smoky mountains

5 Best Restaurants in Pigeon Forge that are Affordable

mel's diner
February 6, 2023

We know how expensive it can be going on vacation. Lodging, travel, activities, and food can add up quickly. But to help you lighten the load, we want to share some of the cheap places to eat in the area you won’t want to pass up on your next trip! Here are 5 of the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge that are affordable and won’t break the bank:

1. Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant

plate full of waffles, bacon, and eggs

We know you need to fill your family up before you start all the fun activities for the day, and that’s why you should head over to Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant! You can’t go wrong with a huge stack of pancakes covered in syrup and your favorite fruit or candies! They also have french toast and waffles. If you’re more of a hearty breakfast kind of person, you can’t go wrong with any of the breakfast platters full of eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, and more. Other entrees on Sawyer’s menu include biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash, omelets, and sandwiches.

2. Mel’s Diner

Another one of the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge for when you’re on a budget is Mel’s Diner. Tucked away off the Parkway, this eatery has a little bit of everything for everyone’s tastes! You can stop by for breakfast and find a huge spread of french toast, eggs cooked to order, bacon, pancakes, and more. Then you could come back for lunch or dinner to try meatloaf, chicken and dumplings, a burger, or a melt. Of course, you’ll want to save room for that classic diner dessert of a malt or banana split!

3. Pigeon Forge Deli

chicken salad sandwich

Pigeon Forge Deli is a great place to go when you want something simple, delicious, and cheap! Their signature sandwich is called The Chub, and it’s stuffed with ham, turkey, bacon, cheese, mayo, tomato, and lettuce. You’ll also find other classic subs, like an Italian, a reuben, and cheese steak. You can’t go wrong with a soup or salad combo, and they have a huge selection of toppings. Plus, you won’t want to leave without trying one of their homemade pretzels and dipping sauce!

4. Lil Black Bear Cafe

A hidden gem right off the Parkway you will want to visit is Lil Black Bear Cafe. It’s one of the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge you probably haven’t heard of, and it’s affordable! They serve breakfast sandwiches for a quick first meal of the day, but if you want to stop in for lunch, you’ll find salad, sandwiches, and hot dogs. You definitely won’t find a more affordable place to eat than Lil Black Bear Cafe!

5. Cielito Lindo Mexican Grill

steak fajitas

Tex Mex is a pretty popular cuisine, and if you find yourself craving your favorite dish, you should head to Cielito Lindo Mexican Grill. This local Mexican restaurant has all your favorites: burritos, chimichangas, fajitas, tacos, and quesadillas. But there’s also house specialties you may want to try, like Botana Cielito Lindo or the Don Quijote. Pair your favorite food with a cocktail of your choice, and you’ll have a great time!

No matter which best restaurant in Pigeon Forge you decide to visit first, you’ll fill up on incredible food at the price you’ve been looking for! Still looking for ways to save? When you rent one of our Smoky Mountain cabins, you’ll receive access to an attraction pass that has free tickets to area attractions. Check out our Freedom Fun Pass to see how you can save even more money on your next Pigeon Forge vacation!