Recently while traveling I came across an internet radio show on travel and they were featuring an episode on the Smoky Mountains area. I was amazed at just how much they got wrong such as Cades Coves was referred to as Cades Point, Kodak was constantly pronounced as Kodiak and they had no idea where New Found Gap Road was. How can you miss the main thoroughfare through the middle of the park! I won’t even go into the list of inaccuracies when it comes to Clingman’s Dome other than to say they kept thinking the observation tower was the dome, and since it doesn’t look like a dome so why is it called a dome? Ugh. Our own Podcast is coming very soon to the internet and it will be much more accurate. Finally this group of “chuckleheads” committed blasphemy in my eyes by attacking all the great places to have breakfast in the Smokies! Sacrilege I tell you! Leave our pancakes alone!!!!
So I got to thinking I have not really written anything about my favorite meal and I love having breakfast in the Smokies. Here are some of our favorite place and our favorite dishes (especially pancakes) we’ve had there. This week we feature Gatlinburg pancakes houses.
Crockett’s 1875 Breakfast Camp
Pretty much by general consensus Crockett’s 1875 Breakfast Camp has become the overall favorite breakfast in the Smokies place for many, just look at the lines to get in. When we go we try to be there before 8am just to beat the crowds. As you walk in the door at Crockett’s you are overwhelmed by the magical scents of their cinnamon rolls. The interior is so detailed it’s amazing, from antiques, to animals, to the mason jars filled with water. No detail is overlooked. I might add, don’t miss the restrooms – very cool decor, trust me it’s worth the trip.
Back to the food, as you can see in picture above the “Griddle Cakes” are HUGE! Oh my gosh they’re huge! Couple that with a cinnamon roll that’s the size of a small car and you need to tie on the feed bag. The skillets again are loaded with delicious eggs, sausage, bacon, ham, biscuits and gravy and this corn pone thing that’s really tasty. It’s no wonder there’s a line to get in.
One last thing I like about Crockett’s is the menu, it’s printed on newsprint to look like a newspaper. I urge you to take a moment and glance around the restaurant at all the people who look like they’re reading the paper. Reminiscent of days gone by, it’s kind of neat!
Address: 1103 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
The Log Cabin Pancake House
If you’re looking for pancakes than look no further than my wife’s favorite breakfast in the Smokies…. The Log Cabin Pancake House. Family owned an operated since 1976, with it’s iconic covered wagon on the roof this place is a gem. My wife doesn’t need a menu here…Blueberry pancakes and a side of sausage links. I’m not sure just what they put in their signature blueberry syrup, my wife say’s it’s more like a blueberry compote but it’s outstanding. The Butterscotch Chip Pancakes are pancakes topped with butterscotch bits inside and out, topped with powdered sugar and whipped margarine. Or try the Pancake Royale, four golden pancakes topped with powdered sugar, banana wedges and cream cheese sauce.
Servings are plentiful, the atmosphere is vintage Gatlinburg. Where Crockett’s is built to look authentic the Log Cabin Pancake House IS authentic. Waffles, omelets, crepes, The Log Cabin Pancake House has them all but most of all great pancakes!!
Address: 327 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
The Pancake Pantry
If Dame Judy Dench was a pancake house she’d be The Pancake Pantry. How’s that for an opening! The Pancake Pantry which opened in Gatlinburg in 1960 and has been satisfying their customers at the highest level ever since. What makes them a tradition in Gatlinburg? If you read their website it’s the real butter, the honest-to-goodness fresh whipped cream and everything made from scratch. And it’s also the warm atmosphere of century-old brick, rich oak and rustic copper. It has a certain rustic elegance to it.
As for the menu, I can personally vouch for the Swiss Chocolate Chip pancakes, they are delicious, filling and plentiful, I couldn’t finished them. The Sweet Potato pancakes are iconic and the crepes are pretty much unequaled. The Pancake Pantry is a don’t miss breakfast in the Smokies!
Address: 628 Parkway •, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Little House of Pancakes
A bit off the beaten path but know as the place that the locals go is the Little House of Pancakes. Great food, excellent service and great prices. Little House of Pancakes features a retro diner look and a humble exterior but the food is what you’re coming for. One of the few restaurants offering all-you-can-eat pancakes. Light fluffy and made from scratch is their trademark. Whether your taste is plain, light, fluffy pancakes or smothered in fruit and chocolate this menu has you covered. If your tastes sway more towards bacon, eggs and sausage the Little house of Pancakes delivers on that too, This is one of the best kept secrets when it comes to Breakfast in the Smokies!
Address: 807 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Atrium Pancakes
Saving what many may say is the best…..Serving Gatlinburg Visitors for 20 years! Atrium is famous for the Baked Apple Pancake, featured in “Taste of Home” magazine and on the Food Network. Just look at the golden disc of perfection! If you’re looking for something a bit more sweet how does this sound..Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pancakes….YUM! Atrium pancakes features a robust menu for you and your family from the Happy Hiker Breakfast to a full selection of scramblers, waffles, and eggs benedicts. Atrium Pancakes is at the top of the list when heading out for breakfast in the Smokies. Plus this is the only breakfast establishment that comes with it’s own waterfall!
Address: 432 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Next time we’ll head a little father up the parkway into Pigeon forge to seek out the best breakfast in the Smokies up there.
Are you planning a visit to the Smokies and are wondering how to fit it all in? Check out our sample itineraries: https://wordpress.com/post/dancingbearfoot.blog/53
If this is your fist time coming to the Smokies and renting a cabin check out out blog post in what to look for when renting a log cabin.
Thank you for reading. If you’d like to learn more about our cabin or other great things to see while visiting the Smoky Mountains please visit us at Dancing Bearfoot.com.
