Smokies Cuban Cafe is the kind of under-the-radar gem that makes a Pigeon Forge food crawl feel personal. Tucked in a modest strip mall, this family-run spot serves straight-from-Miami comfort with zero fuss and maximum flavor. The Cuban sandwich is the headliner—pressed till crackly and warm, layered with roast pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, and mustard—but the lechón asado, marinated in mojo and crowned with sweet sautéed onions, is also a banger. Ropa vieja and picadillo hit that cozy, simmered-all-day note; sides of black beans and rice, maduros and yuca fries round out the plate like a hug.
Starters skew snackable—croquetas, empanadas, and tostones that vanish fast—and desserts keep the nostalgia going with flan and tres leches. Wash it all down with a bracing cafecito or a creamy batido (mamey if they’ve got it), and you’ve got a flavorful detour from the usual Parkway fare.
Smokies is ideal for a quick lunch between attractions or an easy dinner pick-up.
Call ahead if you’re on a tight schedule, ask for extra mojo on the side, and snag a guava-and-cheese pastry for the road. It’s simple, soulful, and exactly what you’ll crave tomorrow.
The vibe: Simple and no-frills—the focus is on the food.
The food: Cuban fare in hearty portions.
The drink: The creamy and tropical mamey milkshake.
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.