The Top 5 Places in Gatlinburg Where You Can Destroy Your Diet

I’ve had my time in the sun as a tourist in Gatlinburg. Despite my posts about eating healthy here, (because I have to be cautious now) I’ve done my fair share of gorging on grub my body always punishes me with an ultimate show of revenge. The following five places in Gatlinburg I’ve enjoyed—and still enjoy—to great extent, so I know a thing or two about throwing caution to the wind while on vacation. All of them are pretty darn awesome, and if you’re willing to destroy your diet, there’s few places, in my opinion, that do it better than these establishments I'm about to describe.

1. The Donut Friar

You can get your limitless daily calorie intake in Gatlinburg off to a doughy debut by hitting up the famous donut shop in The Village. Yes, The Donut Friar will easily get you at least a quarter of the way to your recommended calories after just one of their tasty treats. Go big by devouring a cream-filled Eclair or one of their layered cream Pillows. But if you really want to be mischievous, grab a couple of cake donuts of your choosing. Hey, why not. You’re on vacation, right? I cannot tell a lie—I’ve done this myself a time or two… or three… four? Who’s counting, anyway. Those days are likely history… sadly.

2. Fannie Farkle’s

For more than four decades, Fannie Farkle’s combines games and finger foods to imbue the carnival atmosphere this esteemed place is known for in downtown Gatlinburg. Unless you’ve totally lost your sense of smell, the sausages with peppers and onions make this sidewalk section narrow enough for your nostrils to fill and almost taste the smells emanating from the grill that’s front and… left of, center. The Ogle Dog is a footlong corndog everyone has to have at least once and is another long-standing fan fave. Trust me, you can rack up the fats at Fannie Farkle’s quicker than a big ticket win at your favorite game. Totally worth it though!

3. Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar

Mason glass jars filled and piled high with an ice cream milkshake, various candy and cake concoctions, plus whipped cream just screams, “I don’t care how many calories this is. I gotta have it!” I don’t even want to know how much sugar are in these coma-inducing delights. Just thinking about it gives me the shivers that I might go into diabetic ketoacidosis. I’ve had only a small handful of bites of these behemoths, but you’ll be well served spending your money on a sugar high your inner child will appreciate here at Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar at the Airport Road intersection in downtown Gatlinburg.

4. Boudicca’s Celtic Pub

This tiny pub has proven itself a powerhouse in its position in the corner of The Village. A 3-time defending Gatlinburger Week champ, Boudicca’s Celtic Pub has pressed on with a reputation of very large portions of fries (chips), fried fish, and chicken fingers. Their burgers are of the highest quality and originality unseen in these parts. This is a high-caloric meal, but it’s not high in regret. I’m a local and love getting broccoli and beer cheese (don’t miss this either!) as a side, so they’re speaking to all of our meal accommodations and expectations, which is why they are so great, and why their inclusion on this list is quite the compliment.

5. {Insert Your Chosen Pancake House Here}

People are going to argue over which pancake paradise place is the best, so I’m staying out of it—at least on this particular post. In reality, it doesn’t matter which of the flour-pancake-making specialty restaurants you choose, you’re going to need to loosen that belt a notch or two after a visit to any of the popular day-starter eateries in Gatlinburg. Countless calories and cholesterol consumption aren’t for the weak at these spots. You may need a full day of walking to burn off the aftermath and chaos of your diet’s destruction. I can also confirm this, but again, it’s totally worth it.

Are you ready to consume thousands upon thousands of calories here in Gatlinburg? In my opinion, these should be the first places you go for the shredding and sacrifice of whatever healthy eating habits you had in your hometown. As many of you already know, there’s a short supply of fine dining and a long line of comfort grub in this tourist town. But if you ever feel bad about it, there’s miles of trails and a lots of pavement pounding that’ll get you to your next feeding frenzy. Enjoy!

Thanks for reading my latest list of Gatlinburg goodies. I hope you stay tuned as I bring you more lists, news, and personal stuff that’s meant for your entertainment, enjoyment, and education for your next—or first—visit. I appreciate your support as always, and I welcome you to leave your own thoughts about this list in the comments!