Looking for some of the finest food while on vacation in the Smokies? Just follow the locals! If anyone knows the best places to eat out in this vibrant mountain town, it's the people who live there. Here are some of Gatlinburg's top dining spots where people “in the know” choose to go. A few of these popular eateries have been part of the community for over half a century! From tasty donuts to romantic rendezvous, you're in for a treat. Fuel Your AdventureThere are so many ways to experience the glory of nature in Gatlinburg. Hiking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding - the list goes on. Whatever your plans might be, you should start the day with a hearty breakfast. Here are some of the restaurants that locals head to when they're ready to fuel up for fun! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pancake Pantry (@pancakepantrygatlinburg) 1 | The Pancake Pantry | Tennessee's oldest pancake house and the first to open in Gatlinburg, this popular institution has been a local tradition for over 60 years! It's “where the locals eat.” You can choose from 24 varieties of pancakes, waffles, farm fresh eggs, sizzling ham, bacon, and country sausage, and golden butter-fried hash brown potatoes … the list goes on. Gourmet sandwiches, soups, and salads are available for lunch. Where: 628 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-436-4724VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS Check Out These Related Articles 10 Best Hiking Destinations Near Gatlinburg, TN Top 12 Things To Do in Gatlinburg, TN During Spring Break 12 Fun Fall Things to Do in Gatlinburg View this post on Instagram A post shared by Logan Danielle (@loges2017) 2 | Little House of Pancakes | Another popular local institution (mostly with locals), the Little House of Pancakes is best known for its quick breakfasts, emphasis on pancakes, and classic diner vibe. Almost everything is made from scratch, and you can order breakfast or lunch anytime from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to pancakes, they serve up Belgian waffles, full breakfasts, omelets, tasty sandwiches, and hamburgers. Where: 807 E Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-436-8784 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Donut Friar (@thedonutfriar) 3 | The Donut Friar | The aroma of over 30 varieties of freshly made donuts, cinnamon bread, and pastries drifting from this shop are impossible to resist, as are the cappuccino, latte, and expresso made to your liking. This local institution can be found tucked away in The Village, one of the Smokies' most unique shopping destinations complete with an Old-World atmosphere. (Note: Cash and outdoor seating only.) Where: 634 Parkway, Ste 15, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-436-7306 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Crockett's Breakfast Camp (@crockettsbreakfastcamp) 4 | Crockett's Breakfast Camp | This sprawling, cabin-style brunch restaurant is known for serving up large portions of the best home-cooked Southern breakfast in the Smoky Mountains. That includes everything from griddle cakes, biscuit sandwiches, Tennessee French toast, and pecan-studded waffles to its signature corned beef hash benedict, pan-fried pork chops, Elk Mountain burrito, and omelets served with Cherokee sweet corn pone. Yummmmm. Where: 1103 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-325-1403VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS Eat Like a Local Make the most of your stay by exploring downtown Gatlinburg and the popular Arts & Crafts Community. And when it's time to refresh and stop for a meal, follow the locals! They know a thing or two about good food. When it comes to lunch and dinner, this town is practically bursting at the seams with options. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tennessee Jed's (@tennesseejedsgatlinburg) 5 | Tennessee Jed's | Their logo pretty much says it all: “Breakfast. Coffee. Craft Sandwiches. Fast.” Tennessee Jed's is best known for its fresh homemade specialty sandwiches, quiches, Reuben, Cubans, hotdogs, Frito pies, and amazing coffee. Besides being fast, all of the selections are made with “the freshest ingredients and love.” Located in the heart of Gatlinburg, this sandwich shop is local favorite. Where: 631 Parkway, Ste A8, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-412-1131VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by delauders bbq (@delaudersbbq) 6 | Delauder's Smoky Mountain BBQ | Self-described as a family-run dive in the outskirts Gatlinburg and “all that's good about Southern cooking,” Delauder's is a small, family-run shop just 10 minutes from the center of town. Their mission is serving up the best dang BBQ, brisket, ribs, and sausage you'll ever have in your life. Now who could argue with that? Sounds like a good time to eat like a local. Where: 1875 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-325-8682VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Best Italian - Elks Plaza (@bestitalian_elk) 7 | Best Italian Café & Pizzeria | This casual Italian café in the center of Gatlinburg has earned quite a following over the years. Famous for its garlic knots, New York style pizza, and calzones, they also have a good selection of traditional pasta dishes and antipasto items. Established in 1976, the Best Italian features hand-tossed pizza with over 25 toppings, homemade lasagna, and sauces, as well as their strawberry cheesecake. Where: 968 Parkway, Suite 9, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-430-4090VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Smoky Mountain Brewery (@smokymountainbrewery) 8 | Smoky Mountain Brewery | The oldest craft brewery in East Tennessee, SMB's Gatlinburg location opened in 1996 when the idea of local microbrews served fresh was still in its infancy. Described as “a cross between a ski lodge and a Bavarian beer hall,” Smoky Mountain Brewery is favorite stop for locals, especially at the end of a long hike and on game day. And the best part? The views of the Smoky Mountains as you enjoy their popular burgers. Where: 1004 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-436-4200VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS Experience Views to Dine For Looking for a memorable meal to commemorate your Gatlinburg vacation? Check out these treasured local favorites for great steaks, seafood, and much more. Whether you plan to spend time with family and friends or cook up a romantic rendezvous, one of these fine establishments will more than fit the bill. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Howard's Steak House (@howardssteak) 9 | Howard's Steak House | Described as Gatlinburg's oldest restaurant and favorite steakhouse, Howard's has been serving hand-cut steaks, gourmet burgers, chicken, and fresh mountain trout since 1946, along with traditional Southern entrees. Howard's is best known for its steaks, from chopped steak to porterhouse and bone-in filet on the high end. If you dine on the outdoor patio, you can enjoy a special treat - the sights and sounds of a mountain stream. Where: 976 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-436-5399VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tammy Parish Bolt (@tammy.bolt) 10 | Crystelle Creek Restaurant | Crystelle Creek has something for everyone. Known for the wood-fire steaks, they serve some of Gatlinburg's finest trout, signature pasta dishes, and homemade desserts. The restaurant overlooks a rushing creek, Koi pond, and the National Park, and you can see water cascading over large picturesque windows while you dine. For the icing on the cake, look for their lighted 150-foot-tall tree at night. Where: 1654 E Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-436-5416VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Bearskin Lodge (@thebearskinlodge) 11 | The Peddler Steakhouse | Located at the National Park's entrance, this family tradition has been around since 1976 with a mission of great food, service, and atmosphere. The upscale restaurant serves filet mignon, prime rib, and seafood, and is one of the nicest steakhouses in town. To get the most out of your visit, ask to be seated outside on the covered patio by a beautiful stretch of the Little Pigeon River. Where: 820 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-436-5794VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Gatlinburg (@visitgatlinburg) 12 | Alamo Steakhouse & Saloon | Locally owned and serving hand-cut, seasoned steaks for over 20 years, Alamo Steakhouse is known across the region for grilling aged angus steaks to perfection over an open oak fire. They give the same attention to their burgers, grinding the meat themselves, and make their own soups, sauces and gravies. Outdoor dining is available at this popular steakhouse, which fronts Dudley Creek. Where: 705 E Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-436-9998VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS Use this handy map to chart your course in Gatlinburg! Follow the locals for the best foodie experiences in Gatlinburg! Whether you're fueling up for a day of outdoor adventure or looking for the cream of the crop, go where the locals go for the top dining spots in town. Book Your Exploria Resorts Stay Today Gatlinburg Town Square By Exploria Resorts is ideally situated in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, within easy walking distance to downtown and all the entertainment, shopping and nightlife only the Smokies could offer. So hurry! Check out these resort destination offers and book your stay today! * Exploria Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
