8 Bucket List Worthy Restaurants in Pigeon Forge

One of the best parts about visiting Pigeon Forge is that there is no shortage of places to eat! Whether you’re looking for somewhere for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the options are endless. Because you have so many choices, it can be hard to decide which ones to try. That’s where we come in! Here are 8 bucket list worthy restaurants in Pigeon Forge:

1. Old Mill Restaurant

Of course, this famous Pigeon Forge restaurant is at the top of our list! The Old Mill Restaurant serves up hearty Southern classics and is loved by both visitors and locals. Breakfast is one of the most popular times here, when you can get stone ground corn grits, homemade biscuits and gravy, pancakes and more. For lunch and dinner, enjoy everything from Southern style fried chicken and chicken and dumplings to tasty quiche. The best part is the dining area overlooks the Little Pigeon River as it flows through the water wheel of The Old Mill itself, so you’ll have both a delicious meal and a great view!

2. Local Goat

The Local Goat is another one of the Pigeon Forge restaurants you don’t want to miss. The parking lot is always packed full of cars, but don’t let that turn you away — the wait goes by quickly! Local Goat is a New American restaurant that features locally sourced and sustainable menu items. Although it’s most famous for its deep fried deviled eggs and burgers, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Chicken wings, burgers, steaks, seafood … the list goes on! Located right off the Pigeon Forge Parkway, the Local Goat deserves a spot on your bucket list.

3. Pottery House Cafe

Located right next door to the Old Mill Restaurant, the Old Mill Pottery House Cafe is worth a visit as well. Locals love dining here, so you know it has to be good! Here, you can find freshly made sandwiches, salads, and hearty entrees — all served on dishes made next door at Pigeon River Pottery. This is a popular spot for lunch, when you can enjoy tasty soups, sandwiches and salads. Be sure to save room for a slice of coconut cream pie or chocolate cake for dessert!

4. Blue Moose Burgers & Wings

You can never go wrong with burgers and wings, and this is one of the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge to get them from! Blue Moose Burgers & Wings is the top family-friendly sports bar in the area, and one of the best kept secrets in Pigeon Forge. With about 30 HDTVs, this is the perfect spot to watch a game, and with 16 different flavors of wing sauces, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy jumbo chicken wings! The menu has more than just wings, though — salads, fried shrimp, wraps, sandwiches, nachos and more can be found here.

5. Junction 35 Spirits

Another hidden gem in Pigeon Forge that is worth putting on your bucket list is Junction 35 Spirits. Quickly becoming one of the top distilleries in town, it also has a delicious restaurant! Do a tasting at the distillery before heading to the Kitchen & Bar to have a meal. Order a handcrafted cocktail from the bar, paired with slow-cooked BBQ, a burger, artisan pastas and more. Junction 35 is located at the Mountain Mile in Pigeon Forge!

6. Puckett’s

Within walking distance of our hotel, you’ll find Puckett’s. Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant is famous for Southern comfort food, including Southern fried chicken, smoked meatloaf and fried catfish. It’s also known for its BBQ! Get some cherry wood-smoked pulled pork, smoked half chicken or beef brisket, paired with two sides and a signature cajun corn cake. Another great part about dining here is that there’s also live music on select days!

7. Huck Finn’s

Are you looking for the best Southern food in the Smokies? Then you have to head to Huck Finn’s! This family-owned Pigeon Forge restaurant is one you don’t want to miss. It is known for its award-winning, all-you-can eat catfish, fried chicken and sides. Enjoy endless scratch-made hushpuppies, fresh coleslaw, white beans with turkey ham, pickle spears and sweet onion slices with your meal. Then, end your meal on a sweet note with Memaw’s Homemade Cobbler of the Day or Mo’s ‘Nana Pudding!

8. Mel’s Classic Diner

This classic diner is one that people can’t stop talking about. Mel’s Diner is a family-owned American diner, and it’s been rated one of the best budget-friendly restaurants in Pigeon Forge! Enjoy breakfast food all day long or a cheeseburger and milkshake for breakfast — there are no rules here. The only rule is to come hungry so you can enjoy everything there is to offer, especially dessert. You have to try Mel’s famous banana split that you can get with 3 scoops of ice cream or 6! For a meal that’s both affordable and delicious, Mel’s Diner is the place to be.

These are just some of our favorite restaurants in Pigeon Forge that deserve a spot on your bucket list! For more ideas of places to dine, take a look at these Pigeon Forge restaurants.