Dining in Gatlinburg can be a bit overwhelming, with a myriad of southern chain restaurants and fast food immediately obvious. Look past the many pancake houses and more obvious places, however, and Gatlinburg restaurants include excellent barbecue, fish, and steak. Add a few of the following to your list of things to do in the Smokies and make your base camp one of our cabins in Gatlinburg, many of which feature beautiful views, fireplaces, and hot tubs.
Gatlinburg Restaurants for a Casual Lunch
If you want to try true Southern cuisine, then lunch at a barbecue joint is a must. Delauder’s BBQ has been named the best in Tennessee by Time and one of the top 25 barbecue restaurants in the US by Travel + Leisure. Known equally for their amazing food and customer service, Delauder’s will make you feel like part of their family. Go for a real southern experience and enjoy amazing pulled pork, brisket, or ribs.
Add the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community, the world’s largest grouping of artisans, to your list of things to do in the Smokies and, while you are there, try Split Rail Eats. They serve large menus at breakfast, brunch, and lunch, but are most famous for their Tater Bowls, which incorporate tater tots and a variety of toppings.
Enjoy Appalachian Food in One of These Gatlinburg Restaurants
If you are dining in Gatlinburg, at least one of your meals ought to incorporate traditional Appalachian cuisine. One of the local specialties in the mountains is fish, and The Smoky Mountain Trout House is one of the town’s oldest restaurants. All of the fish are farmed rainbow trout from local streams, making their catch among the freshest. They also serve catfish, steak, and chicken.
Another Appalachian style restaurant is Crystelle Creek, where you can also enjoy fresh trout right beside a stream. The menu offers family friendly food with an atmosphere that is cozy, but with an elegant twist. Save a moment to enjoy the property, set off the road and boasting beautiful rhododendrons in early summer.
Another great option for barbecue is Barley Station, one of the newer additions to dining in Gatlinburg. A more upscale location for BBQ, Barley Station often runs specials on wings, ribs, and beer. Meanwhile, The Peddler has been around for almost four decades and offers a selection of steaks, cut to your specification.
For a set menu, try Buckhorn Inn, which offers three courses that change daily throughout the year. Set in an elegant dining room with a roaring fireplace, wildflowers, and candles, this is a good option for a romantic dinner away from the bustle of the rest of Gatlinburg. The grounds are worth a stroll after your meal as well, with beautiful mountain views, flowers, and trees.
Make your base camp one of our cabins in Gatlinburg and explore all that the area has to offer.