Gatlinburg has lots to offer from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, to Ripley’s attractions, to popular restaurants. Top Cabin Rentals wants to share with you some hidden restaurants in the area that help make the character of Gatlinburg so unique.
1. New Orleans Sandwich Company
The New Orleans Sandwich Shop brought a little piece of NOLA to Gatlinburg when it opened in Baskins Square. Everyone working in this little restaurant is from New Orleans, and you’ll be able to tell immediately when you hear them speak or smell the food. A local favorite, New Orleans, has delicious, authentic cajun cuisine at good prices. The spice and freshness get our mouths watering every time! New Orleans Sandwich Company is the top favorite on this list of local restaurants in Gatlinburg.
2. Glades Soda Fountain
Glades Soda Fountain is an old-fashioned soda shop hidden in Gatlinburg that offers all your favorite treats! If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you should definitely stop by this shop. Order phosphates, floats, sodas, sundaes, milkshakes or malts. If you’re not in the mood for sweets, you can order nachos and a hot dog too! Grab a seat at the counter and watch your frozen treat be made right before your eyes, or grab a table outside the shop. This hidden gem is located in Morning Mist Village in the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community.
3. New York Pizza and Pasta
It’s hard to find a person who doesn’t love pizza, but if you want to enjoy a slice that isn’t from a big-name company and more unique the New York Pizza and Pasta place is your perfect ticket. Family owned, operated, and straight from New York this little cafe puts out an authentic New York style slice that’s as big as a person’s head. You can find New York Pizza and Pasta located on level B of the Mountain Mall in Gatlinburg.
4. Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill
Tom and Earl’s Back Alley Grill really is located down a little alley in Gatlinburg, and that’s why it’s considered a hidden gem. Their menu is more on the classic American cuisine side with burgers, salads, wraps, and beer. “Back Alley,” just what locals call it, has a relaxed atmosphere, and is a great place to unwind and listen to music. They have live musicians play throughout the week that you can listen to on their outside patio.
5. The Best Italian Restaurant
The Best Italian Restaurant, is just known as “the best” to many locals. Their food is fresh and made from scratch with family recipes that have been passed down. You can expect to find plenty of cheese on your pizza and large portions of pasta. Probably their most famous menu item is their garlic knots. They are served golden brown, covered in melted butter, and sprinkled with real garlic. The Best has two locations, the original and favorite of the two is the Best Italian located in the Elks Plaza. This is one of the longest family owned local restaurants in Gatlinburg, and the cooking won’t let you down.
Don’t miss out on these little restaurants that are full of great food and good times! Top Cabin Rentals has cabins in the Gatlinburg area just minutes away from everything on this list, downtown Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
