The Best Non-Chain Restaurants in the Smokies.

The Smoky Mountains don’t just feel like a magical place, they really are a mystical destination. The phrase “old as the hills” rings true when you really dive into the old lore of the mountains. When you come to visit, take this otherworldly tour and investigate for yourself. Here are six of the Smokies’ best kept secrets.

1. Elkmont Trollbridge

Escape to a place that really feels like a glimpse into a mythical land. The Elkmont Trollbridge is a true hidden gem that only locals know about. Hike along the Little River Trail until you reach this spot. Covered in moss and mushrooms, the Trollbridge is perfect for capturing pictures or looking for hidden fantastical creatures.

2. House Of The Fairies

This whimsical spot is only a mile from downtown Gatlinburg yet it feels like you’ve been transported into another realm. Map to this magical place, then go out and explore. Here, you’ll find towering trees and moss covered logs and boulders. Then at the end of the trail you’ll see it...an arched doorway, that looks like it’s almost cut into the side of the hill, sits with a wooden ladder leaning against the frame. Step inside and find a cool spring, filled with water that tinkles like bells. 

3. Synchronous Fireflies

The synchronized fireflies that come out every year like clockwork might be more science than magic but when you’re sitting among the trees and they begin to spark in unison, flickering in and out of sight, it feels like something otherworldly. This rare phenomenon is only seen in a few places in the world and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of them.

4. Elkmont Ghost Town

Once a thriving vacation spot for the Knoxville elite, the Elkmont Ghost Town looks like a legend brought back to life. Recently restored, explore inside the homes and hike trails where you will find the remains of homes once occupied by Appalachian locals who would serve, supply and work in the town. This piece of history is frozen in time and feels like stepping back into the past.

There are many magical places in the Smokies and these are only four of them. Don’t stop here, continue to search for more mystical creatures and sprites living in the trees and hollows. To discover more, stay overnight in the mountains in a log cabin. This cabin is even called Magical Moments, which is exactly what you’ll find when you visit the Smoky Mountains.

The Ship English Pub

• - Pub Reuben


• - Anchor Dog


• - Fish and Chips


• - Chicken Tenders


• - Pub Chicken


• - Jarod's Philly


• - Hog Burger


• - Jarod's Club


• - Cottage Pie


• - Bangers and Mash

Three Jimmy's Good Time Eatery

• - Smoky Mountain Club


• - Granny Smith Turkey Sandwich


• - Turkey Reuben


• - Fried Smoked Chicken


• - Chicken Tenders


• - Southern Fried Catfish


• - Roast Beef


• - Burgundy Mushroom Hamburger Steak

Alamo Steakhouse

• - 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

Tom & Earl's Back Alley Grill

• - 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

Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria in Elks Plaza

• - 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

Crystelle Creek Restaurant

• - 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

J.O.E. and POP's Sub Shoppe

• - 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

Taste of Italy

• - 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

Smoky Mountain Trout House

• - 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

Atrium Pancakes

• - 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

 The Park Grill

• - 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

The Peddler Steakhouse

• - 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

 Bennetts BBQ

• - 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

Crockett's Breakfast Camp

• - 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

Wild Bear Tavern

• - 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

Huck Finn's Catfish

• - 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

 The Old Mill Restaurant

• - 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