the 1800s.

Little House of Pancakes

Photo Credit: MShev

• 807 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN
• facebook.com/people/Little-House-Of-Pancakes
• $$
• Breakfast and lunch classics in a central location

Also on the Parkway, the Little House of Pancakes is another long-standing favorite for a heaping helping of Southern breakfast. As its name implies, the restaurant specializes in piping hot griddle cakes, but there’s much more than that on the menu here. Guests can choose from just about every kind of pancake imaginable or grab an order of steak and eggs for something a little more filling.

Like many Gatlinburg restaurants, the Little House of Pancakes doesn’t accept reservations, so it might take you some time to snag a table. The second you walk in and smell the pancakes, though, you’ll know they’re worth the wait.

Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin

Photo Credit: Zakir61

• 956 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
• flapjacks.com
• $$
• Sizable breakfasts in a replica log cabin

Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin is all about authentic flavors. Order up some chicken and waffles, or savor a Southern classic with a plate of old-fashioned biscuits. For those who need a little extra push in the morning, the Barn Buster Feast will fill you up with a taste of everything on the menu. Oh, and a stack of the restaurant’s namesake buttermilk pancakes are a must, of course.

Flapjack’s has three locations in Gatlinburg. But if you can’t score a seat at one of them, scoot on down to Sevierville or Pigeon Forge to try again. Or, if you want an equally delicious breakfast on a similar theme, head to the family-owned Log Cabin Pancake House.

Pancake Pantry

Photo Credit: Watch And Rewatch

• 628 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
• pancakepantry.com
• $$
• Variety of breakfast eats in a spacious dining room with Parkway views

In case you haven’t gathered by now, we really like our pancakes here in Gatlinburg. And if you’re thinking, “Oh, another pancake place?” just trust us. The Pancake Pantry is top among the city’s breakfast restaurants for good reason.

The crepes and pancakes, which come in flavors like wild blueberry, chocolate chip, and sweet potato, are naturally the main draw. But don’t stop there—add an order of French toast or one of their popular omelets. As you eat, you can watch the world go by via the floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the Parkway. So, yes, another pancake place, but it’s a must-try.

Donut Friar

Photo Credit: Rizvisual

• 634 Parkway #15, Gatlinburg, TN
• thevillageshops.com/2016/02/29/the-donut-friar
• $
• Photo-worthy coffee and pastry shop

In need of a quick morning pick-me-up before setting out to Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park or the Great Smoky Mountains? Drop by the charming, Bavarian-inspired Village Shops for a breakfast run to the Donut Friar.

When you arrive at the shops, follow the scents of freshly fried donuts and baked pastries to this quaint little bakery and coffee shop. You can take it from here, of course, but we’d recommend a few crullers and a loaf of cinnamon bread to go—these sweets make for the perfect hiking snacks. And for a caffeine fix, you can’t beat the Donut Friar’s lattes and cappuccinos.

Split Rail Eats

Photo Credit: RebeccaDLev

• 849 Glades Rd Suite 1B1, Gatlinburg, TN
• splitraileats.com
• $$
• Sunday brunch in a brewery—yes, really

At Split Rail Eats, the impressive Beer Wall typically commands most visitors’ attention. But come on Sunday mornings to see this popular brewpub in a new light. Sunday brunch here entails everything from fried pickles (a Southern delicacy) to chicken and biscuit plates.

Since Split Rail focuses on beverages, it’s no surprise that the coffee menu matches the beer menu for sophistication and variety. Try a cortado or an affogato to stave off the inevitable food coma at the end of your meal. Your day’s just getting started.

Old Mill

Photo Credit: Jack7_7

• 164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN
• old-mill.com
• $$
• Hearty Southern classics in a historic location

A short drive from Gatlinburg in the neighboring town of Pigeon Forge, the Old Mill offers the perfect excuse for a day trip. A gristmill dating back to 1830 sits at the center of this complex, which also features two restaurants, candy shops, and a pottery studio. Suffice it to say that you could easily spend hours exploring this fun and fascinating spot.

Start, though, at the Old Mill Restaurant. There’s no beating the hearty fare served here throughout the day, but the breakfast is especially popular thanks to offerings like biscuits and gravy, cinnamon raisin pecan French toast, and Southern omelets. If you’re hankering for brunch, drop by the Pottery House Cafe on Saturdays and Sundays to try the sweet potato and sausage skillet or the Southern eggs benedict.

Sawyer’s Farmhouse Breakfast

Photo Credit: Lisa Top

• 2831 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN
• sawyersbreakfast.com
• $$
• Adult- and kid-friendly eatery

Also in Pigeon Forge, Sawyer’s Farmhouse Breakfast is the perfect way to start a day in the Smokies. Even the pickiest little ones will love the sizable kids’ menu, while adults can indulge in beverages like mimosas and Bloody Marys.

The menu here spans an impressive range of foods, featuring M&M pancakes and chicken fajita omelets in addition to more traditional Southern offerings, like scrambled eggs with chopped ham. If you’re traveling with a large group, especially one with different tastes, do yourselves a favor and try Sawyer’s.

Stay Near the Best Breakfast Spots in Gatlinburg

Whether you want something hearty and filling in the morning or a light breakfast before you hit the hiking trails, the eight best breakfast spots in Gatlinburg have got you covered. Just don’t forget to book your stay with Prestige Vacation Rentals so you won’t have to wake up too early. Sure, you can whip up your morning meals in our cabins, but nothing says “getaway” quite like going out for breakfast first thing in the morning.

These breakfast places will prepare you for everything Gatlinburg has to offer. Come on down, y’all—we can guarantee you won’t leave hungry.