Best Steakhouses in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg's Steak Scene

For a mountain town known for pancakes and moonshine, Gatlinburg has a surprisingly excellent steakhouse scene. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, craving a perfectly aged ribeye, or looking for a romantic dinner with mountain atmosphere, you will find quality options that rival any metropolitan steakhouse - often with better views and more reasonable prices.

The area's steakhouses range from legendary local institutions that have been serving travelers for decades to upscale establishments with extensive wine lists and white tablecloth service. What they share is a commitment to quality beef, skilled preparation, and the kind of welcoming atmosphere that makes a meal memorable.

Most steakhouses in the Gatlinburg area do not require jackets or formal attire - mountain casual is the norm even at nicer establishments. But they do get busy, especially on weekends and during peak seasons, so reservations are strongly recommended for dinner service.

Approx drive time from our cabins: 15 to 20 minutes to most Gatlinburg steakhouses, 20 to 25 minutes to Pigeon Forge locations.

The Peddler Steakhouse - a Gatlinburg legend since 1976.

Alamo Steakhouse - family favorite with mesquite-grilled steaks.

Cherokee Grill - upscale dining for special occasions.

The Park Grill - mountain lodge dining with creek views.

Top Steakhouses

The Peddler Steakhouse

The Legend - Gatlinburg - Since 1976

The Peddler is the steakhouse that locals recommend first, and it has earned that reputation over nearly five decades of consistent excellence. Located right on the Little Pigeon River with windows overlooking the rushing water, the setting is as memorable as the food.

What makes The Peddler unique is their cut-your-own-steak salad bar. You select your own cut of aged beef from the butcher case, choose the size you want, and it is grilled to your exact specifications. This interactive element, combined with one of the best salad bars you will find anywhere, makes it an experience rather than just a meal.

• Signature experience: Cut-your-own steak from the butcher case
• Best for: Special occasions, steak purists, groups who want choices
• Atmosphere: Rustic elegance, river views, warm lighting
• Must-try: USDA Choice ribeye, extensive salad bar
• Reservations: Strongly recommended, especially weekends
• Location: 820 River Road, Gatlinburg

Alamo Steakhouse

Family Favorite - Multiple Locations

Alamo Steakhouse has become a Smoky Mountain institution with locations in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Known for generous portions, quality beef, and a Texas-influenced menu, it strikes the perfect balance between upscale steakhouse and family-friendly restaurant.

The steaks are hand-cut in-house and cooked over a mesquite wood-fired grill, giving them a distinctive smoky flavor. The menu goes well beyond steaks with excellent ribs, seafood, and chicken options - making it a solid choice when your group has varied preferences.

• Specialty: Mesquite wood-fired grilling
• Best for: Families, groups with varied tastes, value seekers
• Atmosphere: Texas-lodge style, spacious, casual upscale
• Must-try: Cowboy ribeye, loaded baked potato
• Reservations: Recommended for dinner
• Locations: Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Parkway

Cherokee Grill

Upscale Elegant - Gatlinburg

For the most upscale steakhouse experience in downtown Gatlinburg, Cherokee Grill delivers white-tablecloth service with a sophisticated menu and wine list to match. The restaurant occupies a prime location on the Parkway and offers a refined atmosphere that makes it perfect for anniversaries, proposals, and special celebrations.

Beyond excellent steaks, Cherokee Grill is known for their Prime Rib (available after 4 PM), creative appetizers, and desserts worth saving room for. The service is attentive without being intrusive, and the bar program includes craft cocktails alongside an extensive wine selection.

• Specialty: Prime Rib, upscale service
• Best for: Romantic dinners, celebrations, wine enthusiasts
• Atmosphere: Elegant, refined, intimate lighting
• Must-try: Slow-roasted Prime Rib, New York Strip
• Reservations: Highly recommended
• Location: 1002 Parkway, Gatlinburg

The Park Grill

Mountain Lodge Vibes - Gatlinburg

The Park Grill offers a quintessential Smoky Mountain dining experience with its lodge-style interior featuring massive stone fireplaces, rustic wood beams, and windows overlooking the rushing creek below. The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit.

The menu features steaks alongside Southern-influenced specialties and fresh trout from local waters. It is the kind of place where you want to linger over dinner and soak in the mountain lodge ambiance.

• Specialty: Lodge atmosphere, creek-side setting
• Best for: Couples seeking ambiance, Southern cuisine lovers
• Atmosphere: Rustic lodge, stone fireplaces, creek views
• Must-try: Filet mignon, rainbow trout, corn fritters
• Reservations: Recommended
• Location: 1110 Parkway, Gatlinburg

Additional Options

• Crystelle Creek Restaurant: Hidden gem with hand-cut steaks and homemade sides
• Bullfish Grill (Pigeon Forge): Excellent surf and turf options
• Seasons of Ober: Mountain-top views at 3,500 feet elevation

Choosing the Right Steakhouse

For Romance and Special Occasions

Cherokee Grill for elegant service and refined atmosphere, or The Peddler for the river-view setting and interactive experience.

For Families

Alamo Steakhouse offers the best combination of quality, variety, and family-friendly atmosphere. Multiple menu options ensure everyone finds something they will love.

For Views

Seasons of Ober for mountain panoramas, or The Peddler for the rushing river setting.

For Value

Alamo Steakhouse delivers excellent quality at reasonable prices with generous portions.

For Steak Purists

The Peddler and its cut-your-own-steak experience lets you select exactly what you want and have it grilled precisely to your specifications.

Steak Tips

Ordering Your Steak

• Rare (120 to 125 degrees): Cool red center
• Medium-Rare (130 to 135 degrees): Warm red center - the sweet spot for most cuts
• Medium (140 to 145 degrees): Hot pink center
• Medium-Well (150 to 155 degrees): Slightly pink center
• Well-Done (160+ degrees): No pink - but you will lose some tenderness

Best Cuts for Different Preferences

• Ribeye: Most flavorful due to marbling - best for fat lovers
• Filet Mignon: Most tender, leanest - best for texture purists
• New York Strip: Balance of flavor and tenderness
• Prime Rib: Slow-roasted, rich flavor - best for savory lovers
• T-Bone/Porterhouse: Get both strip and filet - best for the indecisive

Practical Information

Reservations

• Call directly for most reliable reservations
• Some restaurants use OpenTable or similar services
• Friday and Saturday require advance booking
• Holiday weekends book up weeks ahead
• Walk-ins possible on weeknights, especially early

What to Expect

• Dress code: Mountain casual at all locations
• Dinner timing: Most steakhouses open at 4 to 5 PM for dinner
• Meal duration: Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours for a full steakhouse experience
• Tipping: 18 to 20 percent is standard for full-service dining

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