July 24, 2023
We just got back from the Great Smokies yesterday and I’ve had a little time to reflect on our trip. This year I went with the goal in mind to make sure to ask if Military/Veteran/First Responders receive discounts, which are listed in detail here. These are our Top 10 picks and why they are on our top 10! By the way, we haven’t been paid to recommend these establishments, the only money we’ve made is the savings by way of military/1st responder discounts we received while visiting.
1. Cinnaholic
We love Cinnaholic. It is usually a place we stop at least twice. They have the best Cinnamon Rolls we’ve ever tried. You can order some of their signature creations or make your own. Usually we go Old Skool. We love that this restaurant loves first responders (50% off to law enforcement), but we also love that they are unapologetically Christian.
1. Lil Black Bear Cafe
Tied for first place is one of those places you enter as a stranger and leave as a friend. Lenny and company are not only lovely people, but they makes some really delicious food. They are known for several items, but our favorites include the pancakes and the bagel sandwich. Lil Black Bear Cafe is very pro first responder and military, as evidenced by the thin blue line flag flying from their outdoor marquee. Word of warning, this is a very small establishment, if you are more than a party of four you probably won’t be able to be seated as there are only 5 tables in the whole restaurant. But if you are lucky enough to get waited on, you will have a wonderful experience. We also love that, like Cinnaholic, Lil Black Bear Cafe is a Christian establishment, and his walls and music proclaim this.
2. Solorzano’s
New to the Great Smoky Mountains is Solorzano’s. With 2 locations just off the Parkway behind Shoney’s and on Walden’s Creek Rd off Wears Valley Rd, Solorzanos is a very patriotic restaurant. They offer a 15% discount to all veterans and first responders. They have several family members that are veterans. Solorzano’s is excited to offer great pizza at a sweet discount to all first responders and encourage patrons to request the discount. We visited the Parkway location and were surprised to see just how busy this new location off the beaten path actually was. Then we tried their pizza and we found out just why. You won’t be disappointed in this food, we promise. And their pizza must be good, because they are opening two more restaurants in the Smokies. That’s four restaurants in over a year. They must be doing something right.
2. Junction 35
Okay, okay, another tie? Really we just couldn’t decide. Junction 35 has so many things to recommend it. First, they have the strongest alcohol in the Smokies and veterans and first responders sample for free. But if drinking isn’t your thing, that’s okay, because their food is also awesome. This is another one of those places that we go every time we visit the Smokies. Their BBQ is great and so are their burgers. Food is offered to veterans and first responders at 10% off the menu price. Another great thing about this place is the relaxing hip atmosphere. Plan to spend an hour or more here, not because they are slow, but because you won’t want to leave.
3. Tennessee Grind and Neighborhood Beer House
What a cool concept of Pay It Forward Coffee and Beer. If you are a coffee drinker their coffee shop has a cool hip vibe and their Neighborhood Beer House is a really cool little place, with a fenced in dog park for Pete’s Sake. What’s not to love? We got a pretzel and beers (Hubby’s was free of course) and just had a nice fun time.
4. Cumberland Jack’s
Y’all I ain’t going to lie, I wanted to make this one a tie with number 3, so I mean it kind of is, okay. Cumberland Jack’s is literally our new favorite restaurant (I mean behind our 2 number 1’s, of course). So we walked in and had a bit of a wait even though the restaurant was nearly empty (staffing issues I am guessing). To say we were a bit apprehensive was an understatement. What won us over? Hello, Cumberland Jack was an actual former police K9, a black German Shepherd to be exact. I spent an inordinate amount of time taking pictures of the beautiful dog adorning the walls. And I loved that in the bathroom instead of music, they told the story of Cumberland Jack. It was so fun! So we ordered the Meatloaf entree and the Double fried chicken breast dinner. The meals came with Vegetable Soup and rolls and ya’ll I don’t even like veggie soup, but that stuff was good! Their fresh rolls were heavenly too. Then the main dish was served. Holy Cow it was good. I’m not exaggerating, I was so full but I kept eating because it was so flipping good. We can’t recommend this place enough.
5. Country Roads Axe Co. and West by God Coal Fired Pizza
Country Roads didn’t make our list because they are born and bred West Virginians like us, but it didn’t hurt. They made the list for several reasons. You can count on a great time no matter what you set out to do there. Hungry, their coal fired pizza is to die for and their “pepperoni rolls” (in quotes because all WV’ians know this is not really what a pepperoni roll is) are so tasty. Bored, play a game of axe or star throwing with a group of friends. Thirsty, try their self serve I-Pour system, that is loaded with all kinds of different beers, ciders, and seltzers. All three? Well then, you can’t go wrong. The service is so personal that the owner recognized us when we walked in, having only have met him on a few previous trips to the restaurant.
6. Five Oaks Farm Kitchen/Crocketts Breakfast Camp
Owned by the same group that owns Cumberland Jacks, Five Oaks Farm Kitchen and Crockett’s Breakfast Camp are two of the best traditional breakfasts we’ve ever had. We usually split the Farm Tenant Favorite and the Cinnamon Roll at Five Oaks Farm Kitchen. And ya’ll we’ve yet to finish our plate. Either restaurant you chose (or both), it promises to be a great meal. Word of advice, both have an online waitlist and it’s a very good idea to use it.
7. Iron Forge Brewing
New to the area, Iron Forge Brewing Co. is a 3ish month old brewery in Sevierville. Located just past the Apple Barn, the Iron Forge Brewing Company is a pet friendly, trendy, bar and eatery. This is just the type of place that I am very glad it is in another state or we would be there ALL THE TIME. The modern setting is relaxing and the outdoor seating area would be a fun way to spend a night if it weren’t hotter than Hades, like it was the week we visited. They did give us a discount on our pretzel and fried pickles which were very tasty.
8. Honorable Mention Breakfast
Song and Hearth Breakfast Buffet – we really enjoyed this buffet. There was nothing that either of us tried, that went uneaten, much to the shagrin of my waistline & Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse – If you’ve never been it’s definitely something to experience at least once. The food is good and relatively inexpensive and there are dancing animatronic chickens with clever names like Dolly PartHen and Dwight YOAKum. What could go wrong?
9. Honorable Mention Lunch
Pigeon Forge Deli – This small, tucked away restaurant is consistently rated as one of the best eats in Pigeon Forge and we can’t disagree. We enjoyed splitting a turkey deli sandwich and it was everything it promised. Buc-ee’s – y’all I never thought I would say a great meal could be had at a convenience store (I use that term loosely), but the pulled pork sandwich and beef brisquet was actually downright tasty and their apple pies were much better than the Apple Barn. I am solely mentioning the Chicken Guy! not because of their great chicken. While it is good, we like it because of their sauces. My fav: The Curry Mayo. So good.
10. Honorable Mention Dinners
Pottery House Cafe – We’ve enjoyed the Pottery House Cafe several times and haven’t had a bad meal yet. We definitely prefer them to the Old Mill next door. They have fresh bread made in house and great soups and sandwiches.
That concludes our list, with many we haven’t tried and many that didn’t make the cut, tell us which ones are your favorites. Also be sure to check us out on facebook for notifications on new content