5 Wears Valley Restaurants You Didn’t Know About–But Should
There are tons of delicious places to eat in the Smoky Mountains. From a relaxed and quiet restaurant in Gatlinburg to an exciting dinner and a show in Pigeon Forge, guests to the area can find something to tackle just about any food craving.
That being said, how much do you and your family know about all the delicious Wears Valley restaurants? A little off the beaten path of the Parkway, these five eateries are sure to leave your family happy and full.
Elvira’s Cafe
Elvira’s Cafe is one of the only fresh farm to table restaurants in Wears Valley and the Smoky Mountains. The talented chefs behind the menu here work especially hard to incorporate several local ingredients into their meals.
According to the Wears Valley restaurant’s website, with each bite, the invite guests to escape from the mundane and enjoy all the delicious tastes that Tennessee has to offer.
If you go here, we highly suggest ordering your meal on the screened-in patio and enjoy the peaceful silence of the Smoky Mountains. Not to mention, this restaurant also offers free WiFi you can enjoy during your stay.
- Location: 4143 Wears Valley Rd.
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; Closed on Sundays
Menu:
Friendly Falls Food & Stuff
Friendly Falls Food & Stuff is known for being one of the most scenic Wears Valley restaurants. Located just over 4 miles from the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, Friendly Falls stays true to its name by over looking a scenic waterfall that diners can enjoy during their meal.
While you are there, be sure to also swing by the Wears Valley restaurant’s gift shop and gem mine store for an extra special souvenir to take home with you.
Also, if you are planning a special event like a Smoky Mountain wedding or family reunion, Friendly Falls also doubles as an events venue thanks to the help of their friendly staff.
Click here to learn more about Smoky Mountain event planning at Friendly Falls Food & Stuff.
- Location: 2135 Wears Valley Rd.
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday noon-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday noon-10 p.m.
- Friendly Falls Menu
Geppetto’s Restaurant in Wears Valley
If you are in the mood for Italian food, then there is no better Wears Valley restaurant than Gepetto’s. Usually just a secret favorite among the locals, Gepetto’s specializes in all the Italian classics including spaghetti, lasagna, chicken parmigiana, hot sub sandwiches, pizza and more.
Diners here have the choice to eat in or carry out and enjoy a nice picnic in the scenic Wears Valley area.
- Location: 3250 Wears Valley Rd.
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.- 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.- 11 p.m., Closed on Mondays
Grandmother’s Kitchen
Don’t you just love the smell of freshly made biscuits and gravy in the morning? What about a mouth-watering hamburger for lunch? Well that and more is just what you can find inside Grandmother’s Kitchen.
This Wears Valley restaurant specializes in all the classic southern breakfast and lunch staples that both locals and visitors to the area fall in love with, all at an affordable price.
- Location: 3030 Wears Valley Rd.
- Hours: 7 a.m-3 p.m. daily. Breakfast service ends at 1 p.m.
Bootlegger’s BBQ
Brand new to the area, Bootlegger’s BBQ is the newest Wears Valley restaurant to call the Smoky Mountains home. Here, the focal point of the menu is everything barbecue, including slow-cooked ribs, pulled pork, chicken tenders, and more.
While you are there, we suggest trying the Brown Bag Specials that includes a barbecue sandwich, chips and a drink.
- Location: 2881 Wears Valley Rd.
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.- 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.
If you would like to learn about more of our favorite places to eat in the Smoky Mountains, be sure to check out the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Restaurants page on our website. If you have a favorite Wears Valley restaurant or place to eat in the Smoky Mountains that you would like us to cover, please let us know in the comments below!