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.
