Thoroughly Modern Mimi

Both Sevierville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee boast Dolly Parton as their own.  The towns rest at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains and take pride in their country heritage.  This valley is a place where music, food and family are the heart and soul of the people.  So it’s no wonder their restaurants serve good-ole down home southern cookin.

On my trip to the Smokies I dug in like a hungry bear trying fried green tomatoes, fried gator, fried shrimp, fried okra and well…fried you name it.  Another day I put aside the knife and fork and tackled finger food- saucy barbeque ribs.  I finished with a messy smile on my face.  Breakfast favorites became blueberry pancakes, syrup and apple fritters.

Here is my list of restaurant recommendation for casual dining in Sevierville:

Flapjacks , 1018 Pkwy, Sevierville, 

(865) 774-5374

Pancake houses are very popular in this area and Flapjacks draws a crowd.  They offer a breakfast bonanza of delights from personal egg skillets to all varieties of pancakes.  Endless cups of coffee and fast friendly service.  Their cute country décor is just that –cute, not tacky or overdone.

Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant , Apple Valley Road Sevierville 865-428-1222

Each diner at Applewood is greeted with an apple julep (apple juice/mint combo), an apple spice muffin and apple fritters with apple butter. Folks come from all over for these treats. The restaurant serves southern style food from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.  When you are finished eating (or waiting ‘cause there’s often a crowd), walk over to the Apple Barn Complex, the Cider Barn, gift shop, bakery or winery.  You’ll find more “apple” items here than flies in a barn and I bet you end up taking something home.

English Mountain Trout Farm, 291 Blowing Cave Rd, Sevierville (865) 429-5553

If you’re itchin for something different, venture over and catch your lunch at the English Mountain Trout Farm. Kids love this place.  Proprietor Charlie will fry it up lickety split, then serve the dish along with coleslaw and hush puppies. “You Hook Em’, We Cook Em’”

Damon’s Grill , 1640 Pkwy, Sevierville

(865) 428-6200

Damon’s specialty is ribs and they are indeed special. I do declare their ribs are as juicy as gossip; why the meat fell off the bones.  The pulled pork was the best I’ve ever tasted; made me go hog wild.  Patrons at Damon’s enjoy a lovely mountain view.

KT’s Bar & Grill, 1641 Parkway Drive, Sevierville, (865) 428-1991

KT’s dishes firecracker shrimp to die for.  Spicy but not over the edge, tangy and still moist.  The fajitas are a flavorful sizzling sensation.  Portions are way more than one person can eat.  Fortunately I saved just enough room to nibble the Bananas Foster, best dessert on the yummy menu.

The Chop House , 1649 Parkway Dr, Sevierville (865) 774-1993

The ambiance of the Chop House feels like a cut above and the food certainly is. The restaurant showcases a clean open kitchen and inviting atmosphere.  I sampled the petite filet which cut as easy as sliding off a greased log.  My piece of steak was the tenderest selection grilled to perfection.  The side dishes are plentiful- baked sweet potato, parmesan creamed spinach, fries, loaded baked potato, rice pilaf, burgundy mushrooms, sugar snap peas, baked cinnamon apples, steamed broccoli, green bean medley and asparagus.  The cobbler looked luscious but I was stuffed.

Islamorada Fish Company Restaurant , 3629 Outdoor Sportsman’s Pl, Sevierville,(865) 932-5500

Enter this restaurant through the Bass Pro Shop and face a stunning 13,000 gallon salt water reef aquarium, a whole wall behind the bar.  As you might guess, they’re hooked into seafood.  I shared appetizers of calamari and gator tail. Both were lightly fried with a crunchy batter.  My friend ordered the sushi-grade black and blue tuna that looked gorgeous.  My entree, Cajun pineapple salmon made a pretty plate, a zappy blend of sweet and spice. Another diner’s fish & chips came piled a mile high.  Warning: the desserts are decadent but delicious.  Outdoor patio dining available.

No, you won’t go hungry in Sevierville, Tennessee.  

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