Any trip to the mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is sure to be full of outdoor fun and unique activities for your family to enjoy. But you should also take some time to experience the local food scene!
No matter what kind of cuisine you’re craving, there’s a restaurant to satisfy you near our Gatlinburg cabins. Here are some of our favorite local eateries!
Cherokee Grill and Steakhouse
Labeling itself as Gatlinburg’s premier steakhouse, Cherokee Grill and Steakhouse is the perfect place to go where you want a hearty, well-crafted meal. This restaurant offers an authentic mountain lodge atmosphere made a bit upscale, and the food is equally as impressive as your surroundings. Of course, you can get a steak with great options like prime grade New York strip, blue cheese sirloin, filet mignon, and more. Other popular entrée options include:
- Char-grilled wild Alaskan salmon.
- Maryland crab cakes.
- Smoky Mountain Fried Chicken.
- Southern-fried catfish.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
If you’ve ever seen the movie Forrest Gump, you’re likely already familiar with this restaurant! Still, it’s one of the most popular spots in Gatlinburg for a good reason. The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming, the atmosphere is laid-back and great for enjoying a family dinner, and the menu offers something for even the pickiest of eaters. Enjoy classic menu options like the Texas chicken sandwich, Maker’s Mark Glazed Salmon, Forrest’s Seafood Feast, or Jenny’s Surf and Surf (yes, you read that right). Finish with the delectable chocolate chip cookie sundae!
Calhoun’s in Gatlinburg
When you’re ready to venture out of your spacious Gatlinburg cabin rental for some food, consider some of the best barbecue in Tennessee! You’ve got to head to Calhoun’s. Here, you can watch the big game with your friends or relax with your family as you sample your favorite BBQ classics with a twist. Popular menu selections include the Awesome Avocado Jack Burger, Hickory Smoked Bar-B-Que Ribs, hand-breaded chicken tenders, “Ale” Steak, and more. Best of all, there are convenient Calhoun’s locations both in Gatlinburg and in the neighboring town of Pigeon Forge!
Split Rail Eats
If you’re using the Gatlinburg Trolley to get around town, hop on the yellow route to get to Split Rail Eats. Its mission is to make mouthwatering food that all visitors will enjoy. You can choose from “tater bowls” constructed with tater tots or French fries and a wide range of toppings. They’ve also got sandwiches like the Polish Reuben or the Jacked Turkey and burgers like the Greek Burger or Southwestern Burger. Everything is simple and comforting here, just the way it should be.
Bennet’s Pit Bar-B-Que
Located in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Bennet’s Pit Bar-B-Que has been locally owned and operated for more than two decades now, and it remains one of the most popular Gatlinburg restaurants. They take great care to make addictive menu items like BBQ nachos, deep-fried deviled eggs, Carolina pork sandwiches, burnt ends dinner platters, and jumbo baby back ribs. Get a loaded baked potato as a side and choose a dessert like chocolate cake or baked cobbler to finish the perfect meal.
Delauder’s BBQ
There’s no more classic BBQ joint than Delauder’s. This family-run dive welcomes visitors and locals to try menu options like Smoky Mountain Nachos, brisket dinners, pulled pork, brisket sandwiches, and more. They keep everything pretty simple here, from the traditional food selections to the red-and-white checkered tablecloths around the restaurant. One thing’s for sure: you’ll be treated like a family member, and by the time you leave, you’ll feel like one, too!
Plan Your Visit!
If you’re ready for an incredible vacation filled with delicious food, book your Gatlinburg getaway today! With 50+ cabins to choose from, we definitely have the perfect fit for your next escape! Book now!
Chesapeake’s
Finally, Chesapeake’s brings the flavors of the ocean right to your table in Tennessee. All of their seafood is sourced right from the coast and is delivered to the restaurant daily, so you know you’re getting the freshest meal possible. Try menu selections like oysters Rockefeller, the broiled seafood platter, fresh fried oysters, and more. If you’re not interested in seafood, options like the filet mignon or the grilled chicken breast are sure to please.
If you’re ready to come to try these restaurants for yourself, contact Heartland Rentals to book one of our cabins in Gatlinburg today!
