Pancakes in the morning, barbecue in the afternoon, and a dinner show if you want the whole production. Here's where our team actually eats along the Parkway — and where to go when the wait is an hour.
From hickory-smoked meats to classic Southern sides, immerse yourself in the smoky aromas and rich flavors of authentic barbecue at Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que. Come taste how decades of perfected recipes have made this beloved Pigeon Forge joint a must visit for those seeking genuine Southern hospitality!
Embark on a whimsical culinary journey to the heart of Pigeon Forge, where singing chickens and Southern-inspired dishes await. At the Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe, delight in an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the very best of farmhouse cuisine – made with love and served with charm.
Step away from your everyday worries and into Margaritaville, where you can bask in the laid-back island lifestyle and vibrant energy of Pigeon Forge. Enjoy everything this tropical oasis has to offer - from good times and flavorful delights, to music that is sure to keep you relaxed.
Pigeon Forge's restaurants stretch the length of the Parkway, with clusters at The Island and The Old Mill. You'll find Southern family-style feasts, smoky barbecue, pancakes piled high, steak and seafood, pizza, and plenty of spots built for big groups. Here's how to choose, meal by meal.
Pigeon Forge is a great place for a big Southern meal. Paula Deen's Family Kitchen at The Island serves all-you-can-eat platters family-style, and Mama's Farmhouse serves homestyle cooking in a farmhouse setting. At The Old Mill, The Old Mill Restaurant is known for fried chicken and pot roast, and the Old Mill Pottery House Cafe & Grille is a relaxed lunch stop. You'll also find comfort food at Puckett's, J.T. Hannah's Kitchen, and Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe. See our guide to Pigeon Forge's best Southern restaurants.
Start the day at Reagan's House of Pancakes or Sawyer's Farmhouse Breakfast, or try a Southern-inspired brunch at Brick and Spoon. For a retro breakfast or lunch, Mel's Diner and Sunliner Diner bring back the 1950s. See our list of the best pancake houses in Pigeon Forge.
Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que slow-smokes its meats over hickory, and Calhoun's is known for ribs and Southern sides. Both are easy choices for a casual dinner after a day at the attractions.
For a nicer night out, Bullfish Grill serves steak and seafood, and the Alamo Steakhouse grills steaks in an Old West setting. Seafood lovers can crack crab legs at Harpoon Harry's Crab House. See our guide to the best steakhouses in Pigeon Forge.
For pizza, try Big Daddy's Pizzeria, Mellow Mushroom, or Pizza Rio Wine + Bar. Blue Moose Burgers and Wings is a crowd-pleaser for families, and Little Tokyo serves hibachi and sushi. Craving Mexican? Head to No Way Jose's. For more, see our list of top pizza places in Pigeon Forge and family-friendly restaurants.
Some meals come with entertainment. Guy Fieri's Downtown Flavortown pairs food with a family entertainment center, Margaritaville brings an island vibe, and the staff at Dick's Last Resort are playfully rude on purpose. Want a full show with dinner? Browse our Pigeon Forge dinner shows. For more ideas, see our list of fun places to eat in Pigeon Forge.
Smoky Mountain Brewery pairs house-brewed beer with a full menu, and The Casual Pint pours a long list of drafts and bottles. Motorcycle fans like the Iron Boar Saloon, across from Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson. See our guide to bars in Pigeon Forge.
A short drive north in Sevierville, Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and Five Oaks Farm Kitchen serve Southern dishes with a farm-fresh focus. In Pigeon Forge, The Local Goat and Timberwood Grill are good choices for a relaxed dinner. See our guides to farm-to-table restaurants and Sevierville restaurants.
Beat the dinner rush — waits are longest from about 6 to 8 PM, especially on weekends and holidays. Eat a little early or a little late.
Wait somewhere fun — at The Island and The Old Mill, you can put your name in and shop, ride, or watch the fountain show while you wait. See our guides to The Island and The Old Mill.
Skip the parking — the Pigeon Forge trolley runs along the Parkway.
Check hours — restaurant hours change by season, so call ahead or check online before you go.
For our team's top picks, see the best Pigeon Forge restaurants. We also have guides to Mexican restaurants and holiday dining, including restaurants open on Thanksgiving and restaurants open on Christmas Day. Heading to Gatlinburg? See our Gatlinburg restaurants.
It depends on what you're craving. For a Southern feast, try Paula Deen's Family Kitchen or The Old Mill Restaurant. For barbecue, try Bennett's. For breakfast, try Reagan's House of Pancakes. See our list of the best Pigeon Forge restaurants.
Paula Deen's Family Kitchen and Mama's Farmhouse both serve all-you-can-eat Southern meals family-style.
Paula Deen's Family Kitchen and Margaritaville are both at The Island, and there are plenty of quick bites and treats nearby.
Eat before 6 PM or after 8 PM, visit on weekdays when you can, and put your name in at places like The Island where you can explore while you wait.
Stay close to the Parkway. Browse our Pigeon Forge cabins, our cabins near The Island, and our cabins near Dollywood. Book direct and the Stay & Play Pass includes free attraction tickets for every paid night.