Located in Sevier County, Tennessee, Gatlinburg is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. This is Tennessee's famous natural landmark, and it attracts millions of people every year. For the most part, Gatlinburg is known for its hiking, natural scenery for miles, extreme sports like white water rafting, and collection of museums. But this southern city is also home to some of the most delicious meals and food items like pancakes, BBQ ribs, and fried chicken.
So, if you're heading down to Gatlinburg for a fun family vacation, make sure you know what food to eat that can make your taste buds sing. After all, there is nothing more disappointing than food that doesn't hit the spot and leaves the inner connoisseur in you unhappy. Excited to sink your teeth into deliciously cooked meals? Here's what you need to try:
Before You Start
Before you go around town looking for food on your list, ensure you know where to find them. Gatlinburg may be a small town, but it is saturated with numerous tourists who can make it hard for you to explore without getting caught in a crowd. However, having a guide gives you a glimpse into the restaurants Gatlinburg TN, has to offer.
Additionally, researching where you can find your food items can help you understand the restaurants’ policies regarding common allergies and the facilities available to you and your family. You will also have a better idea if you need to carry cash, bring your pet with you, and how far you will need to travel from your hotel to get to your desired venue.
Food Items To Try In Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is brimming with various meals for you to enjoy. Whether you are a fan of sugary snacks or prefer smoky food, there is something available for you. Here are some delicious food items you need to try:
Sizzling Hot Pancakes
Pancakes are the breakfast of champions. These warm fluffy cakes, with their slightly crispy exterior, feel like a warm hug. Luckily Gatlinburg has an excellent selection of pancakes for you to explore. This includes traditional buttermilk pancakes and fancier ones like chocolate chip pancakes with enough gooey chocolate for it to linger in your mouth. However, the fun doesn't stop there.
Gatlinburg also has an impressive variety of savory pancakes, such as those made from sweet potato, orange walnut, or even corn meal. You can top your pancakes with a fresh dollop of whipped cream, locally grown berries, or maple syrup.
Certain restaurants make pancakes in the shape of animals, which can make breakfast more enjoyable for the kids. Don't forget to ask for bacon bits and coffee with your meal.
Freshly Seasoned Grilled Trout
Gatlinburg allows fishermen to catch trout all year round. As a result, no matter when you go, you'll get to enjoy a plate of freshly grilled trout. Among the many species, the brook trout is native to this region. Their meat is light and delicate, with a hint of sweetness between each morsel.
The brook trout can be cooked in many ways; it can be pan-fried, braised, and steamed. Over slightly high temperatures, this fish develops a crispy exterior that is always satisfying. The secret of unlocking the flavor of seafood depends on how you cook it.
Furthermore, Gatlinburg also has its unique twist when preparing your fish. For instance, some places offer you a dish called the Eisenhower. This is prepared by covering the trout in cornmeal, frying it to perfection, and served with sautéed onions.
Another popular item includes the dilly trout, which involves grilling the trout with a light season of dill weed followed by a drizzle of dill sauce.
Warm and Airy Cake Donuts
If you're a fan of donuts, then you'll relish feasting on cake donuts. Unlike regular donuts, these are leavened with baking soda and baking powder, making them light and fluffy. So when you bite them, you get a warm layer of melted sugar and a flavor note of your choice.
Despite being fried, cake donuts go down easy, and Gatlinburg has the finest cinnamon cake donut.
You can have these with a layer of cream cheese frosting on top or enjoy them with a cup of hot chocolate. Around fall, there's nothing better than munching your cake donut with some apple cider that can complete your autumn holiday.
The New York Strip
Whether settling down for lunch or setting up for dinner, steaks are ideal. Gatlinburg has a diverse range of beef options, especially those prepared and curated for a pleasurable dining experience. So, while you're visiting the south, make sure you try the local New York strip.
This cut is obtained from the short loin of a cow and has a thick layer of fat attached to it. These steaks are known for their flavor, tenderness, and taste, but if you want to kick it up a notch, you can order your steak with different rubs and sauces.
Therefore, in Gatlinburg, you can enjoy your New York strip with a bowl of freshly mashed potatoes topped with melted butter or a side of creamy mac n cheese. You can also have your NY strip with steamed vegetables and a drizzle of honey BBQ if you're feeling spontaneous.
Don't forget to wash down your meal with a glass of red wine and savor the taste of medium-well, cooked meat with fermented grapes.
Final Thoughts
The southern city of Gatlinburg is home to some of the finest cuisine Tennessee offers. After you're exhausted hiking around the city and exploring nature's glorious bounty, you may end the day with a warm meal. Fortunately, Gatlinburg has many restaurants and menu items to explore.
These include popular breakfast items like pancakes and fresh seafood like trout that is delicately grilled or fried to perfection according to your taste. You can also find sweet treats like cinnamon cake donuts or wind up your day with a plate of New York steak with a succulent side.
