One of the most popular attractions in Pigeon Forge is Dollywood. You’re likely to work up an appetite riding all the fun rides and watching all the amazing shows. Don’t worry, though–Dollywood has lots of great food options to choose from when the hunger hits! Here are some of the best Dollywood restaurants you should try during your next visit:
1. Aunt Granny’s Restaurant
Aunt Granny’s Restaurant in Dollywood has been named one of USA Today’s top ten best theme park restaurants in the country! This is one of only a few restaurants in Dollywood that serves a sit-down meal. Enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat, family-style supper that offers something for everyone! You get to choose your main dishes and side dishes to share with the table, then end your meal with individual desserts. Some of the crowd-favorite items on the menu include crispy fried chicken, pot roast, Southern fried catfish, corn pudding, herb roasted potatoes, braised cabbage, banana pudding, and seasonal cobbler.
2. Granny Ogle’s Ham ‘n’ Beans
You can’t get much more Southern than ham and pinto beans! If you’re looking for true Southern cooking, make sure you eat at Granny Ogle’s Ham ‘n’ Beans in Dollywood. You can start off your meal with an order of traditional deviled eggs or pimento cheese dip with pork rinds. Then, enjoy a Pulled Ham Sandwich, Chicken and Dumplings, or plate of Ham, Beans 'N' Greens. There are a number of tasty Southern sides to go with your meal, such as corn bread, mashed potatoes, roasted turnip greens, and green beans. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with a classic banana pudding or strawberry shortcake!
3. Hickory House BBQ
It should come as no surprise that Dollywood knows how to serve some tasty BBQ! Head over to Hickory House BBQ for award-winning BBQ recipes and favorites straight from the smokehouse! You can enjoy delicious smoked BBQ pork or beef brisket on a sandwich smothered with Memphis-style sauce. This restaurant in Dollywood also serves some of the best chicken tenders around! Other favorites on the menu include the Hickory House Bar-B-Q Pork Twisted Taters, Brisket Cheesesteak, and Smoked Hot Turkey Legs. Pair your meal with a side of twisted taters–thick, spiral fries that are fried to perfection!
4. Front Porch Café
Another one of the great sit-down restaurants in Dollywood is Front Porch Café. You can sit down and enjoy a calm meal indoors to cool off or warm up while you enjoy some of Dolly’s favorite meals! Start off with a Southern staple like fried green tomatoes or pimento cheese dip. Then, enjoy a delicious Southern specialty like fried chicken, shrimp and cheesy grits, or crispy pork loin. You can also order unique sandwiches served on a house-made butterfly-shaped pretzel! If you have room, make sure you order one of the fruity desserts! This Dollywood restaurant also has the most gluten friendly and vegan options, and they have the ability to accommodate meals for most allergies and dietary needs.
5. Red’s Drive-in
One of the best quick service restaurants in Dollywood is Red’s Drive-in. This classic diner-themed restaurant takes you back in time to the 1950s and specializes in delicious burgers and fries that all ages can enjoy! You can choose from a variety of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, salads, and wraps. The crinkle-cut fries are always crispy and salty, perfect for a day at the theme park! Make sure you save room for dessert so you can enjoy a classic milkshake! You can enjoy your meal inside in the air conditioning or out on the spacious patio with a view of Lightning Rod!
6. Grist Mill
Although it’s not one of the savory restaurants in Dollywood, you can’t visit this theme park without making a stop at the Grist Mill! There you’ll find the most iconic food item at Dollywood: their world-famous cinnamon bread! This tasty dessert is made fresh daily, and you can even watch it being made behind the counter before your very eyes. You can choose to pair your cinnamon bread with a side of sweet buttercream icing or Dollywood’s own apple butter for dipping. The Grist Mill also sells an assortment of fruit preserves, butters, syrups, and chow chow.
More Things to Do at Dollywood
These are just some of the many great restaurants in Dollywood that you should try during your next visit! Riding roller coasters is one of the best ways to work up an appetite, but there are also a lot of other great things to do at the theme park for all ages and interests. Check out these fun things to do at Dollywood besides rides to help you prepare for your trip!
