Top 8 Restaurants in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for the Best Burgers

Sometimes, all you need is a big, fat, and juicy burger! We’ve compiled a complete guide of the top restaurants in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for the best burgers, from sports bars to diners and dives! 

1. Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill

If you’re looking for a restaurant in Gatlinburg TN off the beaten path, you should go to Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill! This hidden gem serves up some incredible specialty burgers, including their version of a Phatty Melt, a beef burger topped with provolone cheese, grilled onions, and thousand island dressing. Those who love spicy foods must see if they can beat the heat of the Burning Bear Burger with ghost pepper cheese and jalapenos!

2. Smith & Son Corner Kitchen

Right in the middle of Downtown Gatlinburg is Smith & Son Corner Kitchen, where Southern hospitality and Smoky Mountain flavors come together! It’s the perfect place to stop after a hike in the Smokies or a few hours at the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park! Their all-American menu features some of the best burgers, the most famous being the Gatlinburger– two fresh patties with fried bologna, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, spicy pickles, and fried onions on a brioche bun! Other favorites include the Smoky Delphia Burger with shaved roast beef, sauteed onions, peppers, and mushrooms on a brioche bun with creamy queso and the Pit Master Burger with pulled smoked pork, cheddar cheese, tomato, coleslaw, spicy pickles, and fried onions. They also have gluten-free bread and bun options!

3. Cliff Top

If you’re already planning to spend some time at Anakeesta, then you have to check out the delicious burgers at Cliff Top! The outdoor deck provides a stunning view of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains, the perfect backdrop to enjoy while you eat! Their Thru Hiker Bison Burger with onion strings, bacon, and horseradish mayo is a must-try, but if you feel like something different, their chicken burgers are also piled high with incredible toppings! They also offer a vegetarian option, the Clingmans Dome Veggie Burger– a black bean burger served with spinach, tomato, feta, and garlic aioli. 

4. Ole Red

Blake Shelton’s Ole Red is more than a restaurant, it’s also a live entertainment venue! Grab a burger and a beer and enjoy the amazing talent as they perform! We recommend trying the unique Hell Right Burger– a beef patty and split mini hot dog with a fried egg, white cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickled red onions, and TeriOkie glaze on a potato bun. If you prefer a more traditional burger with a bit of a twist, you should get the Oklahoma Onion Burger with beer onions, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles on a sesame seed bun. Sometimes simple is the best! 

5. Mountain Edge Grill

At Mountain Edge Grill, choose from 100% beef or bison burgers with toppings such as sauteed mushrooms and Swiss cheese or American cheese and chili. Their location on the Parkway in Gatlinburg is convenient for those headed up to Ober Mountain or shopping along the downtown strip. Plus, they have a variety of sandwiches, pizzas, and other menu items to satisfy every appetite.

6. Iron Boar Saloon

Iron Boar Saloon is THE Smoky Mountain hangout for motorcyclists, but anyone can come and enjoy a phenomenal burger and a cold beer straight from the tap! Besides a stacked all-American burger, their menu features loaded-up fries, wings, and more! Gearheads will fit right in at this biker bar located right across from the Harley Davidson in Pigeon Forge. 

7. Mel’s Classic Diner

Of all the restaurants in Pigeon Forge TN, Mel’s Classic Diner is a local and tourist favorite for cheap but delicious food! Experience a 50s diner atmosphere, extremely friendly staff, and a full menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Add a little heat to your burger with Ritchie Valen’s Jalapeno Cheeseburger or Rimmy’s Cajun Cheeseburger. Anyway you like your burgers, Mel’s has a tasty combo that you’ll love.

8. Blue Moose Burgers & Wings

Enjoy watching the game while you devour a burger and fries at Blue Moose Burgers & Wings! This family sports bar and grill in Pigeon Forge has something for everyone with its diverse menu of appetizers, jumbo wings, and sandwiches. You’ve got to try their famous Grilled Cheese Burger– a ½ lb. beef burger served between two melty grilled cheese sandwiches! Other unique options include the Buffalo Bacon Burger with buffalo sauce, Applewood smoked bacon, and Bleu cheese crumbles, as well as the Hawaiian Luau Burger, topped with grilled pineapple, mango habanero wing sauce, and bacon. Everything at Blue Moose is bursting with flavor and mouth-watering good; you must come and experience their fantastic burgers and fun atmosphere for yourself! 

Craving a burger now? Well, you know about quite a few restaurants in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that have the best burgers! But there are so many more amazing places to eat, so check out more Smoky Mountain restaurants to get more ideas for your next trip!