6 Things You Didn’t Know About the Most Popular Gatlinburg Restaurants
Gatlinburg is home to so many delicious restaurants that visitors love to try! Whether you’re craving American, Mexican or Italian, you’ll be able to find something to satisfy your appetite when you visit Gatlinburg. To learn more about some of the most popular Gatlinburg restaurants, we’ve put together a list of 6 things you didn’t know about them!
1. The Peddler was built upon tradition.
The Peddler is Gatlinburg’s premier steakhouse. Over the years, it’s become a tradition for guests to dine here on their vacations. But did you know it was built upon tradition too? The restaurant’s building was home to Charles Ogle Sr., a fourth generation Gatlinburg merchant. He and his wife built their home on the banks of the Little Pigeon River using remnants of 4 old Sevier County cabins. Steaks Sophisticated, Inc. acquired the cabin, renovated it and opened it as a restaurant in 1976.
2. The Pancake Pantry was started by people who had no restaurant experience.
Would you believe that Gatlinburg’s most popular breakfast restaurant was started by people who had no restaurant experience whatsoever? In 1960, Jim and June Gerding decided to move to Gatlinburg to open Tennessee’s first pancake house: Pancake Pantry. It was a leap of faith because this was an entirely new restaurant concept in 1960, and Jim had no restaurant experience! In 1965, they purchased the land and the building, and the signature building was constructed under Jim’s guidance in 1975.
3. Crockett’s Breakfast Camp is named in honor of David “Crockett” Maples.
You may think that Crockett’s Breakfast Camp was named after the famous Davy Crockett, but it’s actually in honor of another local legend! David C. “Crockett” Maples was an original frontiersman and an honored soldier. He served as a private and corporal in Company H, Ninth Tennessee Cavalry from October 1, 1863 to June 8, 1865. He returned to his home and family just north of Gatlinburg, and as a mountain man familiar with the terrain was asked to guide people through the rugged mountain pass. During one winter trip, Crockett got stranded in a blizzard, and got such severe frostbite that his legs had to be amputated. He fashioned a pair of boots with wooden feet that he tied to his legs and got around with the help of two canes. Crockett was an inspiration to his community, and Crockett’s Breakfast Camp stands to honor his legacy.
4. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que Serves Breakfast.
Of course you know Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que serves delicious barbeque, but did you know they also have breakfast? Enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet at Bennett’s! The buffet includes a Belgian waffle bar, pulled pork, eggs, sausage, bacon, French toast, biscuits and gravy, fresh fruit and so much more. If you don’t want the buffet, you can order something off their breakfast menu, like an omelet!
5. The Donut Friar is the only original shop in The Village in Gatlinburg.
The Donut Friar was the first shop to open in The Village in Gatlinburg, and it’s also the only original shop to still stand today! It’s not hard to understand its success once you pay this shop a visit. Enjoy a freshly made donut or some cinnamon bread, and pair it with a fresh cup of coffee. It’ll be hard to resist buying everything in this shop.
6. You can bring your own bottle of wine to Taste of Italy.
Taste of Italy is one of the most popular Gatlinburg restaurants, known for its authentic Italian dishes. Not only does it serve your favorite beer in bottles or draft, but you can also bring your favorite bottle of wine with you! There is no corking fee, and Taste of Italy will supply the glasses. Along with your wine, enjoy the restaurant’s old world Italian cooking techniques combined with unique recipes.
More Popular Gatlinburg Restaurants
Now you know more about some of the most popular Gatlinburg restaurants, but these aren’t the only delicious spots in town! If you want even more options for places to eat when you visit Gatlinburg again, check out our list of the best Gatlinburg restaurants.
