Planning a trip to Gatlinburg? If you love good food, you’re in for a treat. Gatlinburg isn’t just known for its stunning mountain views and charming downtown—it’s also home to some incredible Southern cuisine. Whether you’re visiting for a quick weekend getaway or spending a full vacation exploring the Great Smoky Mountains, there’s no shortage of amazing dishes to try in this cozy town.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some must-try dishes that you won’t want to miss during your trip. Whether you’re looking for the perfect meal to refuel after a day of adventure or simply want to relax and enjoy local flavors, this list has you covered. Let’s dig in!
1. Must-Try Southern Starters
Southern cuisine is known for its hearty and flavorful starters, and The Park Grill in downtown Gatlinburg delivers some of the best. One of the top picks you can’t miss here is the Home Style Fried Green Tomatoes. These crispy, tangy tomatoes are fried to perfection and served with a house-made Cajun ranch sauce that adds just the right amount of kick. The combination of the crunchy exterior and the juicy, tangy tomatoes inside creates a perfect bite that captures the essence of Southern cooking.
Another popular starter you’ll want to try is Crunchy Fried Pickles. These bite-sized delights are tangy, crispy, and make for the perfect shareable appetizer. The salty, briny flavor of the pickles pairs perfectly with the crunchy batter, making them a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors.
If you’re exploring Gatlinburg and looking for a place that combines great food with a cozy atmosphere, The Park Grill is one of the best downtown Gatlinburg restaurants, and the food here is a must-try!
2. Hearty Main Courses to Fuel Your Adventures
After a day of exploring the Smoky Mountains or wandering through downtown Gatlinburg, you’ll want a meal that satisfies your hunger and fuels your next adventure. Luckily, Gatlinburg’s restaurants have plenty of hearty dishes that do just that.
For burger lovers, the Steakhouse Burger is a standout choice. This massive 10-ounce burger is packed with flavor and perfectly captures the feeling of a summer cookout. Topped with an onion ring and slathered in BBQ sauce, the Steakhouse Burger is served on a soft ciabatta bun that complements the smoky, savory flavors of the burger itself. Pair it with your favorite side (we’ll get into those later), and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to satisfy any craving.
If you’re more of a seafood lover, Gatlinburg has something special for you too. The Fresh Rainbow Trout is a dish that brings the flavors of the mountains right to your plate. This boneless trout can be grilled or fried, and it’s seasoned lightly to let the natural flavors shine through. Grilled rainbow trout is a lighter option, perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious yet flavorful meal. The fried version, on the other hand, is golden, crispy, and packed with all the comforting flavors you’d expect from Southern cooking. No matter how you choose to have it, the rainbow trout is a must-try for any seafood enthusiast.
3. Delicious Sides to Complete Your Meal
Of course, no meal is complete without the perfect sides to go along with your main course. One of the best things about dining in Gatlinburg is the variety of flavorful sides that come with your meal, and you’ll have no trouble finding something that suits your taste.
If you’re in the mood for something a little sweet and savory, the Sweet Potato Casserole with Coconut is a perfect choice. This dish combines the rich sweetness of sweet potatoes with the tropical flavor of coconut, creating a side that’s both comforting and unique. The creamy texture and slight crunch from the coconut topping make it a satisfying addition to any meal.
For a more traditional Southern side, the Potato Salad is a great option. Made with fresh ingredients and dressed in a tangy, creamy sauce, this classic side is a staple at many Southern tables. It’s the perfect complement to grilled meats and fried dishes, adding a cool, refreshing contrast to the richness of your main course.
Finally, if you’re looking for something crispy and satisfying, don’t miss the Battered Twisted Fries. These fries are a step above your typical French fry, with a light, crispy batter that adds extra crunch to every bite. They’re the ideal side for any burger or fried dish and are sure to leave you craving more.
4. Decadent Desserts to Wrap Up Your Meal
No meal is truly complete without a little something sweet to finish it off, and Gatlinburg’s dessert offerings are not to be missed. After indulging in savory starters and hearty main courses, save some room for dessert—you’ll be glad you did.
One dessert you can’t miss is the Peanut Butter Mud Pie. This decadent treat features layers of peanut butter and chocolate ice cream atop a chocolate cookie crust, all topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate makes for a dessert that’s indulgent but well-balanced. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth after a big meal.
Another Southern classic worth trying is the Hot Blackberry Cobbler. This warm, comforting dessert features fresh blackberries baked into a sweet, buttery crust and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The tartness of the blackberries pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the crust and the creaminess of the ice cream, making it a perfect ending to a great meal.
So whether you’re visiting Gatlinburg for a weekend or staying for a longer vacation, you’ll find plenty of delicious foods here to enjoy. The restaurants in Gatlinburg offer a unique dining experience with their mix of local ingredients and traditional Southern cooking. From fried green tomatoes to hearty burgers and sweet desserts, Gatlinburg has something for everyone.
So, the next time you’re planning a trip to Gatlinburg, make sure to indulge in the town’s rich food offerings. Whether you’re a foodie looking for the next best dish or just someone looking to enjoy a great meal after a day of adventure, Gatlinburg won’t disappoint. Happy eating!
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