Memories are made in the Smokies! Especially when you bring your wife/husband and kids to share the experiences with or plan for a family reunion that gathers all the most nearby relatives like a spherical vacuum of vacation opportunities pulling everyone into Pigeon Forge like a gravitational nexus point (it could happen), the fairest city west of the National Park and east of Knoxville provides more family-centered opportunities than you could do in a month of constant activity.
And the family usually needs to eat after even just a few hours of constant activity, so consideration for where to get meals in a family-friendly atmosphere is often a less convenient thing to think about in a tourism area that is constantly changing and bringing new things in quicker than news of them can travel. In this post, we’ll recommend some Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Pigeon Forge that focus more on catering to families and offer more food options for children as well as bright, colorful environments, staff and accommodations that generally expect that kind of louder activity from youngsters who just got done having their imaginations warped at Wonderworks or swimming themselves hungry at Dolly’s Splash Country (among other things).
And here we go:
* Smoky Mountain Pancake House
4050 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 453-6746
https://collierrestaurantgroup.com/restaurants/smoky-mountain-pancake-house/
From their website:
“We serve made-from-scratch buttermilk pancakes with a wide array of toppings and fillings. Try our Reece’s Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Pancakes, Pecan Pancakes, or our Mountain Blueberry Pancakes. We also serve freshly baked waffles and French toast dishes that are sure to sweeten your vacation. Try our Stuffed French Toast! We also serve all of your favorite breakfast items including Ham & Eggs, Pork Chops, Omelets and Country Ham Biscuits. We also serve sandwiches including our BLT & Egg. Start your day with a hearty breakfast platter. You can’t come to the Smokies without having biscuits and gravy! Whatever you’re looking for, we have it at Smoky Mountain Pancake House!”
* JT Hannah’s Kitchen
3214 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 428-4200
https://jthannahs.com/
From their website:
“WELCOME TO J.T. HANNAH’S IN PIGEON FORGE!
Order from our All-American menu and try the best tastes in Tennessee!
You’ll drool over one of our delicious burgers or deluxe sandwiches. Feel the sizzle of our signature steak and seafood entrees, or sample one of J.T. Hannah’s Specialties such as our award-winning St. Louis Spare Ribs!
When you’re finished, don’t forget to order a local favorite – Mama Laura’s Famous Strawberry Short Cake! C’mon in our kitchen and see what’s cookin’! Walk through the door and let your eyes wander through our warehouse filled with rustic décor and relics reminiscent of the 1930s. Opened in honor of J.T. Hannah, a prosperous businessman in the Great Smoky Mountains, we carry on the tradition of serving hearty fare and a bounty of beverages at a reasonable cost.”
* Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen
131 The Island Dr Suite 8101,
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
https://pauladeensfamilykitchen.com/
From their website:
“We are proud to serve up delicious, comfort food in a family-style setting, unlike any restaurant experience you’ve had before. Our southern-inspired dishes were birthed from the very same recipes that launched Paula Deen’s career. Every entree, side dish, and dessert comes from Paula’s cookbooks, and you better believe when she visits, she makes her way back to our kitchen to show our staff how it’s done!
And just like our name suggests, the family-style concept is what makes everyone’s experience at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen so memorable. Guests can help themselves to endless portions of delicious Southern food as they pass dishes around with family and friends in a setting that feels just like your own home.
Our food is made fresh daily, served hot, and seasoned with a special touch. They say no one cooks better than your momma, but we strive always to be a close second.”
* Huck Finn’s Catfish
3330 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 429-3353
https://www.huckfinnsrestaurant.com/
From their website:
“Y’all better come hungry… That’s not a catch phrase, we back it up from the moment you sit down! Family owned and operated, we are known for our award winning, All You Can Eat Catfish, Fried Chicken, and Vittles – which includes Scratch made hushpuppies, Fresh-made-daily coleslaw, White beans with turkey ham, Pickle spears & Sweet Onion slices. The Vittles come with every meal! All You Can Eat Chicken and Catfish isn’t really your thing? Well, don’t think you’re getting off the hook. We may not understand, but we’ll make sure you leave full all the same! Check out our full menu to find your perfect meal.
Voted Best Catfish in East Tennessee by Tennessee Magazine, and millions of happy customers. Voted best food in the world by my Grandmother…”
* Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe
2785 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 774-7707
https://frizzlechickenfarmhousecafe.com/
From their website:
“Food & Fun!
Located next to the World Famous Comedy Barn® Theater and featuring singing animatronic chickens, the Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe is ready to serve you the best and MOST FUN Southern-style breakfast and lunch you have ever tasted! From gourmet pancakes to signature biscuit dishes, there is something on the menu for everyone! Come hungry and then prepare to leave full. Open everyday from 7 AM to 1 PM for Breakfast and Lunch!”
* Mellow Mushroom Pigeon Forge
2485 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 774-7707
131 The Island Dr Ste 3101
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 286-3800
https://mellowmushroom.com/
From their website:
“Mellow Mushroom has the best pizza in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Our outdoorsy restaurant is located on Parkway next to Marble Slab, in the same parking lot as Starbucks. Mellow is a favorite among locals in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Kodak, Knoxville, and the surrounding areas.
Bold ingredient combinations on a homemade crust, make Mellow pies the most delicious around. Not in the mood for pizza? Order a calzone, hoagie, sandwich, burger, or a Mellow salad and see how care goes into every item on our menu. And, many of our pizzas can be made gluten-free or vegan.”
* Wood Grill Buffet
2301 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 429-3120
https://woodgrillbuffetpf.com/
From their website:
“Here at Wood Grill Buffet, our desire is to provide a tasty value for your whole family. Our primary goal is always to exceed our guests’ expectations for both quality and service. We strive to provide a relaxing, enjoyable dining experience in a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere. We use a 4000 lb. smoker to enhance the flavor of several of our meat entrees, including our roast beef and barbecue ribs.
Our variety has something everyone can enjoy… and come back for more… and more.”
* Mel’s Diner
119 Wears Valley Rd
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 429-2184
https://www.melsdinerpf.com
From their website:
“Everything from Breakfast to Dessert! At Mel’s Diner we offer our entire menu all day long! So whether you want pancakes at 11pm, or a cheeseburger for breakfast, or a banana split for lunch, we’ve got you covered! Our vast menu has something for everybody and is reasonably priced. In fact, Mel’s Diner is one of the highest rated budget friendly restaurants in Pigeon Forge, so even if you’re on a budget you can come visit Mel’s Diner!”
* Sunliner Diner
2302 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
https://www.sunlinerdiner.com/pigeon-forge/
From their website:
“A Classic 1950s Themed American Diner
With our retro newspaper menus, collector cars, hand-spun milkshakes, classic diner cuisine and breakfast all-day, The Sunliner Diner is sure to become your favorite spot to hang out- It’s Guaranteed! Take a blast to the past with your family and friends, come and see what all the buzz is about- the fun never ends! Explore the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains and then come on down to the finest diner in town. Our 1950s diner is set with a beautiful chrome exterior, classic cars, vintage retail shop and an interior themed to match. Leave your worries at the door and let us take you back to a special moment in American history.”
* Downtown Flavortown
2655 Teaster Ln,
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(423) 518-0742
https://downtownflavortown.com/
From the Guy Fieri website:
“Flavortown is a place where iconic food, moments together and fun meet in perfect harmony. Just like Fieri’s surprising menus, guests should expect the unexpected when they step into the impressive 43,000-square-foot family entertainment center that is destined to become a “must do” option for Pigeon Forge visitors and locals alike. In addition to a 300+ seat restaurant showcasing Fieri’s famous culinary combinations, Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown will feature a 14-lane Duck Pin bowling alley; over 10,000 square feet of state-of-the-art arcade games ranging from redemption to virtual reality and beyond; a full-service tropical Tiki bar; a photo opportunity in front of an iconic 1968 Chevy Camaro.; and many options for private parties.”
