Paula Deen's Family Kitchen

Paula Deen's Family Kitchen brings authentic Southern hospitality to The Island in Pigeon Forge, serving up generous portions of comfort food classics in a welcoming, family-style setting. The 300-seat restaurant offers prime views of the Island's fountain shows and the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, making dinner reservations around sunset particularly special.

The dining format here is all about sharing - your table selects several entrees and sides that arrive on platters meant for passing around, with unlimited refills available throughout your meal. Signature dishes include crispy Southern fried chicken and creamy mac and cheese, alongside traditional favorites like Georgia peach cobbler for dessert.

Plan to spend about 90 minutes for the full experience, as the family-style service encourages a leisurely pace perfect for conversation. Meals range from $20-25 per person, which includes all-you-can-eat portions - come hungry to get the best value. The restaurant's location at The Island means you can easily combine dinner with shopping or entertainment before or after your meal.

Don't miss the Paula Deen retail store on the lower level, where you'll find cookware, spice blends, and cooking mixes to recreate Southern dishes at home. The store makes for great browsing while waiting for your table, especially during peak dinner hours when the restaurant can get busy.

For the best experience, make a reservation during evening fountain shows, arrive with an appetite, and be ready to pass plates around the table just like at a family Sunday dinner.