Trying out the local cuisine is the best way to experience the culture when visiting new cities. For those with young kids, planning a meal outing can be quite the task so we've come up with a list of some of the best kid-friendly restaurants in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Browse our recommendations below and start planning your vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains!
Family- Friendly Restaurants in Gatlinburg
#1 - Pancake Pantry
The family is in for a treat when dining at the Pancake Pantry, one of Gatlinburg's most popular restaurants. Pancake Pantry specializes in, you guessed it, pancakes. With 24 different varieties of pancakes to choose from, the kid will be sure to find one that will satisfy their tooth. Stick with a classic blueberry pancake, or step out of the box and try something like the sweet potato pancakes or the orange-walnut pancakes. Breakfast is served all day at this joint and lunch is served after 11:30 am.
Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
#2 - Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
As the saying goes, the most important meal of the day is breakfast. Enjoy incredible dishes inspired by the Smoky Mountains when you dine at Crockett's Breakfast Camp. The most popular items on the menu include the Jimmy Jose's Scrambler and the Crockett’s Buckwheat Fruit & Nut Pancakes.
Hours: Monday thru Sunday, 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
#3 - Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que
Bennett's Pit BBQ has been serving Gatlinburg for over 29 years. From specialty ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and beef briskets, all basted in Bennett's specialty sauce, it will have yoour mouth watering and coming back for more.
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11am – 9pm; Friday - Saturday 11am – 10pm
#4 - Cherokee Grill
If you're looking for an upscale experience with family, Cherokee Grill's provides the perfect ambiance for an outing with your loved ones. Take in the mountain lodge atmosphere while dining. The main menu features steak, fresh seafood, and an assortment of other dishes. The kids menu includes hamburgers, a grilled cheese sandwich, chicken tenders, and of course, steak!
Hours: Hours vary depending on month and day. For an accurate time, please visit the Cherokee Grill website.
Family-Friendly Restaurants in Pigeon Forge
#1 - Mama's Farmhouse
What makes Mama's Farmhouse a Pigeon Forge staple is that the restaurant is a family-style concept. Unlike other all-you-can-eat restaurants that are typically buffet style, Mama's brings a portion of each menu item to the table making it a true family bonding experience. Try the award-winning fried chicken or satisfy your sweet tooth with a serving (or two) of banana pudding. Mama's is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Hours: Breakfast - 8 AM - 11 AM Daily; Lunch - 11 AM - 3 PM Daily; Dinner - 3 PM - 9 PM Daily
#2 - Dolly Parton's Stampede
For a dinner and a show, purchase tickets to Dolly Parton's Stampede, known as "the Smokies most fun place to eat." The ticket includes admission, a four-course meal, and a spectacular show! While taking in the show, you'll get to feast on delicious home-cooked, country classics like homemade biscuits, hickory smoked barbecue pork loin, corn on the cob and more. The show involves live animals, dramatic lighting, sound and pyrotechnics making it a night to remember with family and friends!
Hours: Daily with showtimes with 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM
#3 - Big Daddy's Pizzeria
Big Daddy's Pizzeria has two locations, one in Gatlinburg and one in Pigeon Forge. Try one of a kind pizzas that are handcrafted and homemade. Order the classic pepperoni or cheese pizzas, or dig into one of their specialty pies like the Smoky Mountain Cheesesteak, an Alfredo base pizza with mozzarella and provolone cheese, shaved steak, green peppers, and caramelized onions. The Pigeon Forge location features an arcade, a perfect way for the kids to pass time while waiting for the meals to be served.
Hours: Sun - Thurs 11:00AM – 9:00PM; Closed on Wednesday; Fri - Sat 11:00AM – 10:00PM
#4 - The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe & Grill
For a laid-back option, the Old Mill Pottery House Cafe & Grill is a great option for families. Menu items are made from scratch and baked goods are made fresh on site. The children's menu features entrees like a hamburger, cheeseburger, Old Mill corndog, grilled cheese, macoroni and cheese, or chicken tenders. Kids meals are served with soft drink and a choice of fries or fresh fruit cup or carrot & celery sticks.
Hours: Lunch & Dinner - 11 AM - 9 PM; Brunch - Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM - 2 PM