When hunger starts to creep up, there’s no need to worry – the best restaurants in Downtown Gatlinburg will take care of it! Here is a Gatlinburg vacation guide to help you find your way.
Gatlinburg is packed with delicious eateries, from cozy cafes to family-friendly restaurants. And the best part? They’re all within walking distance of each other, so you can easily hop from one to the next.
If you’re looking for a great place to eat while visiting Gatlinburg, then head downtown! From steakhouses and barbecue joints to seafood and Italian eateries, you’ll have plenty of options.
Here are some of the best restaurants in downtown Gatlinburg.
Can you walk around downtown Gatlinburg?
Gatlinburg is an extremely walkable town, with a pedestrian-friendly layout and plenty of things to see and do. The main strip through downtown Gatlinburg is only about a mile long, making it easy to explore on foot.
Many of the attractions and restaurants in Gatlinburg are located within walking distance of each other, so you can easily make your way around town without having to drive.
If you don’t have a car and don’t want to walk either, there’s the Gatlinburg trolley which is free to ride and open to everyone. The trolley runs up and down the main parkway through Gatlinburg, making stops at all of the major attractions.
Best Restaurants In Downtown Gatlinburg
Check out our list of the best restaurants in Downtown Gatlinburg.
The Pancake Pantry has been open since 1960 and is Tennessee’s first and only pancake house. This historic Smoky Mountain eatery is one of the more “famous” restaurants in the area and draws tons of loyal customers every single day.
The Pancake Pantry offers a variety of pancakes, including buttermilk, blueberry, and chocolate chip. They also offer breakfast items such as eggs, bacon, sausage, and oatmeal. The lunch and dinner menu features items such as sandwiches, burgers, salads, and soup.
With its great location(situated right on the main strip at 710 Parkway), superb service, and delicious Italian food, it's no wonder that Best Italian has been a popular spot for Gatlinburg visitors for years.
The restaurant is most famous for large pizzas, and garlic rolls, which come dripping with butter and parmesan. Try their calzones or stuffed shells - both are huge and sure to fill you up.
Calhoun's Gatlinburg is a great option for visitors looking for a delicious meal in the heart of Gatlinburg. The restaurant bills itself as "the taste of Tennessee," and they certainly live up to that reputation.
Calhoun's offers a wide variety of meat-based dishes, from hot wings to steak to barbecue. And no matter what you order, you're sure to be impressed with the flavor and quality of the food.
Cherokee Grill is a great place to enjoy dinner while in downtown Gatlinburg. The restaurant has an inviting mountain lodge atmosphere, with stone and brick walls, granite and walnut features.
Their menu is well-stocked with delicious options, like starters of crab bisque or smoked trout; salads with steak or tuna; burgers and sandwiches; entrees of chicken, ribs, seafood, and steaks; and more.
Smith & Son Corner Kitchen is conveniently located near all the shopping, attractions, and entertainment in downtown Gatlinburg and offers one of the best spots to take a break and enjoy a delicious meal.
The All-American menu has a great selection of classic favorites that are sure to please any appetite. Whether you're in the mood for slow-cooked ribs or sizzling fajitas, smoked meatloaf, or Delta catfish, they've got something for everyone.
No Way Jose’s Cantina in Gatlinburg is centrally located at stoplight #5 across the street from the beautiful Ripley’s Aquarium. At this restaurant, you can enjoy your favorite Mexican dishes with delicious and fresh flavors.
From daily made soup & salsas to famous steak, chicken & shrimp fajitas served hot with sautéed onions and red & green peppers on top.
Where To Stay in Gatlinburg?
Located right in the heart of Gatlinburg! This 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom cabin is less than 10 minutes away from all action. You can’t get much closer to downtown Gatlinburg than this!
Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary
I understand how difficult it can be to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time going. That’s why I created this 7-day itinerary for the Smoky Mountains. It outlines all of the best places to go in the area and comes with insider tips that will save you a lot of stress–trust me, they saved me when I was planning my own trip!
- Our 7-day itinerary takes you to the best places in the Smoky Mountains.
- You’ll get to see all the best sights and attractions with driving directions
- The itinerary is designed to show you the most scenic routes.
- Packing Checklist for every season.
- You’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
- Insider Tips!
Here’s a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary.
- Day 1: Cades Cove Loop
- Day 2: Rich Mountain Road
- Day 3: Cataloochee Valley
- Day 4: Newfound Gap Road
- Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail
- Day 6: Little River Road
- Day6: Foothills Parkway
Get Your FREE Smoky Mountains Checklist!
Recommended Gatlinburg Vacation Resources
- Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg in March
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
Are you looking for a different kind of adventure in Gatlinburg, well you’re in luck! Check out our post on Unique Things To Do In Gatlinburg, which will surely surprise you.
And if you’re bringing the kids with you on your trip, get this Great Smoky Mountains National Park Coloring Page to keep them busy and entertained while on the road.