The Old Mill Restaurant

The Old Mill Restaurant is a Pigeon Forge tradition, serving hearty, scratch-made Southern meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner just steps from the historic Old Mill. The dining room has views of the Little Pigeon River, and the grits and fritters are made from grain ground at the mill next door.

Family-owned since 1993, the restaurant has fed generations of Smoky Mountain visitors. For many families, a meal here is part of the vacation tradition: warm biscuits, homemade pie and a slow, relaxed meal by the river.

Next to a mill from the 1830s

Around 1830, William Love built a gristmill on the banks of the Little Pigeon River to serve the farm families of the valley. In 1842 the town's first post office opened inside the mill, and Love, as postmaster, gave the town its name: Pigeon Forge. The mill still grinds grain today, and The Old Mill Restaurant sits just steps away.

Southern cooking from scratch

Breakfast

Mornings start with The Old Mill's famous pancakes, scratch-made biscuits and stone-ground grits, a hearty way to fuel up for a day in the Smokies.

Lunch and dinner

Later in the day, the menu turns to Southern comfort food: classic fried and grilled favorites, country-style plates, fresh-from-the-water dishes and homemade soups, with plenty of homestyle sides.

From the mill to the table

The grits and fritters are made with grain milled right next door, so part of your meal starts its day at the gristmill.

Homemade pie

Save room for dessert. The pecan pie is baked from a family recipe, and the homemade pies are a big part of why people come back.

A legendary Southern restaurant

The Old Mill Restaurant has drawn national attention. Southern Living named it one of the South's most legendary restaurants, and Food & Wine included it among the best classic restaurants in every state.

Who it's for

Families

Pancakes, biscuits and comfort food make it easy to feed everyone, and there's a kids' menu for younger diners.

First-time visitors

If you only eat one classic Pigeon Forge meal, this is a strong pick. It pairs perfectly with a walk around The Old Mill district.

Groups

The restaurant welcomes groups. See its FAQ page for group dining and waitlist details before you go.

Tips for your visit

Plan for a wait

The Old Mill Restaurant gets busy, especially on weekends, holidays and in peak seasons. Check its website for current hours and seating details.

Order takeout

Takeout is available if you'd rather enjoy your Southern meal back at the cabin.

Explore while you wait

Walk over to see the mill, browse the shops or grab a treat nearby. See our guide to things to do at The Old Mill.

Make a day of it at The Old Mill

The Old Mill district is easy to explore on foot. Browse handmade pottery at Pigeon River Pottery, try a scoop from one of the Pigeon Forge ice cream shops, or stroll over to Patriot Park. For a quieter meal, try the sister restaurant, Pottery House Café & Grille, served on handmade pottery.

More Southern cooking

Craving more Southern comfort food? Try Mama's Farmhouse, or see our guide to Pigeon Forge's best Southern restaurants. Browse all of our Pigeon Forge restaurants for more.

Plan your visit

Frequently asked questions

Where is The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge?

At 164 Old Mill Avenue, just steps from the historic Old Mill on the Little Pigeon River.

What meals does The Old Mill Restaurant serve?

Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Check the website for current hours.

What is The Old Mill Restaurant known for?

Scratch-made Southern cooking, including biscuits, stone-ground grits, fritters made with grain from the mill, and homemade pecan pie.

Is The Old Mill Restaurant in Gatlinburg?

No. The Old Mill is in Pigeon Forge, a short drive from Gatlinburg.

Is The Old Mill Restaurant the same as Pottery House Café?

No. They're sister restaurants at The Old Mill. Pottery House is the smaller café in a former potter's home.