The Peddler Steakhouse

The Peddler Steakhouse in Gatlinburg has served steak dinners in a riverside log cabin since 1976. At The Peddler, your steak is cut right at your table to the size you want, then grilled over Tennessee hickory charcoal, and every entrée comes with the salad bar. It sits on River Road beside the Little Pigeon River, close to the national park entrance.

From family home to steakhouse

The log cabin was built in 1958 by Charles "Earl" Ogle Sr., a fourth-generation Gatlinburg merchant, and his wife, Beth, as their family home on the Little Pigeon River. In 1976, the cabin was renovated and opened as The Peddler Steakhouse. Today you dine in what was once the Ogle family's living room, with windows looking out over the river. The Peddler celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, and its sister restaurant, The Park Grill, has served guests at the national park entrance since 1995.

The steaks

The Peddler is known for its tableside steak cutting. A server brings the cut to your table, slices it to the thickness you choose, and sends it to be grilled over real Tennessee hickory charcoal. Choose from classic cuts, or order seafood and chicken if steak isn't your thing. There's also a kids menu.

The salad bar

Every entrée comes with The Peddler's salad bar, stocked with dozens of fresh toppings, plus bread and a side. You can also order the salad bar on its own. It's a big part of what keeps people coming back.

The setting

The dining room keeps the rustic charm of the original cabin, with tables overlooking the Little Pigeon River. Ask for a river-view seat when you book. It's a favorite for anniversaries, birthdays, and family celebrations.

Reservations and visiting

The Peddler is at 820 River Road, near where River Road meets the Parkway, close to the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The restaurant takes reservations, which are worth making on weekends, holidays, and in busy seasons. Check peddlergatlinburg.com for hours and to book.

Tips for your visit

Book ahead — reservations help on busy nights.

Ask for the river — window tables overlook the water.

Size your steak — tell your server exactly how thick you want it.

Pace yourself at the salad bar — save room for the steak.

More steakhouses in Gatlinburg

For a similar steak-and-salad-bar dinner in a mountain lodge, try The Peddler's sister restaurant, The Park Grill, next to the national park entrance. Also nearby are Cherokee Grill, Alamo Steakhouse, and Howard's Restaurant, also beside a creek. See our guides to Gatlinburg steakhouses, restaurants on the water, and all Gatlinburg restaurants.

Nearby

River Road puts you close to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que, and the Sugarlands Visitor Center at the park entrance. See all things to do in Gatlinburg.

Frequently asked questions

Where is The Peddler Steakhouse?

At 820 River Road in Gatlinburg, beside the Little Pigeon River near the national park entrance.

Is there a Peddler in Pigeon Forge?

No. The Peddler Steakhouse is in Gatlinburg, a short drive from Pigeon Forge.

Does The Peddler take reservations?

Yes. Reservations are available and recommended at busy times.

How long has The Peddler been open?

Since 1976, in a log cabin built in 1958 as the Ogle family home.

Is the salad bar included?

Yes. The salad bar comes with every entrée.

How are the steaks cooked?

They're cut at your table and grilled over Tennessee hickory charcoal.

Does The Peddler have a sister restaurant?

Yes. The Park Grill, at 1110 Parkway next to the national park entrance, is The Peddler's sister restaurant.