The Best Local Eats in Tennessee’s Mountain Cities

Tucked away in the rolling hills and mountains of Tennessee, some of the best eats in the state can be found in the mountain cities. From southern BBQ to farm-to-table cuisine, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just passing through, there are plenty of tasty treats to be discovered in Tennessee’s mountain cities.

Sevierville: Delightful Dining

Sevierville offers up some of the best in Southern-style cooking. From comfort food like fried chicken and mashed potatoes to local favorites like Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant, you can find something to satisfy any craving. For a truly unique experience, head to The Old Mill Restaurant for a meal in a rustic 19th-century grist mill. Be sure to try the famous cream-style cornbread and the homemade apple butter.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more upscale, head to The Chop House. This classic steakhouse serves up some of the finest steaks in the area, as well as an extensive selection of wine and cocktails. For a truly memorable dinner, try their signature dry-aged ribeye steak.

For a more casual dining experience, head to the Apple Barn Cider Mill. Here you can enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. The restaurant offers up a wide selection of classic country favorites like fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and apple fritters. Be sure to try the famous apple cider doughnuts for dessert.

Gatlinburg: Comfort Cuisine

Gatlinburg is home to some of the best comfort food in the state. From classic Southern cooking to unique mountain-style dishes, this city has something for everyone. Be sure to check out the Pancake Pantry, a local favorite for breakfast. Here you can enjoy a delicious meal of pancakes, waffles, and omelets. For lunch and dinner, head to The Peddler Steakhouse for a truly memorable meal.

For a truly unique dining experience, head to the Historic Ogle Log Cabin. This rustic restaurant is located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and serves up classic mountain-style cooking. Be sure to try their signature “Mountain Man Burger,” which is made with ground beef, bacon, and onion rings. This burger is sure to satisfy any appetite.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more upscale, head to the Park Grill. This restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg and offers up some of the finest steak and seafood dishes in the area. Be sure to try their signature steak and lobster dinner for a truly memorable meal.

Pigeon Forge: Traditional Eats

Pigeon Forge is home to some of the best traditional Southern cooking in the state. From classic comfort food to traditional mountain-style dishes, this city has something for everyone. Be sure to check out the Old Mill Restaurant, a local favorite for breakfast. Here you can enjoy a delicious meal of pancakes, waffles, and omelets. For lunch and dinner, head to The Peddler Steakhouse for a truly memorable meal.

For a unique dining experience, head to the Historic Ogle Log Cabin. This rustic restaurant is located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and serves up classic mountain-style cooking. Be sure to try their signature “Mountain Man Burger,” which is made with ground beef, bacon, and onion rings. This burger is sure to satisfy any appetite.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more upscale, head to the Park Grill. This restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Pigeon Forge and offers up some of the finest steak and seafood dishes in the area. Be sure to try their signature steak and lobster dinner for a truly memorable meal.

Townsend: Farm-to-Table Fare

Townsend is home to some of the best farm-to-table cuisine in the state. From locally-sourced ingredients to handcrafted dishes, this city has something for everyone. Be sure to check out the Little River Trading Company, a local favorite for breakfast. Here you can enjoy a delicious meal of pancakes, waffles, and omelets. For lunch and dinner, head to The Apple Valley Café for a truly memorable meal.

For a unique dining experience, head to the Apple Valley Farm. This rustic farm offers up some of the freshest and most delicious produce in the area. Be sure to try their signature “Apple Valley Burger,” which is made with ground beef, bacon, and cheddar cheese. This burger is sure to satisfy any appetite.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more upscale, head to the Apple Valley Inn. This restaurant is located just outside of Townsend and offers up some of the finest steak and seafood dishes in the area. Be sure to try their signature steak and lobster dinner for a truly memorable meal.

Knoxville: Culinary Delights

Knoxville is home to some of the best restaurants in the state. From classic Southern cooking to gourmet fare, this city has something for everyone. Be sure to check out the popular Sunspot Restaurant, a local favorite for breakfast. Here you can enjoy a delicious meal of pancakes, waffles, and omelets. For lunch and dinner, head to the Bistro at the Bijou for a truly memorable meal.

For a unique dining experience, head to the Stock & Barrel. This restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Knoxville and serves up some of the finest burgers in the area. Be sure to try their signature “Stock & Barrel Burger,” which is made with ground beef, bacon, and cheddar cheese. This burger is sure to satisfy any appetite.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more upscale, head to the Café 4. This restaurant is located in the heart of the historic Old City district and offers up some of the finest steak and seafood dishes in the area. Be sure to try their signature steak and lobster dinner for a truly memorable meal.

Chattanooga: Unique Eats

Chattanooga is home to some of the most unique restaurants in the state. From classic Southern cooking to gourmet fare, this city has something for everyone. Be sure to check out the popular Easy Bistro, a local favorite for breakfast. Here you can enjoy a delicious meal of pancakes, waffles, and omelets. For lunch and dinner, head to the Flying Squirrel for a truly memorable meal.

For a unique dining experience, head to the Terminal Brewhouse. This restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga and serves up some of the finest burgers in the area. Be sure to try their signature “Brewhouse Burger,” which is made with ground beef, bacon, and cheddar cheese. This burger is sure to satisfy any appetite.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more upscale, head to the St. John’s Restaurant. This restaurant is located in the heart of the historic North Shore district and offers up some of the finest steak and seafood dishes in the area. Be sure to try their signature steak and lobster dinner for a truly memorable meal.

Memphis: Barbecue Heaven

Memphis is home to some of the best barbecue in the state. From classic Southern-style cooking to unique Memphis-style dishes, this city has something for everyone. Be sure to check out the famous Rendezvous Restaurant, a local favorite for barbecue. Here you can enjoy a delicious meal of ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken. For lunch and dinner, head to Central BBQ for a truly memorable meal.

For a unique dining experience, head to the Cozy Corner. This restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Memphis and serves up some of the finest barbecue in the area. Be sure to try their signature “Cozy Corner Burger,” which is made with ground beef, bacon, and cheddar cheese. This burger is sure to satisfy any appetite.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more upscale, head to the Majestic Grille. This restaurant is located in the heart of the historic South Main district and offers up some of the finest steak and seafood dishes in the area. Be sure to try their signature steak and lobster dinner for a truly memorable meal.

Summary

From classic Southern-style cooking to unique mountain-style dishes, Tennessee’s mountain cities have something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food, farm-to-table fare, traditional eats, or barbecue heaven, you can find it all in these beautiful mountain cities. So the next time you’re in the area, be sure to check out some of these amazing restaurants and experience the best local eats Tennessee has to offer.