Every foodie must add Pigeon Forge to their bucket list. This mountain town is home to some of the most delicious restaurants and dishes in the South, so be sure to come hungry! Pigeon Forge has something for everyone, from tasty burgers and barbecues to sweet treats and sinful desserts. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today to indulge in some of the best food southern hospitality has to offer! We’ve listed some of the must-try foods in Pigeon Forge for you:
Barbecue:
Pigeon Forge is home to some of the best barbecues in the South. Be sure to try the pulled pork, smoked to perfection and served with a unique vinegar-based sauce. The ribs are also mouth-wateringly good that come either dry (with dry spices), wet (with BBQ sauce), or muddy, the best of both worlds.
Considering your preferences and diet, you can have a half rack or full rack of ribs. BBQ pork sandwiches are also famous among the locals. It is a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw that melts in your mouth and is Must-Try Foods.
Burgers:
No one knows how to say “NO” to burgers. The tantalizing smell of the beef patties grilled to perfection is enough to make your mouth water. So pile on the toppings of your choice, such as cheese, bacon, avocado, and more.
If you’re searching for the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge, try Junction 35 Spirits, as it is a local favorite. You can try the Tennessee hot burger with their signature Nashville hot sauce. Another great option is the Montreal burger, which will win over your taste buds with the melt-in-mouth cheese and the perfectly seasoned beef patty.
Cinnamon Bread:
No trip to Pigeon Forge is complete without indulging in a freshly baked loaf of cinnamon bread. The cinnamon bread is usually served fresh from the oven and baked to perfection. The outside is crunchy, while the inside is light and fluffy, and the whole thing may come apart without tearing.
Follow the scent of vanilla and cinnamon to discover some of the most delectable cinnamon bread you’ve ever eaten. The bread is drenched in butter and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar to give it a well-liked rich taste. It is one treat that can kick you off your diet, and you won’t even mind.
The Apple Fritters:
Pigeon Forge’s s iconic apple fritter has been featured on Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate,” and it’s easy to see why. Made with fresh apples and fried to perfection, this massive fritter is drizzled with honey and served warm.
To clarify, Apple fritters aren’t your yeasted donut or typical cake. A medium apple fritter has approximately 17 grams of fat and 450 calories. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy on a cool autumn day and a Must-Try Foods. Be sure to get one (or two, even three) while they last!
The Pot Roast:
Are you traveling to Pigeon Forge during peak winters? If so, you’ll want to cozy up with a hot plate of pot roast. This American classic is made with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions simmered in a savory gravy. Many restaurants serve this juicy and flavorful dish, so indulge in pot roast to your heart’s content while in Pigeon Forge to keep you warm on a cold day.
Fried Okra:
Fried okra is a southern staple, and there’s no better place to enjoy it than in Pigeon Forge. This dish is made with fresh okra that’s been battered and fried to crispy perfection. The batter varies from restaurant to restaurant but usually has a cornmeal base.
Some places also add spices like cayenne pepper or paprika to give the okra an extra kick. Regardless of how it’s prepared, fried okra is a delicious side dish you’ll fall in love with at the first bite. It’s often served as an appetizer, but we think it’s good enough to be a meal all on its own.
Margaritas:
Regardless of the season, there’s always a reason to try a margarita because it always hits the spot. Pigeon Forge has no shortage of places to get your fix. Frozen margaritas are made with natural fruit and come in various flavors. If you’re an island lover, try the piña colada margarita.
We recommend the classic lime margarita if you prefer your margaritas on the rocks. It is a combination of pineapple and coconut that will transport you to the beaches of Mexico. It’s refreshing and tart, with just the right amount of sweetness. Regardless of what you order, you can’t go wrong with a cold margarita in hand.
Fried Shrimp:
Say aye if you’re a seafood lover looking for a delicious dish in Pigeon Forge! Fried shrimp is a popular choice among visitors and locals alike. The succulent shrimp are coated in a light batter and fried to perfection.
If you’re looking for a heartier seafood dish, you can also find shrimp po’boys and shrimp baskets on menus around town. They’re served with a side of tartar sauce or cocktail sauce for dipping. No matter how you order it, you’re in for a treat.
Moonshine:
Please don’t say we didn’t warn you. Moonshine is a Pigeon Forge specialty, and it’s not for the faint of heart. This clear corn liquor is made with 100% pure grain alcohol and flavored with fruit, herbs, or spices.
It’s often compared to vodka or white whiskey, but the difference between them is that Moonshine is unaged, which gives it a higher alcohol content. It’s also said to have a smoother taste.
Many locals swear by it, but we’ll let you be the judge. There are various distilleries around town where you can sample different types of Moonshine. Just be sure to drink responsibly!
Trout:
You can’t come to Pigeon Forge and not try the trout. This fish is so popular in the area that it has its own festival. The Smoky Mountain Trout Festival is held annually in April and celebrates everything trout.
From grilled to fried to smoked, there are endless ways to enjoy this delicious fish. Mostly, trout is marinated in a secret blend of spices and then smoked to perfection. It’s often served with hush puppies and coleslaw, but it’s also a Must-Try Foods
Preserves and Jellies:
Pigeon Forge is known for its locally grown fruits and vegetables, so it’s no surprise that they have some of the best preserves and jellies. The fruits and vegetables are grown in the fertile soil of the Smoky Mountains and then made into preserves using an old-fashioned recipe.
The result is a sweet, tangy spread that’s perfect on toast, biscuits, or even ice cream. Pick up a jar (or two) of these delicious preserves to take home for friends and family.
Conclusion:
As you can see, there is no shortage of delicious food in Pigeon Forge. Whether you’re looking for a savory meal or something sweet to satisfy your cravings, this foodie’s dream world has something unique for everyone.
So, before you make your reservations, plan what you’ll eat and where you’ll find what you love eating. Then just indulge in these Must-Try Foods.
