Anyone who has visited Gatlinburg before knows that the downtown area is filled with wonderful restaurants! With everything from pancake joints to pizza parlors to steakhouses, you are guaranteed to find something that tickles your tastebuds. When you stay at the Chalet Village cabin community, you will only be a 10 – 15 minute drive from all of the excellent restaurants in downtown Gatlinburg. To help you prepare for your next vacation, we have put together a guide to the top five places to eat on The Strip:
1. Pancake Pantry
There is no better way to start your day than with a trip to the Pancake Pantry! This legendary restaurant is Tennessee’s first pancake house, and its flapjacks rank among the very best in the nation. The Pancake Pantry has a seemingly endless variety of hotcakes to choose from, including Wild Blueberry Pancakes, Sweet Potato Pancakes, Swiss Chocolate Chip Pancakes, and authentic Swedish Pancakes with imported lingonberries. Everything at the Pancake Pantry is made from scratch with real butter and fresh whipped cream, so you really can’t go wrong when you dine here.
2. Parton’s Deli
Parton’s Deli has been a favorite lunch destination for visitors and locals alike for over 40 years. Known for its tasty subs and friendly service, Parton’s is the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat in the afternoon. In addition to the mouthwatering sandwiches, standout menu items include the deviled eggs, potato salad, chili dogs, and lemon pound cake. Don’t let the deli’s unassuming exterior fool you; this place is the real deal!
(See Also: 5 Fun Attractions Near Our Gatlinburg Cabins)
3. Cherokee Grill
Cherokee Grill is one of the most popular restaurants in downtown Gatlinburg for upscale dining. Offering a comfortable mountain lodge atmosphere, this restaurant is ideal for a romantic date night or dinner with the whole family. Guests at Cherokee Grill will enjoy a varied menu that includes seafood entrees, rotisserie chicken, salads, sandwiches, and delicious steaks. If you visit Cherokee Grill, be sure to try their famous blue cheese grits – they are phenomenal!
4. Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
If you’re craving pizza, a visit to Big Daddy’s Pizzeria is an absolute must! This superb restaurant offers an impressive selection of pies, all of which are baked in their signature 550 degree, wood-fired brick oven. With homemade dough and the freshest ingredients available, pizza from Big Daddy’s never disappoints. For a pizza that is out of the ordinary, try their Taco Pie, which is covered in ground beef, refried beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and cheese sauce.
5. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que
As a city in the South, Gatlinburg certainly doesn’t slouch in the BBQ department. Our favorite place for pulled pork, brisket, and ribs is Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que. This award winning restaurant smokes its meats over smoldering hickory wood for up to 14 hours to create exceptionally tender and flavorful dishes. In addition to its signature meats, guests will enjoy a great selection of sides, including spicy mac and cheese, BBQ beans, biscuits, and deep fried corn.
When you stay at Chalet Village, you will be just a short drive away from all of these fantastic restaurants in downtown Gatlinburg! Our cabin community offers an unparalleled location near The Strip, the Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Area, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To start planning your vacation, browse our complete listing of Gatlinburg cabin rentals!
