Where to Eat Near the Great Smoky Mountains
After a day of hiking, rafting, or sightseeing in the Smokies, nothing beats a great meal. Whether you’re craving BBQ, a hearty steak, or a cold beer, we’ve got the perfect spots to refuel around East Tennessee.
Check out these Copper Cellar Family restaurants that can take your Smoky Mountain adventuring to the next level, with selections for the whole family and some memorable outdoor dining options:
Best Restaurants for Good Eats in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
Whether you’ve just wrapped up a day at Anakeesta, cruised the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, or explored the exhibits at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, you’ve likely worked up an appetite. Luckily, some of the best restaurants in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are just around the corner, ready to help you refuel with flavor-packed Southern favorites and East Tennessee hospitality.
Calhoun’s in Gatlinburg for BBQ Lovers
A long-time East Tennessee favorite, Calhoun’s is famous for its slow-smoked ribs (once voted Best Ribs in America!), pulled pork, and Tennessee-style BBQ – all served up in a casual environment with Southern hospitality. Wash it all down with some sweet tea, a signature cocktail, or one of the craft beers on tap from our very own Smoky Mountain Brewery.
Not near Gatlinburg? You can also find Calhoun’s near you in Knoxville and Oak Ridge.
Smoky Mountain Brewery for Pizza, Burgers, & Brews
If a casual beer hall atmosphere with sports on the TV is more your vibe, stop by the Gatlinburg location of Smoky Mountain Brewery (SMB), East Tennessee’s oldest microbrewery. With regular live entertainment, it’s the perfect mountain setting to enjoy an original craft brew and a signature pizza or burger!
Depending on where your adventure takes you, you can also visit one of our other SMB locations in Knoxville, Maryville, and Pigeon Forge.
Cherokee Grill for Steakhouse Favorites
More in the mood for steak and seafood? Treat yourself at Cherokee Grill with premium steaks, fresh seafood, and classic Southern sides. As Gatlinburg’s premier steakhouse, the grill offers an upscale mountain lodge atmosphere – the perfect blend of comfort and class while you unwind from the day’s adventures.
From the Smokies to the City:
Where to Dine in Knoxville
Headed from the Smokies to the Scruffy City? Maybe you’re spending some extra time in Knox after a day at Zoo Knoxville, or a day adventuring outside at Lakeshore Park or Concord Park. Perhaps you spent the day of shopping in Turkey Creek… However you spend the day, there’s no shortage of restaurants in West Knoxville (just a short drive from the Smokies) to choose from for a well-earned meal, including multiple Copper Foods favorites:
Copper Cellar for Classic Favorites
Enjoy fresh, scratch-made meals at our namesake restaurant, Copper Cellar. From classic and regionally-inspired entrees to Sunday brunch and seasonal cocktails, Copper Cellar offers a wide selection of delicious menu items in a distinct Old-English-inspired atmosphere in West Knoxville.
Cappuccino’s for Italian Favorites
Craving some pasta or hearty Italian fare after working up an appetite in the Smokies? Cappuccino’s provides a cozy, intimate setting to enjoy heritage Italian fare, including pasta, antipasto, steaks, signature cocktails, and Italian desserts. You’ll enjoy bold Italian flavors, served up with that classic Copper Foods hospitality you know and love.
Corner16 for Southern Favorites
If you’re headed to West Knox, Corner16 offers casual dining with a Southern twist — perfect after a day outdoors. Stop by Middlebrook or Northshore and pair your meal with a housemade cream soda or old-fashioned milkshake. All ages approve!
With ample patio space and regular live music and game nights, you can wrap up your day of adventuring in a casual, family-friendly setting with delicious bites and drinks.
Planning a hike, tubing trip, or other adventure?
Pro tip: always plan ahead! Grab SMB beers to-go or pick up a Calhoun’s Family Pack to enjoy your favorites on the go this summer — perfect for an easy, satisfying meal after any East Tennessee adventure!
Experience the Tastes of East Tennessee
Whether you’re staying in the heart of Gatlinburg, closer to Knox, or heading back home after vacation, there’s a Copper Cellar Family restaurant nearby to fuel your adventures (or help you refuel afterwards).Check out the complete list of all our East Tennessee restaurant concepts to learn more and find the flavors you’re looking for after a day in the Smokies. We’ll save you a table!
