Don’t feel like eating at the same chain restaurants you have back home? One of the best parts of going on vacation is getting to try new places to eat! There are so many great local restaurants in Pigeon Forge that you’re sure to love! Of course, no one knows the best restaurants like the locals. That’s why we’ve put together this list to answer the question you’ve been asking: where do the locals eat in Pigeon Forge?
1. Pottery House Cafe
One of the most popular local restaurants in Pigeon Forge that residents love is the Pottery House Cafe. This is a great option if you’re in the mood for contemporary Southern cuisine. You can find the Pottery House Cafe in The Old Mill Square in the heart of Pigeon Forge. This restaurant is known for their fresh-baked bread that is made on-site daily using grains straight from the mill across the street. All of their dishes are scratch-made and served on handmade pottery. Favorites on the menu include their signature quiches, soups served in bread bowls, pecan fried chicken, praline pork chops, fried catfish, shrimp and grits, and more.
2. Blue Moose Burgers & Wings
Have you ever wondered, where do the locals eat in Pigeon Forge for a good burger? If you’re craving a burger or chicken wings, one of the best local restaurants in Pigeon Forge that you should visit is Blue Moose Burgers & Wings. This is a local East Tennessee chain with only three locations. They specialize in American food, with unique burgers like the Moose’s Big Daddy Mac ‘N’ Cheese Burger, Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger, and Hawaiian Luau Burger. You can also order their Blues Award-Winning Jumbo Wings in a variety of flavors, ranging from sweet to very hot.
3. Smokies Cuban Cafe
Where do the locals eat in Pigeon Forge for international cuisine? If you like Cuban food, then one of the best local restaurants in Pigeon Forge that you should try is Smokies Cuban Cafe. This small restaurant doesn’t look like much from the outside, but they serve big flavors inside. Smokies Cuban Cafe is located right on the main Parkway in Pigeon Forge. This authentic Cuban restaurant serves all sorts of tasty items, including their signature Cuban sandwich, breaded steak, croquettes, fried plantains, black beans and rice, empanadas, and much more. Make sure you order a tropical fruit shake or Cuban Latte to complement your meal.
4. Smoky Mountain Brewery
Another of the favorite local restaurants in Pigeon Forge is the Smoky Mountain Brewery.This local chain has a location in Pigeon Forge and one in Gatlinburg as well as two others in East Tennessee. You can find the Smoky Mountain Brewery in Lumberjack Square in the middle of Pigeon Forge. This restaurant is known as a fun place to eat, with great food, fresh brews, and nightly entertainment. Favorite items on the menu include hand-tossed pizzas, burgers, chicken wings, and steaks. Pair your meal with a handcrafted beer microbrewed in-house, or try a few with the Brew Samplers.
5. Pigeon Forge Deli
One of the lesser-known restaurants in town that the locals love is Pigeon Forge Deli. This is a hidden gem where the locals eat in Pigeon Forge frequently. Pigeon Forge Deli has a mom-and-pop atmosphere and is known for serving a range of delicious signature subs, classic sandwiches, salads, and soups. They also serve scratch-made pretzels that are baked to order and come in a variety of sizes and flavors. You can even order your sandwich on pretzel bread! If you have dietary restrictions, this is a great restaurant to try. You can enjoy any sandwich on a gluten free bun, and they have vegetarian options as well.
Save Room for Dessert!
After a delicious meal at one of these great local restaurants in Pigeon Forge, you need to finish with something sweet. There are so many great sweet shops, bakeries, and creameries nearby that offer tasty selections of sweet treats! Check out these places with the best desserts in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg to find the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth!
