If you are visiting the Smoky Mountain area, you don’t want to skip the most important meal of the day. A great breakfast can get your day started on the right foot.
I’m sharing the best places to go for fluffy pancakes and more in Gatlinburg and beyond for the whole family.
There are several restaurants serving breakfast within walking distance of Gatlinburg’s downtown shops that you can visit before exploring the other local attractions and hidden gems in the area.
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Several of the restaurants in Gatlinburg serve breakfast all day, which is perfect for anyone who isn’t an early riser.
Many of the restaurants also have fresh eggs, country ham, griddle cakes, VERY generous portion sizes, and REAL butter on the table to help fill you up before your next outdoor adventure or visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
There is no shortage when it comes to pancake houses in the state of Tennessee. There are a variety of pancakes to choose from including buttermilk pancakes and specialty pancakes with warm homemade syrups.
Pancake Pantry
628 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
Founded in 1960, Pancake Pantry is Tennessee’s first pancake house treating generations of families.
It’s pretty common to see a LONG line wrapped around the building. Surprisingly, it moves along quicker than you would anticipate.
On our most recent visit, we were in line at 9:58 am and seated at 10:20 am. The friendly staff at Pancake Pantry are very efficient!
A few of the highlights were the hash and the Sugar and Spice pancakes.
The Sugar and Spice pancakes are served with applesauce and cinnamon cream syrup.
We also tried the Almond Apricot crepe.
Breakfast Strategy to Try More Menu Items
This would probably be a good time to tell you that a few of us were ”food sharers” at a few of these restaurants. The first thing we do is narrow down our top choices.
Three people = three entrees to try. And let’s be honest, a PERFECT breakfast is a combination of both sweet AND savory.
We tried to avoid visiting the top places at peak times when possible.
Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
1103 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
We avoided the lines for this popular breakfast stop by arriving about an hour before closing time.
Crockett’s Breakfast Camp is closer to the Ober Gatlinburg side of downtown Gatlinburg near Bennett’s Pit Bar-b-que.
The portions are generous and the dining area is used to seating for families or groups.
We tried the Signature corned beef hash breakfast and Jake Creek’s Skillet.
Jake Creek’s skillet includes pecan-crusted rainbow trout, two farm-fresh eggs, grits, hunt camp potatoes, biscuit, sausage gravy, and a griddle cake.
The giant cinnamon roll is also worth sharing as an appetizer before the rest of your food arrives.
The Donut Friar
634 Parkway #15, Gatlinburg, TN
The Donut Friar is located in the Village Shoppes that are in downtown Gatlinburg.
One of their most popular items is their cinnamon bread. You’ll want to grab a loaf or two while you’re there.
They also have a variety of donuts, pastries, and coffees to choose from.
There isn’t any seating so this is a great option if you want to grab a sweet treat on the go.
Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin
This restaurant has 7 locations in the area serving up giant pancakes and omelets.
This is a breakfast restaurant that “gets it” because all of the omelets are served with two pancakes.
You’ll find plenty of classic southern breakfast dishes on the menu.
Gatlinburg Grind
680 Glades Rd STE 3, Gatlinburg, TN
This is a coffee shop with GOOD coffee and pastries made fresh daily near the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community.
Log Cabin Pancake House
327 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN
This pancake house is family-owned and operated since 1976 and serves up an assortment of pancake varieties, crepes, and breakfast classics all day long.
There is free parking beside and in front of the restaurant and the line can get long for this restaurant but it’s designed to move quickly.
Here are a few other breakfast restaurants in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge to try too:
The Apple Barn & Cider Mill
230 Apple Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN
The Apple Barn is always one of our go-to stops on the way to Gatlinburg… and sometimes we even make a second trip on our way back home.
Their fried apple pies are served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and their apple slushies make the stop totally worth it!
This is a quick service stop if you need a few apple-themed essentials, including cider donuts to enjoy later that week.
Next door you’ll find the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant with table service and an expanded menu offering both sweet and savory breakfast menu items.
Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant also has several tables that have porch swings to sit in front of the table.
Mel’s Classic Diner
119 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN
This is another popular family-owned and operated classic American diner serving breakfast all day.
Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe
2785 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN
If you are in Pigeon Forge, I highly recommend Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe.
The animatronic chickens are so cute and fun but this restaurant isn’t just a gimmick. It really does have great food and it’s a unique breakfast experience in Pigeon Forge.
Their cinnamon swirl pancakes aren’t on the menu anymore but they are still available upon request… and my kids still talk about them years later.
The portion sizes are generous for their omelets and biscuits and gravy too.
Which of these Best Breakfast Restaurants in Gatlinburg Do You Want to Try First?
You have plenty of places to choose from during breakfast time for a great price.
Looking for More Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Smoky Mountain National Park?
Check out the following articles featuring things to do in the Smoky Mountains including Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge.
- Hidden Gems and Unique Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN
- Unique Things to Do in Pigeon Forge
- Unique Adventures to try in the Smoky Mountains
- Top Things to Do at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, TN
- Extreme Adventures in the Smoky Mountains for Thrill Seekers
- Extreme Outdoor Adventures in the Smoky Mountains
- Experience Cades Cove in a New Way by Bicycle
Ready to Book Your Stay in Gatlinburg?
Find the best deals on hotels and vacation rentals in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge by clicking on the interactive map below.
Additional Adventures Around the Smoky Mountain in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
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The ultimate list of unique things to do in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Learn more about the extreme outdoor adventures in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge including zipling, white water rafting and more.
Family-friendly ideas for a weekend visit to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Learn more about family-friendly adventures to try in Gatlinburg
Learn more about how you can bike the scenic Cades Cove loop in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Discover why Anakeesta is a relaxing and adventurous attraction for families of all ages.
The best indoor attractions to visit during a rainy day in Pigeon Forge, TN.
Discover the family-friendly outdoor adventures at Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park.
Discover why you will want to stop at Sugarlands Visitor Center when you enter the Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee.
Three family-friendly outdoor adventures that you can try with Rafting in the Smokies.
Discover why Gatlinburg Fall Resort is a great lodging option for your next Smoky Mountain Vacation.
Learn why the Greystone Lodge on the River is a great option for travelers who want to stay in downtown Gatlinburg.
I love how you did the searching and finding! I’ve been here a few times and not found the perfect spot but I’m excited to try your suggestions!
Pancake Pantry was highly recommended during our recent stay. Unfortunately, we passed it up because we refused to pay $20 for parking just we could enjoy the pancakes. Flapjacks Cabin was delicious!!
Hi Nendra,
It was a great read! Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and I love trying out new things for breakfast. I have been thinking about visiting Gatlinburg with my friends and I will definitely try out these fluffy pancakes. My friends love pancakes as well, and I think they will love trying them out as well. Thanks a lot for sharing all of these places. I am sure many people will find it very useful.