Pigeon Forge is a hidden gem in the Great Smoky Mountains, with a wealth of local attractions and hearty eateries to explore. It is not only one of the most desirable places for a vacation in the US, but it is also a culinary hotspot with some of the best food in the region.
The only challenge of visiting Pigeon Forge is to go through the time and trouble of selecting all the places you want to visit and all the food you want to eat. From fried chicken and barbecue to fresh seafood and sweet treats, there is something for everyone in Pigeon Forge.
Here are a few of the most popular dishes to try in Pigeon Forge.
1. Breakfast Foods
Believe it or not, Pigeon Forge is famous for its local breakfast staples. You might think you’d find fried food everywhere, but breakfast items like waffles and pancakes are also quite popular. Many restaurants in town serve delicious pancakes, including The Pancake Pantry, The Old Mill Restaurant, etc. Some other famous breakfast foods you should try are sausage and gravy, hashbrowns, and breakfast burritos.
Can’t squeeze going to a local restaurant in your tight schedule? Don’t worry; book your stay at The Inn on the River, the number one Pigeon Forge Tenn hotel and you won’t need to go anywhere for breakfast. Their wide selection of delicious complimentary breakfast is enough to keep you in bed all day, and not to mention, they have a gluten-free menu too!
2. Juiciest Steaks
Pigeon Forge has countless places where you can enjoy mouthwatering steaks served with the best local side dishes. You’d regret it later if you didn’t try the famous steaks with traditional Southern sides, including steamed broccoli and garlic mashed potatoes.
One of the best places to try steaks in Pigeon Forge is the Alamo Steakhouse. They serve the freshest cuts with premium seasoning and gravies, along with a variety of other local staples such as French Onion soup, lobster tail, and bacon-wrapped shrimp.
3. Premium Seafood
You can have some of the most delicious seafood in this town but never feel like it’s enough. When in Pigeon Forge, one of the best places for seafood is the famous Huck Finn’s Catfish Cabin. They’ll serve you the best southern-styled catfish you’ve ever tasted, with hearty sides like mashed potatoes, baked beans, and sweet pickles slices.
Another Pigeon Forge local specialty on the seafood menu is the fresh rainbow trout available throughout the year. If you want more variety, you can find almost every food spot serving seafood in Pigeon Forge has an extensive menu that features haddock, shrimp, and Mississippi catfish in a variety of styles.
4. Corn Chowder Is A Local Specialty
Corn chowder is a popular Southern dish that is best enjoyed during chilly weather. You can find it at many restaurants in Pigeon Forge, but the Old Mill Restaurant has the best corn chowder in town. It’s made with fresh, local ingredients and is served piping hot.
If you’re looking for something a little heartier, try the Soup Beans at the Old Mill Restaurant. It’s a pinto bean soup made with ham hocks and spices, and it’s sure to warm you up on a cold day.
Both corn chowder and Soup Beans are local specialties that you won’t want to miss.
5. Scrumptious Slow-Cooked BBQ
Hickory Cabin may not be too fancy or high-end, but this family restaurant has a reputation for serving the freshest and juiciest southern BBQ delights. Whether it’s chicken wings, slow-smoked pulled pork sandwiches, or ribs, you name it, they serve it.
If you’re looking for more options, specifically where to enjoy delicious slow-cooked BBQ in Pigeon Forge, you should try Junction 35. This distillery, kitchen, and bar is a great place to try slow-cooked barbecue in Pigeon Forge. They use locally-sourced ingredients and smoke their meats over a custom-built wood fire pit. Their ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, and their pulled pork is smoky and flavorful. They also have a wide variety of craft cocktails to choose from.
6. Signature Subs and Sandwiches
Places like The Old Mill Pottery House Café serve everything from the classic grilled cheese sandwich to Pigeon Forge’s twist to signature subs like Mill’s special Triple Decker club sandwich.
However, if you’re tired of having classical flavor sandwiches, why not let your taste buds try something different? You can spice up your palate with Cuban cuisine at the Smokies Cuban Café. And what’s their signature dish? The Cubano! It is made with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread. It is grilled to perfection and served with a side of plantains.
Southern-inspired sandwiches are a must-have in Pigeon Forge, but if you’re a hopeless lover of classics who also happens to be a vegetarian, Pigeon Forge Deli should be on your list. Their signature sandwich is the Veggie Delight, made on grilled bread with hummus, roasted vegetables, and sun-dried tomatoes.
7. Jumbo Wings
Another staple Pigeon Forge food you shouldn’t miss on your next trip is the town’s famous jumbo wings at the Blue Moose Burgers & Wings. It’s the town’s top local sports bar where locals and visitors alike can enjoy delicious food and games on their big flat screens. On top of that, you can have their signature wings with over 16 different sauces. If you happen to be a spice lover, you should definitely order their Mango Habanero.
The restaurant also offers a good variety of gourmet and classic burgers, but if you have to try just one, we recommend going for their rich mac and cheeseburger.
Conclusion
Pigeon Forge is a foodie’s paradise! With its wide variety of restaurants and delicious Southern cuisine, you’re sure to find something to your taste. From classic dishes like corn chowder and barbecue to more unique options like Cuban sandwiches and veggie delights, Pigeon Forge has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!