How long should I spend at Chesapeake's?

Plan for 1.5-2 hours for a full dinner experience. If you're doing multiple courses or enjoying drinks on the patio, it could stretch longer during busy times.

Is Chesapeake's good for kids?

Yes, they have highchairs and welcome families, though the upscale atmosphere and pricing make it better suited for older kids who appreciate good seafood rather than toddlers.

Is there parking at Chesapeake's?

No free dedicated parking. You'll use the paid lot next door or the city parking garage one block away. The pink and purple trolley lines also stop nearby.

Does Chesapeake's have gluten-free options?

Yes, they offer both gluten-free and vegan options. The staff is excellent at handling food allergies - just let them know your restrictions when ordering.

What's the best thing to order at Chesapeake's?

The broiled seafood platter is our top pick - it's generous enough to share. The crab cakes, oysters Rockefeller, and daily fresh catches are also consistently excellent.

Chesapeake's Seafood and Raw Bar

Duration

1.5-2 hours (longer if enjoying multiple courses and river views)

Best For

Couples celebrating anniversaries • Seafood lovers missing the coast • Groups wanting upscale dining

Pro Tip

Ask for a riverside table when making your reservation - the heated patio stays comfortable year-round and the river views make the meal even more special.

About Chesapeake's Seafood and Raw Bar

Looking for exceptional seafood in the Smokies? Chesapeake's Seafood and Raw Bar in Gatlinburg delivers coastal-quality dining that rivals oceanfront establishments. The restaurant's location along the Little Pigeon River adds a mountain charm to your seafood experience, especially from their heated riverside patio.

The menu's standout is their crab cakes, packed with jumbo lump meat and minimal filler - exactly how seafood purists prefer them. Fresh oysters arrive daily at the raw bar, and the broiled seafood platter offers enough variety for two to share. Their commitment to daily seafood deliveries ensures everything tastes ocean-fresh, despite being hundreds of miles from the coast.

Expect attentive, knowledgeable service from a veteran staff who can guide you through the day's best catches and wine pairings. Servers like Mark, Jonathan, Dillon, Jason, and Ryan consistently earn praise for their expertise and attention to detail.

Price points run higher than typical Gatlinburg restaurants ($30-50 per person), but the quality and portion sizes justify the investment. Smart diners make reservations well in advance - walk-ins often face 1-2 hour waits, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

The riverside window seats offer prime views of the Little Pigeon River, making them ideal for special occasions or romantic dinners. Whether you're craving perfectly prepared lobster, fresh salmon, or a dozen raw oysters, Chesapeake's maintains the high standards that keep both locals and tourists coming back. Just remember - this isn't your casual tourist seafood spot; it's a refined dining experience that happens to serve some of the best seafood you'll find in the Smokies.

Last updated: February 21, 2026 • Based on 2,568 reviews

Amenities & Features

Outstanding oysters (both raw and grilled) consistently called the best guests have hadExceptional servers who provide personalized attention, explain specials thoroughly, and make dining memorableGenerous portions of high-quality seafood like crab cakes with very little filler and massive lobster tailsBeautiful riverside views through windows and surprisingly peaceful atmosphere despite being busy

Don't Miss

Fresh Daily Raw Bar

The oysters arrive fresh every morning from coastal waters. We love starting with a dozen on the half shell - they taste like you're sitting oceanside instead of in the mountains.

Heated Riverside Patio

The best seats in the house overlook the Little Pigeon River. The patio stays comfortable year-round thanks to heaters, and the sound of flowing water beats any restaurant playlist.

Maryland Crab Cakes

These are loaded with jumbo lump crab meat and barely any filler - exactly how crab cakes should be made. At $32.50, they're pricey but worth every bite.

Broiled Seafood Platter

Our most recommended dish feeds two people easily. You get a variety of the day's best catches prepared simply so the seafood flavors shine through.

Steamed Feast

The $60 feast includes a 1.5-pound lobster plus mussels, clams, and oysters with your choice of side. It's messy, fun, and surprisingly good value for the amount of seafood.

Knowledgeable Service

The servers really know their seafood and wine pairings. They'll guide you to the best catches of the day and handle any dietary restrictions with care.

Know Before You Go

Park in the paid lot next door or city garage one block away - no free parking available
Smart casual dress is fine - nice jeans and a polo or blouse work perfectly
Make reservations online or by phone - walk-ins face very long waits
The heated patio operates year-round but bring a light jacket in cooler months
Restaurant is wheelchair accessible with elevator access to dining areas

Opening Hours

Monday4 to 10 PM

Tuesday4 to 10 PM

Wednesday4 to 10 PM

Thursday4 to 10 PM

Friday4 to 11 PM

Saturday2 to 11 PM

Sunday2 to 10 PM

Best Times to Visit Chesapeake's Seafood and Raw Bar

For the best dining experience, consider making reservations for weekend evenings.

🔥Buzzing

Friday & Saturday evenings

☀️Relaxed

Early dinner 4PM - 5:30PM

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours for Chesapeake's?

January-February: Mon-Thu 4-9pm, Fri 4-10pm, Sat 2-10pm, Sun 2-9pm. March-December: Mon-Thu 4-10pm, Fri 4-11pm, Sat 2-11pm, Sun 2-10pm. They're closed on some major holidays.

How much does Chesapeake's cost?

Expect $31-50 per person for dinner. Maryland crab cakes run $32.50, seafood platters around $38.50, and the steamed feast with 1.5lb lobster is $60. Wine bottles start around $28.

Do I need reservations for Chesapeake's?

Absolutely yes. Walk-ins can wait 1-2 hours during peak times, especially weekends and dinner hours. Reservations also help you snag a coveted riverside table.