When you vacation in the Smoky Mountains, one thing you can be sure of is that you will find a ton of delicious places to eat. From country cooking to Italian cuisine, there is something for everyone in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. While you will want to visit some of the most popular places or famous Smoky Mountain restaurants, there are also a few hidden gems to try as well. Here are 4 restaurants in the Smoky Mountains that are located off the beaten path:
1. Smoky Mountain Trout House
Open daily from 3 PM until 9 PM, the Smoky Mountain Trout House is located in one of the oldest buildings in Gatlinburg. The restaurant has been in operation since 1975, and many locals consider it one of their favorite places to have dinner. While the menu features a little bit of everything, you can probably guess that the most common dish is trout. They have over 10 varieties of fresh rainbow trout dishes on the menu, including The Eisenhower which is breaded in cornmeal and fried to perfection.
2. Tennessee Jed’s
With two locations in Gatlinburg, Tennessee Jed’s is the perfect place to take your family for a quick and delicious lunch. On the menu, you will find an assortment of sandwich creations that are to die for, including the Smoked Chicken Salad Sandwich with lettuce and tomato. They also serve a variety of meats by the pound that you can pick up to take along on a picnic in the Smokies, including corned beef, roasted turkey, and pulled pork. The thing that sets them apart is that they use meats that are slow-cooked overnight and roasted fresh each day!
3. Elvira’s Cafe
Elvira’s Cafe first opened on Wears Valley Road in the spring of 2012. Now over 10 years later, the restaurant is still thriving on delicious food and outstanding customer service. For the early risers, you can enjoy an unbelievable breakfast at Elvira’s Cafe, with choices such as hot cakes, country ham and eggs, and biscuits and gravy. For lunch, you can enjoy a sit-down meal that includes a variety of delicious sandwiches, including the house favorite Philly Steak Sandwich. They take rib eye steak and combine it with grilled peppers, mushrooms, onions, and swiss cheese to create an amazing sandwich you have to try!
4. Junction 35
Along the Pigeon Forge Parkway, you will find an assortment of some of the best restaurants in the Smoky Mountains. However, right off the main road, you will find the perfect place to hang out with friends to enjoy delicious food and drinks. Junction 35 Spirits is located in the Mountain Mile on Teaster Lane. While you are there, you can step up to the sampling counter to try out a variety of freshly brewed spirits that go along great with any of the menu items at the restaurant! They have everything from moonshine to whiskey and rum so stick around to find your new favorite drink!
After your meal at one of these restaurants in the Smokies, be sure to explore some of the incredible attractions in the Smoky Mountains that are great for all ages! We look forward to seeing you soon!
