It’s Thanksgiving! Time around the holidays can always be a little chaotic, and sometimes we just want a little break from the madness. Instead of cooking a huge Thanksgiving meal — why not eat out at a restaurant this year? Many restaurants might be closed, but that doesn’t mean all are. Find the beauties that will be open, and make a reservation to enjoy a wonderful meal out.
Here are some restaurants OPEN during Thanksgiving in Gatlinburg this year:
Bennett’s Pit BBQ
Thanksgiving Hours: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Slow-cooked meats at Bennett’s Pit BBQ will definitely add delight to the holiday spirit.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Enjoy some shrimp at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and indulge in the Forrest Gump-inspired dishes.
Ole Red 
Ole Red is known for its live music in Nashville and in Gatlinburg, but it is definitely much more than that. Try out a burger or two this Thanksgiving — you will not be disappointed.
No Way Jose’s Cantina
Did someone say Mexican food for Thanksgiving? We are in! No Way Jose’s Cantina is the spice you’ve been waiting for all month.
Smith and Son Corner Kitchen
This is what we call the perfect holiday meal. Get some coleslaw and some baked beans to go with your meal and truly taste the flavors of smoked dreams at Smith and Son Corner Kitchen.
Calhoun’s in Gatlinburg
Thanksgiving Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
A smoked sausage cheese plate, some smoked beef brisket chili, and a bar-b-que chicken sandwich will have your mouth watering at Calhoun’s Restaurant.
J.O.E. and Pop’s Sub Shoppe
Specialty subs are calling your name at J.O.E. and Pop’s Sub Shoppe. Hot dogs and a build your own sub option is also available!
Crawdaddy’s
Thanksgiving Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
We’ll take some seafood this Thanksgiving at Crawdaddy’s. Add some lemon and a little cocktail sauce as you scarf down some of the best from the sea.
Loco Burro
Treat yourself to a margarita and some tacos at Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina! An extremely fun atmosphere — and they have a mechanical donkey!
The Park Grill
Thanksgiving Hours: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
The Park Grill in Gatlinburg is a local favorite with a salad bar that will knock you off your meet. Enjoy the rustic ambiance as you add on some oysters and okra to your plate.
Three Jimmy’s Good Time Eatery
Thanksgiving Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
If you are wanting some bar food that you can’t experience anywhere else, Three Jimmy’s Good Time Eatery is the hangout. Try their award-winning chicken wings, with an array of sauces to choose from!
Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar
Thanksgiving Hours: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Some restaurants are simply too good to pass up, and Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar is one of them. Fresh seafood is flown in daily to ensure that you will love every bite of flavor.
The Melting Pot
Thanksgiving Hours: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
You will not be able to get enough of the melted cheese and chocolate laid before you at The Melting Pot. A fondue chain restaurant with a true 4-course experience you won’t forget.
Smoky Mountain Brewery
Thanksgiving Hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
With a few different locations, Smoky Mountain Brewery in Gatlinburg is top-notch. Down a craft beer while you soak in the beautiful exterior and interior of the restaurant. Grab a pizza and experience the little moments on this special holiday.
TGI Fridays
We don’t know about you, but this dessert sure looks heavenly. The dessert itself is a reason to head to TGI Fridays!
With so many options to choose from, maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to eat out this Thanksgiving! A few other mentions; Seasons of Ober Restaurant and Lounge, Big Daddy’s Pizzeria, Mama’s Chicken Kitchen, and Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro (in Townsend) will also be open this Thanksgiving. Take this holiday off, grab the family, and head to any of these incredible restaurants. A true Gatlinburg Thanksgiving.
