Puckett's Restaurant
Cherry wood–smoked barbecue and meat-and-three · Live music from local songwriters
Puckett's Restaurant brings a Tennessee grocery-store-turned-music-venue to the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. Come for cherry wood-smoked barbecue and meat-and-three plates, and stay for live local music in a laid-back, down-home setting.
Puckett's is a Tennessee original with locations across the state, and the Pigeon Forge restaurant is its home in the Smokies. It's an easy, casual stop for lunch or dinner between attractions, with live music to go with your meal.
From country store to music stage
Puckett's roots go back to the 1950s and a little grocery store in the village of Leiper's Fork, Tennessee. Founded by the Puckett family, it was the place to pick up the week's groceries, fill the gas tank and catch up with neighbors.
In 1998, Andy Marshall, a longtime grocer, bought the store. A few years later he turned it into a restaurant and music venue, serving home-cooked family recipes and putting local songwriters on a small stage. That mix of real food and real music grew into the Puckett's brand, which opened its Pigeon Forge location on the Parkway in 2019.
Barbecue and Southern classics
Slow-smoked barbecue
Barbecue is what most people come back for. Puckett's smokes its meats low and slow over cherry wood, and you can get them on a platter, in a sandwich or piled onto Southern favorites.
Meat-and-three
Puckett's is also known for the classic Tennessee meat-and-three: pick a main, then add your choice of Southern sides. It's the most traditional way to eat at Puckett's, and a good way to try a little of everything.
Comfort food for everyone
The rest of the menu covers Southern comfort food, from fried chicken and catfish to burgers, sandwiches and salads, plus a kids' menu for younger diners.
Live music
Live music is part of the Puckett's experience. Local musicians and songwriters take the stage in a relaxed, juke-joint atmosphere, so dinner comes with a show. Puckett's stages have hosted plenty of future stars early in their careers, including Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Janson, Thomas Rhett and Lainey Wilson.
Check the Puckett's live music calendar to see who's playing in Pigeon Forge during your trip.
Who it's for
Barbecue lovers
If smoked meat is your thing, Puckett's should be on your Pigeon Forge list.
Music fans
Couples and friends looking for a night out get dinner and live music under one roof.
Families and groups
The casual setting and kids' menu make it an easy pick for families. Puckett's also offers private dining and catering for groups, so plan ahead through the restaurant's website for a reunion or celebration.
Tips for your visit
Plan around the music
Look at the live music calendar before you go and time dinner around a performer you want to hear.
Check seating before you go
Evenings get busy, especially on summer, fall and holiday weekends. Check the restaurant's website for current hours and seating options.
Take it back to the cabin
Puckett's offers online ordering, so you can bring barbecue and Southern sides back to the cabin for a night in.
Make a day of it
Puckett's sits right on the Parkway, close to Pigeon Forge's biggest attractions. Spend the day at Dollywood or The Island, then head to Puckett's for dinner and a show. Browse more Pigeon Forge attractions to plan your trip, or see our guide to must-visit bars in Pigeon Forge for a night out.
More barbecue and Southern cooking
Craving more barbecue? Try Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que, or go for Southern classics at The Old Mill Restaurant. See our guide to Pigeon Forge's best Southern restaurants, or browse our full list of Pigeon Forge restaurants.
Plan your visit
Frequently asked questions
Where is Puckett's in Pigeon Forge?
At 2480 Parkway, at traffic light #2A in Pigeon Forge.
What is Puckett's known for?
Cherry wood-smoked barbecue, Southern meat-and-three plates and live local music.
Does Puckett's in Pigeon Forge have live music?
Yes. Check the Puckett's live music calendar for the current lineup.
Does Puckett's Pigeon Forge serve breakfast?
No. Some Puckett's locations serve breakfast, but the Pigeon Forge restaurant serves lunch and dinner.
Is Puckett's good for kids?
Yes. It's a casual, family-friendly restaurant with a kids' menu.
Can Puckett's host groups?
Yes. Puckett's offers private dining and catering. Contact the restaurant through its website to plan an event.
Puckett's is just minutes from our Pigeon Forge cabins. Plan a getaway for two in our honeymoon cabins or bring everyone to one of our family cabins, and book direct to get our Stay & Play Pass with free attraction tickets for every paid night.