Must-Try Famous Foods and Eateries in Gatlinburg

Looking for Gatlinburg’s unique foods that you can’t try anywhere but here in the Smoky Mountains? Check out these famous local dishes and eateries.

1. Ogle Dog at Fannie Farkle's

The recipe is a secret but the flavor is famous: The Ogle Dog at Fannie Farkles is a must. It’s named for an original settler, the ingredients are made locally, and it’s a Gatlinburg tradition to watch as the cooks dip and cook this foot-long dog right in front of you.

2. Donuts at the Donut Friar

The sweet scent of cooking donuts wafts out the door of the Donut Friar, a small shop with a big reputation for Gatlinburg’s freshest donuts and pastries. With more than 30 varieties, heaped with cinnamon, coconut, chocolate and more, everyone in your family will find a favorite. Enjoy them on your cabin’s deck.

3. Deviled Eggs at Parton's Deli

Creamy yolks nestled on top of perfectly cooked whites—these deviled eggs are positively heavenly, and known all over town. They’re freshly made at locally owned Parton’s Deli, where the owners serve sandwiches and all the traditional deli meats, cheeses, breads, and baked goods. Don’t miss the potato salad, and try the lemon cake for dessert.

4. Garlic Knots at Best Italian

Best Italian tops these pillows of tender dough with chopped garlic, olive oil, parmesan and Romano cheeses, and herbs to create garlic knots so rich, they’re the restaurant’s signature dish. You can find them at both of Best Italian’s Gatlinburg locations, but once you find them, they won’t last long.

5. Pancakes at the Pancake Pantry

Fluffy buttermilk pancakes, fun-sized silver dollar pancakes, crepes with fruit and whipped cream. That’s only a sampling of the menu here at The Pancake Pantry, the state’s first pancake house and a local tradition since 1960. Arrive early to beat the crowds, because this down-home eatery is popular!

6. Salad Bar at The Peddler Steakhouse

Steaks are in the name, but salads are a claim to fame. The Peddler’s salad bar draws diners from all over the area to its mounds of salad fixings. Build a generous salad the way you want it. Make it a meal, or add it to the Peddler’s extensive menu of steaks, chicken, seafood, and appetizers like fried dill pickles and cheddar cheese bites.

7. Taffy Logs at Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen

Sample chewy taffy in so many flavors, you’ll need a guided tour. Put together a box of your personal favorites to savor back at your cabin, or pick out flavors as gifts for friends. Watch the taffy-makers at Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen as they hand-craft this colorful sweet. You’ll find plenty more candies here too, from chocolates to candy apples.

After you've explored Gatlinburg's amazing food scene, head back to your Smoky Mountain cabin for rest, relaxation and all of the comforts of home!