Are you craving some good breakfast in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, but don’t know where to go? We’ve got your back. This Smoky Mountain town is packed with breakfast restaurants and pancake houses.
Whether you’re craving eggs, bacon, waffles, pancakes, or something else, you’re sure to find it among these top breakfast places in Gatlinburg.
- Crockett's Breakfast Camp
- Pancake Pantry
- Log Cabin Pancake House
- Donut Friar
- Flapjack's Pancake Cabin
- Trish's Mountain Diner
- Old Mill Restaurant
- Mel's Classic Diner
- Atrium Restaurant
- Little House of Pancakes
- Morning Mist Cafe
- Smoky Mountains Creperie
- Hillbilly's Restaurant
- Now Closed: Ruby Sunshine
- The Bottom Line
Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
Located on the Parkway between the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the center of downtown Gatlinburg, Crockett’s Breakfast Camp is more than a breakfast restaurant.
This cabin-themed restaurant, named after the famous David Crockett, will charm you with its modern spins on traditional Southern breakfast dishes. From 1-inch thick pancakes to stacked-high breakfast sandwiches, the restaurant serves one of the best breakfasts in Gatlinburg,
Of course, the cinnamon roll, a massive gooey pastry, is a must-have. It will be served on a skillet and be big enough to share with everyone at the table. Southern mainstays, including eggs, omelets, a corn beef hash benedict, french toast, and breakfast skillets, are among the other breakfast options on the menu.
If you enjoy a little spice with your food, try the Huevos Rancheros with an extra hot sauce or the flavor-packed Elk Mountain Grande Burrito, which comes with three eggs, machaca, chorizo, jalapeno peppers, and pico de Gallo.
Despite the long waits, this spot is absolutely worthwhile!
Pancake Pantry
If you’re looking for fluffy pancakes and various toppings, the Pancake Pantry is a perfect place.
This well-known restaurant in the Village Shops was the first pancake house in the state when it opened in 1960, and both locals and tourists love it. It is still on the Parkway in the same location and is open all days except Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Of course, pancakes are the most famous item on the menu, and the variety will wow fans.
More than 24 pancake flavors are available, topped with syrups prepared from fresh ingredients or homemade compote. You can have cornmeal pancakes, pecan pancakes, wild blueberry pancakes, Caribbean pancakes, and old-fashioned buttermilk pancakes.
For those who love the sweet and salty combo, Pancake Pantry also offers a variety of waffles, such as a crisp bacon waffle or smoked ham waffle.
Even if you are not a flapjack lover, this pancake house’s breakfast items, like the omelet, sausage, and bacon, will satisfy your appetite. Their breakfast menu is available from 7 am to 3 pm. Here, you’ll see people lined up around the block, waiting to enter this pancake palace.
Log Cabin Pancake House
No list of the best breakfast places in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is complete without the Log Cabin Pancake House.
Since its inception in 1976 on the Historic Nature Trail, this breakfast spot has been at the pinnacle of Gatlinburg’s pancake competitions. The Log Cabin Pancake House is a no-frills breakfast place known for its spectacular food and stellar service. The restaurant’s atmosphere is cozy and rustic due to its location inside a log cabin with wood furnishings and a large fireplace.
This restaurant serves mouth-watering pancakes, French crepes, all-you-can-eat biscuits & gravy biscuits, French toast Royale (topped with a special cream cheese sauce and bananas), sandwiches, omelets, breakfast platters (like country ham and biscuits), and typical lunch fare (like corndogs and hamburgers).
So, the Log Cabin Pancake House has something for everyone, whether you are in the mood for a sweet, indulgent treat or a salty, savory brunch.
Donut Friar
Are you looking for a grab-and-go breakfast place in Gatlinburg, Tennessee? The Donut Friar is a perfect place, especially if you’re an early bird, as the restaurant opens daily at 5 am. Tucked away in The Village Shops off the Parkway, this downtown restaurant has been satisfying taste buds since 1969 with its aromatic homemade donuts.
This donut shop serves some of the most popular donut varieties, including chocolate dipper, coconut delight, and cinnamon twist. In addition to donuts, try the tasty cinnamon bread or delicious pastries like the chocolate eclair.
The Donut Friar also has a coffee shop serving espresso, cappuccinos, chai lattes, mochas, macchiatos, and lattes. In addition, The Donut Friar only accepts cash, so come prepared.
Check out their Facebook page too for more info on the restaurant.
Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin
If you’re in the mood for a modern take on traditional breakfast food, go to Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin.
Specializing in freshly prepared pancakes, this establishment on 146 Parkway is one of the delightful places in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin has six eateries in the Smokies, three of which are in Gatlinburg, making it accessible for visitors staying in different areas of the town.
One of their most appealing items on many is sticky bun pancakes. You will love these soft and delicious cinnamon swirl pancakes served with cream cheese icing and pecans. These pancakes combine the light, fluffy texture of pancakes with the best cinnamon rolls, making them one of the best breakfast options in Gatlinburg.
This trendy spot also offers Reese’s peanut butter pancakes and sweet chocolate chip pancakes. Other breakfast items include omelets, skillets, bacon, eggs, and sausage.
If anyone in your family has gluten sensitivities, the restaurant offers gluten-free options.
Trish’s Mountain Diner
Nestled on East Parkway and only 15 minutes outside Gatlinburg, Trish’s Mountain Diner offers a tranquil escape from the bustling downtown area.
Thanks to the friendly staff, lovely decor, and enticing aroma of comforting diner food, you’ll feel right at home when you enter this restaurant. After you arrive, you can start stuffing your stomach with exceptional sandwiches and savory breakfast classics.
This trendy restaurant offers country-style breakfast items daily from 7 to 11 am, including country steak & gravy or traditional breakfast sandwiches.
However, if you’re looking for affordable breakfast options in Gatlinburg, Trish’s Mountain Diner is the best option, with most meals costing $4-$10.
Old Mill Restaurant
If you’re looking for a classic Southern breakfast, Old Mill Restaurant is the best restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
The Old Mill Restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is well-known for its classic Southern breakfast and beautiful surroundings. Located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the restaurant has been located in a historic grist mill since 1830.
This classic restaurant offers a charming atmosphere with its rustic décor and views of the adjacent Pigeon River. Its menu focuses on traditional Southern foods such as country ham, fried chicken, pot roast, and catfish.
The breakfast menu items are pancakes, waffles, bacon, sausage, eggs, and especially, the Cinnamon Raisin Pecan French Toast. Moreover, Old Mill’s Pecan Pie is their signature dessert. Moreover, the restaurant is open all day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they often host live entertainment in the evenings.
Mel’s Classic Diner
Mel’s Classic Diner is a retro-themed restaurant that pays tribute to the traditional diners from the 1950s. The restaurant dazzles with its picturesque atmosphere featuring a metal-tone ceiling, neon lighting, jukebox music, and checkered floors.
If you’re not an early bird and like sleeping in on vacation, Mel’s Classic Diner is for you. This great restaurant serves breakfast all day, so you can enjoy pancakes and French toast whenever you want.
The diner offers a wide range of breakfast options at reasonable prices, including eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, omelets, French toast, pancakes, waffles, and more.
One of their breakfast specials is Big Daddy’s Gut Buster Breakfast which includes hash browns or grits, two eggs, biscuits and gravy, and your favorite meat. The home-cooked breakfast specials, juicy hamburgers, and large banana splits are also favorites among diners’ patrons.
Whether you want a hearty breakfast to start your day or simply want to indulge in classic breakfast favorites, Mel’s Classic Diner is the best option.
Atrium Restaurant
The Atrium Restaurant is a great choice to savor a towering dish of pancakes while listening to the neighboring waterfall’s gushing sounds. Serving breakfast from 7:30 am to 2 pm, this cozy establishment has been a Gatlinburg staple for over 15 years.
Indulge in their chocolate-covered strawberry pancakes for a satisfying sugar surge. These pancakes are incredibly syrupy and indulgent, with a winning combination of tarty strawberries and gooey chocolate fudge. You must also try their popular apple pancake, a large pancake baked with brown sugar and apples and served with apple syrup.
Along with pancakes, the breakfast menu also offers scramblers and omelets, giving customers the variety they desire to start the day. You can’t go wrong ordering one of their traditional Southern breakfast meals, such as the Mountain Man Platter, which includes steak, home fries, two eggs, and two pancakes.
So, whether you’re a pancake lover or looking for a satisfying breakfast to start your day, Atrium Restaurant in Gatlinburg is worth considering.
Little House of Pancakes
Pancakes, pancakes, and more pancakes! Situated on Highway 321, The Little House of Pancakes offers traditional American breakfast and lunch cuisine.
From apple cherry pancakes to blueberry, peach, nuts, and more, you’ll find a never-ending supply of pancakes to satisfy your hunger. The ‘All You Can Eat Pancakes’ option is available on the menu for less than $9 per person if you’re extra hungry.
Take a bite of their pecan pancakes to experience a taste of the South. For breakfast, you’ll receive a trio of soft, delicious pancakes topped with sweet whipped butter and pecans. In addition to pancakes, they also serve omelets, steak & eggs, country-fried ham, country-fried steak,& eggs, and other breakfast favorites.
Located on East Parkway in Gatlinburg, this trendy pancake spot is a popular choice for both locals and visitors looking for a tasty and hearty breakfast.
Morning Mist Cafe
Located in the center of the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community in the Great Smoky Mountains, Morning Mist Cafe provides a relaxed setting for a casual lunch or dinner.
The restaurant serves fantastic jumbo hot dogs, sandwiches, salads, and some of the most delicious hamburgers in the area. Other options include appetizers, burger platters, sandwich platters, hot sub platters, hot melt sandwiches, and dinner entrees.
Try fried green tomatoes and deep-fried deviled eggs. Then you can choose a delicious cranberry turkey wrap or Texas toast BLT. The “Kimmie” Cake at the cafe, a handmade pound cake topped with whipped cream and strawberries, is a must-try for dessert. Serving a simple yet delicious menu, this hidden gem in Gatlinburg is worth visiting.
Smoky Mountains Creperie
Looking for something a little bit unique for breakfast? Smoky Mountains Creperie offers a delightful French-inspired culinary experience with their delicious crepes.
Located near the Space Needle in Gatlinburg, close to the main strip, this quaint establishment offers a variety of sweet and savory crepes cooked with fresh ingredients and lots of love.
If you prefer savory crepes, try the Smoky Mountain Pancake, which is stuffed with ham and cheese, chicken and mushrooms, or spinach and feta. Try the California chicken or the Monte Cristo for a savory breakfast.
On the sweeter side, try their classic Cinnamon Apple Pancake, a lovely blend of warm apples, cinnamon, and whipped cream. Try a sweet pancake like the Nutella & strawberry, the Nutella & Oreo, or Peanut Butter & Jelly crepe if you want sweet crepes for your breakfast.
Enjoy your crepes with a hot coffee, espresso, or frappuccino.
Smoky Mountains Creperie is the perfect spot to enjoy a special and delicious breakfast experience because of its cozy setting and welcoming staff.
Hillbilly’s Restaurant
If you enjoy brunch, Hillbilly’s Restaurant is sure to become your new favorite spot!
Hillbilly’s Restaurant is one of the best breakfast places in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The restaurant’s hillbilly-themed design and lively environment provide a unique and enjoyable dining experience.
You can satisfy all your breakfast and lunch cravings, whether you want banana foster french toast or one of their delectable burgers. They also feature a kid’s menu with simpler versions of famous primary dishes that kids would enjoy!
If you’re not from the country and have never had a fried bologna sandwich, live a bit, ignore the horribly clever spelling, and get Cuzin Bo’s Dream.
Now Closed: Ruby Sunshine
There are still many articles online talking about Ruby Sunshine. While it was a delicious place to eat, it is unfortunately closed now. You can check out their former Facebook page here.
The Bottom Line
If this list of breakfast places in Gatlinburg has made your mouth water, we’ve done our job.
From famous pancake houses to beautiful hidden delights, Gatlinburg boasts ample breakfast options to satiate your morning hunger. Whether you’re an early bird looking for a nourishing meal to start your day or just craving a sweet treat, this mountain area has something for everyone.
