Where to eat in Gatlinburg

The Food City on the East Parkway is the closest supermarket and has pretty much everything you would need in the way of groceries. If you need a larger store, there is a Kroger and a Walmart in Pigeon Forge.

A small grocery store with a decent supply of dry goods and pantry staples – it’s the closest store to the lodge we would recommend in case you’ve forgotten some essentials.

A country store that has been run by the Green family for four generations. There’s not a lot in the way of groceries, but plenty of local products – farm eggs, local beef, Benton’s bacon and country ham, honey and jams – which makes it worth a visit in itself. It’s right on the East Parkway, a few minutes from the lodge.

On Saturday mornings from May to October, local farmers and craftspeople set up by the East Parkway, with fresh produce, baked goods and mountain music.

A small natural foods store and café on the East Parkway, for organic and specialty items you won’t find at the supermarket.

Rather than using the national grocery delivery services (Instacart, etc.), which can often have a bit spotty coverage in the area, we recommend using Smoky Mountain Grocery. They will even stock the fridge for you before you arrive – if you’d like that, contact us in advance so that we can make sure your access code works and let our cleaners know.

For a special evening out, book the set three-course dinner at the Buckhorn Inn, a historic country inn just off the East Parkway, about 15 minutes from the lodge. Dinner is served at 7 pm every evening, with a seasonal, Southern-influenced menu and homemade desserts. Reserve well ahead, as seating is limited.

A very welcome addition to the dining scene on the East Parkway. The combination of small plates/tapas and grill staples, as well as very friendly service, means everyone is likely to have a good time. Go for a full meal or for appetizers before heading back to eat at the lodge.

A relaxed spot in the Arts and Crafts Community on Glades Road, with a self-pour tap wall of beers, ciders and wines and a good food menu. Closed on Mondays.

Still the best BBQ around, in our opinion. Delauder’s has moved from the East Parkway to Sevierville, so it’s now about 30 minutes from the lodge – but it’s well worth the drive. The new place is small, with just a few tables, so many get their BBQ to go. They are open Thursday to Sunday and may close early if they sell out, so call ahead.

Hearty breakfasts in a log cabin on Glades Road in the Arts and Crafts Community. Open Wednesday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch (closed Monday and Tuesday).

Great country cooking style food in a family-owned orchard and restaurant (and candy store) with friendly service. Food is like Grandma’s – no frills, tasty, and filling. After eating, visit their large store and buy all the fresh apples and cider you could ever need, as well as other local produce. Then visit their candy store next door for all your favorites. We highly recommend stopping by for a taste of the Smokies as it used to be – it’s about 20 minutes from the lodge, in Cosby.

The restaurant is open Thursday to Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm (the orchard store is open daily).

Our recommendation is Chef Ray, with a New Orleans Cajun background and well versed in a variety of styles – several of our guests have employed his services and have been very happy with the experience.

For catering, our recommendation is Miss Lily’s Catering (who also run The Lily Barn wedding venue in Townsend).