Local Dining Options
Here’s a snapshot of dining options in and around Gatlinburg and Pittman Center, TN - including actual restaurants that locals and visitors frequent. Most traditional dining choices are just a short drive into Gatlinburg or along the Glades/Gatlinburg Parkway, which are very close and convenient for visitors.
🚗 Drive Distances & Times to Nearby Restaurants
| Restaurant | Website | Address | Ridge View Lodge* | Appalachian Escape* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Split Rail Eats | https://www.splitraileats.com/ | 849 Glades Rd Suite 1B1, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | ~3.5 mi — ~10 min | ~2.9 mi — ~8 min |
| Preachers Smokehouse | https://preacherssmokehouse.com/ | 2929 Pittman Center Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876 | ~4.5 mi - ~ 15 min | ~ 6 mi - ~ 15 min |
| Jimmy's Smokehouse & Pizza Joint | https://jimmysgatlinburg.com/ | 1359 East Pkwy #F, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | ~5.6 mi - ~14 min | ~3.9 mi - ~10 min |
| Wild Plum Tea Room (seasonal) | https://www.wildplumtearoom.com/ | 555 Buckhorn Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | ~3 mi - ~10 min | ~4.5 mi - ~10 min |
| Tennessee Jed’s | https://tennesseejeds.net/ | 631 Parkway, Suite A8, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | ~8.6 mi — ~22 min | ~7 mi — ~18 min |
| Red Oak Bistro | https://redoakbistro.net/ | 669 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | ~4 mi — ~11 min | ~2.4 mi — ~ 7 min |
| Cherokee Grill | https://cherokeegrill.com/ | 1002 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | ~9 mi - ~25 min | ~7.5 mi - ~21 min |
| The Peddler Steakhouse | https://peddlergatlinburg.com/ | 820 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | ~9.5 mi — ~24 min | ~7.7 mi — ~21 min |
| The Greenbrier Restaurant | https://greenbrierrestaurant.com/ | 370 Newman Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | ~7.3 mi — ~19 min | ~5.7 mi — ~15 min |
| The Park Grill | https://parkgrillgatlinburg.com/ | 1110 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | ~ 9.2 mi - ~25 min | ~ 7.6 mi - ~21 min |
| Trish’s Mountain Diner | 3614 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | ~ 5.5 mi - ~15 min | ~10 mi - ~19 min | |
| Timbers Log Cabin Restaurant | 600 Glades Rd #10, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | ~4.4 mi — ~12 min | ~2.8 mi — ~8 min |
Classic Gatlinburg and Pittman Center Favorites (Short Drive)
Split Rail Eats – Casual café with sandwiches, salads, coffee, and a full beer wall. Outdoor seating and a pet-friendly patio are highlights, great for lunch breaks.
🌐 Website: https://www.splitraileats.com
Timbers Log Cabin – Cozy spot serving breakfast all day, sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, and daily specials. A casual, local favorite near the Glades Center Shopping area.
Preachers Smokehouse - Simple joint serving a variety of steaks, burgers & ribs off the grill, plus sides & desserts.
🌐 Website: https://preacherssmokehouse.com/
Tennessee Jed's – Scratch-cooked sandwiches and comfort fare with beer and wine options. A beloved sandwich shop on the Parkway that’s great for lunch or a casual dinner.
🌐 Website: https://tennesseejeds.net
Red Oak Bistro – Stylish yet approachable dinner spot with small plates, wine pairings, and creative twists on classic dishes. Especially nice for date night or a special meal.
🌐 Website: https://redoakbistro.net
Jimmy's Smokehouse & Pizza Joint – Family-friendly American fare with burgers, smoked meats, beer, and artisan pizzas. Patio seating and live music add to the fun.
🌐 Website: https://jimmysgatlinburg.com/
Trish's Mountain Diner – Comfort food diner with Southern breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites and a friendly local vibe. Classic pancakes, biscuits, steak, and homestyle meals make this a Smoky Mountain staple.
Great Breakfast, Brunch & Casual Stops Nearby
Wild Plum Tea Room – Quiet, Austrian-style lunch and tea spot in the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community (seasonal, reopening expected early 2026).
🌐 Website: https://www.wildplumtearoom.com
Further Afield (Pigeon Forge & Sevierville Options)
Five Oaks Farm Kitchen – Highly-rated casual Southern kitchen with big breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner menus. Popular with families and groups.
🌐 Website: https://fiveoaksfarmkitchen.com
The Fat Bear Family Tavern – Casual diner and sports tavern in Pigeon Forge with burgers, sandwiches, brunch dishes, and fun atmosphere.
🌐 Website: http://www.fatbearpf.com
🍽️ Notes for Visitors
📍 Seasonal Hours
- Most breakfast and lunch spots in this area operate roughly 8 AM - 3 PM (some extend to dinner on weekends).
- Dinner-oriented restaurants often open in the afternoon/evening and may require reservations during peak summer and fall foliage seasons.
- Wild Plum Tea Room is typically closed over winter and reopens in early spring.