Nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is not just a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty and exciting attractions—it is also a vibrant food and beverage scene. Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a food-centric adventure, one thing is certain: Pigeon Forge’s local restaurants offer some of the finest dishes that pair beautifully with a variety of beverages. From craft beers brewed in the region to Tennessee whiskey and locally sourced teas, Pigeon Forge has become a hub for food lovers looking to combine exceptional dining with delightful drinks.
This Pigeon Forge restaurant guide will help you explore the best dishes in town and the perfect beverages that complement them, so you can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level. Whether you’re in the mood for a Southern classic, a sweet treat, or something more exotic, we’ll highlight the best food and drink pairings in Pigeon Forge. Let’s dive into the best local dishes and the beverages that pair perfectly with them.
1. Classic Southern BBQ and Craft Beer Pairings
Pigeon Forge is famous for its barbecue, and no trip to the area is complete without tasting some authentic Southern BBQ. Whether you prefer pulled pork, brisket, or ribs, Pigeon Forge’s BBQ joints offer mouthwatering options that showcase the region’s culinary traditions.
The Dish: Smoked Ribs at The Old Mill Restaurant
Located near the historic Old Mill, this Southern institution serves up some of the most tender smoked ribs in town. The ribs are cooked to perfection and glazed with a tangy sauce that enhances the rich flavors of the meat.
The Beverage: Tennessee Craft Beer
Pair your smoked ribs with a refreshing Tennessee craft beer. Pigeon Forge and nearby Gatlinburg have seen a surge in craft breweries offering a wide variety of beers, from light and crisp lagers to bold stouts. A local pale ale or a smooth amber ale is the perfect choice to complement the smokiness and tanginess of the ribs. The slight bitterness of the beer cuts through the richness of the meat, creating the perfect balance.
Why This Pairing Works: The maltiness and hoppy bitterness of the craft beer balances the bold flavors of the smoky barbecue, while the beer’s carbonation helps cleanse your palate between bites.
2. Fresh River Trout and White Wine Pairings
For those who enjoy fresh, light, and flavorful dishes, Pigeon Forge offers freshwater trout that perfectly reflects the area’s pristine rivers and streams. Smoky Mountain Trout is a favorite in the region, and many local restaurants serve it in a variety of styles.
The Dish: Pan-Seared Rainbow Trout at Smoky Mountain Trout House
Located along the Little Pigeon River, the Smoky Mountain Trout House offers a delightful pan-seared rainbow trout dish that highlights the natural flavors of the fish. The trout is delicately seasoned and paired with light, fresh sides such as sautéed vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes.
The Beverage: Tennessee Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
Pair the pan-seared rainbow trout with a crisp Tennessee Chardonnay or a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are excellent choices because of their crisp acidity and bright citrus notes, which complement the delicate flavors of the trout without overpowering them.
Why This Pairing Works: The acidity and citrus notes in both wines bring out the trout’s natural flavors and cut through the richness of the creamy sides. The light-bodied nature of these wines enhances the overall freshness of the dish.
3. Hearty Southern Biscuits and Gravy with Local Craft Soda
For those craving classic Southern comfort food, Pigeon Forge boasts several restaurants that serve up fresh biscuits and gravy—a hearty, satisfying dish often served for breakfast or brunch.
The Dish: Biscuits and Sausage Gravy at The Pancake Pantry
One of Pigeon Forge’s most beloved breakfast spots, The Pancake Pantry, serves up biscuits and sausage gravy that will have your taste buds dancing. The dish features soft, fluffy biscuits smothered in a rich, creamy sausage gravy with just the right amount of spiciness.
The Beverage: Local Craft Soda
Pair this Southern classic with a locally made craft soda, such as Tennessee Root Beer or a freshly brewed ginger ale. These sodas are crafted in small batches with natural ingredients, making them the perfect balance of sweet and slightly tangy. Their effervescence pairs wonderfully with the richness of the sausage gravy and the fluffiness of the biscuits.
Why This Pairing Works: The fizziness of the craft soda cuts through the richness of the sausage gravy, while the sweetness of the root beer complements the savory flavors of the dish. This pairing brings balance and refreshment to a typically heavy meal.
4. Smoky Mountain Steak and Bourbon Pairings
For steak lovers, Pigeon Forge restaurants offer high-quality cuts of beef that are seasoned and grilled to perfection. Steaks are a staple at many local eateries, often served with classic sides like loaded baked potatoes and grilled asparagus.
The Dish: Smoky Mountain Ribeye at The Chop House
At The Chop House, a premier dining destination in Pigeon Forge, the Smoky Mountain ribeye is a must-try. This perfectly marbled steak is seasoned with a special blend of spices and cooked to your desired temperature, leaving you with a flavorful, juicy cut of meat.
The Beverage: Tennessee Bourbon
Pair your smoky ribeye with a glass of Tennessee bourbon, such as Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel or George Dickel, both of which are distilled nearby. The warm, smoky flavors of the bourbon complement the rich, savory taste of the steak, creating a bold and satisfying pairing.
Why This Pairing Works: The rich and smoky notes of the Tennessee bourbon enhance the flavors of the ribeye, while the slightly sweet undertones of the bourbon complement the meat’s charred exterior. This is a classic pairing that elevates the dining experience.
5. Smoky Mountain Fried Chicken and Sweet Tea Pairings
Southern fried chicken is a beloved classic that features crispy, golden-brown chicken coated in a flavorful batter. No visit to Pigeon Forge would be complete without indulging in this iconic dish, and pairing it with a refreshing sweet tea makes for the ultimate Southern comfort meal.
The Dish: Fried Chicken at The Pottery House Café
Known for its Southern charm, The Pottery House Café offers crispy fried chicken that’s perfectly seasoned and fried to a golden crisp. The chicken is served with classic sides like buttermilk biscuits, gravy, and collard greens.
The Beverage: Tennessee Sweet Tea
Pair this Southern fried chicken with a glass of Tennessee sweet tea. Known for its strong brew and rich sweetness, sweet tea is the quintessential Southern beverage, and its lightness and sugar content perfectly complement the crunchy, savory fried chicken.
Why This Pairing Works: The sweetness of the tea balances the saltiness of the fried chicken, while the cool and refreshing nature of the drink provides a perfect contrast to the crispy, hot chicken. It’s a pairing that’s both comforting and satisfying.
6. Southern Pies and Locally Roasted Coffee
No Southern meal is complete without a dessert to end on a sweet note. Pigeon Forge has several restaurants that serve up irresistible pies, including pecan pie, apple pie, and sweet potato pie, which are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
The Dish: Southern Pecan Pie at Dolly’s Stampede
After a fun-filled meal at Dolly’s Stampede, indulge in a slice of Southern pecan pie. This rich, sweet dessert is made with caramelized pecans and a buttery crust that will leave you craving more.
The Beverage: Locally Roasted Coffee
Pair your pecan pie with a cup of locally roasted coffee from a Pigeon Forge café. Tennessee is home to a burgeoning coffee culture, with many local coffee shops offering freshly brewed coffee made from beans sourced from all over the world. The rich, bold flavors of the coffee complement the sweetness of the pecan pie, making for the perfect dessert pairing.
Why This Pairing Works: The bitterness of the coffee helps to balance the sweetness of the pecan pie, while the warm, toasty notes of the coffee complement the caramelized flavor of the dessert. This pairing offers a satisfying conclusion to a great meal.
Elevate Your Dining Experience with Local Pairings in Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is a culinary destination that offers a diverse range of dining experiences, from classic Southern comfort food to fresh seafood and everything in between. Pairing these dishes with local beverages—whether it’s a craft beer, Tennessee bourbon, or sweet tea—elevates the entire dining experience and allows you to truly savor the flavors of the region.Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another food-filled adventure, Pigeon Forge’s best dishes paired with local beverages will leave you with unforgettable memories of your time in the Smoky Mountains.
