Where to Eat in Sevierville, Tennessee with Kids

Sevierville is probably best known as Dolly Parton’s hometown and the Tennessee gateway to the Smoky Mountains. Don’t expect lots of tofu, quinoa, or tahini salad dressing in Sevierville. Dining here is all about Southern comfort foods. From apple fritters and flap jacks to fried green tomatoes and smoked barbecue ribs, there’s plenty of filling food to tempt families. Here are five family-friendly places to eat in Sevierville, TN.

An array of pancakes from Flapjack's Pancake Cabin
An array of pancakes from Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin (Photo by Colleen Lanin)

Breakfast in Sevierville

For your pick of pancakes, from Old Fashioned Buttermilk to Wild Mountain Blueberry, head to Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin. Parents and bigger kids will flip for the Reese’s® Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Pancakes, filled with chocolate and peanut butter chips and then smothered in peanut butter sauce and whipped cream. Hey…there’s some protein in the peanut butter at least, right?! Young children can order items like a bear-shaped waffle from a coloring menu just for them.

Apple fritters, mini apple muffins and apple butter are served with every meal at the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant
Apple fritters, mini apple muffins and apple butter are served with every meal at the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant (Photo by Colleen Lanin)

The Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant is a breakfast time favorite with locals for good reason. Complimentary Applewood Juleps (a blend of fruit juices and fresh mint) and delicious warm apple fritters are served with a side of apple butter at every meal: breakfast, lunch or dinner. For your morning meal, choose from Southern favorites like Chicken & Waffles or Farmhouse Biscuits & Gravy. Or, stick to more standard options like omelets and French toast. Items on the children’s breakfast menu come with a side of bacon or sausage.

Chicken wrap from Healthy Balance Meals (Photo from the Healthy Balance Meals Facebook page)
Chicken wrap from Healthy Balance Meals (Photo from the Healthy Balance Meals Facebook page)

Picnic in the Smokies

At least one day during your trip to Sevierville, you will want to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Be sure to bring along a picnic lunch to dine al fresco while listening to the sounds of birds tweeting beside a rushing river. Take a break from the high-calorie Southern meals and pick up something fresh at Healthy Balance Meals. Foods are made with zero trans fats, MSG and refined carbohydrates. Give your tummies time to prepare for a big dinner with simple, healthy salads and sandwiches made with low-fat cheeses and lean meats.

"Never trust a skinny cook!" (Image from TonyGore.com)
“Never trust a skinny cook!” (Image from TonyGore.com)

Barbecue in Sevierville

Of course, you need to sample local barbecue when visiting Sevierville! Tony Gore’s Smoky Mountain BBQ & Grill is THE place for smoked ribs (Tony’s signature dish). You can’t go wrong with a heaping helping of T’s Loaded Tater Chips ~ homemade potato chips topped with pulled pork, barbecue sauce and melted cheese. Kids under 12 can select a Kiddy Q BBQ Sandwich, Chicken Tenders, or Baby T Burger with a side and drink. Save room for one of his (very) sweet cakes. Choose from flavors like coconut, Oreo, and hummingbird (banana nut cake made with crushed pineapple and topped with cream cheese frosting).

No alcohol is served at this establishment, which is run by gospel music star, Tony Gore. When Tony’s not on tour, you can find him cooking in the kitchen or manning the barbecue smoker out front. His motto is, “Never trust a skinny cook!” Trust me: no one feels skinny after a meal here!

Filet mignon and grilled shrimp at the Chop House
Filet mignon and grilled shrimp at the Chop House (Photo from the Chop House Facebook page)

Tennessee Steak

If a steak is what you want, The Chop House is the spot. An extensive menu offers plenty of salads for those craving healthy food, but they’re known for their steaks. I met my steak and salad cravings in the middle and ordered the scrumptious Tenderloin Caesar for lunch. It came with a 3-ounce filet, crumbled blue cheese, onion and diced tomato served atop a traditional Caesar salad. Want the whole steak? Choose from a variety of cuts and toppers like béarnaise sauce, horseradish crust, burgundy mushrooms and shrimp scampi. Those who like something stronger than soda with their steak will be pleased to find martinis and a decent wine menu here. Kids under 12 have a choice of eight items on their own menu, from Prime Rib & Mashed Potatoes to Four Cheese Pizza.

The Diner in Sevierville, Tennessee
The Diner in Sevierville, Tennessee (Photo by Colleen Lanin)

Sevierville Diner

If you still have room in your belly for some filling food, take the kids to The Diner. You’ll find standard diner fare like hot dogs smothered in chili. If you’re a hamburger lover, choose from Angus beef, buffalo, elk, turkey and veggie burgers. There’s no alcohol served here either. The ice cream shakes and malts are so good, however, you won’t mind much. Find smaller versions of classic diner plates for children under age 10 in the Kids Corner section of the menu. Car lovers should check their Facebook page for classic car shows hosted at The Diner.

Where to eat in Sevierville, Tennessee with kids

If you’re craving some rib-sticking good ol’ Southern cuisine, Sevierville has plenty of it. Don’t worry, you can work it off while hiking the Smoky Mountains during your stay! Learn more about Sevierville now!

Which of these tasty places would your kids like? Want to share more family-friendly places to eat in Sevierville, TN? Let us know in the comments below!

A Note from The Travel Mama: The Sevierville Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted my stay. All opinions are mine, as always.

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4 Comments

  1. The food here sounds wonderful. It is almost time for dinner and I’m wishing I could have some of the Sevierville comfort food. Yum.