Pigeon Forge is a mountain town and vacation area in Tennessee. It is home to Dollywood, the Appalachian-themed park owned by country singer Dolly Parton. Spoiler alert: the place will be on the list of best places to eat in Pigeon Forge.
Foodies will love Pigeon Forge TN with restaurants offering all-you-can-eat buffets and generous portions. In Pigeon Forge, you are guaranteed an epic culinary adventure.
They also have some family-friendly dinner shows. Among the popular foods you have to try, we recommend fresh rainbow trout, stone ground cornmeal and grits, homemade candies like taffy and fudge, homemade maple syrup, homemade biscuits and sawmill gravy, apple butter, and more.
What is Pigeon Forge famous for?
As we said in the beginning, Pigeon Forge is famous for its family-friendly activities. That is all thanks to Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country. Those two parks have rides and activities for all ages, making them a great place for the whole family. It is best that you visit during the spring, summer, and fall.
The town is comprised of lifelong residents, but they also get tourists. Among the tourists, nature enthusiasts make the most of it.
No matter the season, Pigeon Forge is a great getaway place for a weekend, week, or even longer. You can also visit Gatlinburg, which is only 4 miles away. No matter where you choose to rent your cabin, you will always be close to the best sights. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the main nature adventure.
Best Restaurants
Blue Moose Burgers and Wings
When you are talking about the best places to eat in Pigeon Forge, we have to mention Blue Moose Burgers and Wings. They are famous for their award-winning chicken wings.
It is a family sports grill that will amaze you with its American fare. With more than 20 large flat televisions, Blue Moose is the best place to chill and watch live sports games.
As for the delicious food they offer, you cannot go wrong with wild ranch chicken wrap. This chicken treat is just full of flavors.
Pigeon Forge Deli
Pigeon Forge Deli was founded by a local couple and grew into a foodie magnet. Tourists and locals love it for its wallet-friendly rates and high-quality sandwiches.
If you are in the mood for some freshly baked goodies, Pigeon Forge Deli is the place to go. They also have some gluten-free alternatives to special treats.
Besides the sandwiches, their soft pretzels are to die for. Each soft pretzel is oversized and comes with savory or sweet toppings.
Old Mile Square
Located away off the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, Old Mill Restaurant delivers that great taste of southern cuisine.
No matter if you are there for lunch, breakfast, or dinner, they will have a dish for you. The smell of freshly baked bread will hit you in the face from the moment you walk in. And that is why you stay.
Some of the southern classics you have to try include country fried steak, sugar cured ham, chicken and dumplings, and pot roast.
Junction 35 spirits and Kitchen
This is one of the newest restaurants in Pigeon Forge TN. Junction 35 is mostly known for its spirits, but do not ignore the kitchen.
The distillery, kitchen, bar, and gift shop hand crafts each spirit in-house and then allows you to buy one in their gift shop.
Their restaurant menu is packed with barbecue, wings, and burgers.
Brick and Spoon
Do you want to find your favorite breakfast place in Pigeon Forge? Well, Brick and Spoon is definitely a worthy choice.
The sophisticated yet casual restaurant offers hearty food and is known for its southern hospitality. They are all about delicious food and good entertainment.
Their menu is full of classic American dishes like stuffed French toast. That is the breakfast favorite among locals and tourists.
Gaucho Urbano Brazilian Steakhouse
Gaucho Urbano Brazilian Steakhouse combines modern flair with a traditional steakhouse. It is what makes the dining establishment one of the best places for dinner. They love to joke that they have an Urban Cowboy approach to dining.
The food is fresh and authentic, infused with culinary influence from Brazil. You can choose from a wide list of 16 different types of meats. They are all hand-carved and prepared daily.
Local Goat
Local Goat is a family-friendly eatery that praises itself in sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. If you want a lively casual spot to eat in Pigeon Forge, Local Goat is a great choice.
Besides their farm-to-table menu, they also have a wide list of craft beer. Add in the HD televisions and vintage shuffleboard table, and you have a winning formula.
As for the food choices, we recommend the medium-rare BGT burger. It is a big and juicy burger loaded with bacon jam and goat cheese.
Elvira’s Café
This hidden gem is located down Wears Valley. They specialize in fresh food made with local ingredients, delivering the best Tennessee taste to your table.
Elvira’s Café is a friendly place with beautiful views. Enjoy a biscuit or crepe with a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
Alamo Steakhouse
You cannot go wrong with a steakhouse restaurant in Pigeon Forge Tennessee. The meat here is perfectly aged and incredibly seasoned.
Alamo Steakhouse cooks meat to perfection, praising itself for hand-cutting and hand-seasoning the meat in-house. They then cook it over an oak fire.
The menu is meat-oriented. Yet, they have a few vegetarian dishes. If you want a specialty, order the El Presidente Porterhouse, a filet and strip all in one.
The Pottery House Cafe and Grille
Located in Old Mill Square, the Pottery House Cafe and Grille offers weekend brunch entrees, homemade desserts, and daily fresh baked goodies.
It is a casual café that screams comfort. A good place to enjoy some yummy southern food, it has plenty of choices.
Before you move to the dessert, we recommend trying their pecan fried chicken. Juicy, moist, and incredibly flavorful, the chicken is to die for.
Then, try any of the 2-layer chocolate cakes.
Apple Valley Creamery
On our list of best places to eat in Pigeon Forge, we want to add a place specializing in desserts. Apple Valley Creamery is located in the historic Apple Barn and Cider Meal.
This is where you will find the best ice cream in town. Every ice cream in the establishment is handmade from the best ingredients.
They use local fruits and products for their ice cream. And they also have a milkshake, banana split, and handmade bread.
Their award-winning smoky mountain fudge is a must.
Bullfish Grill
We have to put a classicseafoodrestaurant on the list as well. Locals and tourists rave about the Bullfish grill.
They have one of the most extensive seafood menus in town. And all the seafood is delivered daily.
Since you come here for the fish, we recommend trying Seared Ahi Tuna or Lime Grilled Shrimp. Once you get to dessert, the strawberry cake is a must.
Geno’s Pizza
You cannot have a list of the best places to eat without a pizzeria, right? Every city needs a slice of pizza. In Pigeon Forge, that is Geno’s Pizza.
The family-owned and operated restaurant serves the best pizza in Pigeon Forge. They make their dough daily from fresh ingredients.
Running since 1984, Geno’s offers pizzas in medium, large, and extra-large size. You can also take away if you want to try it at home.
JT Hannah’s Kitchen
Ready for a delicious burger? Well, JT Hannah’s Kitchen has some of the best burgers in town. They also offer amazing steaks and seafood entrees.
If you want a BBQ, then this is the place you have to visit. And try their award-winning St.LouisSpareRibs. When you finish with your main meal, order the delicious strawberry short cake.
Hatfield and McCoy Dinner show
We mentioned in the beginning that many dining establishments in Pigeon Forge function as dinner shows. Well, this is where you will find amazing comedy and jaw-dropping stunts.
The 2-hour dinner show is beyond amazing. And all while enjoying an all-you-can-eat feast. Do not forget to grab a bowl of their signature creamy soup.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Dolly Parton is arguably the most important person in Pigeon Forge. It was her themed parks that improved the popularity of the town.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede features live animals, pyrotechnics, music, and a 4-course dinner in a one-of-a-kind experience.
It is the most exciting place to eat in the Smokies. Unlike typical local restaurants, this dinner show includes acrobats, music, and 32 exquisite horses.
Now, for the great food, they have a smoked pork loin that bursts with flavor.
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