When visiting the Smoky Mountains, a trip is never complete without tasting the soul of the South—authentic, home-cooked Southern cuisine. Ranging from hot fried chicken to creamy mac & cheese, these dishes warm up the heart and stomach. If you’re staying in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, or anywhere nearby, we have rounded up for you the top Southern-style restaurants you absolutely can’t miss. If you’re in the mood for a good fashioned country breakfast or some lip-smackin’ BBQ, here’s your insider’s guide to where to dine Southern-style in the Smokies.
🥘 1. The Old Mill Restaurant – Pigeon Forge, TN
No list of Southern eateries is complete without mentioning The Old Mill Restaurant. Located beside a historic gristmill, it serves Southern staples like chicken pot pie, cornbread muffins, and country-fried steak. Each meal feels like it was made in Grandma’s kitchen. The river views just add to the charm.
Must Try: Corn chowder, country-fried steak, pecan pie
📍 Address: 164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN
🍗 2. Mama’s Farmhouse – Pigeon Forge, TN
Want to feel like you’re dining in a Southern grandmother’s home? Mama’s Farmhouse is all about family-style comfort food. Instead of ordering from a menu, they bring you generous helpings of every dish available that day.
Must Try: Fried chicken, sweet potato casserole, banana pudding
🍽️ Great for: Large groups and families
🔗 Plan your visit to the Smokies with Smith Creek Resort, just minutes away from this culinary gem.
🧈 3. Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant – Sevierville, TN
Home of the famous apple fritters and homemade apple butter, Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant offers true Southern hospitality. Their menu includes everything from country ham to chicken and dumplings.
Must Try: Apple julep, chicken and dumplings, apple fritters
🌳 Tip: Walk around the nearby apple orchard after your meal.
🥓 4. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen – Pigeon Forge, TN
Experience Paula Deen’s famous recipes at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, where everything is served family-style and you won’t leave hungry. It’s Southern comfort food at its richest and most flavorful.
Must Try: Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, spareribs, creamed potatoes
🛍️ Located inside The Island, perfect for post-meal shopping.
🐖 5. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que – Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, TN
For meat-lovers, Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que is a barbecue lover’s paradise. They smoke their meats over hickory wood for hours, creating that perfect tender and smoky texture.
Must Try: Brisket, pulled pork sandwich, BBQ beans
🔥 Bonus: Their BBQ sauce is available to purchase and take home!
🥚 6. Crockett’s Breakfast Camp – Gatlinburg, TN
Breakfast is a Southern affair too, and Crockett’s Breakfast Camp delivers it big—with plate-sized pancakes, crispy bacon, and eggs done just right. It’s a tribute to legendary frontiersman David C. “Crockett” Maples.
Must Try: Aretha Frankenstein pancakes, corned beef hash
🍳 Arrive early—it gets busy for good reason.
🥩 7. Local Goat – Pigeon Forge, TN
While not traditional in look, Local Goat is a scratch kitchen with Southern flair. They mix locally sourced ingredients with Southern classics, including deviled eggs with candied bacon and Southern-fried pork chops.
Must Try: Fried green tomatoes, pimento cheeseburger
🎨 The rustic-modern atmosphere is a favorite among locals.
🥬 Bonus Tip: Where to Stay
If you’re looking for a central location to enjoy all these culinary delights, consider booking your stay at Smith Creek Resort. Located in the heart of the Smokies, it’s just minutes away from all your favorite Southern-style restaurants and attractions.
✅ Final Thoughts
Southern food is more than a cuisine—it’s a culture and a tradition. These handpicked restaurants offer warm service, homemade flavors, and a chance to taste history on every plate. Whether you’re indulging in crispy fried chicken, velvety mashed potatoes, or a slice of homemade pie, one thing’s for sure—you’ll be going back for seconds.
Don’t just visit the Smokies—taste them, one bite at a time.