Eat and Play: Ranking the 6 Best Restaurants Located Inside Smoky Mountain Amusement Parks
When you visit the Smoky Mountains, you can be sure you will enjoy a ton of incredible food while you are in town. From true Southern BBQ to home cooking like your grandparents made, there is no shortage of delicious food. Plus, you don’t even have to go to one of the traditional restaurants to indulge! Here are 6 of the best restaurants that are located inside Smoky Mountain amusement parks:
1. Aunt Granny’s Restaurant at Dollywood
While Dollywood may be known for thrilling roller coasters and beautiful mountain views, they also have a ton of incredible dining options. At Aunt Granny’s Restaurant, you can enjoy a country spread that is served family style so you can have as much as you would like! Some of the entrees to choose from include fried chicken, pot roast and vegetables, fried catfish, and slow-roasted pork loin. Of course, every main meal comes with all the best southern veggies too! Be sure to save room for one of Granny’s famous desserts too, such as the Cinnamon Bread Pudding or the Dutch Apple Pie.
2. Seasons of Ober at Ober Mountain
You get the best of both worlds when you dine at Seasons of Ober at Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg. They have a ton of delicious dining options to choose from, including hand-cut steaks, chicken and pork dishes, and a variety of homemade sides. While you enjoy your meal, you can look out over the Smoky Mountains with a view you can’t find at any other restaurant in the Smokies. After your meal, you can visit some of the amazing attractions, including ice skating, hill tubing, a mountain coaster, and much more!
3. Cliff Top at Anakeesta
Another one of the Smoky Mountain amusement parks that offer incredible food is Anakeesta. They have a variety of different bars and restaurants located throughout the park, headlined by Cliff Top located in the Black Bear Village. Guests can enjoy traditional American cuisine, such as steaks, burgers, salads, appetizers, and desserts while still soaking up the gorgeous views of Anakeesta Mountain. You can choose to sit either inside or outside on the patio, which both include great views for your elevated dining experience in the Smokies.
4. SkyCafe at the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
A trip to the SkyCafe can be described in three simple words: brews, views, and food! The restaurant is located on the first floor of the SkyCenter and offers traditional favorites, including pizza, salads, wraps, and desserts! While you eat, you can sit around the bar area and look out over the landscape of the Great Smoky Mountains. Be sure to sample one of the cafe’s signature draft beers to top off an incredible experience. The SkyCenter is also home to a fantastic gift shop where you can pick up all your Smoky Mountain souvenirs.
5. Red’s Drive-In at Dollywood
A trip to Red’s Drive-In is just as much about the experience as it is about the food. When you walk through the doors, you will be transported back in time to a typical 50s diner. With music on the jukebox and waitresses carrying around milkshakes for all, everyone in your family will love the experience at this restaurant at Dollywood. It is located in the Jukebox Junction section of the park, and they have everything from turkey wraps to traditional cheeseburgers with fries.
6. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen at The Island in Pigeon Forge
As you explore all the wonderful shops and attractions at The Island in Pigeon Forge, you are sure to work up an appetite. Luckily, there is a place where your group can enjoy a family-style meal that is sure to satisfy your tastebuds. At Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, guests can enjoy entrees that come directly from Paula Deen’s cookbooks, so you know it’s going to be great. Some of the options include southern favorites such as pot roast, chicken and dumplings, roasted chicken, and all the famous sides. While you are sure to not leave hungry, you can’t miss out on a sample of Paula’s signature Ooey Gooey Butter Cake!
Now that you know about some of the Smoky Mountain amusement parks with the best food, you can start planning your dining schedule for your next trip! Take a look at some of the other popular restaurants in the Smokies to add to your itinerary as well! We look forward to welcoming you to the Great Smoky Mountains!
