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Looking for the most unique places to eat in Pigeon Forge and the surrounding areas? We’ve got you covered with this ultimate list.
When you’re in a new place, it can be hard to find the best places to eat.
The touristy restaurants are always packed and overpriced. You want something local with delicious food that’s not going to break your budget or leave you feeling bloated after lunch.
We’ve got you covered with our list of unique places to eat in Pigeon Forge! From Cuban Cafe’s and fresh brews on tap, to locally sourced ingredients and comfort foods made from scratch, we’ve found some of the best spots for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert that won’t disappoint.
No matter what kind of foodie you are-salad lover or sandwich connoisseur-we’ve got a spot for you! Let’s check out these Smoky Mountain favorites.
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Smoky Mountain Brewery
If you’re looking for a unique place to eat in Pigeon Forge that serves up cold beer then Smoky Mountain Brewing is the spot. With many popular house brews on tap, some even brewed on location, there’s something for everyone. There are even some specialty beers on tap like the Black Bear and Appalachian Pale Ale!
Famous For: Salads, hand tossed pizzas & calzones, brewery wings, nachos, even dessert. Make sure you try some of their dishes with beer cheese! They also offer kid-friendly fare so the kids can eat while mom and dad enjoy an ice cold pint of choice.
Location: 2530 Parkway, Pigeon Forge
Click here to learn more and view the menu.
Smokies Cuban Cafe
If you’re looking for authentic Cuban cuisine, then look no further. Sure, you’re probably surprised to find a Cuban restaurant in the Great Smoky Mountains, but once you stop by this family owned restuarant you’ll be glad you checked it out.
Famous For: Authentic Cuban meals prepared from time-tested recipes handed down through generations and with real ingredients. Every morning the dishes are created fresh. Have a cup of Cuban cafésito to get you started in the morning or try one of the Pastelitos, Empanadas, Cuban Sandwiches, Croquetas, Black Beans and Rice, Roasted Pork, Yuca, or Tostones.
Location: 3526 Parkway, Pigeon Forge TN
Click here to learn more and view the menu.
Junction 35 Spirits & Kitchen
If you are looking for something out of the ordinary to do in Pigeon Forge then check out Junction 35. They offer daily samplings of their bourbon, rye whiskey, moonshine, vodka, gin, and rum made in the distillery.
Famous For: Moonshine, bourbon, whiskey, gin, vodka & bourbon made with pure Tennessee honey, plus liquor infusions like sour gummy worm mooonshine and cinnamon whiskey. Their kitchen is famous for smoked meats, burgers and artisan pastas.
Location: 2655 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge TN
Click here to learn more about the distillery or click here to view the menu.
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J.T. Hannah’s Kitchen
Looking for a place to eat in Pigeon Forge that offers all-American fare like St. Louis spare ribs? J.T. Hannah’s Kitchen is the perfect stop for you! This restaurant is proud of “serving hearty fare and a bounty of beverages at a reasonable cost”.
Famous For: Their award-winning St. Louis spare ribs, burgers, sandwiches, steak and seafood entrees. You also can’t miss Mama Laura’s Famous Strawberry Shortcake (my favorite!).
Location: 3214 Parkway, Pigeon Forge
Click here to learn more about this restaurant and see the menu.
Huck Finn’s Catfish
This is definitely a unique favorite! It has been voted “Best Catfish in East TN” by Tennessee Magazine, and we always hit up this catfish house when we head out to visit!
You get a HUGE mason jar drink and they bring the vittles out before the meal. The atmosphere is fun and laid back, making for a unique restaurant experience. There are also other things on the menu for those who don’t like catfish.
Famous for: The catfish (of course!),bottomless bowls of vittles: scratch-made hushpuppies, creamy homemade coleslaw, baked white beans with turkey ham, dill pickles (spears) and sweet onion slices. Also all you can eat fried chicken, french fries and other sides and appetizers such as chicken livers, corn nuggets, and gator tail.
Location: 3330 Parkway, Pigeon Forge
Click here to learn more and see the menu.
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Mamas Farmhouse
This is a restaurant we visit every time we visit Pigeon Forge. They serve great southern classics family style and you can get as many refills as you want! While you’re there, make sure you try the “impossible ring toss” and check out the outdoor waiting area with fun games. My kids love it.
Famous For: Family style southern classics like fried chicken, catfish, meatloaf, turkey n stuffing, and country fried steak. Pair this with your choice of four of their southern-style sides and you’ve got a great meal. Everyone also gets their choice of dessert for the price. And, if you’ve never tried their family style breakfast… it’s worth a trip!
Location: 208 Pickel Street, Pigeon Forge
Click here to learn more and see the menu!
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Gaucho Urbano
This Brazilian Steakhouse earns a spot on our list due to its unique Brazilian cuisine. The atmosphere is fun and a bit upscale. They accept reservations and they are a family owned and operated restaurant.
Famous For: Fresh, authentic Brazilian cuisine including steak, lamb, chicken and pork, gourmet salads, rice beans and farofa.
Location: 111 Valley Drive, Pigeon Forge
Click here to learn more and see their menu.
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Local Goat Restaurant
Looking for a unique place to eat in Pigeon Forge that serves up New American fare in a scratch kitchen? Look no further than the Local Goat! You can pair their delicious food with one of many drinks including craft brews, craft cocktails and fine wines.
Famous For: Their craft food and drinks made in a scratch kitchen from locally sourced an sustainable foods. Even the bread is made from scratch in-house daily! You can also find local crafts brews, cocktails and wines.
Location: 2167 Parkway, Pigeon Forge TN
Click here to learn more about the Local Goat and see their menu.
The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe
Enjoy some amazing Southern food on the banks of the Little Pigeon River. This restaurant was once home to Douglas Ferguson, who founded Pigeon Forge Pottery with his wife Ruth.
Famous For: From-scratch choices made from fresh local ingredients such as sandwiches (they make their own bread AND grind their own grain!), shrimp and grits, chicken tenders and lots of other Southern favorites.
The plates and other items are hand made by local artisans in the nearby pottery shop.
Location: 3341 Old Mill Street, Pigeon Forge
Click here to learn more and see the menu.
Mel’s Diner
Looking for a unique place to eat in Pigeon Forge that serves up delicious All-American classic diner fare? Mel’s Diner is the choice. This family-friendly restaurant offers you diner classics and is one of the higest rated budget-friendly restaurants in the area.
Famous For: Full menu served all day (breakfast for dinner, anyone?), classic diner fare such as breakfast, burgers, and banana splits.
Location: 119 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge
Click here to learn more about this restaurant and see the menu.
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Restaurants Near Pigeon Forge Worth Checking Out
Now, I know this is a list of the most unique places to eat in Pigeon Forge, but I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you about these other amazing places in the nearby towns of Gatlinburg and Sevierville. Of course there are more than just these in the neighboring cities, but these are my favorites!
Apple Valley Creamery at The Apple Barn & Cider Mill
If you’re looking for something sweet then be sure to stop by the Apple Barn & Cider Mill for some amazing, fresh apple cinnamon donuts. The Apple Barn also houses an ice cream parlor with over 40 flavors to choose from like French Vanilla Bean, Butter Pecan, Caramel Turtle Fudge, Smoky Mountain Fudge!
Famous For: Fresh, small batch ice cream, apple cinnamon bread, apple coffee cake, cobblers, muffins, brownies and more.
Location: 230 Apple Valley Rd, Sevierville TN
Click here to learn more and check out the menu.
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Graze Burgers
Here is another little gem tucked away in Sevierville. This restaurant is proud to offer fresh, locally sourced, farm to table ingredients. They offer amazing burgers, hot dogs, sides and appetizers – and don’t forget about the amazing milkshakes!
Famous for: Local, grass-fed burgers, soups and local greens, 100% all-natural hot dogs and shakes made with fresh whipped cream.
Location: 125 Bruce Street, Sevierville
Click here to learn more and see their mouth-watering menu!
Wild Plum Tea Room
If you’re on the other side of Pigeon Forge near Gatlinburg, take a scenic drive on up to head to the Arts & Crafts Community, where you will find this wonderful little tea room. This is a lunch restaurant and tea room, so be sure to check the current hours before heading that way.
This restaurant has won many awards and it can be a bit tricky to get a table – you have to call and make a reservation to dine here.
Famous for: Wild plum jelly, famous chicken salad, sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts.
Location: 555 Buckhorn Rd, Gatlinburg
Click here to learn more and see the menu.
If you’re looking for unique places to eat in Pigeon Forge I sure hope you enjoy this list and add a few of these to your must-visit restaurants. These are really some amazing ones worth checking out!
Interested in fine dining around Pigeon Forge? Check out this post!
