6 Smoky Mountain Restaurants on Yelp’s Top 100 List for 2025
Six East Tennessee restaurants made it onto Yelp’s prestigious Top 100 Family-Friendly Restaurants list for 2025, giving you plenty of delicious options during your mountain getaway.
The Local Goat – Pigeon Forge (#4)
The Local Goat in Pigeon Forge isn’t just popular with tourists – it’s officially one of Yelp’s Top 100 Family-Friendly Restaurants in America for 2025. Even more impressive, it ranked #4 on that list, coming in just behind restaurants in Denver, Colorado; Gilbert, Arizona; and Houston, Texas.
Located on the Parkway at 2167 Parkway, next to Rowdy Bear Ridge tubing, this scratch kitchen has built a huge following since opening in 2016. It’s one of our favorite places too, and there’s almost always a line outside. That said, we’ve also usually had success getting last minute reservations.
What makes The Local Goat special is their commitment to locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. Their menu doesn’t contain high-fructose corn syrup, hormones, antibiotics, or GMOs. Everything is made in-house, which you can really taste in the food.
Some menu highlights include:
- Deep-fried deviled eggs (a unique appetizer you won’t find many other places)
- Award-winning burgers (they also made Yelp’s Top 100 Burger Spots list)
- Fall-off-the-bone ribs
- Hand-cut steaks
The Farmhouse burger, topped with American cheese, fried egg, smoked bacon, and garlic aioli, is a must-try. For something different, try The Elvis burger, topped with peanut butter, smoked bacon, and fried banana.
This restaurant gets extremely busy, especially during peak tourist season. Expect to wait 30-60 minutes for a table. Many locals will tell you it’s worth the wait, but if you’re in a hurry, you might want to try one of the other restaurants on our list.
Five Oaks Farm Kitchen – Sevierville (#39)
Five Oaks Farm Kitchen in Sevierville ranked #39 on Yelp’s family-friendly list.
Located at 1638 Parkway, this restaurant serves classic Southern cooking in a farmhouse setting. What sets Five Oaks apart is their commitment to quality ingredients, including fresh produce, premium beef, and local pork.
Their menu offers hearty portions of:
- Traditional barbecue (brisket, ribs, and pulled pork)
- Classic Southern dishes like mac and cheese
- All-day breakfast options
- Special kids’ menus for different meal times
Five Oaks Farm Kitchen also has an extensive gluten-free menu, making it a great option for families with dietary restrictions.
Crockett’s Breakfast Camp – Gatlinburg (#63)
Located at 1103 Parkway in Gatlinburg, Crockett’s Breakfast Camp came in at #63 on the list. This rustic restaurant offers an Appalachian-inspired breakfast menu that’s worth getting up early for.
And you’ll need to get up early, too. We consistently find some of the longest lines here out of all the Gatlinburg breakfast spots! But it’s a fun place to eat, and you should try it at least once.
Menu highlights include:
- Aretha Frankenstein waffles
- Huevos rancheros
- Cinnamon roll swirl pancakes
- Chopped steak and eggs
The restaurant’s rustic decor and mountain cabin atmosphere add to the authentic Smoky Mountain experience.
The Old Mill Restaurant – Pigeon Forge (#67)
The Old Mill Restaurant placed #67 on the list. Located at 164 Old Mill Ave., this historic gristmill serves hearty Southern classics family-style.
This place is worth a stop, even if you don’t eat here. There’s other shops nearby and beautiful view of the river and mill.
Their menu includes:
- Biscuit breakfast with sausage, bacon or ham
- Two eggs layered over homemade biscuits and topped with gravy
- Southern fried catfish
- Chicken and dumplings
- Deep South chicken pot pie
The Old Mill itself is a historic landmark dating back to the 1830s, adding an extra layer of charm to your dining experience.
Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud – Pigeon Forge (#81)
For a unique dining experience, check out the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, which ranked #81 on Yelp’s list. Located at 119 Music Road in Pigeon Forge, this attraction combines dinner with an interactive show.
While you enjoy your “Full Southern Homestyle Feast,” you’ll be entertained by a show featuring stunts, fights, dance numbers, and song breaks. The meal includes:
- Fried chicken
- Pulled pork
- Southern-style creamy soup
- Mashed potatoes
- Corn on the cob
- Bread
- Coleslaw
- A specialty dessert
- Unlimited Coca-Cola, tea, or coffee
This is a perfect option for families looking for entertainment with their meal.
Blue Moose Burgers & Wings – Pigeon Forge (#96)
Rounding out the Sevier County restaurants on Yelp’s list is Blue Moose Burgers & Wings at #96.
Located at 2430 Teaster Lane in Pigeon Forge, this locally-owned sports bar offers a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Blue Moose continues to deliver quality food that appeals to both kids and adults.
Their menu features:
- Jumbo wings with various sauce options
- Unique items like the fried pickle buffalo chicken sandwich
- Hot ham and Swiss melt
- Southern jalapeno burger
- Traditional and boneless wings
Blue Moose has locations in Pigeon Forge, Alcoa, Chattanooga, and Johnson City. For those visiting Gatlinburg, a new Blue Moose location is opening there May 2025.
More Top-Rated Restaurants Worth Trying
In addition to the six restaurants that made Yelp’s official Top 100 list this year, there are several other local favorites that consistently earn top ratings:
Alamo Steakhouse (Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge) This steakhouse has been voted “Best Steak” for 6 years running. They hand-cut their aged steaks in-house, season them, and grill them over an oak fire. They also grind their own burgers and make all soups, sauces, and gravies from scratch.
The Peddler Steakhouse (Gatlinburg) Located in a historic cabin near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Peddler offers custom-cut steaks, a fresh salad bar, and beautiful views of the Little Pigeon River. It’s one of our favorites, and we’ve been there several times. Make sure to make reservations in advance!
Tips for Dining in the Smokies
Based on our experiences at these popular restaurants, here are some helpful tips:
- Expect to wait at most top-rated restaurants, especially during peak season (summer and fall). Plan accordingly or dine during off-hours.
- Make reservations when possible. Not all restaurants accept them, but those that do can save you significant waiting time.
- Check for gluten-free and allergy-friendly options. Many Smoky Mountain restaurants now have special menus for various dietary needs.
- Look beyond the main Parkway. Some of the best dining experiences are found slightly off the beaten path.
- Ask locals for recommendations. Hotel staff, attraction employees, and shop owners often know about hidden gems that tourists might miss.
The Bottom Line
With six restaurants making Yelp’s Top 100 Family-Friendly Restaurants list for 2025, the Smoky Mountains area has proven itself as a dining destination that offers much more than just typical tourist fare. Whether you’re craving Southern comfort food, perfectly grilled steaks, creative new American cuisine, or dinner with a show, you’ll find award-winning options in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.
