4 of the Best Restaurants in Gatlinburg to Visit for Lunch
If you’ve ever been to Gatlinburg then you know that choices for dining in the area are abundant. Our beautiful Smokies town has everything from the best breakfast spots in east Tennessee to excellent dinner options like a Peddler, Park Grill and even fondue experience at The Melting Pot. However, it’s the in-between that we wanted to share with you in this blog post! A delicious lunch should be on the priority list as well and we’ve put some of the best spots in town together to point you in the right direction the next time you’re staying with us at The Appy Lodge!
Bones BBQ Joint
One of Gatlinburg’s favorite BBQ dives has re-opened their doors and they’re better than ever! Located just off the main strip in town, Bones BBQ Joint is must for lunch at least once while you’re strolling through the shops and attractions. They offer validated parking and outdoor seating as well as the option for takeout. They’re four-generation family secret to mouthwatering bbq is one that keeps guests coming back time and time again. If you’re stopping in, start off with a round of fried green tomatoes or hush puppies. Savor the Cades Cove Sausage sandwich as your entree, pulled pork dinner or a half rack of ribs. Planning a family picnic in the park? Bones can set you up for a feast in the forest! They offer Picnic Packs to Go that include options like the Family Pack of Ribs, Smoked Chicken Picnic Pack and the Beef Brisket Picnic Pack. Are you ready for dessert? Bring a friend so you can share a slice of Chocolate or Red Velvet Cake!
Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill
Tucked away in The Marketplace area of downtown Gatlinburg is one of the best watering holes in the Smokies. Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill is a great spot that opens at 11a.m and perfect for a relaxing lunch on the patio with friends and family. The restaurant serves unique dishes like the Hillbilly Philly, Red Hot Momma and the Sloppy Jethro. Tom & Earl’s is family friendly and often receives excellent reviews of both their southern hospitality and fantastic foods. The next time you’re in Gatlinburg stop in and see them! The only complaint you’ll have will be when you get back home and start craving their beer battered mushrooms or Parsons Pickles!
No Way Jose’s
Close to 2,000 travelers on TripAdvisor will agree with our recommendation to add No Way Jose’s to your Gatlinburg lunch list! Authentic, great food and a fun atmosphere are some of the top descriptions among those that have dined at the most loved Mexican restaurant in downtown Gatlinburg. It’s location is perfect for guests that are planning to spend the day at Ripley’s Aquarium, Anakeesta or shopping along the strip. Still not convinced? Picture a lunch date with friends, strawberry margaritas, fresh guacamole, and a TexMex entree all while relaxing by the river. Vegan and Gluten Free folks will also be able to dine with no worries of not being able to order within their needs. Just be sure to save room for some fried ice cream, caramel flan or the Churro Grande Sundae!
TGI Friday’s
TGI Friday’s is a well known restaurant and you won’t find any dishes with clever Smokies themed names, but you will find something for everyone! America’s favorite menu items can be found in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg at TGI Friday’s! Swing by for a Bucket of Bones, a french dip, a Million Dollar Cobb salad and some Mac-N-Cheese for the kiddos! If you find yourself in town on a busy day, you can take advantage of being able to make a reservation online. This option gives you more time to play and is definitely a bonus because no one wants to sit around waiting on a table while their on vacation! If you’ve spent the day hiking and are ready to head back to the hotel for a shower and dinner in your King Suite, order take out to pick up on your way back through town!
Where To Stay
We would love to have you as our guest at The Appy Lodge in Gatlinburg! Our hotel was created to pay homage to America’s most loved footpath, The Appalachian Trail. During your time with us you will find that our hallways tell the story of the AT, our rooms are luxurious as well as rustic and cozy. We offer a free complimentary breakfast every morning and free cookies in the afternoon. You’ll enjoy taking a dip in our indoor pool and hot tub or enjoying the waterslide and waterfall in our outdoor pool. Relax by our fire pits in the evening or book a room with a balcony and your enjoy time privately. Guests receive a free parking pass for downtown upon request and also have access to a trolley stop on our property. With our location being next to the Gatlinburg Spur, you will have easy access to not only Gatlinburg and the Smokies but also to all of the wonderful attractions in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville!
Browse our guest rooms and start planning your next vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains!
