Five historic restaurants located outside of the Smokies
When visitors come to the Smokies, they are beset by merchants, restauranteurs and more. And all are selling a particular brand of nostalgia. Authentic mountain goods, authentic mountain recipes. Some of it real. However, some of it is catering to specific expectations.
But the taste of East Tennessee – even the mountains – is bigger than fried chicken and taters. It is more than meatloaf and fried okra. And while those things are fine, it’s Ok to want to experience a more authentic version of East Tennessee’s culinary history.
And some of that history is alive today. In Gatlinburg, you’ve got places like the Pancake Pantry and Howard’s that have been serving guests in the mountains for a combined 144 years. You’ve got Calhoun’s an East Tennessee institution and a member of the Copper Cellar Family of restaurants – a veritable who’s who of East Tennessee culinary experiences…