The Best Non-Chain Restaurants in the Smokies.

It’s officially the season of hot apple cider, warm blankets, and pumpkin patches. It’s also the season for fall festivals, and the Smoky Mountain area is full of them!
Here are three festivals you can enjoy while on your Smoky Mountain vacation.
1. Dollywood Harvest Festival
If you love Dollywood and the fall season then you won’t want to miss this event! From early September to late October this annual celebration marks the best weather and some beautiful fall foliage in the Smokies. Stay late into the evening to see beautifully carved pumpkins, lit up and on display. During the day you’ll enjoy fall themed food, and colorful leaves all throughout the park.
2. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
In early to mid October the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair heads into full swing. Artisans from across the country gather to peddle their wares while musicians serenade the crowds. You’ll see everything from woodworking and pottery to handcrafted jewelry and leatherworkings. If you have an appreciation for handmade goods then this event is for you.
3. Wears Valley Fall Festival
The Wears Valley Fall Festival takes place in mid October and is a favorite event for locals. Come experience the hundreds of vendors, melodic live music, and incredible Southern cuisine. If you’re interested in a true rustic, Appalachian festival with plenty to do and see for the whole family, then this one is for you.
No matter the festival you choose you’ll need a place to stay. Choose from one of our many options at Bear Camp Cabin Rentals today!
In this article, we've got names, locations, website, a sample size of their menu and a Google Maps link to help you find each entry. Enjoy!
The Ship English Pub
170 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
View Restaurant On Line
(865) 325-1658
Menu Item Sampler:
- - Pub Reuben
- - Anchor Dog
- - Fish and Chips
- - Chicken Tenders
- - Pub Chicken
- - Jarod's Philly
- - Hog Burger
- - Jarod's Club
- - Cottage Pie
- - Bangers and Mash
Google Maps CLICK HERE
Three Jimmy's Good Time Eatery
1359 East Pkwy #F, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
View Restaurant On Line
(865) 325-1210
Menu Item Sampler:
- - Smoky Mountain Club
- - Granny Smith Turkey Sandwich
- - Turkey Reuben
- - Fried Smoked Chicken
- - Chicken Tenders
- - Southern Fried Catfish
- - Roast Beef
- - Burgundy Mushroom Hamburger Steak
Google Maps CLICK HERE
Alamo Steakhouse
705 E Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
View Restaurant On Line
(865) 436-9998
3050 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 908-9998
Menu Item Sampler:
- - San Antonio Chicken Dinner
- - Teriyaki Chicken Dinner
- - Oak Fired Pork Chops
- - Chili Rubbed Pork Chops Dinner
- - Horseradish Crusted Filet
- - Chicken Parmesan Dinner
- - Rio Grande Rib Eye
- - Alamo New York Strip
Gatlinburg Location Google Maps Click Here
Pigeon Forge Location - Google Maps Click Here
Tom & Earl's Back Alley Grill
651 Parkway #110, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
View Restaurant On Line
(865) 325-6022
Menu Item Sampler:
- - All Sauced Up Wings
- - Chili Cheese Fries
- - Parson's Pickles
- - Fried Green Tomatoes
- - Chips & Salsa
- - Cream Corn Fritters
- - Back Alley Quesadilla
- - Cream Corn Fritters
- - Parkside Panini
- - Hillbilly Philly
- - Hatfield Chicken
- - "Bust It Big" BBQ
Google Maps CLICK HERE
Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria in Elks Plaza
Suite #9 968, Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
View Restaurant On Line
(865) 430-4090
3206 710, Park Path Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-4345
Menu Item Sampler:
- - Signature Garlic Rolls
- - Meatballs Parmigiana
- - Antipasta Salad
- - Chef Paul's Seafood Medley
- - Paul's Red Clam Sauce Supreme
- - Linguini & Clam Sauce
- - Fettuccini Alfredo
- - Lasagna with Meat Sauce
- - Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
- - Spaghetti Marinara with Mushrooms
- - Tenderloin Tips Marsala
- - Veal Parmigiana
Gatlinburg 321 - Google Maps CLICK HERE
Elks Plaza Down Town Gatlinburg Google Maps CLICK HERE
Crystelle Creek Restaurant
1654 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
View Restaurant On Line
(865) 430-1551
Menu Item Sampler:
- - Char-Grilled Skewer
- - Pulled Pork Sandwich
- - Catfish Sandwich
- - 8 oz Filet of Beef Tenderloin
- - 10 oz Smoked Prime Rib
- - Chopped Steak
- - South Western Chicken
- - Spaghetti Marinara
- - Chicken Parmigiana
- - Vegetable Lasagna
Google Maps: CLICK HERE
J.O.E. and POP's Sub Shoppe
1244 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
View Restaurant On-Line
(865) 412-1333
Menu Item Sampler:
- - Philly Cheesesteak
- - Chicken Cheesteak
- - Italian Roast Beef Sandwich
- - Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
- - Italian Sub
- - Club Sub
- - Create-Your-Own Sandwiches
- - Open Faced Roast Beef
- - Grilled Chicken
- - Roast Beef and Provolone
- - Genoa Salami and Cheddar
Google Maps CLICK HERE
Taste of Italy
1235 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
View Restaurant On-Line
(865) 325-1750
Menu Item Sampler:
- - Calamari Fritti
- - Fried Ravioli
- - Meatball Parmesan
- - Buffalo Bleu Chicken Salad
- - Philly Cheese Steak
- - Oven Roasted Turkey BLT
- - Mushroom and Swiss Burger
- - Bacon Cheeseburger
- - Big Burger
- - Eggplant Parmesan
- - Chicken Francese
- - Veal Picatta
Google Maps CLICK HERE
Smoky Mountain Trout House
410 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
View Restaurant On-Line
(865) 436-5416
Menu Item Sampler:
- - Broiled Mountain Trout
- - Pan Crispy Fried Mountain Trout
- - Mountain Trout Sauteed
- - Parmesan Trout
- - Dilly Trout
- - Smoky Mountain Trout
- - Trout Almondine
- - Green Bean Almondine Trout
- - Cheese-baked Trout
- - Blackened Rainbow Trout
- - Trout Fritters
Google Maps CLICK HERE
Atrium Pancakes
432 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
View Restaurant On-Line
(865) 430-3684
Menu Item Sampler:
- - Happy Hiker Breakfast
- - Eggs Benedict
- - Buttermilk Pancakes
- - Pecan Pancakes
- - Chocolate Chip Pancakes
- - M&M Pancakes
- - Apple-Cinnamon Pancakes
- - Blackberry Pancakes
- - Caribbean Pancakes
- - Banana-Nut Pancakes
- - French Toast
Google Maps CLICK HERE
The Park Grill
1110 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
View Restaurant On-Line
(865) 436-2300
Menu Item Sampler:
- - Hickory Grilled Moonshine Chicken
- - Southern Pecan Chicken
- - Smoky Mountain Shrimp
- - Rib Eye or New York Strip
- - Buckshot Sirloin
- - Filet Mignon
- - Hickory Grilled Hamburger
- - Moonshine Marinated Chicken Sandwich
- - Chicken Sandwich
- - Pulled Pork BBQ Plate
- - Jack Daniel’s Crème Bruleé
- - Pepper Jack Cheese & Spinach Queso Dip
Google Maps CLICK HERE
The Peddler Steakhouse
820 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
View Restaurant On-Line
(865) 436-5794
Menu Item Sampler:
- - New York Strip or Rib Eye
- - Filet Mignon
- - Prime Rib
- - Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms
- - Marinated or Blackened Chicken
- - Fresh Rainbow Trout
- - French Onion Soup
- - Stuffed Shrimp
- - Sweet Potato Casserole w/Coconut
- - Kahlua Creme Brulee
- - Chilled Shrimp Cocktail
- - Oysters on Half Shel
Google Maps CLICK HERE
Bennetts BBQ
714 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
View Restaurant On-Line
(865) 436-2400
2910 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 429-2200
Menu Item Sampler:
- - Bar-b-que Pork Shoulder
- - Bar-b-que Beef Brisket
- - Pulled Chicken
- - Smoked Sausage
- - Hog Legs
- - Chargrilled Burgers
- - Brisket Burger
- - Jumbo Baby Back Ribs
- - Deep Fried Deviled Eggs
- - BBQ Nachos
- - Brisket Stuffed Mushrooms
Pigeon Forge Location - Google Maps CLICK HERE
Gatlinburg Location - Google Maps CLICK HERE
Crockett's Breakfast Camp
1103 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
View Restaurant On-Line
(865) 325-1403
Menu Item Sampler:
- - Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
- - Thick Aretha Frankensteins Pancakes
- - Huevos Rancheros
- - Chopped Steak and Eggs
- - Elk Mountain Grande Burrito
- - Fried Cinnamon Rolls
- - Western Style Omelet
- - White Oak Flats Eggs Benedict
- - Florentine Benedict
- - Waffle of Insane Greatness
- - Stuffed French Toast
Google Maps CLICK HERE
Wild Bear Tavern
4236 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
View Restaurant On-Line
(865) 868-0737
Menu Item Sampler:
- - Alsterwasser
- - Apfelstrudel
- - Butter Grog
- - Bavarian Wings
- - Big Bear German Liverwurst Board
- - Chicken Bratwurst
- - Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich
- - Leberkase Melt
- - Wild bear Club Sandwich
- - Schnitzel Parmigiana
- - German Pot Roast
- - Honey Mead Mustard Salmon
- - Opa's Pork Shank
Google Maps CLICK HERE
Huck Finn's Catfish
3330 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
View Restaurant On-Line
(865) 429-3353
Menu Item Sampler:
- - Southern Fried Chicken
- - Catfish and Chicken
- - Country Fried Steak
- - Chopped Steak
- - Popcorn Shrimp
- - Rocky Top Boom Boom Shrimp
- - Fish and Chips
- - Slotsy's Grilled Catfish
- - Rainbow Trout
- - Boneless Chicken Breast
- - Grilled Haddock
Google Maps CLICK HERE
The Old Mill Restaurant
164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
View Restaurant On-Line
(865) 429-3463
Menu Item Sampler:
- - Southern Fried Chicken
- - Southern Fried Beef Liver
- - Southern Fried Country Ham
- - Southern Country Fried Steak
- - Homemade Meatloaf
- - Old Mill Chicken and Dumplings
- - Deep South Chicken Pot Pie
- - Pot Roast and Gravy
- - Spareribs and Sauerkraut
- - Southern BBQ Plate
- - English Mountain Rainbow Trout
Google Maps CLICK HERE