Best Places to Eat in Pigeon Forge: Hidden Gems to Check Out

When you’re on vacation, one of the first things we all do is find the best places to eat! There are great places to eat in Pigeon Forge that you can’t find anywhere else. Local cuisine can give you a real “taste” of the area. (Pun intended) Sure, you can go to your chain restaurants and some of them do offer various menus that reflect the local flavors, but if you want a true reflection of Pigeon Forge, here’s a list of hidden gems that you need to try on your next visit. These local restaurants are some of the best places to eat in Pigeon Forge!

 

Old Mill Square

Tucked away off the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, OLD MILL SQUARE gives you a great taste of southern cuisine. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner…Old Mill earns it’s reputation as one of the top restaurants in Pigeon Forge. You can also expect to eat several meals while on vacation at Old Mill Square. As you walk in, the smell of freshly baked bread hits you like a ton of bricks and your mouth instantly begins to water. You’ll enjoy great southern classics like country fried steak, sugar cured ham, pot roast, chicken and dumplings and more. All dinners are served family style with fresh veggies. DIRECTIONS TO OLD MILL SQUARE

 

Elvira’s Cafe

Take a scenic drive down Wears Valley and find the hidden gem of ELVIRA’S CAFE! Escape from the mundane, and embrace the flavor! Elvira’s Cafe specializes in fresh food made with local ingredients for the best taste in Tennessee. Look forward to friendly faces, beautiful views while savoring a unique take on southern classics. Enjoy a biscuit or crepe with a cup of freshly brewed coffee while enjoying the mountain air on the screened in patio! You’re sure to feel right at home at Elvira’s Cafe! DIRECTIONS TO ELVIRA’S CAFE

 

Apple Valley Creamery

Yep, dessert! Found just outside Pigeon Forge in Sevierville, APPLE VALLEY CREAMERY is located at the historic Apple Barn and Cider Mill. If you want the best ice cream in town, this is your place. All of their ice cream is handmade from the best ingredients. Apple Valley Creamery also uses local fruits and products to make their ice cream. Additionally, you can find amazing milkshakes, bannana splits, and handmade bread at the Creamery! Don’t forget to try the deep dish apple pie and the award winning Smoky Mountain fudge. DIRECTIONS TO APPLE VALLEY CREAMERY

 

J.T. Hannah’s Kitchen

Who’s ready for a delicious burger?! J.T. HANNAH’S KITCHEN has one of the best burgers you’ll ever taste. If you’re feeling like more than a burger, J.T. Hannah’s offers amazing steaks and seafood entrees. If you’re craving bbq, you can sink your teeth in their award winning St. Louis Spare Ribs. Once you’ve finished up the main course, be sure you order their mouth-watering strawberry short cake. Be sure you’re hungry when you walk in the door, because you’ll get a lot of food for the price. DIRECTIONS TO J.T. Hannah’s Kitchen

 

Huck Finn’s Catfish

Can you guess what Huck Finn’s specializes in? HUCK FINN’S is a family owned and operated restaurant in the heart of Pigeon Forge. They pride themselves on delicious food, great prices, and amazing service. If catfish is what you crave, you can have all you can eat at Huck Finn’s. Their all you can eat catfish and chicken is world famous. Just search #HereIsHuck on Instagram! They also offer an extensive southern menu stocked full with country fried steak, grilled chicken, frog legs, shrimp and more! Each meal is kicked off with all you can eat ‘vittles.’ which is coleslaw, white beans, french fries or mashed potatoes, hushpuppies, dill pickles and onion slices. DIRECTIONS TO HUCK FINN’S CATFISH

 

Mama’s Farmhouse

If you want some real southern comfort food, MAMA’S FARMHOUSE is where it’s at. First, they serve up all your country favorite’s, family style. This really is like being at your grandmother’s house on a Sunday afternoon. Also, all the food is brought to your table in big bowls and dishes. Get what you want, and pass it around the table. Fried chicken, chicken fried steak, turkey, honey ham, meatloaf and more, are all paired with your favorite side dishes. This is certainly a Pigeon Forge restaurant that will take you back to your childhood. DIRECTIONS TO MAMA’S FARMHOUSE

 

Alamo Steakhouse

Some places claim to have the “best of this” or the “best of that” but ALAMO STEAKHOUSE can actually back up “best steaks in town”. In 2013, Alamo Steakhouse was voted as having the best steaks in Sevier County. Their beef is hand cut and cooked over an open oak fire. What does this mean? It means this steak is to die for! Aside from the delicious steaks, Alamo Steakhouse offers a huge selection of sandwiches, salads, soups and an extensive wine list. With such amazing steaks, it’s easy to see why they are one of the best places to eat in Pigeon Forge! DIRECTIONS TO ALAMO STEAKHOUSE

 

Smokies Cuban Cafe

SMOKIES CUBAN CAFE is the only place in the Smokies where you’ll find authentic Cuban food that represents generations of family cooking. The small, intimate setting is a backdrop to some of the best food in Pigeon Forge. Talk to anyone who knows Cuban food. They’ll tell you their Cuban sandwich is the most authentic you’ll find north of Miami. Also, don’t skip out on the Cuban coffee! Visit them and see why they are one of the best places to eat in Pigeon Forge. DIRECTIONS TO SMOKIES CUBAN CAFE

 

Local Goat – New American Restaurant

This may be a new restaurant, but it’s quickly established itself as one of the best places to eat in Pigeon Forge. Everything is the restaurant is made from scratch. They order all of their food from locally sourced and sustainable farms. Their bar is to die for, too. They offer 24 craft beers, 20 of which are regionally sourced from local breweries. Also, they have craft cocktails and fine wines. Whether for lunch or a drink after work, the Local Goat offers an unforgettable experience. DIRECTIONS TO THE LOCAL GOAT