1. The Old Mill Restaurant

The Old Mill Restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants with classic southern cuisine. Their fried chicken is hand breaded then deep fried until crispy, while the beef liver is covered in a special spice blend and topped with caramelized onions. You can’t go wrong with the southern fried country ham, chicken and dumplings, or the homemade meatloaf. Every meal at The Old Mill comes with their signature corn chowder, corn fritters, green beans, and mashed potatoes. After your meal, you can enjoy one of their freshly baked desserts!

2. Old Mill Pottery House Cafe and Grille

If you want to try southern food in Pigeon Forge with a unique flair, you should eat at the Old Mill Pottery House Cafe and Grille. Located right across the street from The Old Mill Restaurant, the cafe feels more like a bistro than a southern restaurant. You can’t go wrong with their signature quiche and sandwich combo for lunch. The shrimp and grits, shrimp and gumbo, fried chicken livers, and the barbecue pork plate are just some of the best southern food you’ll find. Once you’re done with your meal, look through the dessert menu and try one of the cakes or pies that are made fresh every day.

3. Mama’s Farmhouse

Mama’s Farmhouse is a great option if you have a large group or you want to feel like you’re eating at home. Food is served family style at the restaurant, meaning everyone will choose 2 entrees for lunch or 3 for dinner and share these and the sides. Some of the food you can choose from includes fried chicken, turkey and stuffing, fried catfish, and meatloaf. Sides include mashed potatoes, fried okra, corn on the cob, mac and cheese, and more. Your whole family will love eating at Mama’s Farmhouse when you’re in the mood for southern food!

4. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que

While every region has their take on barbecue, you can’t go wrong with one of the best southern styles at Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que! They serve some of the best southern food in Pigeon Forge, and they also have a location in Gatlinburg! You’ll find pulled pork covered in their signature sauce, baby back ribs, smoked chicken, smoked sausage, brisket, burnt ends, and so much more. To go with your entree, choose from spicy mac and cheese, green beans, coleslaw, potato salad, and more. You can’t go wrong with Bennett’s delicious barbecue!

5. Mama’s Chicken Kitchen

If you want to indulge in fried chicken, then you should eat at Mama’s Chicken Kitchen in Gatlinburg. Choose from legs, thighs, breast, wings, and more to share with your family and friends. You can choose from a variety of sides to pair with your favorite chicken pieces, and some of them include french fries, mac and cheese, chicken and dumplings, green beans, and more. Mama’s Chicken Kitchen is a great choice when you’re in the mood for southern food!

You’ll want to try all of these places that have southern food in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! Want to know about some of the other options in the area? Here are more restaurants in the Smoky Mountains you should check out!