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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
© 2024 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.