If you’re tired of traditional chain restaurants and looking for something different to try during your vacation, be sure to check out some of the unique themed restaurants in the Smokies! These fun dining establishments not only feature delicious food and excellent service, but a delightfully quirky atmosphere to add to the experience! Here are the top 5 themed Smoky Mountain restaurants that you need to try:
1. The Hippie BBQ & Grill
The Hippie BBQ & Grill in Sevierville TN is a family-oriented restaurant and sports bar themed to the 1970s, so dig out your bell bottoms, tie-dyed shirts, and other groovy gear! The restaurant specializes in mouthwatering barbeque and you’ll find entrees such as the Psychedelic Brisket Sandwich, Right on Ribs Plate, and the Primo Pulled Pork Sandwich. The menu also features a selection of burgers, as well as tasty appetizers, wings, soups, and salads. Be sure to save room for the Love Lava Cake, To Dye For Cheesecake, or the Trippy Lemon Pound Cake!
2. Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe
Another one of the themed Smoky Mountain restaurants that you need to try is the Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe in Pigeon Forge! This fun restaurant features animatronic chickens that sing while you eat, making it an especially popular destination for families with kids! Start your morning here with a Southern-style breakfast before an active day of sightseeing, or stop by during lunch hours for burgers, chicken tenders, sandwiches, and more!
3. Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville
Enjoy a taste of the islands in the middle of the Smoky Mountains with a meal at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville! This tropical-themed restaurant is located at The Island in Pigeon Forge and features a laid-back atmosphere with unique dining spaces, multiple bars, and even a concert stage! Satisfy your hunger with a Cheeseburger in Paradise, Jimmy’s Jammin’ Jambalaya, and other tasty options, then wash it all down with one of the famous margaritas!
4. Mel’s Diner
When it comes to the top themed Smoky Mountain restaurants that you need to try, be sure to add Mel’s Diner to your itinerary! This classic 50’s style diner in Pigeon Forge offers great American classic food and atmosphere, with everything from hearty breakfast meals and juicy burgers to legendary banana splits! You’ll be happy to know that everything on the menu is incredibly affordable too, making Mel’s Diner one of the best values in the Smokies!
5. Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company in downtown Gatlinburg is based on the movie “Forrest Gump” and captures the magic of the iconic film! The restaurant features scratch-made, southern-style comfort dishes straight from the silver screen, including fried shrimp, coconut shrimp, shrimp scampi, and just about every other kind of shrimp dish imaginable! The menu also offers plenty of non-seafood options too, such as fried chicken, baby back ribs, and ribeye steak!
Check out all of our cabins in the Smokies today to stay close to these themed Smoky Mountain restaurants! We look forward to seeing you soon!
