Gatlinburg, TN, is known for being home to a number of fantastic restaurants. Some restaurants are more popular with visitors to the area while others are more often frequented by the locals who live there. If you want to learn more about living in Gatlinburg, you need to know where the locals like to eat. Here are some of the local favorite restaurants in Gatlinburg TN:

1. Split Rail Eats

A favorite restaurant among the locals living in Gatlinburg is Split Rail Eats. This restaurant is located in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community off the beaten path. You can find fun takes on Southern comfort food, including burgers, sandwiches, tater bowls, and appetizers. They also have a full bar and an espresso menu for handcrafted beverages. Make sure you stop by for Sunday Brunch to enjoy unique twists on brunch favorites.

2. Three Jimmy’s

One of the most popular restaurants for those living in Gatlinburg is Three Jimmy’s. This local gem specializes in fresh food made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients. You can order house-smoked meats and Southern favorites like chicken pot pie and chopped steak. However, many locals go to this Gatlinburg restaurant for the burgers, artisan pizza, and beer. Stop by on select nights to enjoy live entertainment while you eat.

3. Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill

Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill is a bit of a hidden gem, but this is a favorite spot among those living in Gatlinburg. This restaurant serves delicious appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and wraps in a casual, laid-back atmosphere. Pair your meal with a specialty cocktail or cold beer. You can also find live music at this Gatlinburg restaurant on certain days of the week.

4. Pancake Pantry

If you’re looking for a place to go for breakfast in Gatlinburg, you can’t go wrong with Pancake Pantry. This was Tennessee’s first pancake house when it opened in 1960, and it has maintained its title as one of the top pancake restaurants in the Smokies. While this is a popular spot for visitors, locals also agree that it’s a breakfast staple. You can enjoy a variety of breakfast and lunch options at Pancake Pantry, but their 24 flavors of pancakes are what they are most famous for.

5. The Wild Plum Tea Room

If you’re looking for a local lunch spot, check out The Wild Plum Tea Room. This restaurant and tea room is open seasonally for lunch and only a few days of the week. Because it is so popular, you need to make reservations in advance. This restaurant is known for a fresh, homemade menu that changes with the seasons. Their most popular items are their chicken salad, homemade desserts, and, of course, tea.

Are you interested in living in Gatlinburg? Now that you know how to eat like a local, it’s time to find a place to live so you can become a local yourself. Take a look at our current Gatlinburg TN homes for sale to get started.