I’m not a restaurant critic, so keep that in mind. But I’ve tried quite a few of the “popular” touristy restaurants in the area and I have tried some of the “holes in the wall” that the locals seem to like. I have a few favorites—I don’t like the touristy crowds, so I tend to stay away from those… here are the ones I frequent when I’m in the area. Most of these will take reservations well in advance, which is a good idea in this area:
The Chop House https://www.thechophouse.com/
It’s located on the Parkway between Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, so it’s easy to get to (just Google it). There’s plenty of parking, and it has a typical menu for American food: steaks, burgers, chicken, etc. It’s not spectacular so it’s not “touristy,” but they serve good food and they are always consistent and reasonably priced.
Cherokee Grill & Steakhouse https://cherokeegrill.com/
Located in Gatlinburg, and there’s usually lots of parking available behind the restaurant (driveway is next to the right side of the restaurant), but you may have to walk a long way from your car. You don’t have to pay for parking if you are eating at the restaurant, even though there are signs saying you have to pay. I usually go there if I want a good steak with a good wine. Great menu, great bar, great service… moderately priced.
Calhoun’s https://calhouns.com/
Located in Gatlinburg (next door to Cherokee Grill), and there’s usually parking available behind the restaurant (driveway is next to the left side of the restaurant), but you may have to walk a long way from your car. You don’t have to pay for parking if you are eating at the restaurant, even though there are signs saying that you have to pay. They have some really great BBQ. Great menu, great bar, great service… moderately priced.
Gaucho Urbano—Brazilian Steakhouse https://gauchourbano.com/
This is in Pigeon Forge, so it’s very close by and there’s plenty of parking. Very nice restaurant with white tablecloths and butler-like servers, but a bit pricey. If you are a meat-lover, this is your Shangra-La. I actually really like this one, as far as Brazilian steakhouses go, it’s my favorite of all time (and I’ve been to a lot of them). Their pork ribs are awesome and very unique (they’re not BBQed)…. they are to die for! I always ask for the ribs….
Graze Burgers https://grazeburgers.com/
Located in downtown Sevierville, so you will have to look for a parking spot and walk in. If you like a good local beer & gourmet hamburger, they really have it going. Nice ambiance…. It’s a little hole in the wall—definitely not touristy. They have a really great menu, but I always wind up ordering one of their hamburgers and I have them put all kinds of stuff on it…. Their onion rings are HUGE (and good)!
The Appalachian https://www.theappalachianrestaurant.com/
This one is also in downtown Sevierville, so you will have to look for a parking spot and walk in. Their menu is “Appalachian themed” with a great atmosphere (a bit pricey). They’ve taken traditional Appalachian foods and made them upscale, which I find really interesting. Picking the right table is important for me there… I don’t like to be “out in the open.” They’re pricey, but it’s a great experience with lots of unique things to try, and it reminds you that you are in the Appalachian Mountains.
Pawpaw’s Catfish Kitchen https://pawpawscatfishkitchen.com/
Located in Wear’s Valley (it’s on the way to Cade’s Cove and the Foothills Parkway if you are going on either of those driving tours). It’s definitely not touristy… it’s just a hole in the wall. But if you like fried catfish (and boiled crawfish when in season), then this is the place to go…. It’s one of the best catfish places I’ve ever been to (their thin breading is perfect). I always try to stop there for some catfish when I’m in the area. The owners are not locals—they are from Cajun country and they all have that unique Cajun accent… so this is real Cajun cooking. It’s really ironic to find great Cajun cooking in the Smoky Mountains, go figure. They don’t have much seating, so you might ought to call ahead…
Ray