Best Pigeon Forge Family Restaurants: Dine With Loved Ones
Just 8 miles from the park is the Tennessee town of Pigeon Forge, where many visitors choose to stay and soak up the Appalachian way of life and learn about the area’s history. There are many things to do in and around Pigeon Forge besides exploring the park, including Dollywood, the Titanic Museum, and the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame. And family restaurants in Pigeon Forge provide their own entertainment and unique atmospheres as well. Here are some of the best Pigeon Forge family restaurants for food and fun.
Dine at the Top 5 Pigeon Forge Family Restaurants
Order a Shake
Mel’s Classic Diner offers classic 1950s dining from its decor to its menu. Located in the heart of Pigeon Forge, travel back in time over 60 years ago. Mel’s is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Order a cheeseburger and fries, a malted milkshake, and a delicious slice of apple pie.
Looking for a home-cooked meal? Try one of Betty Jo’s dishes, such as the Smoky’s pulled BBQ or Grandpappy’s pot roast. Even kids – and tummies – love Mel’s Diner.
Step Back Even Further
With 1930s-style décor, J.T. Hannah’s Kitchen offers a different kind of historical time period. Serving up classic American fare, J.T’s atmosphere showcases when it originally opened as a local joint around 1930.
Whether looking for a cold beer or a meal with the family, diners enjoy the food and Southern hospitality. The menu features burgers, pasta, seafood and J.T. specialties. Before leaving, order the raved-about slow-cooked St. Louis ribs and strawberry shortcake.
Join Fun Family Feuds
The Lumberjack Feud show both entertains and educates the audience through the tale of two lumberjack families. The McGraws and Dawsons, a group of ESPN Lumberjack athletes, compete against one another for the remaining timber before the park opens. The show itself doesn’t esrve food, however families are welcome to bring their own to the show. Area restaurants include Smoky Mountain Brewery, Five Guys and Calhoun’s.
Another top among Pigeon Forge family restaurants is The Hatfield-McCoy Dinner Show. The Hatfields and McCoys “try to settle their differences mountain-style,” while guests enjoy singing, dancing, stunts, story-telling and big laughs. The feast features fried chicken, pulled pork, veggies, soup, fresh-baked bread and a specialty dessert. Dinner shows run at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., and it’s all you can eat, so bring an appetite, too.
Make It a Date
Bullfish Grill offers sophisticated dining and is a top pick for a romantic night out. Serving up seafood delivered daily and Angus beef, dine on fresh food in an intimate setting. Signature dishes include shrimp and grits, Bullfish fish and chips, and the baby-back rib platter. All desserts are made from scratch, so try a slice of coconut cream pie or funnel cake apple stack. Open for lunch and dinner, and later on Fridays and Saturdays, Bullfish is also a great nightlife spot.
Find great cabins and condos in Pigeon Forge. Love smoky meats? Check out the top BBQ joints in Pigeon Forge.