9 Best Places In The Smoky Mountains, Tennessee To Grab A Burger This Year
Hiking the Smoky Mountains works up a serious appetite.
Tennessee’s most famous mountain region is full of breathtaking scenery, winding roads, and now, a burger scene that absolutely deserves its own spotlight.
These are not fast food stops to fill a gap between activities. These are real, made-with-care burgers that people plan their trips around.
Juicy patties, creative toppings, and the kind of satisfaction that only a great burger can deliver after a day on the trails. The reviews speak for themselves and so does the loyal following each of these spots has built.
Nine restaurants. One incredible region of Tennessee.
Every single one worth pulling over for.
1. Meek’s Kitchen, Sevierville
Sometimes the most unexpected places serve the most unforgettable food.
Meek’s Kitchen at 1415 Parkway in Sevierville is tucked inside a Marathon gas station, and that alone makes it one of the most talked-about burger spots in the entire region.
People drive out of their way just to try these burgers, and once you taste one, you completely understand why.
The smash burgers here are made with grass-fed ground beef, and that quality shows in every single bite. The patties get pressed flat on a hot griddle, creating those irresistible crispy, caramelized edges that smash burger fans absolutely live for.
The juicy center paired with a soft toasted bun makes the whole thing come together beautifully. Their A1 Steakhouse burger is a crowd favorite that keeps regulars coming back again and again.
Reviewers across Tennessee have called Meek’s Kitchen one of the best burger spots in the state, which is a bold claim that this little counter-style kitchen backs up with confidence. The vibe is casual and unpretentious, which honestly adds to the charm.
You order, you wait just a few minutes, and then you get handed something genuinely special. Takeout is available too, making it easy to grab your order and enjoy it with a mountain view nearby.
If you’re in Sevierville and skipping this spot, you’re missing out on something truly worth the stop.
2. Sloppy Hog Burger Joint, Sevierville
The name alone tells you this place means business.
Sloppy Hog Burger Joint at 3269 Wears Valley Rd in Sevierville has built a loyal following among locals and visitors who want a burger that’s hearty, messy, and absolutely satisfying.
This is not the kind of place where you worry about keeping your shirt clean. That’s kind of the whole point.
The atmosphere here matches the menu perfectly. It’s relaxed, unpretentious, and welcoming in a way that makes you feel like you belong there from the moment you walk in.
The burgers are generously built, with bold flavors layered on top of each other in a way that feels intentional rather than random. Every element on the burger seems to earn its place.
Wears Valley Road is one of those scenic drives that winds through some of the most beautiful parts of the Smoky Mountains region. Stopping at Sloppy Hog on that route feels like a natural reward for the journey.
Locals have been recommending this spot for years, and the word continues to spread because the food consistently delivers.
Whether you’re road-tripping through the area or spending a full week in Sevierville, this burger joint deserves a real spot on your itinerary. Order big, grab plenty of napkins, and settle in for one of the messiest and most satisfying meals you’ll have all trip long.
3. Chubby’s Restaurant, Sevierville
Chubby’s Restaurant at 1386 Dolly Parton Pkwy in Sevierville has that comfortable, familiar energy that makes you want to stay longer than you planned.
It’s the kind of spot where families pile in after a long day of sightseeing and leave feeling full, happy, and already planning their next visit.
The menu is straightforward in the best possible way, focused on doing classic American food really well.
The burgers at Chubby’s are the kind that remind you why a well-made classic never needs to be complicated. Fresh ingredients, properly seasoned beef, and a bun that holds everything together without falling apart make for a reliable and genuinely enjoyable meal.
There’s something deeply satisfying about a burger that doesn’t try too hard but still manages to impress you.
Being right on Dolly Parton Parkway puts Chubby’s in a great spot for anyone making their way through Sevierville. The area is buzzing with activity, and having a solid, honest restaurant nearby is a real bonus for travelers.
The staff keeps things moving without rushing you out the door, and the portions are the kind that actually fill you up. Families with picky eaters will find something for everyone here, which makes it a stress-free dining choice.
If you want a satisfying burger in a setting that feels genuinely welcoming, Chubby’s is a dependable and enjoyable choice worth adding to your Smoky Mountains food list.
4. Cookie Dough Monster, Pigeon Forge
Cookie Dough Monster is one of those places that surprises you in the best way.
Most people come for the desserts, but the burgers here have quietly built their own fan base among visitors who stumble onto the savory menu and can’t believe what they’ve been missing.
Pigeon Forge is full of big, flashy attractions, and this spot holds its own with personality and flavor.
The fun, energetic atmosphere makes it a great stop for families and friend groups who want something a little different from the standard sit-down experience. The interior is colorful and playful, which sets a mood that makes the whole meal feel like an event.
Even the way the food is presented feels like it was designed to make you smile before you even take a bite.
The burgers are built with care, combining creative flavor combinations with quality ingredients that actually taste as good as they look. It’s the kind of menu that rewards adventurous eaters while still having something familiar for those who prefer the classics.
Teaster Lane in Pigeon Forge is a busy stretch filled with things to do, and Cookie Dough Monster fits right into that lively energy. Save room for dessert after your burger because that’s basically a requirement here.
It’s a spot that delivers fun, flavor, and a genuinely good time all wrapped up in one memorable stop. The location is 2660 Teaster Ln.
5. Blue Moose Burgers & Wings, Pigeon Forge
Blue Moose Burgers and Wings on Teaster Lane has earned a reputation that stretches well beyond Pigeon Forge. This family-friendly sports bar is the kind of place that takes its burgers seriously without taking itself too seriously.
The energy inside is upbeat, the service is friendly, and the burgers are genuinely outstanding.
Yelp reviewers have crowned their cheeseburger as the top burger in all of Tennessee, which is a title that comes with real weight. The hand-pattied, half-pound patties are cooked to order and arrive at your table looking like exactly what you hoped for.
Creative options like the Big Daddy Mac N Cheese Burger, loaded with fried macaroni and cheese and Applewood smoked bacon, show that the kitchen isn’t afraid to have fun with the menu.
The Big Mushroom Melt and the spicy Cajun bacon burger with blue cheese are also crowd favorites worth trying.
The sports bar atmosphere adds a layer of casual comfort that makes this a go-to spot for game days, family dinners, and post-adventure meals alike. With wings and burgers as the dual stars of the menu, you’ll likely need more than one visit to work through all the options.
Pigeon Forge has no shortage of dining choices, but Blue Moose consistently stands out as one of the best reasons to come hungry and leave completely satisfied.
6. Sunliner Diner, Pigeon Forge
The retro aesthetic is done right at this diner, with vintage details that create a genuinely fun atmosphere rather than feeling like a theme park version of a diner. It’s a place where the ambiance and the food both pull their weight equally.
The burgers here are classic American in the best sense, built on quality ingredients and served with a straightforward confidence that only comes from a kitchen that knows what it’s doing.
There’s something deeply comforting about a burger in a setting like this, where the whole vibe is built around good food and good times.
The Parkway location means you’re right in the heart of Pigeon Forge’s most active stretch, making it an easy and rewarding stop during a busy day of exploring.
Families love this place because it offers something for every age group.
Kids get a kick out of the retro decor, parents appreciate the solid menu, and everyone leaves with full stomachs and good memories.
The staff keeps things warm and welcoming without being over the top, which adds to the genuine charm of the experience.
If you’re spending time on the Pigeon Forge Parkway and want a meal that delivers both atmosphere and flavor, Sunliner Diner is a place that checks every box and then some.
7. Split Rail Eats, Gatlinburg
Split Rail Eats at 849 Glades Rd in Gatlinburg has a personality all its own.
Glades Road is known for its arts and crafts community, and this little eatery fits right into that creative, community-driven spirit.
The food feels thoughtful and personal, like it was made by people who genuinely care about what ends up on your plate.
The burgers here have a handcrafted quality that sets them apart from the typical tourist-strip options. Fresh ingredients, careful preparation, and a menu built around real flavors rather than gimmicks make every visit feel worthwhile.
The surrounding environment adds to the experience in a big way.
Glades Road winds through some of the most scenic parts of Gatlinburg, and pulling off for a meal at Split Rail feels like discovering a little reward along the way.
The casual, unhurried atmosphere is a welcome contrast to the busier parts of town. You can sit back, relax, and actually enjoy your food without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Locals tend to favor this spot, which is always a good sign for any restaurant. When the people who live somewhere keep coming back, the food is clearly doing something right.
For visitors who want to experience a more authentic side of Gatlinburg, Split Rail Eats offers exactly that kind of satisfying experience wrapped in mountain warmth.
8. Blue Moose Burgers & Wings, Gatlinburg
The Gatlinburg location of Blue Moose Burgers and Wings at 515 Parkway brings the same award-winning burger energy to one of the most iconic stretches in the entire Smoky Mountains region.
Being on the Gatlinburg Parkway means this spot gets a constant flow of visitors, and the kitchen handles the demand without ever sacrificing quality.
That consistency is part of what makes Blue Moose such a reliable choice.
The menu mirrors the Pigeon Forge location in all the right ways, with those legendary hand-pattied half-pound burgers leading the charge.
The jalapeño burger with crispy onions is a standout for anyone who likes a little heat, and the Mac N Cheese Burger remains one of the most talked-about items on the entire menu.
Pair any of these with an order of jumbo wings and you’ve got a meal that will fuel you through an entire afternoon of exploring Gatlinburg.
The sports bar atmosphere feels lively and social without being chaotic, making it a great spot for groups of all sizes. After a morning hike in the national park or a day spent browsing Gatlinburg’s shops and attractions, sitting down to a proper Blue Moose burger feels like a well-earned treat.
The Parkway location also makes it incredibly convenient, so there’s really no excuse not to stop in and see what all the well-deserved buzz is about.
9. Burger Master Drive In, Townsend
Burger Master Drive In in Townsend is a throwback in the most wonderful way. Townsend calls itself the peaceful side of the Smokies, and this drive-in fits that identity perfectly.
There’s no rush here, no crowds overwhelming the experience, just good burgers and the kind of relaxed mountain atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and stay a while.
The drive-in format adds a layer of fun that modern fast food has mostly lost.
You pull up, place your order, and enjoy your meal in a setting that feels genuinely nostalgic without being forced about it.
The burgers are classic and satisfying, made with the kind of simplicity that lets the quality of the ingredients speak for themselves. It’s the sort of meal that doesn’t need to be fancy to be really, really good.
Townsend is often overlooked by visitors who head straight to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, but those who take the scenic route through this quieter valley know what a special place it is. Burger Master at 8439 TN-73 fits right into that off-the-beaten-path charm.
Highway 73 cuts through some breathtaking scenery, and stopping at this drive-in along the way feels like one of those travel moments you end up talking about long after the trip is over.
For a classic, no-fuss burger experience with mountain scenery as your backdrop, Burger Master Drive In is an absolute must-visit on your Smoky Mountains food journey.