Nothing breaks up a full day of fun better than a delicious lunch! There is no shortage of great places to eat in Pigeon Forge, but when it comes to the perfect midday meal, some places are better than others. We want to help you narrow down your lunch options by giving you a list of some of our favorite restaurants to go to! Here are the top 5 places to enjoy lunch in Pigeon Forge.

1. Mel’s Diner

If you’ve been to the Smokies before, then you’ve definitely heard of this spot. Mel’s Diner is a popular restaurant at any time of the day, but we think it especially works great for lunch! With a classic 50’s diner feel, you can enjoy anything from juicy burgers to hearty breakfast meals. That’s right — breakfast is served all day! It’s also home to a famous banana split, so if you have a craving for a frozen treat, this is a great place to enjoy lunch.

2. Cookie Dough Monster

Don’t let the name of this restaurant fool you — you can get more than just cookie dough for lunch when you dine here! Cookie Dough Monster serves up some gourmet grilled cheeses and burgers, a variety of chicken sandwiches, fresh salads, and so much more. Our favorite part about this restaurant (besides the taste of the food) is the clever names it comes up with for them. Try the Betty White, an 8 oz. beef patty with white American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and pickles. Or, get the Fet-Up With It grilled cheese, which has garlic sourdough, marinara, mozzarella, cheddar, feta, turkey, crumbled bacon, tomatoes, pesto basil and roasted garlic aioli. Plus, you can get some cookie dough or a gourmet milkshake for dessert!

3. Local Goat

One of the most popular places to enjoy lunch in Pigeon Forge is Local Goat. No matter what time of day you drive by this restaurant, you’ll always notice plenty of cars in the parking lot. There’s a reason for that! This New American restaurant specializes in locally sourced and sustainable menu items. It’s famous for its gourmet burgers made with a secret blend of fresh, locally sourced beef, but the menu also has jumbo chicken wings, fall-of-the-bone ribs, steaks, and more. And, you can’t leave without trying a favorite among everyone who visits: the deep fried deviled eggs!

4. Pottery House Cafe

To enjoy a tasty lunch by a fountain, choose to dine on the patio at Pottery House Cafe! This Pigeon Forge restaurant is located in The Old Mill District and is famous for its lunch specials. Order a sandwich and soup combo, or try a signature quiche plate! All of the quiche plates are served with delicious cinnamon raisin bread. You can also order fried catfish, shrimp and grits, burgers, and more. What’s unique about this place is that all of the plates are made by the potters next door! Before you leave, get a slice of cake or pie to go, or a loaf of their artisan breads made fresh daily.

5. Blue Moose Burgers & Wings

For a casual and mouth-watering meal, head to Blue Moose in Pigeon Forge! Located on Teaster Lane, this used to be considered a hidden gem that all the locals love. In recent years, it’s become increasingly popular among everyone who visits. Enjoy the best wings in the area, the best handhelds — from burgers, to sandwiches, to wraps — and the best drinks! It actually has award-winning chicken wings with 16 different flavors to choose from. If you’re hoping to catch a sports game, this is the perfect place to have lunch in Pigeon Forge! You’ll love having a meal at Pigeon Forge’s only family sports grill and bar.

Can’t get enough food? Check out these specialty food shops in Pigeon Forge!

Now that you know the best places to enjoy lunch in Pigeon Forge, we bet you can’t wait to start planning your visit to try them all! Want to learn about more delicious restaurants in the area? Check out these local places to eat in Pigeon Forge you’re sure to love!