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, Tennessee that you can’t find anywhere else. (Check out all our local restaurants on our “Dining” page). 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.
Junction 35 Spirits & Kitchen 
As one of the newest restaurants in Pigeon Forge, Junction 35 has made it’s mark! Located at the Tower Shops in the Mountain Mile, Junction 35 is a distillery, kitchen, bar and gift shop all in one! They hand craft each spirit in house and offer a full stock in the gift shop for you to take home! The restaurant offers a full menu packed with delicious barbecue, wings and burgers your whole family will love. In addition to versatile menu, you can try their line of cocktails made with their in house spirits! Try Junction 32 on your next trip to the Smokies!
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, banana splits, and handmade bread at the Creamery! Don’t forget to try the deep dish apple pie and the award winning Smoky Mountain fudge.
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.
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.
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.
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”. 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!
Local Goat Restaurant
Local Goat has 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.
Pigeon Forge has one of the most complete selection of places to eat in Pigeon Forge and the surrounding Greater Smoky Mountain area. Check out our “Dining” page and browse the largest list of Restaurants where you and your family can dine during your next Pigeon Forge vacation.
