Where to Dine and Drink in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

How to eat and drink your way through Pigeon Forge

by Melissa Corbin and Delia Jo Ramsey  Aug 26, 2021, 1:34pm CDT

Only 7000 people call the town home, but millions of tourists land in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee each year — whether visiting Dollywood, taking in family-friendly entertainment aplenty, or just escaping for a cabin break in the Smoky Mountains. The town got the first part of its name from the Little Pigeon River — named for the masses of passenger pigeons that previously perched on the river banks. The second half comes from an iron forge, located near the Old Mill, that was built by Isaac Love in the early 1800s.

Located 33 miles southeast of Knoxville, four miles south of Sevierville, and five miles north of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge has a vibe all its own — and that includes dining destinations worth a visit. There are a ridiculous number of pancake houses in Pigeon Forge, but you won’t find any of those here (okay, maybe one for breakfast seekers, but there’s schnitzel there too). You will, however, find a dozen spots to eat (and drink), on and of the Parkway that even Dolly would place a glitzy stamp of approval on.

Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Local Goat

From craft beers and cocktails to fat onion rings, deep-fried deviled eggs, burgers, steaks, and chops, this is Pigeon Forge’s go-to for farm-to-fork dining. Housed in a former O’Charley’s building, the Local Goat prides itself in local sources when available, right down to the artwork adorning its walls.

2167 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

(865) 366-3035

Thick, hand-battered onion rings come served with must-try fire-roasted jalapeno ranch. Melissa Corbin/Eater Nashville
Thick, hand-battered onion rings come served with must-try fire-roasted jalapeno ranch. Melissa Corbin/Eater Nashville

Blue Moose Burgers & Wings

Serving traditional American pub fare such as stuffed potato skins, saucy wings and burgers galore, this is the place to catch that UT football game on one of the 20 televisions throughout the family-friendly bar. Or, maybe you just need to hang back while some of your travel buddies wade through outlet mall hell.

2430 Teaster Ln # 108, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

(865) 286-0364

Blue Moose/Facebook
Blue Moose/Facebook

Bullfish Grill

Often voted Pigeon Forge’s best fine dining option, its namesakes are the house specialty — Black Angus beef and seafood, delivered daily. The chargrilled oysters, smothered with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese, are a new favorite. And, with 3-7 p.m. half-off wine and $3 well drinks, you can splurge on a bull and a fish for dinner.

2441 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

(865) 868-1000

Bullfish Grill/Facebook
Bullfish Grill/Facebook

Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant – Pigeon Forge

Like its Middle Tennessee mothership, you can expect local live music here while dining on some of those Southern comfort food staples like fried chicken, collards, and biscuits.

2480 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

(865) 285-0155

Puckett’s/Facebook
Puckett’s/Facebook

The Old Mill Pottery House Café

Located just across the street from the mill and distillery, the cafe embraces a “mill made” approach with bread made from the distillery’s spent grains. From soups, sandwiches, and salads to hearty entrees (think shrimp and creamy grits and pecan fried chicken) and dessert, you’ll enjoy them all served on handmade pottery from next door. During the winter months, dine by the original stone fireplace.

3341 Old Mill St, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

(865) 453-6002

The Old Mill/Facebook
The Old Mill/Facebook

Mill Bridge Winery

Upon entering the Old Mill district, this tasting room features local wines and hard ciders. Grab a flight of your favorites and sip on the pet-friendly patio overlooking the Little Pigeon River. 

3331 S River Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

(865) 366-1664

Mill Bridge Winery/Facebook
Mill Bridge Winery/Facebook

Old Forge Distillery

Made from Tennessee corn milled next door at the grist mill, the distillery specializes in flavored moonshines. Also in the lineup of spirits are cream liqueurs, rum, gin, and bourbon whiskey. Opt for the tasting, or enjoy a cocktail at the speakeasy located inside the retail space. 

170 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

(865) 774-4126

Old Forge Distillery/Facebook
Old Forge Distillery/Facebook

Huck Finn’s Catfish

Known for the all-you-can-eat fried catfish and chicken, scratch-made vittles come with every meal served family-style which include cole slaw, hushpuppies, white beans, pickles, and sweet onions. With other favorites such as clam strips, frog legs, and gator tail, you’ll find your fix at this locally-owned and operated restaurant.

3330 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

(865) 429-3353

The Old Mill Restaurant

One of America’s oldest continually running grist mills, the breakfast-through-dinner restaurant is located within and overlooks the Little Pigeon River. Savor hearty Southern classics such as Country Fried Steak, Old Mill Chicken and Dumplings, and every Southern-style vegetable imaginable. But, don’t skip those bakery favorites for dessert.  

164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

(865) 429-3463

Smokies Cuban Cafe

Cuban-born chef Carlos prepares fresh-to-order family recipes daily. From a shot of Cuban cafecito to pastelitos, empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, croquetas, black Beans and rice, and tostones — it’s sure you’ll find a favorite Cuban dish here.

3526 Parkway #4, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

(865) 365-1700

Smokies Cuban Cafe/Facebook
Smokies Cuban Cafe/Facebook

Dolly Parton’s Stampede

The Smoky’s answer to Medieval Times dinner theatre — but in the key of Dolly. This dinner theatre offers guests a 4-course feast featuring rotisserie chicken and biscuits, alongside a historic battle reenactment, competition-style show between the North and South that incorporates music, equestrian stunts, and special effects for all ages nightly.

3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

(865) 453-4400

Dolly Parton’s Stampede/Facebook
Dolly Parton’s Stampede/Facebook

Wild Bear Tavern

A Westgate Resort affiliate, you’ll find all the Pfannkuchen you care to eat. But, it’s not just about the pancakes. The menu literally has German written all over it with dishes like schnitzel and spaetzle, just like Oma used to make.

4236 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

(865) 868-0737

Wild Bear Tavern/Facebook
Wild Bear Tavern/Facebook

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Source: https://nashville.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-where-to-eat-in-pigeon-forge-tennessee