Tom & Earl's Back Alley Grill
September 3, 2025

Gatlinburg, TN, is known for being home to a variety of great restaurants! Because there are so many fantastic choices, it can be difficult to decide where to dine. To help make your decision easier, we’ve put together this list of some of the local favorite places to eat in Gatlinburg so you can eat like a local during your vacation!

1. Split Rail Eats

One of the local favorite places to eat in Gatlinburg is Split Rail Eats. This hidden gem can be found in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community just outside of downtown. At this casual restaurant, you can feel right at home while you enjoy fun takes on delicious comfort food. Options range from burgers and sandwiches to tater bowls and salads. You can also order a tasty handcrafted beverage from the full bar or coffee menu!

2. Smoky Mountain Brewery

Smoky Mountain Brewery in Gatlinburg TN

Smoky Mountain Brewery is another one of the favorite places to eat in Gatlinburg. The atmosphere at this restaurant combines the cozy charm of a ski lodge with the lively spirit of a beer hall. You can relax and enjoy handcrafted microbrews along with nightly entertainment! Pair your drink with an assortment of delicious food options, including appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and steaks. The most popular items on the menu, however, are the chicken wings and specialty pizzas!

3. Jimmy’s Smokehouse and Pizza Joint

If you’re looking for local places to eat in Gatlinburg, Jimmy’s Smokehouse and Pizza Joint is one of the best! Locals love this restaurant, which specializes in fresh food that is made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients. Favorite options include mouthwatering pizzas, which you can customize with your choice of toppings or choose from one of the signature pizzas on the menu. Other popular menu items include smoky BBQ dishes, mac bowls, burgers, and more!

4. The Wild Plum Tea Room

floral teacup and saucer

Are you searching for a unique place to eat in Gatlinburg for lunch? The Wild Plum Tea Room is a great option! Because this local gem is so popular, reservations are required to secure a table. This lunch restaurant and tea room is known for its fresh, homemade menu that changes with the seasons. Enjoy hot or iced Wild Plum Tea with your meal and make sure you save room for a homemade dessert!

5. Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill

One of the best places to eat in Gatlinburg is Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill. This local spot is hidden in downtown Gatlinburg and serves delicious food in a casual atmosphere. You can enjoy a variety of appetizers, salads, soups, burgers, sandwiches, and wraps. Pair your meal with a cold beer or specialty cocktail, and finish with sweet Funnel Cake Fries! On select nights you can also listen to live music while you eat!

More Local Places to Eat in the Smokies

You’ll love dining at these local favorite places to eat in Gatlinburg! Are you looking for more dining options in the Smokies? If you’re spending time in nearby Sevierville, make sure you also check out these fantastic local Sevierville restaurants!

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