Family-Friendly Restaurants in the Smokies

Dining in the Smokies

Bring the whole family to the Smokies for unforgettable memories. When you’re hungry, these restaurants in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville have dishes that will fill you up so you can get back to exploring.

Cliff Top, Gatlinburg

Take a chondola up to Anakeesta in Gatlinburg and enjoy an elevated dining experience at the new Cliff Top restaurant in Anakeesta’s Black Bear Village featuring views of Mt. LeConte. Start with the balsamic brussels that are fried and served with bacon bits in a balsamic reduction. Then, savor filet mignon, prime rib, honey bourbon salmon, or classic shrimp n’ grits.

Pancake Pantry, Gatlinburg

The Smokies are known for family-friendly pancake houses; and, Pancake Pantry was Tennessee’s first. Since 1960, they’ve served made-from-scratch recipes that don’t disappoint. Choose one of the more creative stacks of pancakes like banana pineapple, Australian apple-walnut, apricot-lemon, or sweet potato pancakes. You can even choose Parisienne pancakes—whole strawberries wrapped in three delicately thin crepes; or Swedish pancakes—egg butter crepes stuffed with lingonberries imported from Sweden.

Old Mill Restaurant, Pigeon Forge

The Old Mill has been a staple to the community since the 1800s as local families brought wheat and corn to the mill for grinding and to pick up their mail. Today, the restaurant is a gathering place for families and friends over wholesome ingredients in meals like fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, ribs, and other Southern classics. Dine in the restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

The Island in Pigeon Forge, Pigeon Forge

With a wealth of dining options, you can’t miss The Island in Pigeon Forge. Enjoy classic family recipes at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, including fried chicken, southern meatloaf, and chicken and dumplings. Timberwood Grill serves hearty food like ribs, juicy burgers, and delectable salads in a lodge-theme setting for a cozy lunch or dinner. The Island also offers plenty of snack options, too, from The Island Creamery to Kapop! gourmet popcorn.

Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant, Sevierville

Let the smell of apple fritters guide you to the Apple Barn & Cider Mill’s Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant or the Applewood Farmhouse Grill, which serves the same beloved dishes as the famous Farmhouse Restaurant with some lighter meals as well. Enjoy every morsel of southern fried chicken, old-fashioned chicken and dumplings, sugar-cured ham, or slow-roasted pot roast. Kids can order corn dogs, grilled cheese, or chicken legs. After your meal, explore the general store, candy factory, creamery, winery, and cider bar.

Tony Gore’s Smoky Mountain BBQ & Grill, Sevierville

If you want barbecue in the Smokies, head to Tony Gore’s Smoky Mountain BBQ & Grill where barbecue melts in your mouth and the portions are large. Start your meal off with T’s Loaded Tater Chips topped with pulled pork, melted cheese and barbecue sauce. The beef brisket plate, tender pulled pork plate, hand-battered catfish, and fried chicken are so good, you’ll want seconds.

Follow your nose to even more places to eat and drink in the Smokies.