Heading into Gatlinburg for a special trip? A special trip usually includes a decadent meal out on the town. Luckily, Gatlinburg offers plenty of mouthwatering options when it comes to steakhouses! Whether you’re looking for an upscale dinner or a more casual supper, there’s sure to be something to fit the bill for a tasty, memorable vacation meal. Check out our favorites for the best steak in Gatlinburg. 
The Peddler
The Peddler Steakhouse is well-known to locals and tourists alike. Many guests cite The Peddler as being their favorite dining experience when they visit the area. One move that sets them apart from competitors? Seeing your steaks cut right at the table.
This rustic restaurant is a living piece of history too. Constructed around the original owner’s dream home along the banks of the Pigeon River, you’ll see historic touches all around. The original logs from the home are present in the front dining room, which is constructed over the rock patio that originally sat in front of the house. Best of all, you can get a table overlooking the river.
The custom-cut steaks are the star of the menu. Get a New York Strip or a ribeye in 10, 12, or 16 oz sizes. If you’ve got an even bigger appetite, additional ounces are available to add! Guests claim the filet mignon will absolutely melt in your mouth and is well worth the visit. However, The Peddler also offers fresh rainbow trout – a regional delicacy.
For a more upscale evening, The Peddler offers a lengthy wine menu and would happy to help you pair a glass or a bottle for your meal.
For a sweet treat after your meal, make sure you’ve got room for Kristi’s chocolate cake. This warm cake served with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge rounds out a decadent experience.
The Peddler is located at 820 River Road in Gatlinburg and offers parking. Call ahead seating is available and highly recommended for this popular steakhouse in Gatlinburg. Hours vary by season. 865-436-5794.
Howard’s Restaurant
Howard’s Restaurant is the oldest restaurant in Gatlinburg. They’ve had their doors open since 1946, and have been a family favorite for generations. Howard’s makes a 100-year-old renovated building their home, and guests think they offer the best patio in the Smokies, and for good reason. The patio is pet-friendly and overlooks the river.
Classic American-style food is offered at Howard’s. One appetizer that sets them apart is the ribeye strips – six ounces of ribeye grilled, sliced, and served with horseradish & au jus. Another quick bite of local flavor is the catfish bites – five ounces of fish cut into smaller pieces, breaded & deep fried catfish served with tartar sauce.
The Classic Steak for Two is the star of the steaks menu. Get your choice of an 8 ounce choice filet or a 12 ounce choice ribeye and a total of four sides. The $60 special is a favorite for many guests. Got a cowboy’s appetite? Check out the whopping 28 ounce Porterhouse or the 22 ounce T-bone. Each steak comes with two side dishes of your choice with the option add – and get this – a side of local rainbow trout for an additional $12.99!
Howard’s Restaurant also boasts a full bar and claims to have the best Bloody Mary in town.
Find Howard’s Restaurant at 976 Parkway in Gatlinburg. They’re directly across from the Ober Mountain Aerial Tram in downtown Gatlinburg. Open Sunday through Thursday 11a-10p, and Friday and Saturday from 11a-11p. No reservations or call ahead seating is available. 865-436-3600
Cherokee Grill
Located right on the main Parkway in Gatlinburg, close to the national park, you’ll find Cherokee Grill. A selection of local microbrews sets Cherokee Grill apart from others in the area. In fact, the brews you find here are created just across the street at Smoky Mountain Brewery! Not a beer drinker? Don’t worry – the wine menu is extensive as well.
Creative and delicious side dishes give Cherokee Grill a great reputation. Sure you could get the standard french fries or steamed veggies with your meal, but why not give the baked macaroni & spinach with spicy cheese or the Tennessee blue cheese grits a try?
The steak selection is incredible and can be enhanced by adding on one of many savory sauces as well. Feeling like some fusion? Give the Teriyaki Sirloin, with soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, & pineapple marinade a chance to become your new favorite. Add a Ginger Soy Sauce and you’ve got a unique meal you can’t find anywhere else in town.
Visiting on the weekend? Cherokee Grill offers a 12 ounce prime rib special only on Friday & Saturday. Slow roasted on the rotisserie & served with au jus, it’s a mouthwatering meal!
Cherokee Grill now offers a brunch menu with plenty of tasty egg entrees and even a few sweet options. Of course, you can always order a brunch steak with a side. We recommend their Prosperity Steak – a sirloin marinated with olive oil, garlic, and pepper & served with a Worcestershire butter. Add some sauteed burgundy mushrooms and eat a brunch fit for royalty. It’s easy to see why we think Cherokee Grill is one of the best steakhouses in Gatlinburg.
Cherokee Grill is located at 1002 Parkway, Gatlinburg and has seasonal hours that vary. Find more about their hours here. 865-436-4287.
Crystelle Creek
Get off the beaten path for a visit to Crystelle Creek. A family friendly restaurant with a unique atmosphere will welcome you. Just check out what one recent Trip Advisor Reviewer had to say: “When you pull into the parking of this cozy, rustic restaurant, you are welcomed by a huge pine ‘dripping’ with lit icicles, and a rain effect coming off of the tin roof into a pond. Enter, and you are welcomed as if into a friend’s home. We sat on the bar side where there is dinner music, overlooking the creek that runs around back.”
Crystelle Creek offers a full service bar with draft & bottled beer, win, cocktails, and drink specials for a little relaxation pre-meal. Enjoy a unique appetizer while you’re waiting – the lobster bites are breaded, fried, and served with a dipping sauce. Other tasty seafood options include calamari and a classic shrimp cocktail.
Compliment your pre-dinner “surf” by ordering a little “turf”. A melt-in-your-mouth smoked prime rib with au jus & horseradish is available every night. Crystelle Creek also offers a 16 oz Porterhouse or an 8 ounce filet of beef. Looking for a luxurious add on? Try adding “The Oscar” to any grilled selection – crab, asparagus, and hollandaise. A large variety of side dishes to choose from make the menu completely customizable for an unforgettable meal.
While steak is the star of the grill menu, if you want a little more local flavor, check out their incredible trout dinners. A fresh trout piccata is a dish you won’t find anywhere else in town and is pan seared with wine, lemon juice, and capers for a uniquely Italian take on a local ingredient.
What guests really love most are the seasonal desserts, which change frequently and are homemade. Two recent offerings include their popular chocolate strawberry cake and peach bourbon cake. Take a look at their Facebook page nearly any day of the week for a little temptation for your sweet tooth! Crystelle Creek is a great contender for the best steak in Gatlinburg.
Crystelle Creek is located just outside of Downtown Gatlinburg at 1654 East Parkway and offers FREE parking. Look for the 150’ lighted tree and you’ll find them! 865-430-1551.
Alamo Steakhouse
If you want an aged, hand-cut steak, look no further than Alamo Steakhouse. Serving Gatlinburg AND Pigeon Forge, this steakhouse offers not only delicious cuts of steak, but all their items are handmade – from the ground beef in the burgers to the hand-breaded mozzarella sticks cooked to order! Alamo Steakhouse is always a strong contender for the best steakhouse in Gatlinburg.
Offering both lunch and dinner, you can get a steak just about any time of day! Start your meal with an order of flame grilled oysters topped with garlic sauce, Parmesan, and grilled over an oak fire. The bacon wrapped shrimp appetizer are served with a honey BBQ sauce and make a tasty surf to accompany your turf.
Lunch options not only include a steak with a side & choice of salad, but they also offer a few tempting steak sandwiches as well. Try the prime rib & beer cheese sandwich – featuring slow roasted prime rib, sauteed onions, and house made beer cheese on a ciabatta roll. Or, try one of their bacon & cheese steak burgers – made right in the restaurant from choice filet, rib eye & strip steaks, ground by hand & cooked up with your choice of toppings and a side.
Find Alamo Steakhouse at 705 East Parkway, just outside of downtown Gatlinburg; 865-436-9998. Or, if you’re closer to Pigeon Forge, check out their Pigeon Forge location at 3050 Parkway; 865-908-9998.
Gaucho Urbano
Speaking of Pigeon Forge locations, you have to check out one of the newest offerings in Pigeon Forge if you want a steak – Gaucho Urbano. This Brazillian steakhouse is the first in Sevier County and offers guests a dining experience completely unique on their trip to the Smokies.
Styled with a modern take on traditional cuisine, the menu at Gaucho Urbano takes pride on offering fresh, authentic ingredients for their meals.
When you arrive, you’ll be served a soft, warm, gluten free cheese bread. You’ll be tempted by the offerings on the Harvest Table & Chef’s table – an endless array of side dishes like smoked & cured meats, fresh steamed veggies, brazilian specialties & side dishes. On Sundays you’ll find a really special treat -feijoada. Often called the National Dish of Brazil, a black bean stew served with all the sides toppings traditionally served.
The side dishes will be so tempting, but save room! After you’ve returned from the Harvest Table, you can flip your token to the Green side. This lets the Gaucho chefs know you’re ready for the large varieties of grilled meats! Since this is a steakhouse first and foremost, red meat offerings include a bacon wrapped filet mignon, top sirloin, prime gaucho beef, and rib eye. Smoked sausages, pork ribs, pork chops, and even lamb chops and leg of lamb are only a few of the other choices you’ll find. It’s easy to see why this is one of our top choices for the best steak in Pigeon Forge!
Satisfy a sweet tooth with the grilled cinnamon pineapple between your courses. When you decide you’ve finally had your fill, flip your token to the red side to bring the parade of meats to an end. If you somehow manage to have room, try the decadent flan or papaya cream for dessert. Need a digestive after the meal? Sip on a Brazillian coffee and relax.
Located at 111 Valley Drive in Pigeon Forge, between traffic lights 6 & 7. Reservations are encouraged. 865-366-1002
Turn in for the Night
After getting your fill of a special steak dinner, you’re gonna need a place to relax! Why not check out all the incredible offerings at American Patriot Getaways? With so many great cabins to choose from – sleeping 2 to 44 – we are sure to have a cabin to suit your needs! For a special weekend in Gatlinburg, check out our romantic honeymoon cabins! Many are equipped with steamy hot tubs to unwind after a great meal. Or, keep the night going by getting one of our game room cabins and stirring up a little friendly competition after a great meal.
Let our friendly and talented Reservationists help you find the best location for your Smoky Mountain vacation! Give them a call at 800-204-5169, or check out all our options over on our website to find the perfect fit. A trip to one of the best steakhouses in Gatlinburg awaits!
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