When you’ve spent the morning wandering the Parkway, ducking into shops, or soaking up the views from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, lunch starts to sound pretty good. Finding the right spot for lunch in Gatlinburg can turn a good day into a great one, especially if you know where locals and repeat visitors like to head. Gatlinburg has plenty of great spots to stop in, refuel, and continue on your downtown adventures. Here are 5 places to grab lunch in Gatlinburg when you’re out exploring town:
1. Tennessee Jed’s
If you want something relaxed and tasty without all the fuss, Tennessee Jed’s is one of the best places for lunch in Gatlinburg. Located in Baskins Square in downtown, this is where people go when they’re hungry but don’t want to sit around waiting. Sandwiches are piled high, everything’s fresh, and the portions are generous. There’s nothing fancy, just good food that fills you up before you get back to adventuring. It’s the perfect spot for an efficient lunch without sacrificing quality or taste.
2. Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina
Ready to add a little boldness and spice to your adventures in downtown? Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina shakes things up with tacos, big burritos, and a rooftop view right on the Parkway, making it another of the best places for lunch in Gatlinburg! It’s got a fun energy that makes lunch feel more like an experience than just a meal. Groups and families love it here, and if the weather’s nice you simply can’t beat a good meal with a view in the heart of town.
3. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que
You can’t visit the Smokies and not try the barbecue! Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que is a Gatlinburg classic. Located just off the Parkway on River Road, you catch the scent of smokiness before you ever step inside. Their brisket and pulled pork are tender and the sides feel like pure comfort. If you’re bouncing between sights in town and don’t want to overthink lunch, Bennett’s delivers.
4. Smoky Mountain Brewery
Ready for a brew in between a morning hike and strolling around downtown? Smoky Mountain Brewery has you covered! It’s a favorite for lunch in Gatlinburg because there’s a bit of everything, from sandwiches to burgers, pizza, and more. The relaxed vibes make it a great place to just hang out for a bit and relax before getting back to exploring. Plenty of visitors come here when they want a reliable, hearty lunch before jumping back into town.
5. New Orleans Sandwich Company
Classic cajun dishes meet hearty sandwiches at New Orleans Sandwich Company! Their po’boys and fresh-baked bread make for a seriously satisfying lunch in Gatlinburg, and you’ll notice the portions are generous without being over the top. If you’re looking for casual, you can’t beat this place. There’s a twang to this place you simply won’t find anywhere else in town and the experience is memorable without taking up all your time.
A Perfect Midday Break in the Smokies
The beauty of staying at Greenbrier Campground is that you can hit the trails in the morning, pop into town for lunch, and then check out attractions and shops in the afternoon. When you’re spending time downtown and start to get hungry, you can’t go wrong trying these places for lunch in Gatlinburg.
There’s nothing quite like camping in the Smokies! Ready for a unique experience surrounded by nature and all the things that make the Smoky Mountains special? Book your spot at our Smoky Mountain campground today!
