Talk about options. Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the surrounding mountain cities want to make you feel right at home during your visit to the Smokies. That’s why there’s been a wave of restaurants offering new options on their menus: gluten-free, lactose free, vegan, vegetarian, organic—you name it!
If you’re looking for a vacation destination where EVERYONE can have a great time, the Smoky Mountains is it! No one has to stay behind when it’s time to hit the town and grab a bite to eat. But remember, too, our Pigeon Forge cabins come with fully equipped kitchens where you can prep, cook, and serve delicious meals any time and any way you want.
If you feel like cooking in, simply stop by the Wears Valley Farmer’s Market or a nearby grocery store and take your fresh selections back to the cabin. You can keep it light if you’re watching your waistline. Make it sugar-free if you’re diabetic. Or just keep it fresh if you’re wanting to try the local flavor.
But don’t forget you can find these options at many downtown restaurants as well. When you’re out and about, here are some of the delicious options you can look forward to.
Gluten-Free/Gluten-Sensitive
Those affected by celiac disease are not the only gluten-conscious visitors to the Smoky Mountains these days. Many avoid gluten because of sensitives, and still others avoid it just to live a healthier lifestyle. Well, when you vacation in Pigeon Forge, there’s no need to avoid downtown restaurants just to stay on track with your diet. There are more than a dozen delicious restaurants in the area with either gluten-free or gluten-sensitive options, including:
- Apple Barn Restaurant (230 Apple Valley Road, Sevierville)
- Blaine’s Grill and Bar (812 Parkway #105, Gatlinburg)
- Calhoun’s (2532 Parkway, Pigeon Forge)
- Carino’s Italian Grill (2425 Parkway, Pigeon Forge)
- Chop House (1649 Parkway, Sevierville)
- Dixie Stampede Dinner Show (3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge)
- Gigi’s Cupcakes (2430 Teaster Lane #103, Pigeon Forge)
- J.T. Hannah’s Kitchen (3214 Parkway, Pigeon Forge)
- No Way Jose’s Cantina (104 Waldens Main Street, Pigeon Forge)
- Smoky Mountain Brewery (2530 Parkway, Pigeon Forge)
- Thai Palace (1811 Parkway #104, Sevierville)
There are also a few chain restaurants in the area that provide gluten-free options or gluten-free menus. You might try Logan’s Roadhouse in Sevierville, McAlister’s Deli in Pigeon Forge, Mellow Mushroom in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, or The Melting Pot in Gatlinburg.
Vegan/Vegetarian
The Smoky Mountains are not only catering to gluten-free eaters, but also vegans and vegetarians. You shouldn’t have to say no to eating out just because you steer clear of certain foods. So when you come to Pigeon Forge, try one of these local restaurants that has your diet preferences in mind:
- J.T. Hannah’s Kitchen (3214 Parkway, Pigeon Forge)
- Margaritaville (130 The Island Drive Suite 6101, Pigeon Forge)
- Mellow Mushroom (131 The Island Drive Suite 3101, Pigeon Forge)
- Pigeon Forge Deli (159 E. Wears Valley Road, Pigeon Forge)
- Smoky Mountain Brewery (2530 Parkway, Pigeon Forge)
Farm-to-Table/Fresh
Maybe you don’t have an allergy or a particular food item you’re trying to avoid. Maybe you just enjoy farm-fresh ingredients and from-scratch cooking. If that’s you, then be sure to visit one of these local restaurants while you’re in town. These 3 restaurants are not the only ones in the Smokies serving up fresh food, but they are some of the running favorites!
- Bistro 109 (109 Bruce Street, Sevierville)—If you’re looking for a place to have a date night in the Smokies, Bistro 109 is the right choice for you. This modern, upscale restaurant prides itself in its unique atmosphere and delicious entrees. But they also pride themselves on supporting local growers and using organic ingredients produced by sustainable agricultural practices. For 5-star dining you can feel good about it, visit this elegant bistro.
- Elvira’s Café (4143 Wears Valley Road, Sevierville)—Owned by a Siberian immigrant who made the U.S. her home after working as a student in a summer work program, Elvira’s Café is a unique casual dining restaurant in the Smokies that offers some of the freshest ingredients around. The food is classic Southern dining with a Russian twist. Enjoy farm-fresh ingredients and locally grown products at this popular café.
- Sawyer’s Farmhouse Breakfast (2831 Parkway, Pigeon Forge)—Now this is breakfast the way your mama used to make it! At Sawyer’s Farmhouse, a locally owned and operated restaurant, they’re serving up made-from-scratch breakfast favorites all day long. They have all the traditional Southern flavors you look forward to when you visit the Smokies as well some healthy options for those watching their waistline. Be sure to come hungry when you visit Sawyer’s!
No matter what you’re looking for—healthy, vegan, gluten-free, or fresh—you’ll find it in the Smokies! Be sure to ask our reservation specialists about dining options for your cabin as well. We’ll do the work of putting together a delicious meal, and you can enjoy a stress-free, quiet night in the cabin!
