smoky mountain info

RESTAURANTS

Most of the ones listed below are “mom and pop” type places. Places owned by locals and frequented by us, our friends and neighbors. These are strictly my own opinions (and Chuck’s) so “try them or not” it’s up to you. Everyone likes and dislikes are different. Bottom line, I’m not responsible if you “don’t like it” but I’m definitely RESPONSIBLE IF “YOU LOVE IT”.

So many friends have asked for recommendations we thought we would make it easy for our friends who visit here. Places are listed by town. All are here in the Smoky Mountain area (east Tennessee if you’re really lost). And yes, we eat out a lot! This is just the short list! We’re still in a 1972 Airstream trailer/camper while we’re building our home. Ever try to cook on a kids “easy bake” well that’s easy compared to this. But that’s a whole other story. Keep checking back as we go other places I’ll add. Chuck and I have a little game going to see who finds the most and the best “mom & pop” type places. Many of these have web sites and I’ll try to add more lately.

Alcoa:

Midland Restaurant – Midland Shopping Center - Breakfast, lunch, dinner – Home style cooking. 865 984-0684
Gracie’s – 766 E. Lincoln Rd 865 984-7117 Home cooking here too. Desserts like mom’s!

Gatlinburg:

The Peddler – 820 River Road At the entrance to the park – Evenings only. Also has a bar. It’s right on the river and if you are lucky enough to get a table by the window the view is beautiful. Open 7 days a week. Check out their web site online. Steaks a specialty of the house and the salad bar is really nice. This is a chain. Children’s meals are based on their age for pricing. Portions are huge.
Mountain Lodge Restaurant – 913 East Parkway - Open daily except Tuesdays until 3:00PM. Breakfast and lunch. Be sure to try the banana pudding. Get there early on Sundays (before the 11:00 church service lets out). Check the blackboard out as you enter for specials.
Buckhorn Inn – Built in1938, a wonderful bed and breakfast. The rooms are beautiful and what a setting for a wedding! Breakfast included if you stay, or you can make reservations if not staying there. We had dinner (Valentine’s). Truly wonderful food and service. You must make reservations and you can only make them one week in advance. They give their guests first choice. They have a web site, check it out. Not inexpensive but well worth the price.

Townsend:

Sister Cats - 7327 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway – 865 448-0033 – Winter hours are Thurs, Fri & Sat. 11 to 3. The chicken salad is my favorite. But everything is great. Especially the desserts! Hot chocolate is a favorite on a cold day too. It’s her own secret family receipe.
Wild Mountain Rose Bakery – 929 Cavern Road – Open Thurs, Fri & Sat. - 4 to 8 PM. 865 448-6895 Take out only. Pizzas are wonderful. Connie is just getting started but will soon have homemade breads too!
Trailhead – 7839 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy 865 448-0166. Nice steaks. Log cabin. Has winter hours I’m not sure of. Call first.
Back Porch – 7018 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy 865 448-6333. Home style cooking again.
Miss Lilly’s Café – 122 Depot Ave. 865 448-1924. Food is wonderful. Creamy tomato basil soup a favorite. Check out the website to find out about catering, banquet hall, chapel, weddings, etc. You can even buy flowers from these people. www.lilybarn.com
Thunderhead Perk – 7429 Hwy 321 865 448-2332. Great coffee. Our version of “Starbucks” but even better!
Apple Valley Kitchen – 7138 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy. 865 448-1232. Good chicken salad sandwiches. Mostly sandwiches, soups and such. Nice apple pie too! Gift shop right next door. Try the fudge.
The Coffee Shop in Townsend – 7967 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy, next to Dollar General, in the IGA grocery center. (865) 448-3529 Wi Fi available free. Great coffee, plus wonderful soups and sandwiches for lunch. Cozy places to sit too.

Walland:

Becky’s Grill - Parking is tricky but well worth the challenge. The food is terrific and the desserts to die for! Simple menu and won’t break the pocket book. Becky cooks everything herself and you can watch her do it! The restaurant is located off the beaten path. 3858 Laws Chapel Rd. (off 321) and is in the old family grocery store. 865 379-6121.

Maryville:

Los Amigos – 409 Cusick St. 865 983-6022 Mexican food at a reasonable price. Good and always hot!
Gondolier Pizza & Italian Restaurant – 2632 Hwy 411 S 865 982-7444 Great pizza and bread!
Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant – 2715 US Hwy 411 S 865 982-2228 I like the burritos here, but everything has been good we’ve tried.
Lee’s Famous Chicken – 523 Louisville Rd 865 984-3880 Drive thru or eat in. Good for picnics. Local version of “Kentucky Fried”.
411 Restaurant – 2635 US Hwy 411 S 865 380-8880 Home style cooking again. Sunday “all you can eat buffet” really good and starts at 11. This place open for breakfast too.
Foothills Milling Company – 315 S. Washington St. 865 977-8434 Really good. Fine dining. I don’t recommend you take kids here. Try the “fried grits” appetizer. It’s so good and just in case you “don’t like grits” they don’t taste like grits at all.
Sweet Celebrations – 1400 W. Broadway Ave 865 233-2849. Great new bakery. And the only true bakery. We have grocery stores with bakeries, but this is the real thing. Not cheap, but soooooooo good. Where’s that diet when I need it??

Pigeon Forge:

Mel’s Diner – 119 Wears Valley Rd. 865 429-2184. Great burgers and banana splits. Actually the desserts so far have all been good. Did I mention I need a good diet plan??

Sevierville:

Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant – Apple Valley Rd just off 411. Check out info under shopping category.

Knoxville:

Cumberland Grill/Copper Cellar – 1807 Cumberland Ave. 865 673-3411. Casual upstairs and more formal downstairs. Cumberland is upstairs, has a bar and TVs. Downstairs is the Cellar and a little fancier. Food is really good. They have a web site check it out.

Wears Valley:

Marco Polo’s – 2760 Wears Valley Rd 865 428-8690 My favorite is the pizza! Open 6 days per week, closed on Sundays. 11 AM to 9 PM. Chef owned and operated. 20 yrs experience. Culinary School Graduate. Fantastic pizza. Nice salads and desserts too.