The best restaurants in Pigeon Forge to book right now

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A post shared by Junction 35 Spirits (@junction35spirits)

What is it? Junction 35 is a distillery that’s seemingly never met a liquor it didn’t like. It produces gin, rum, vodka, tequila, moonshine and whiskey from its spacious brick and wood-lined digs in Pigeon Forge. Their in-house restaurant pairs those spirits with Southern-style eats like smoked barbecue, shrimp and grits, pulled pork mac and hot chicken. 

Why we love it: Junction 35 claims it’s Tennessee’s first “half restaurant-half distillery.” Whether that’s true or not, we love being able to sample a wide range of different liquors and amble over to the restaurant to cushion the blow with hearty Southern fare. 

Time Out tip: While they obviously can’t partake in the spirit tastings, kids are welcome to Junction 35. No need to find a babysitter to enjoy the distillery and restaurant.  

Address: 2655 Teaster Lane #280, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Opening hours: Sun-Thu 11am–10pm; Fri, Sat 11am-11pm

Expect to pay: Burgers are around $15, while dinner platters are priced between $15 and $20.

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A post shared by Sunliner Diner (@sunlinerdiner)

What is it? A throwback diner oozing retro 1950s charm with chrome booths, jukeboxes, vintage hot rods, and an all-day breakfast menu known for its pancakes and thick, creamy cherry-topped milkshakes. 

Why we love it: The full-tilt nostalgia. Sunliner has really committed to the theme right down to the retrofitted cars that serve as booth seating. While you can grab a burger or country-fried chicken for lunch or dinner, we love the option of eating banana nut French toast or shrimp and waffles as an early evening meal. 

Time Out tip: Dressing up is part of the fun at Sunliner. It’s the perfect excuse to dust off that poodle skirt and those saddle shoes you stowed away after that one time you thought swing lessons were a great idea. 

Address: 2302 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Opening hours: Sun-Thu 8am–10pm; Fri, Sat 8am-11pm

Expect to pay: $15-$25 for a breakfast or dinner platter 

What is it? A fast casual, wood-paneled ode to Cuban cooking situated in a strip mall in Pigeon Forge. The menu is brimming with real-deal Cuban classics like a zesty ropa vieja, hearty black beans, flaky pastelitos and creamy guava milkshakes. 

Why we love it: It’s probably the most authentic Cuban food you’re going to find in East Tennessee, and the Cuban sandwich is a testament to that: pork, sliced ham, Swiss cheese, sliced dill pickles, and mustard layered in between two pieces of perfectly toasted bread. Nary a piece of salami in sight—sorry, Tampa. 

Time Out tip: For dessert, don’t miss the creamy and cool tres leches cake, which soaks up the traditional three milks that make up the base sauce. 

Address: 3526 Parkway #4, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 11am–7:30pm

Expect to pay: Entrees and sandwiches are about $12 each.

What is it? If there's one cuisine for which the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area is famous, it’s pancakes. The breakfast staple, often made as big as your head, is the way most visitors start their day. Flapjack's, which has several locations in the area, including one on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, is popular because its pancakes are more than just plain batter; these scratch-made pancakes come with a variety of fun mix-ins, like Reese’s cups, Nutella and swirls of cream cheese frosting. 

Why we love it: The cheesecake stuffed crepes and the sticky bun pancake—it’s a sweet treat that’s just like it sounds, a pancake with cinnamon and icing.

Time Out tip: Portions are more than generous at Flapjack’s. Two people can easily share a pancake platter. 

Address: 2734 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 8am–12:30pm; Sat, Sun 7am-12:30pm

Expect to pay: A stack of pancakes will cost approximately $11. 

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What is it? At first glance, it might look like Local Goat’s menu is a lot like other Pigeon Forge eateries: huge burgers and beer. However, this is one of Pigeon Forge's only kitchens with an emphasis on sustainability, using homemade and locally sourced ingredients.

Why we love it: The selection of local and craft beers, high-end cocktails, and table service with cloth napkins (a rarity in these parts). And of course… the giant portions—that's the Pigeon Forge way.

Time Out tip: Try the deep-fried deviled eggs, a steak cut on site, or the black bean burger. Grits are offered as a side option, in addition to traditional fries or sweet potatoes.

Address: 2167 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Opening hours: Daily 11am-10pm

Expect to pay: $12-$16 for appetizers; $20-$40 for entrees.

What is it? Located on the picturesque site of an 1800s grist mill (hence the name), this waterside cabin is a local favorite for Southern-style dining. The meals at the Old Mill are hearty—the dinner menu alone offers no fewer than five different Southern fried specialties: chicken, steak, pork chops, beef liver and country ham. And that’s after your table has been gifted with muffins and sourwood honey.

Why we love it: All lunch and dinner dishes are served with a corn chowder that’s so popular, diners buy mixes to try to replicate it at home.

Time Out tip: To avoid long waits at The Old Mill Restaurant, plan to dine during off-peak hours, such as breakfast or just before 4 pm, to enjoy lunch prices. Or go to their sister restaurant, the Pottery House Cafe.

Address: 164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Opening hours: Daily 8am-9:30pm

Expect to pay: Dinner platters run about $25-$30

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A post shared by Mel's Diner (@melsdinerpigeonforge)

What is it? With a classic design and name, Mel's Diner gives that 1950s-era diner experience, complete with a checkerboard floor, upholstered booths and plenty of neon. Dishes are named after characters on Happy Days, scratching that comfort food itch with burgers, fries, and country-fried steak. 

Why we love it: While you can’t go wrong with a burger and fry combo, the star at Mel’s is the mountainous six-scoop banana split topped with a sizeable cloud of whipped cream, and of course, a cherry on top. 

Time Out tip: Mel's is open all day and is one of the few restaurants in the area that stays open until midnight, which is perfect if you get out of the national park late and need to refuel. 

Address: 119 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 7am–midnight

Expect to pay: Sandwiches and burgers range from $9 to $13. Floats and desserts are priced between $7 and $13. 

What is it? Designed to look like a 1930s warehouse, J.T. Hannah's draws on family history for its wood-paneled eatery—the eponymous J.T., who once operated the largest freight warehouse and stockyards in East Tennessee. He would feed his workforce from that warehouse, and the food and drink were so good that he opened it to the public, making it a bona fide restaurant. Today, it serves crowd-pleasing standard fare like burgers, sandwiches, wings, tots and fried fish. 

Why we love it: The menu is designed to leave you full. Think: chicken parmesan, spaghetti and meatballs or deep-fried Mississippi catfish. If you're looking for something a little lighter, the menu also offers a variety of salads.

Time Out tip: No one leaves without trying the scratch-made strawberry shortcake for dessert; dining in Pigeon Forge is not about calorie counting.

Address: 3214 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Opening hours: Sun-Thu 11am–9pm; Fri, Sat 11am-10pm

Expect to pay: $32-$44 per pound of meat; $15-$30 for dinner platters.

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What is it? Huck Finn's is a favorite of visitors who want an all-you-can-eat experience. In addition to catfish, you can choose from fried chicken, pork loin, shrimp and other entrees, all served with heaping portions of fries, fried pickles and coleslaw.

Why we love it: This popular Parkway restaurant boasts that it serves 50 tons of boneless catfish fillets annually. That's a lot of fish, but it's easy to see why they go through so much—the crispy catfish is seasoned just right. We also love the folksy decor consisting of license plates covering the walls like wallpaper, empty barrels forming a hostess stand and checked tablecloths waiting for your feast.

Time Out tip: If you’re looking for a unique dinner experience, order the deep-fried gator tail on the menu. 

Address: 3330 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Opening hours: Daily 11am–9pm

Expect to pay: All-you-can-eat dinner, $25.99; dinner platters, $15-$30. 

What is it? Grab some slow-cooked meats (pulled pork, beef brisket or chicken) and scarf down some protein after wearing yourself out on a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains at Bennett’s. The vibe is backyard barbecue casual with checkered tablecloths, so no need to get gussied up. 

Why we love it: Bennett's uses hickory wood to flavor its meats, which are cooked for 14 hours. Also, the cheese biscuits and baked potatoes filled with pulled pork are traditional sides with a slight—and delicious—twist.

Time Out tip: Two adults can easily split a large combo meal such as the Texan Sampler or Smokehouse Combo—the portions are sizable and filling. 

Address: 2910 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 11am–9pm; Fri, Sat 11am-10pm

Expect to pay: $10-$22 for starters; platters, sandwiches and burgers run about $15, with ribs clocking in about $30

What is it? A fast-casual joint serving up the best pizza in Pigeon Forge thanks to two owners who hail from major pizza towns: Chicago and New York.. The New York and Chicago-style slices here pack a wallop, but J Dels also serves up cold cut and hot Italian subs, as well as some stellar calzones. 

Why we love it: What J Dels may lack in decor—it’s a fairly non-descript fast-casual spot—it more than makes up for in outrageously great pizza. Sidle up to the register and place your order for a small or large standard pie, or up the ante by going with one of the specialty pies, like a chicken ranch version loaded with the mozz, cheddar and onions. 

Time Out tip: Don’t skip out on the garlic knots—some diners claim they’re even better than the pies themselves. 

Address: 2664 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 4-10pm; Fri, Sat 4-11pm 

Expect to pay: Appetizers are $5-10; small pies run $15-$21, while large pies clock in between $18-$24.

What is it? A classic Texas-style steakhouse serving big portions of meat and potatoes. You’ll find Angus steaks cooked over oak and hand-cut in-house, horseradish Parmesan prime rib strips, chili-rubbed pork chops and loaded baked potatoes. 

Why we love it: Alamo Steakhouse is the kind of joint where large hunks of meat are served à la carte on cast-iron plates. Bread is served with a signature honey butter, but you know the drill: don't fill up on the bread before the entrees arrive.

Time Out tip: You can get 15% off lunch and dinner between 11am and 5pm with a coupon on Alamo’s website. 

Address: 3050 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 3–9pm; Thu 11am-9pm; Fri, Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 11-9pm

Expect to pay: $11-$14 for starters; $26-$44 for entrees.

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What is it? Dolly will always love you, and that's why Song & Hearth restaurant inside Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa serves lots of Southern comfort food. The breakfast buffet includes biscuits and gravy, made-to-order omelets, and in the Pigeon Forge tradition, pancakes. A dinner buffet features pot roast, fried chicken and other Southern favorites.

Why we love it: It’s as welcoming as you’d expect a Dolly-approved operation to be—the stone fireplaces, quilts hanging on the walls and teakettle collection give the place a homey feel, even though this is a large hotel restaurant.

Time Out tip: You don’t need to be an overnight guest at the resort to enjoy Song and Hearth—you can make your reservations directly on the site via Opentable. 

Address: 2525 DreamMore Way, Pigeon Forge, TN 37862

Opening hours: Daily 7am-9pm

Expect to pay: Family buffet is $16.95 for kids 4-9, $39.95 for adults