Thanksgiving Dinner in the Smokies

Will you be spending Thanksgiving in the Smoky Mountains? Get a jump-start on your holiday meal planning today by deciding where to spend Thanksgiving Dinner in the Smokies, of the many excellent Smoky Mountain restaurants open on Thanksgiving .

If there is one thing we are not always thankful for is cooking the Thanksgiving dinner. Yes, there are so many family recipes we love to share and enjoy with the ones we love, but between the preparing and the clean up there is a lot of work that goes into preparing this family feast.

Here are some options for a great Thanksgiving Dinner in the Smokies:

Ober Gatlinburg – This Gatlinburg favorite will be open Thanksgiving Day from 11 am to 6 pm. A menu is available online and includes all the Thanksgiving classics including:  turkey, honey glazed ham, cornbread dressing and gravy, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato puree, pumpkin pie, apple pie, and much more. Ober Gatlinburg will be an incredible meal with even more incredible views!

Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que –Barbecue might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Thanksgiving dinner, but Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que will serve up its 14^th annual turkey buffet dinner this year. Turkey, ham, 5 different veggies, a soup and salad bar, and desserts will make up the scrumptious spread from 11 am to 9 pm on Thanksgiving Day. If you prefer to kick back in the cabin for dinner, you can also pick up whole turkeys and hams, or you can order the whole Thanksgiving meal to go. 

Applewood Farmhouse –This is one of my favorite places to eat in Gatlinburg! Located right next to the Apple Barn, Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant serves up all the best Southern delights. On Thanksgiving Day, from 10:30 am until 9 pm, you can dive into their annual Thanksgiving feast. Try the apple fritters and apple butter, roast turkey and dressing, prime rib of beef au jus, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans and more. A to-go Thanksgiving dinner is also available.

The Old Mill Square –The Old Mill Restaurant and the Pottery House Café & Grille will be open on Thanksgiving Day and dishing out a family-style feast. No reservations will be taken, but you can get there early and shop around while you wait.

Holston’s Kitchen – Holston’s Kitchen is one of the many delicious locally-owned restaurants in the area. Offering a unique twist on several American-style classics, this Sevierville restaurant is the perfect place for you and your family to unwind and enjoy a relaxing Thanksgiving dinner in the Smoky Mountains.

Cracker Barrel – Known for it’s traditional dishes and rustic decor, Cracker Barrel has been a long-time favorite restaurant among travelers to the Smoky Mountains

Hard Rock Cafe – Known for being one of the most exciting places to eat in the area, the Hard Rock Cafe in Pigeon Forge is the perfect place for you and your family to go for a memorable Thanksgiving dinner in the Smoky Mountains. The rock and roll vibe combined with the delicious menu is sure to help make this year’s holiday one to remember.

Mama’s Farmhouse – If you and your family still want the feel of a home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner in the Smoky Mountains, but you don’t feel like cooking yourselves, look no further than Mama’s Farmhouse. Known for it’s large-portions and family-style service, this quaint Pigeon Forge restaurant has been a long-time favorite in the area.

It’s a good idea to ask restaurants how late they are serving; some serve Thanksgiving dinner only into the early afternoon; others serve until 8 or 9 pm. Some restaurants require reservations.

We hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving Dinner in the Smokies!