The Island in Pigeon Forge: 5 Restaurants You Won't Want to Miss
Published Jun 2, 2022
The Island is a great destination for a full day in Pigeon Forge. With 40 shops, plus rides and attractions, The Island keeps the whole family entertained. When it’s time to eat, try these five restaurants for a truly local dining experience.
1. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen
Gather family-style and dig into Southern food like fried chicken, pot roast, fried catfish, and chicken and dumplings. Classic sides feature collard greens, mac and cheese, black-eyed peas, and heaps more. Leave room for bubbling hot cobblers, creamy banana pudding, or Ooey Gooey Butter Cake!
2. Margaritaville
A riverside deck, live music, and a laid-back vibe–that’s Margaritaville, a Jimmy Buffett song brought to life. Sip a ‘rita and enjoy steaks, chicken dishes, fish tacos, jerk salmon, and salads heaped with toppings. Try the gourmet burgers–and yes, there is a “Cheeseburger in Paradise”!
3. Dick’s Last Resort
The servers here are famous for sass, so expect your steak, shrimp, burgers, or nachos with a heaping side of sarcasm. The hilarious atmosphere spices up any meal! The brave (or crazy) diner can attempt the Big Meat Challenge, a massive meal that’s free if you finish it in time. Dare to try a 45-ounce margarita, a moonshine cocktail, or a boozy milkshake, for the over-21s who are kids at heart!
4. Mellow Mushroom
Nothing beats a just-out-of-the-oven pizza to fuel you for a day at The Island. Local favorite Mellow Mushroom offers specialty pizzas, calzones, and salads. Imagine BBQ pork, Buffalo chicken, meatballs, or Italian sausage in the starring role on your pie. Of course, you can “build your own pie” and get creative with toppings!
5. Timberwood Grill
Timberwood Grill serves East Tennessee favorites like bourbon-glazed salmon, chicken pot pie, steak tips, and half-pound burgers. Relax in Timberwood Grill’s mountain cabin decor, with rustic wood everywhere and plenty of nods to the Smokies’ history of logging, hunting, and fishing.
Bonus: Sweet Treats
Between meals, grab some sweet treats! With seven mouth-watering shops selling ice cream, fudge, baked goodies, and more, The Island satisfies every kind of sweet tooth. For a savory snack, look for soft pretzels, gourmet popcorn, and coffee.
Beverage Options
While the kids enjoy rides, the grown-ups can enjoy drinks at Dude’s Daiquiris, Yee-Haw Brewing Co., or the Changes in Latitude Bar.
Roll home to your private rental cabin, full and happy. You’ll want to return to The Island for more fun and food, so stay nearby in a Pigeon Forge vacation cabin!
