4 Restaurants in Downtown Gatlinburg You Need to Try

Calhoun's in Gatlinburg
July 14, 2022

Along the Parkway in Gatlinburg, you will find all sorts of amazing restaurants! The good news is that there are places to eat for all cravings, including seafood, Mexican food, Italian food, and everything in between. With so many options, it can be hard to come to a decision. To help out, we have put together this list of 4 restaurants in downtown Gatlinburg you need to try:

1. Pancake Pantry

Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg

Before you begin your busy day of sightseeing in Gatlinburg, start your morning off at Pancake Pantry for an incredible breakfast. They offer a variety of all your traditional favorites, including eggs, bacon, sausage, and grits. However, as you can probably gather from the name, they are most known for their pancakes. In fact, you will find 24 amazing varieties of the treat at Pancake Pantry, ranging from original pancakes with syrup to specialty delights such as Caribbean Pancakes with sliced bananas and chopped nuts.

2. The Peddler Steakhouse

As one of the most popular restaurants in the Smokies, The Peddler Steakhouse takes pride in their rich tradition. Since 1985, they have been serving locals and guests the most perfectly cooked steaks to go along with an astonishing view of the Little Pigeon River. Your meal will start off with a trip through the famous salad bar, where you will find dozens of fresh ingredients and homemade dressings. From there, you can choose from one of the delectable entrees on the menu, including steak, chicken, and seafood! No matter what you decide to have, you will begin your own tradition of visiting The Peddler during every trip to the Smokies.

3. No Way Jose’s

No Way Jose's in Gatlinburg

Are you ready for a fiesta? If so, No Way Jose’s is the place for you! They are located right next door to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, one of the most popular attractions in the area. After a day of learning about incredible marine life, you can walk over to No Way Jose’s for an authentic Mexican meal. They serve all sorts of incredible entrees, including tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, and much more. Be sure to start your meal off with some delicious chips and homemade salsa to get the party started. Don’t miss these other Mexican restaurants in Gatlinburg!

4. Calhoun’s

A trip to the Smoky Mountains isn’t complete without sampling some true Southern barbeque, which is what you will find at Calhoun’s! The menu selection and incredible service is what makes it one of the best restaurants in downtown Gatlinburg to visit with your family. You can start your meal off with fresh homemade bread before choosing on a main course. If you are having trouble deciding what to have, you can’t go wrong with the Calhoun Trio, which lets you sample a little bit of everything, including ribs, chicken tenders, and pulled pork. Be sure to save some room for dessert because you have to try the fresh key lime pie that is to die for!

Now that you know about some of the best restaurants in downtown Gatlinburg, be sure to check out some other places to eat in Gatlinburg during your trip! We look forward to seeing you soon!