Pigeon Forge is right outside of Gatlinburg, so there’s lots to do in the area. If you’re visiting, you’ll need to find some Pigeon Forge restaurants to try, but how do you decide which ones are worth it?
Let’s take a look at some of the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge TN. Luckily, there’s something for everyone!
Why Should You Visit Pigeon Forge?
Like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge is a great destination if you want to be near the Smoky Mountains. Many of the hotels in the area have great views of the mountains, and there are plenty of unique attractions nearby. Plus, it’s only a short drive from Gatlinburg, so you can enjoy the fun events of both cities.
Pigeon Forge is known for being the home of Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s theme park. However, that’s just one of the many fun things you can do there. It’s known as a family-friendly destination, so it’s a great place to consider visiting if you’re traveling with kids.
Popular Pigeon Forge Attractions
Here are some of the most popular attractions in Pigeon Forge:
- Dollywood
- Titanic Museum Attraction
- The Island
- Old Mill Square
- Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
- Alcatraz East Crime Museum
Best Pigeon Forge Restaurants
When walking around, you’ll find plenty of the best places to eat in Pigeon Forge. Yet, it can be more convenient to plan ahead if you’re able. So, if any of the following Pigeon Forge restaurants catch your eye, consider adding them to your itinerary. If you’re also heading to Gatlinburg on your trip, you can check out the best Gatlinburg restaurants too.
#1 – Local Goat
The Local Goat is one of the most popular restaurants for both locals and tourists. It’s known for its farm-to-table menu where everything is made fresh. It’s a family-friendly eatery with a wide variety of dishes, such as wings, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Many adults also love the business’ craft beer. It’s the perfect casual, affordable dining experience for all families, but since it’s so popular, there might be a wait.
#2 – Blue Moose Burgers & Wings
This Pigeon Forge restaurant is best known for its award-winning wings, and of course, its savory burgers. Blue Moose is a family sports grill with excellent service and affordable prices. Like any good sports grill, it has dozens of flatscreen TVs so you can see your favorite sports teams playing. It has all sorts of American food, so even picky eaters can have a good time.
#3 – Pigeon Forge Deli
Pigeon Forge Deli is a family-owned deli with sandwiches served on homemade bread. They have a wide variety of sandwiches with many different bread options from sub bread to whole wheat. Plus, you can complete your meal with a delicious soup or salad on the side. If you’re not interested in a sandwich, you can also try their popular homemade soft pretzel. This adorable little shop is sure to give you a welcoming feel.
#4 – Lil Black Bear Cafe
Lil Black Bear Cafe is the cutest and tiniest breakfast cafe in the area. It has a simple, affordable breakfast and lunch menu, but it’s worth the trip because of how unique and cozy it is. Their most popular food is the pancakes, but you can also enjoy soups, sandwiches, and baked goods. Many people are quick to overlook this business, but it’s one of the best-rated restaurants in Pigeon Forge.
#5 – Calhoun’s
Calhoun’s is a chain across east Tennessee that’s known for its southern barbecue dining experience. Specifically, the owners won an award to the “best ribs in America.” Some popular menu items include ribs, steak, pulled pork, burgers, wings, and sandwiches. So, it has something for everyone. There’s also a location in Gatlinburg.
#6 – The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe and Grill
If you’re exploring the historic Old Mill area, you should check out The Pottery House. The name might not sound like a restaurant, but that’s because it used to be the house of a local potter. Now, it serves classic southern comfort food. Plus, all the baked goods are made from grain ground on-site. They serve popular American dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and all the bread is baked fresh.
#7 – Brick and Spoon
Brick and Spoon is a more upscale eatery that’s only open for breakfast and lunch. This brunch place is the perfect mix of casual and sophisticated. It’s a newer chain with a few locations across the southeastern United States. Some of its southern-inspired dishes include stuffed french toast, crab cake benny, and french toast sliders. It’s usually fairly busy, but many reviews compliment its great service.
#8 – Timberwood Grill
Timberwood Grill is located on The Island in Pigeon Forge. If you’re looking for a fun destination for you and your kids, this is a great option to consider. It’s full of quirky nature decorations, and it even has a free fountain light show outside. The menu is full of authentic mountain dining, which includes dishes like sandwiches, ribs, steak, soups, and burgers. Many tourists agree that it’s the best dining option on The Island.
https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/illuminated-fountain-at-the-island-in-pigeon-forge-gm822523246-133086387
#9 – The Old Mill Restaurant
The Old Mill Restaurant is located in Old Mill Square near The Pottery House. Like many of the other restaurants nearby, it specializes in southern classics that everyone in the family can enjoy. Some popular choices include fried chicken, beef pot roast, and chicken with dumplings. Plus, it’s right by some candy and toy shops, so it’s a great area to explore with the kids.
#10 – Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant
This is the perfect place to get American breakfast entrees. They serve plenty of great lunch options too, such as burgers and sandwiches, but brunch is the most popular aspect. Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant serves extra-thick pancakes, Belgian waffles, crepes, and much more. If you’re not feeling something sweet, you can choose dishes with eggs, bacon, and potatoes instead. Most of the dishes are very filling, so make sure you arrive hungry!
#11 – Smoky Mountain Brewery
Smoky Mountain Brewery is an east Tennessee chain that you can also find in Gatlinburg. It has a family sports bar atmosphere, and it’s especially known for its beer options. While your family enjoys burgers, wings, and pizza, the adults can also taste some of the signature brews they have on tap. It’s a great atmosphere for all ages, and on select nights, they even have live music.
#12 – Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
You can’t go wrong with pizza on vacation. Big Daddy’s Pizzeria is one of the best places to get a delicious pizza because it serves wood-fired pizza that’s always fresh. You can choose from the popular specialty pizzas, such as the Big Kahuna, Chicken Bacon Ranch, or the Carnivore. However, you can also choose to build your own pizza to fit your preferences. You can even order your pizza on a sausage crust!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you think traveling to Pigeon Forge is a good choice for you and your family, it’s normal to have some questions. Here are a few answers you might be looking for.
How Far is Pigeon Forge from Gatlinburg?
Gatlinburg is less than 10 miles from Pigeon Forge. You can get from one to the other within 20 minutes. So, if you visit one, you might as well check out the other while you’re in the area.
What Food is Pigeon Forge Famous for?
Pigeon Forge isn’t famous for just one food. Yet, like many other Tennessee restaurants, it’s a popular place to get southern comfort food. There are lots of restaurants that make their famous southern dishes from scratch, so you better be hungry when visiting these popular businesses because the savory food will fill you up.
Start Planning Your Trip!
Are you planning a trip to Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg? If so, it’s good to familiarize yourself with food in Pigeon Forge ahead of time because there are plenty of places you won’t want to miss. From fluffy pancakes to juicy steak, there’s quite a variety of options.
However, the Pigeon Forge area isn’t for everyone. So, if you’d like to keep looking for your next vacation destination, consider checking out other fun things to do in Tennessee. If there’s an attraction that catches your eye, that might be a great place for your family to travel to next.
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