My Family's Picks for the Best Restaurants in Gatlinburg
I just released my list for the top 5 restaurants in Gatlinburg, and most of you seem to agree with at least one. As bonus special content, I asked my wife and son their best 5 in Gatlinburg and had them write down their selections. As an addition to my list, I had them put their favorite item from the restaurant. There shouldn’t be too much surprise and deviation from my list, you would think. Well, you’ll have to see for yourself. Sometimes it’s nice getting a little extra feedback when you’re deciding where to go in a place that has plenty of quality for hungry tourists. It’s time to see whether or not their lists reflect my choices.
Wife (Erin)
#5 Alamo Steakhouse
The first one that differs from mine is Alamo Steakhouse. We’ve all been impressed with their food—priced cheaper during lunch hours when we’ve visited. This is a secondary recommendation for steak. We haven’t eaten at a couple heralded places in Gatlinburg yet for steak, but it’s easy to see why people choose the Alamo.
Favorite item(s): Lunch Steak and Fries
#4 Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que
Now we’re back on track. Bennett’s eked into my top 5, but my wife has it at 4. Once again, it’s difficult when we don’t want to spend a lot on lunch (our favorite time to eat here). We love their BBQ, but the rising prices for meat have kept us away for a bit, but I’m sure we will make it back.
Favorite item(s): Burnt Ends, House BBQ Sauce
#3 Tennessee Jed’s
I’m actually surprised she didn’t have this even higher. Their breakfast moving exclusively to their second location on 321 was a heart-breaker for all of us, especially my wife. The good thing is they have plenty of other items on their menu worthy of a taste.
Favorite item(s): BBQ Pork Sandwich, Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich
#2 Best Italian (Elks Plaza)
We’re all in agreement here. The most amazing pizza in Gatlinburg is here. If you’re a paid subscriber, I’ve given away my favorite pizza. It shouldn’t be a surprise to any of you who love it like we do.
Favorite item: Cheese PIZZA!
#1 Cherokee Grill
Also, my number one, my wife and I didn’t eat here on our first visit to Gatlinburg. I believe it was year two that we were blessed with a meal worth the extra dollars. We used to think it was an amazing value once you threw in two marvelous sides, one of which has changed (Neva’s Potatoes), but still awful good. Now they do just one side, even with their more expensive entrees. That’s disappointing, but it’s hard to argue the quality we’ve been given at this restaurant.
Favorite item(s): Prosperity Steak, Spinach Mac & Cheese
Zach (Son)
#5 Little House of Pancakes
I really like this pick, solely because of the pancakes. Even though this is a paid post, I don’t want to give away anything. Zach actually loves other breakfast items I find quite good as well.
Favorite item(s): Ham and Cheese Omelet, Home Fries, Biscuits
#4 Best Italian (Elks Plaza)
The only thing I’m surprised about is where he has them. I think he’s taking a few points off, only because we haven’t ventured deep into their menu.
Favorite item(s): Cheese Pizza, Garlic Knots
#3 Tennessee Jed’s
OK now I’m not surprised at where he has Best Italian. It’s still pretty easy to rank them this high, even though it was him and my wife’s go-to spot for breakfast that unfortunately no longer exists at their original downtown location.
#2 Smoky Mountain Brewery
Here is where the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Zach has always remembered this place as where we got the best service, which is ironic because we took a two year break as a family from here because of poor service. It happens to the best sometimes.
Favorite item(s): Wings with Thunder Road Sauce, Pizza
#1 Cherokee Grill
Like I mentioned with #2, we line up perfectly with our number 1. When we first visited, we didn’t take him, but he knows good food. That’s why it’s a unanimous choice with us.
Favorite item(s): Prosperity Steak, Spinach Mac & Cheese
To sum up our choices, we all obviously had the same top restaurant, but my wife and son each had a different choice than me in the top five. What’s interesting will be how it changes with future visits. I am almost certain it will change when I ask them again, maybe after our next visit. Stay tuned for that! Thanks for subscribing!