Thanks to the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce for hosting my family over the weekend. All thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.
A visit to the Smoky Mountains is a very easy weekend getaway option for folks in the Chattanooga area. We headed upstate last weekend and enjoyed a fun-filled 3 days in the area, with the bulk of our time spent in the town of Sevierville. A few days ago I highlighted fun things to do in Sevierville, and today I want to make some restaurant recommendations. We ate out at several different establishments, but three stood out from the crowd.
1. Courthouse Donuts
When we visited this tucked away shop, located right across from the Sevierville Courthouse in the old downtown core of the town, we learned that Courthouse Donuts had only been opened for 6 days! So the word hasn’t gotten out yet, but I can promise you that this is a total gem in the city. It’s off the main drag, so the hustle and bustle of all the tourist destinations is absent (which is actually quite refreshing!) but the food offerings, which at this point are strictly donuts, still offer customers “an experience.”
We all tried something different and then argued over who had the best donut. I personally loved my seasonal selection, which was an apple pie donut (YUM!), but even I have to admit that my father-in-law probably got the very best, though also the most strange selection. The owner suggested that he try a vanilla dipped donut with fruity pebbles sprinkled on top. If he didn’t like it, she promised to make him a new one. He thought for sure that he’d be bringing it back to her to replace.
That donut was gone in a flash, friends! The combo seemed weird, but the owner knew what she was talking about!
The staff at Courthouse Donuts was very friendly and fun, the atmosphere was adorable in every way, and even the iced coffee was yummy (which is always important for me!). Get off the beaten path and head to Courthouse Donuts during your next stay in the area. You’ll be so glad you did!
2. The Apple Barn
The Apple Barn is actually a chain of buildings, so once again you can head to this location to eat, but also to have a total apple experience. We started in their winery. They make several variations of wine with apples right on sight, and offer complimentary tastings.
We also checked out the candy store (a big hit with the kids) and the Christmas-themed shop (which is a great place to buy souvenirs). I also really liked the gift shop that carried all things apple-related. Connected to that shop was a little bakery where we picked up some fried apple pies to snack on the following day. Then we headed over to the grill to enjoy dinner together.
We really enjoyed the apple fritters that came as an appetizer while we waited for our meal. The menu contains what I would call “down home” cooking (chicken & dumplings, pot pie, fried catfish, etc.). It was a heavy meal, to be sure, but it was good! And I really appreciated the atmosphere, which was family-friendly and relaxing. The fireplace in the center of the main room was a really nice touch.
All in all, the Apple Barn is a place to head to for a meal, but it offers so much more so that you’ll want to stick around for a while!
3. Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin
This appears to be a chain in the area. There are several locations in the metro area, and that usually means that a restaurant is quite excellent if it can be in such close proximity to itself! Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin in Sevierville is the location we chose. Inside you’ll find a cute little shopping area that you can peruse either while you wait for your seat or while you wait for your order.
As a family of 6 (4 adults, 2 children) we ordered a total of 5 “regular” plates (so nothing off the children’s menu) to all share, and we still had a LOT of leftovers. So bring your stretchy pants before you head over to breakfast at Flapjack’s!
All of the food was outstanding, but the real stand-out had the be the chocolate and peanut butter pancakes. You can probably imagine just how yummy they tasted by seeing how yummy they looked!
The only thing I would suggest to avoid at Flapjack’s is their iced coffee. I was so excited to see it offered on the menu, but was so disappointed when it came out and I took my first sip. It was apparent to me that it was just regular hot coffee that had been poured over ice. That’s NOT the way to do it if you didn’t brew the coffee really strong, because if it isn’t strong, you are just going to have really weak cold coffee on your hands. So don’t order that item. But as for the food, as far as I could tell you really can’t make a poor choice! I would eat there again in a heartbeat!
Those are my top picks for places to eat in Sevierville. If you’ve got a favorite in the area I’d love to hear about it!
Courthouse donuts is closed.
Holston’s on Dolly Parton Parkway in Sevierville is my absolute favorite. Great food, service and ambience. It’s my go-to happy place. The owners also have several other area restaurants in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, including their latest, Davy Crockett’s, a breakfast place in Gatlinburg.
A must try is the Pottery House Cafe (across from the Old Mill)!
This may be the pregnancy talking, but I told myself before I even got to the part about Tim’s dad’s doughnut that if I made a doughnut I’d totally put fruity pebbles on it. A doughnut was one of my very first pregnancy cravings, actually! I wanted one with chocolate icing and colorful sprinkles…something I’d NEVER go for typically.
It was dang delicious, I’ll tell you that much! 🙂
My husband and I love visiting this area so much we got married there! I’ve never been to Courthouse Donuts, but will have to go next trip! Our favorite place to eat in the area is The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge, their breakfast especially is fantastic!!
Yummy! Adding that to my list of places to try next time!