jimcolorado

Is it just me or does it appear that Gatlinburg is a mid-range dining desert? That’s a wasteland not something sweet you eat after a meal. I have spent hours looking at restaurant reviews and have yet to find one that jumps out at me as a “don’t miss.” In fact, several have gone on my “don’t waste your time” list. I have travelled all through the South and never failed to find a local favorite that served great local style breakfasts, melt in your mouth BBQ, County ham and Red Eye gravy, etc. I really hate to get to Gatlinburg and find that I have to eat at Applebee’s, or spend $40/person to get a decent meal. Where do the locals go when they want to eat out in Gatlinburg?

Gretchen

You're talking about Gatlinburg. Go somewhere else!!

jimcolorado

Probably wouldn't be my first choice for a vacation, but in town for a 4 day convention. Just cuz it's a convention, I don't want to have eat like I'm at one.

absolutkz

My parents regularly go to Best Italian Cafe and the Greenbrier.

abram

We really liked Las Ositas.

jent103

Another vote for Best Italian. I have friends who love Park Grill but haven't been myself.

nlg

We also like Best Italian and Park Grill.

TrvlMaven

I was there several years ago with husband who was on business. We had been in Mexico the week before; I came down with traveler's distress on our second day. After finding a clinic for some Cipro, the doctor advised me, "Don't eat any fried foods." Nearly impossible. But there was a nice Grill up near the entrance to the Nat'l park--looked like a big lodge. Cherokee Grill?

absolutkz

The ribs at Park Grill were better than some bbq joint supposely known for them in Danbridge area.

DebInTN

We enjoyed the steaks at Cherokee Grill.

gatlinburglover

Las Ositas I heard is up for sale. Our favorites in Gatlinburg are Pancake Pantry, Howards Steakhouse,Best Italian, Bennetts BBQ,Calhouns,Cherokee Grill and No Way Joses. Also in Pigeon Forge Old Mill is wonderful. We go to Gatlinburg 3-4 times or more a year and have eaten at most of the restaurants but those are our favorites. I dont like to go on vacation and eat at chain restaurants.Heres a website that list all the restaurants and some with their menus so you can look and see what you might like.

http://dininginthesmokies.com/

gatlinburglover

Oh forgot to mention Alamo Steakhouse has been voted the best by locals many years now.Its a little on the $$$ side but very good.

RagtopGirl

Check out some of the local inns for better food:

www.buckhorninn.com
www.dancingbearlodge.com (Townsend, TN)
Reservations will be required.

RagtopGirl

Or for a gourmet meal, check out Blackberry Farm in Walland TN (right next to Townsend).

www.blackberryfarm.com

jimcolorado

Thanks for the suggestions and especially the link to Dininginthesmokies. It is very helpful with pictures of the restaurant and PDF's of the menus.

gatlinburglover

jimcolorado your welcome. As you can see from my screen name that Gatlinburg is one of my favorite places to go. I love the area and the beautiful Smoky Mountains. I hope you and your family have a wonderful time in the area.

beachtee

Jim

We have frequently visited Gatlinburg. Hiking in the mountains is such a treat! We earn ourselves a trip to "The Donut Friar". The doughnuts are made on site, and are the absolute best on the planet! Give them a try, you will NOT be disappointed!!

T in FL

gatlinburglover

The above poster is so right The Donut Friar in The Village Shops does have very good donuts and alot of great shops in the village. One of my favorites is Coffee and Company. I order coffee from them every 2-3 weeks and its a must to stop to stop by there when we are in Gatlinburg. They also have another location at The Cottage on East Parkway. 321 light # 3. Also I would eat at Best Italian they have the very best Garlic Rolls.