For 50 years, The Peddler Steakhouse in Gatlinburg has been a beloved favorite among locals and tourists visiting the Smokies. From the incredible salad bar to their perfectly prepared steaks and homemade desserts, many claim it’s the most popular restaurant in Gatlinburg TN, maybe even in the entire Smoky Mountain region! Here’s what makes The Peddler the best place to eat for a romantic dinner for two, a family meal after a fun day exploring the area, or a special group dinner:
The Peddler’s Rich History
Just like the rest of the Smoky Mountain area, The Peddler Steakhouse has a rich history. The structure was originally a cabin that was built in 1958 by a Gatlinburg merchant named Charles Ogle. He and his wife loved enjoying views of the little Pigeon River, just as visitors do today!
Later, the cabin was sold and opened as a restaurant in 1976. When you visit, look out for remnants of the original cabin: the two millstones incorporated into the restaurant’s sign outside were picked by Charles Ogle himself. Inside the dining room, there is a stone chimney that was once used to turn corn into flour and meal!
The Peddler Steakhouse Menu
The rustic cabin-like atmosphere and the amazing salad bar make The Peddler in Gatlinburg one of the most popular restaurants in town. Each entree comes with unlimited access to the salad bar, complete with the most extensive selection of vegetables, salad toppings, and house-made salad dressings.
Top Recommendations from Locals:
- Marinated Chicken: Chicken breast marinated in pineapple and grilled over Tennessee Hickory charcoal. You get the best of both worlds with the sweet and smoky flavors.
- Rainbow Trout: If you enjoy seafood, order the trout; get it grilled or fried!
- Steak: Favorites include the juicy Filet Mignon or Prime Rib; also hickory-grilled.
Insider Tip: Order a tableside custom-cut NY strip or Ribeye steak for the ultimate steakhouse experience!
More Menu Highlights
- Best Appetizer: The Peddler’s signature chicken almond soup; we also suggest getting an order of the fried green beans to share with the table.
- Best Cocktail: It’s a toss-up between the Blackberry Margarita and the Raspberry Lemon Drop Martini.
- Best Dessert: Strawberry Shortcake is a fruity classic; The Peddler Mud Pie is for the chocolate/peanut butter lovers!
- Kids Menu: For ages 12 and under, all entrees also include salad bar; special children’s mocktails like the Peach Fizz and Hickleberry Lemonade are popular.
Insider Tips for Visiting The Peddler
Since The Peddler Steakhouse is one of the most popular restaurants in Gatlinburg TN, here are a couple of tips to make the most of your visit:
- Making Reservations: Booking in advance is highly recommended; online reservations open a few weeks at a time; walk-ins can be seated at the bar, but it fills up quickly.
- Parking at The Peddler: There is free parking at the restaurant, but it could fill up during peak hours; otherwise, you’ll need to pay to park at one of the local lots or garages.
Bonus: If you’re already in the area for the day, leave your car parked and take advantage of the free Gatlinburg trolley. This way, you won’t be the one braving traffic.
More Popular Gatlinburg TN Restaurants
The Peddler may be the most popular restaurant in Gatlinburg TN, but there are several other delicious steakhouses you should try! Take a look at our list of the best steakhouses in Gatlinburg!
