2 Places
Outdoor Dining
Mountain air, rushing creek sounds, and a plate of mountain trout or pulled pork. Outdoor dining in the Smokies is among the best al fresco eating in the South, with creek-side patios, covered decks, and tables set against forested mountain backdrops.
Gatlinburg
The Peddler Steakhouse
Scenic steakhouse since 1976
Pigeon Forge
Local Goat
New American dishes for groups
What to Know
Best Seasons
Best April through October. Spring and fall are ideal with mild temperatures and no summer humidity. Summer outdoor dining is great in the morning and evening but midday heat can be intense. Most outdoor patios close or go uncovered in winter.
What to Bring
Light jacket for evening dining even in summer, as mountain evenings cool faster than valley temperatures. Bug spray is useful at dusk near wooded or creek-side restaurants.
Finding the Right Outdoor Dining for Your Group
For Lunch
Outdoor lunch in the Smokies between 11 AM and 1 PM on a clear spring or fall day is one of the best simple pleasures the corridor offers. Breweries with outdoor seating are a great midday stop.
For Dinner
Creek-side dinner at dusk is the signature outdoor dining experience. The sound of the water, the cooling air, and string lights make it feel like the Smokies were designed for this.
For Drinks and Snacks
Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler and Old Forge Distillery both have outdoor areas perfect for tasting and socializing without committing to a full meal.
Tips and Getting There
Insider Tips
- The rooftop and patio at Local Goat on the Island offers some of the best people-watching in the corridor with mountain backdrop views. Ask for a table on the upper level.
- Creek-side tables at The Peddler and other Gatlinburg restaurants book out days ahead in October. If you want the quintessential outdoor Smokies dinner, reserve early.
- Lunchtime al fresco dining on a Tuesday in the Smokies is one of the most underrated experiences. Lighter crowds, full menus, and time to actually enjoy the setting.
Getting There and Parking
Outdoor dining spots are scattered across the Gatlinburg strip, along River Rd in Gatlinburg, and around the Island complex in Pigeon Forge. Parking for Gatlinburg strip restaurants is in strip lots. River Rd restaurants have small dedicated lots. The Island has its own large parking structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there restaurants with creek-side seating in Gatlinburg?
What about dining with mountain views?
Are there pet-friendly outdoor dining options?
What if it rains during outdoor dining?
Are there rooftop bars or restaurants?
Can I find outdoor breakfast spots?
Vantage Stays · Smoky Mountain Guide
Outdoor Dining
Patio restaurants, creek-side dining, and outdoor eating with mountain views in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The best al fresco lunch and dinner spots in the Smokies.
Scan for live
hours & details
What to Know
Best Seasons
Best April through October. Spring and fall are ideal with mild temperatures and no summer humidity. Summer outdoor dining is great in the morning and evening but midday heat can be intense. Most outdoor patios close or go uncovered in winter.
What to Bring
Light jacket for evening dining even in summer, as mountain evenings cool faster than valley temperatures. Bug spray is useful at dusk near wooded or creek-side restaurants.
The Checklist
| Place | Rating | Hours | Phone | Address | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gatlinburg | |||||
| The Peddler Steakhouse | 4.7 ★ | Mon-Sun: 4:30PM - 10PM | (865) 436-5794 | 820 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | |
| Pigeon Forge | |||||
| Local Goat | 4.4 ★ | Daily: 11AM - 10PM | (865) 366-3035 | 2167 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | |
Picking the Right One for Your Group
For Lunch
Outdoor lunch in the Smokies between 11 AM and 1 PM on a clear spring or fall day is one of the best simple pleasures the corridor offers. Breweries with outdoor seating are a great midday stop.
For Dinner
Creek-side dinner at dusk is the signature outdoor dining experience. The sound of the water, the cooling air, and string lights make it feel like the Smokies were designed for this.
For Drinks and Snacks
Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler and Old Forge Distillery both have outdoor areas perfect for tasting and socializing without committing to a full meal.
Insider Tips
- The rooftop and patio at Local Goat on the Island offers some of the best people-watching in the corridor with mountain backdrop views. Ask for a table on the upper level.
- Creek-side tables at The Peddler and other Gatlinburg restaurants book out days ahead in October. If you want the quintessential outdoor Smokies dinner, reserve early.
- Lunchtime al fresco dining on a Tuesday in the Smokies is one of the most underrated experiences. Lighter crowds, full menus, and time to actually enjoy the setting.