When spending time in Pigeon Forge with your family, you will want to sample some of the area’s many fine restaurants. Some eateries are more kid-friendly than others in terms of value and menu offerings. Kids, after all, have their preferences and can be picky eaters. The following are five of the best Pigeon Forge restaurants for kids.
1. Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin
When it comes to dining out with kids, you can’t go wrong with pancakes! Flapjack’s is your best choice for this breakfast classic in the Pigeon Forge area. They have six locations in the Smokies, so you’ll never be too far from a large stack of delicious pancakes when you’re in the area.
In addition to Old Fashioned Buttermilk pancakes, Flapjack’s also serves hotcakes with Mixed Berries, Fresh Strawberry, Reese’s Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip, and Wild Mountain Blueberry. The menu also includes other breakfast favorites such as omelets, French toast, waffles, egg platters, and campfire skillets. Flapjack’s also offers a great lunch menu in case you’ve already had breakfast.
2. Huck Finn’s Catfish
Huck Finn’s Catfish has been serving up some of the best Southern cooking in Pigeon Forge since 1995. This is a family owned restaurant specializing in seafood, specifically grain-fed, pond-raised catfish. Tennessee Magazine named Huck Finn’s the best place for catfish in East Tennessee for four years in a row!
Everyone loves Huck Finn’s mouth watering appetizers, such as Battered Corn Nuggets, Cheese Sticks, Finn’s Shrimp, and Fried Green Tomatoes. Entrees include Country Fried Steak, Gator Tail Dinner, Grilled Chicken Breast, and Judge Thatcher’s Chicken Finger Dinner. All meals come with unlimited homemade side dishes. Special offerings for kids 10 and under include Catfish Strips, Popcorn Shrimp, Corn Dogs, Chicken Fingers, and Chicken Drumsticks.
3. Mama’s Farmhouse
Another excellent family friendly restaurant that specializes in traditional Southern cooking is Mama’s Farmhouse, winner of the People’s Choice Award at the 2015 International Biscuit Festival. This restaurant has a no-menu, family style, all you can eat format. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you just bring your family and your appetite, sit down, and enjoy the hospitality and delicious traditional recipes from the Johnson Family.
With discounted prices for children 6-12 years old and free meals for kids 5 and under, it’s easy to see why Mama’s Farmhouse is one of the best Pigeon Forge restaurants for kids. Some of the offerings include Fried Chicken, Meatloaf, Country Fried Steak, and Turkey n’ Stuffing. Since it’s all you can eat, no one ever leaves Mama’s feeling hungry!
4. Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
Pizza is a dish that is universally loved by kids and Big Daddy’s Pizzeria has perfected this classic. Unlike pizza from most big chains, Big Daddy’s pizza is made from hand crafted dough and cooked in a wood-fired brick oven. Popular pies include a traditional Cheese Pizza, Boo Boo Bomber, Mama Mia, as well as Big Daddy’s specialty pizzas. Also on the menu are sandwiches, such as Chicken Alfredo, Cuban Sandwich, and Ham & Cheese, served on fresh focaccia bread which is toasted in the brick oven. With three locations in the Pigeon Forge area, Big Daddy’s is always a convenient option.
5. Mel’s Classic Diner
Mel’s Classic Diner preserves the American tradition of the 1950s style diner, with juke boxes and classic dishes like burgers, milk shakes, and banana splits. The prices are reasonable and there is a diverse menu no matter what time you come in. Breakfast offerings include Golden Brown Pancakes, 3-Egg Omelets, and Biscuits & Gravy.
For lunch or dinner, you might like Tim’s Mesquite Grilled Chicken, Smokey’s Pulled Pork Barbecue, or Hungry Eddie’s Hamburger Steak. Kids will enjoy selections from the Little Anthony’s menu, featuring Macaroni & Cheese, Chicken Tenders, Grilled Cheese, Hotdogs, and more. The whole family will love beverages like Ol’ Fashion Malts, Milkshakes and Root Beer Floats. With great children’s meals and delicious desserts, Mel’s Classic Diner is definitely one of the top Pigeon Forge restaurants for kids.
For an expansive list of excellent places to eat in the area, check out our complete guide to Pigeon Forge dining!
