Paula Deen's Family Kitchen
All-you-can-eat Southern served family style · The original Family Kitchen, open since 2015
Paula Deen's Family Kitchen serves all-you-can-eat Southern cooking family-style at The Island in Pigeon Forge. Platters of fried chicken, Southern sides and biscuits come to the table to share and pass, just like Sunday dinner at home, in an upstairs dining room overlooking The Island Show Fountains.
Every entrée, side and dessert comes from Paula Deen's own cookbooks, the same recipes that launched her career. It's a landmark at The Island, and an easy pick when the whole family is hungry.
How family-style dining works
Instead of ordering individual plates, your table chooses a few entrées and sides together. Everything arrives on shared platters, and everyone helps themselves and passes the food around. When a platter runs low, ask for a refill. Refills are included, so you can keep eating as long as you like.
It's a relaxed, social way to eat, and it works especially well for families, reunions and big groups who like trying a little bit of everything.
What's on the table
Fried chicken and Southern classics
Paula's Southern fried chicken is the dish most people come for: hand-breaded, seasoned and fried crisp and golden. The menu rounds it out with other down-home Southern entrées and comfort-food favorites.
Paula's famous sides
The sides are half the fun. Expect Southern staples like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, candied yams, collard greens and fried okra, plus fresh biscuits made on site.
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Save room for Paula's signature Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, a rich, melt-in-your-mouth Southern dessert. Banana pudding and cobbler are classic alternatives.
Breakfast
Paula Deen's also serves a Southern breakfast in the mornings, a hearty start before a day at The Island or Dollywood.
The Paula Deen Store
Downstairs from the dining room, the Paula Deen Store carries cookbooks, kitchenware, Southern pantry goods and gifts from the "First Lady of Southern Cooking." It's a fun place to browse before or after your meal.
Who it's for
Families
Family-style platters mean picky eaters can fill up on fried chicken and mac and cheese while everyone else tries a bit of everything.
Large groups
Shared platters make big tables easy. The restaurant has a group sales team for large parties, so plan ahead through the restaurant's website.
Fans of Paula
If you grew up with her cookbooks or TV shows, this is the place to taste the recipes for yourself.
Tips for your visit
Plan around peak times
Dinner on summer, fall and holiday weekends is the busiest time. Check the restaurant's website for current hours and seating options before you go.
Come hungry
Refills are included, so this isn't the meal to eat light before. Check the menu online for current pricing and kids' rates.
Make the most of a wait
If there's a wait, you're at The Island. Ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, watch the fountain show or browse the shops until your table is ready.
Accessibility
The upstairs dining room is reachable by escalator and elevator.
Make a day of it at The Island
See our guide to things to do at The Island, and read up on visiting The Island before you go. For dinner and a show, pair your meal with Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud.
More Southern cooking
Looking for another all-you-can-eat Southern meal? Try Mama's Farmhouse, or stay at The Island for Margaritaville. See our guides to Pigeon Forge's best Southern restaurants and family-friendly restaurants, or browse all of our Pigeon Forge restaurants.
Plan your visit
Frequently asked questions
Where is Paula Deen's in Pigeon Forge?
Inside The Island in Pigeon Forge, at 131 The Island Drive. The dining room is upstairs, overlooking The Island Show Fountains.
Is Paula Deen's Family Kitchen all-you-can-eat?
Yes. Food is served family-style on shared platters, and refills are included.
What is Paula Deen's known for?
Southern fried chicken, classic Southern sides and Paula's signature Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.
Does Paula Deen's serve breakfast?
Yes. Check the restaurant's website for current breakfast hours.
Is there a Paula Deen's restaurant in Gatlinburg?
No. The Smoky Mountains location is at The Island in Pigeon Forge, a short drive from Gatlinburg.
Is it good for large groups?
Yes. Family-style service is built for big tables, and the restaurant has a group sales team for large parties.
Paula Deen's is just minutes from our Pigeon Forge cabins. Stay close in one of our cabins near The Island, bring everyone to one of our large cabins or family cabins, and book direct to get our Stay & Play Pass with free attraction tickets for every paid night.