8 Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants in the Smoky Mountains to Try
Do you agree that one of the best parts of vacation is trying new restaurants? If you do, then you’ll love hearing about some of our favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurants in the Smoky Mountains! Of course, there are some popular restaurants that you won’t want to miss. But, if you’re interested in trying something different, we have the perfect places! Here are 8 hidden gem restaurants to try on your next visit:
1. Preacher’s Smokehouse
Located in Sevierville, you’ll find Preacher’s Smokehouse. This family run BBQ restaurant offers delicious, homestyle meals. Stop by this cozy, woodsy joint to enjoy a variety of steaks, burgers and ribs hot off the grill. The restaurant only uses locally sourced hickory and apple wood to cook with, and all recipes are unique to the smokehouse. Even the sauces are made in-house! The menu includes BBQ ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, the best homestyle sides and more. Escape from the hustle and bustle for some of the best BBQ meals at Preacher’s Smokehouse!
Location: 2933 Pittman Center Rd., Sevierville, TN, 37876
2. Chubby’s Deli
This hidden gem is actually located in the same building as a gas station off Newport Highway in Sevierville. Chubby’s Deli is home to some of the best homemade food you’ll find in the Smokies. It’s the type of place you grew up eating and his home to Chubby’s Famous Burger, which is topped with bacon, slow roasted pork, BBQ sauce and grilled onions, smothered in cheddar cheese. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant also has breakfast specials served until 11 AM and a variety of other sandwiches and specials for you to choose from for lunch. You have to give this spot a try while you’re in town!
Location: 2659 Newport Hwy., Sevierville, TN 37876 (inside Citgo Gas Station)
3. Lil Black Bear Cafe
This Pigeon Forge restaurant will become your favorite sandwich shop in the area! Lil Black Bear Cafe serves breakfast and lunch to hungry visitors and locals. The menu includes everything from hot golden pancakes and French toast for breakfast to patty melts and reubens for lunch. Guests rave about their delicious food and quick service, along with the friendly staff. If you’re looking for a cute cafe off the beaten path, this is the restaurant for you!
Location: 3068 Veterans Blvd., Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
4. Tennessee Jed’s
Looking for the perfect hole-in-the-wall spot in Gatlinburg? Find Tennessee Jed’s! This sandwich shop is located in Baskins Square and is known for its tasty sandwiches, hot dogs, and, of course, its Frito pies! The Classic Frito Pie has Frito chips, chili and cheese, and the Loaded Frito Pie has Frito chips loaded with chili, cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, tomatoes and onions. Plus, you can also visit for breakfast and brunch for some of the best breakfast sandwiches and quiche!
Location: 631 Parkway, Ste. A8, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
5. Elvira’s Cafe
One of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in the Smoky Mountains you’ll want to try is Elvira’s Cafe. In fact, it made it on Yelp’s list of the top 100 places to eat across America! This cozy cafe is a place where you can escape the busyness and embrace flavor. It specializes in fresh food made right in front of you, from breakfast favorites like the Tennessee Haystack to lunch specials like the Cades Cove Special. Enjoy your meal while taking in beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains and Wears Valley.
Location: 4143 Wears Valley Rd., Sevierville, TN 37862
6. Junction 35
This restaurant is growing in popularity, but it’s still one of our favorite restaurants off the beaten path! Junction 35 Spirits, located in the Mountain Mile in Pigeon Forge, is home to both a distillery and a kitchen + bar. Sample the spirits on the distillery side before heading to the kitchen side! Order one of their handcrafted cocktails while you decide what you want to eat. The menu includes everything from smoked meat BBQ trays, to burgers, to artisan pastas and other specialty entrees. Be sure to save room for some of their famous Bourbon Balls for dessert!
Location: 2655 Teaster Lane Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
7. Delauder’s BBQ
For some of the best BBQ in Gatlinburg, head to Delauder’s BBQ! This hole-in-the-wall spot is where you can find delicious BBQ platters, nachos, sandwiches and more. Delauder’s is a family-run dive on the outskirts of Gatlinburg. You’ll feel like part of the family when you dine here! Whether you’re in the mood for brisket, a pulled pork sandwich or a slaw dog, you can enjoy it here.
Location: 1875 East Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
8. Ristorante DellaSantina
This restaurant is located away from the busy Parkway in Sevierville. At Ristorante DellaSantina, you can experience the finest Italian in Sevier County. It uses only the freshest ingredients — with seafood flown in 3 times a week, 21-day dry-aged filet mignon, freshly sliced antipasto plates and daily-made tiramisu. There is also a fully stocked bar with all your favorites! Favorites on the menu are the Pasta Bolognese, Frutti di Mare and Lamb Chops that you can enjoy along with a gorgeous river view.
Location: 2004 Red Bank Rd., Sevierville, TN 37862
More Restaurants in the Smoky Mountains
These are some of our favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurants in the Smoky Mountains, but you’ll have so many options for great places to dine when you visit! Take a look at more Smoky Mountain restaurants and decide where you want to go on your trip.
