Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Gatlinburg
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 Gatlinburg like a gravitational nexus point (physics says it could happen any day!), the most interesting and active highlands mountain city on the eastern side of the United States provides more entertainment opportunities than you could do in a month of constant activity.
That being said, in more recent years, Gatlinburg has scaled up some of its focus group from groups that include small children to groups of adults that include… other adults, really. There are still dozens of activities and arcades and candy shops and appropriate places for all ages, but getting food with the kids has leaned into smaller eateries and sidewalk stands that don’t really qualify as “restaurants” in modern parlance while the many restaurants we do have are geared for older casual diners, romantic dinners, places where beer flows while you’re listening to a performer on-stage, that sort of thing. Children are typically welcome in all the restaurants we have in Gatlinburg, but as some parents feel some places are more appropriate than others, we developed this list of establishments that would more universally be considered “kid-friendly” for your convenience.
And here we go:
* Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
714 River Rd.
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-5455
From their website:
“This is not your average pizza pie! At the heart of Big Daddy’s is a 550 degree, wood-fired flame inside of a one-of-a-kind brick oven. Our pizza starts with handcrafted, homemade dough that is pulled by our own “pizzeoli”. It is then topped with one of our homemade sauces and fresh ingredients. We’re so committed to that freshness that there isn’t a freezer on the premises. The end product pays homage to the pizza’s classic Neapolitan roots with a deliciously, crispy crust.”
* Pancake Pantry
628 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-4724
http://pancakepantry.com/
From their website:
“Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a loyal patron, the Pancake Pantry welcomes you to share in our 60 year tradition. We offer twenty-four different varieties of pancakes, many waffles, farm fresh eggs, sizzling ham, bacon or country sausage and golden butter-fried hash brown potatoes…the list goes on and on. Of course all of our batters are made from fresh ingredients and we prepare each syrup and compote in our kitchen. Inspiration for our Gourmet Sandwiches comes from around the world. Order the Dutch Diplomat and experience an award winning taste sensation of special trimmings atop ham, Swiss cheese and turkey on three decks of rye. Or maybe you would prefer a Polish Aristocrat, Polynesian Delight or British Dipper among other distinctive choices. Soups and Salads Dressings are all made in-house.
The Pancake Pantry is located on the Parkway in the heart of Gatlinburg adjacent to The Village Shops, near traffic light No. 6. Public parking is located nearby.”
* Mellow Mushroom Gatlinburg
903 Parkway Ste 103,
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 277-0600
https://mellowmushroom.com/location/tn-gatlinburg-903-parkway-ste-103-37738/
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.”
* Chicken Guy
727 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 263-1200
https://chickenguy.com/?y_source=1_MjYwMzI2OTMtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D
From their website:
“Get ready for a trip to Flavortown at Chicken Guy! Hand-pounded and breaded fresh each day, Chicken Guy! serves up delicious and juicy tenders that can be paired with more than 20 varieties of house-made sauces. Menu features a selection of hand-craft sandwiches, serviced with either breaded or grilled chicken tenders. Created by Guy Fieri, the Boss of Sauce himself, you can choose from Guy’s Favorites, Classics and Hot ‘N’ Spicy for the adventurous! Menu includes salads & kid friendly options. Be sure to try our sides – tasty fries, fried pickles, Mac Daddy Mac n’ Cheese & loaded fries smothered in Super Melty Cheese! Chicken Guy!”
* Johnny Rockets
735 Parkway #2,
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 430-5844
https://locations.johnnyrockets.com/ll/US/TN/Gatlinburg/735-Parkway-#2
From Smokymountains.com:
“It’s not always easy to entertain the younger crowd while dining out, which is why Johnny Rockets is such a welcome addition to Gatlinburg. This 31-year-old franchise decided to expand its portfolio to Downtown Gatlinburg in 2011. Situated just outside Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is known as a touristy town which can get a little crowded during peak seasons. Johnny Rockets provides an escape from the crowds by offering old-style comfort reminiscent of the fifties. The music and decor are carefully chosen to represent the very best of rock ‘n roll and the playlists are continuously updated to ensure patrons have a fresh experience with every visit.
This particular branch of Johnny Rockets employs a varied range of locals including those who have relocated to the area from other parts of the world. This always makes for interesting conversation. In close proximity to the diner are other attractions such as the Towne Center Plaza and the Gatlinburg Sky Lift. Johnny Rockets also happens to be right in the middle of the shopping district for those looking for gifts and souvenirs. The decor itself lends to the era it represents with a life-sized replica of the King of Rock ‘n Roll, Elvis Presley, greeting guests at the door. Clean and well-maintained, the restaurant follows the same style as the rest of the chain with scheduled revamps.”
* Cici’s Pizza
849 River Rd
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 325-6003
https://www.cicis.com/locations/tn-gatlinburg-849-river-road
From their website:
“Step aside, rules. There’s a better way to dine in Gatlinburg, TN! Enjoy an Unlimited Buffet full of Pizza, Pasta, Salad and Dessert at Cicis, where we’re serving Gatlinburg up with more 100% real cheese, more meat toppings and a garlic butter crust – all for one epically awesome price. Our Pizza is made with fresh dough served fresh for you in Gatlinburg every single day at the Unlimited Buffet.
At Cicis, you’ll find an unlimited variety of delicious Pizzas, served hot ‘n fresh right out of the oven. From Traditional and Pan Pizzas to Flatbreads and Stuffed Crust, there’s something from everyone on Cicis Unlimited Pizza Buffet. Dine-in or Order Online to taste ’em all. Traditional, deep dish or flatbread – our pizza is made with dough that’s made from scratch in every one of our restaurants. Craving something tender and flavorful with your pizza? Try our crisp chicken wings to add that little something extra. All of our desserts are baked fresh in our restaurants every day. We don’t blame you if you decide to eat dessert first.”
* Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
1103 Parkway,
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 325-1403
https://crockettsbreakfastcamp.com/
From their website:
“Crockett’s Breakfast Camp is the best place for breakfast in Gatlinburg! Our restaurant serves as the legacy of David C. “Crockett” Maples, an original frontiersman, honored soldier, and devoted family man with an inspiring will to overcome any obstacle in his path. At our Gatlinburg restaurant, we offer a one-of-a-kind menu that you won’t find anywhere else in the Smokies! Start your day with any of the delicious options from our menu, including Big Tennessee French Toast, Huntcamp Skillets and more! Make sure to order one of our famous cinnamon rolls while you’re here!
Come on in for a taste of the best breakfast in Gatlinburg! Our Appalachian-inspired menu has something for everyone. From our sweet cinnamon rolls to our savory scramblers, our menu offers a variety of options! With outstanding dishes and service to match, we guarantee your first trip to Crockett’s Breakfast Camp won’t be your last!”
