Top 5 Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants in the Smoky Mountains

May 12, 2025

Have you tried all of the popular restaurants in the Smoky Mountains? We want to share some unique places you should try the next time you stay with us! There’s a huge variety of cuisine, and you’ll enjoy eating at all of these places! Here are the top 5 hole-in-the-wall restaurants in the Smoky Mountains:

1. Smokies Cuban Cafe

If you’ve never had traditional Cuban food, you need to eat at Smokies Cuban Cafe the next time you’re in town. They have empanadas, a tasty roast pork sandwich, and a traditional Cuban sandwich. There are a variety of entrees, from chicken to beef, that are served with rice, black beans, and your choice of plantains, tostones, or boiled yuca. You’ll enjoy trying any of the food at Smokies Cuban Cafe. Don’t forget to try their coffee with your dessert!

2. Tony Gore’s Smoky Mountain BBQ & Grill

Love southern barbeque? Some of the best barbeque you’ll ever have is at one of the hole-in-the-wall restaurants in the Smoky Mountains called Tony Gore’s Smoky Mountain BBQ & Grill! Tony uses an all-natural pit BBQ with 100 percent hickory-smoked meats that are slow cooked for hours. Plus, all of his sauces are made from original recipes! Driving by this spot on Winfield Dunn Parkway, you may not expect the delicious good and great dining experience, but it’s a stop you don’t want to miss! Enjoy fall-off-the-bone ribs, fried chicken, pulled pork, smoked sausage, and more — all while listening to Southern gospel music!

3. Frank Allen’s

One of the most popular hole-in-the-wall restaurants in the Smoky Mountains the locals love is Frank Allen’s. It’s truly unique because it’s located in a gas station! They serve delicious burgers with your choice of toppings. Pile your burger high with your favorites, and get a side of fries. Frank Allen’s also has other sandwiches and hot dog options.

4. Pawpaw’s Catfish Kitchen

Pawpaw’s Catfish Kitchen is a local joint that serves authentic Cajun food. Try something new like alligator bites or boudin balls. They serve gumbo full of Cajun spices and traditional jambalaya you won’t want to skip. You can also find po boys with a variety of meat options and the classic red beans and rice. Pawpaw’s also has a variety of delicious desserts to choose from.

5. Jimmy's Smokehouse & Pizza Joint

If you’re spending any time in Gatlinburg, you should go to Jimmy's Smokehouse & Pizza Joint. This favorite among restaurants in the Smoky Mountains has both delicious BBQ and flavorful pizzas. Start out with garlic knots, cheese bread, or wings. There are a variety of different specialty pizzas you can pick from or choose to create your own with all your favorite toppings. The smokehouse mac bowls are made with delicious gouda mac and cheese and are an absolute must!

Now you’ll want to try all of these hole-in-the-wall restaurants in the Smoky Mountains! Start planning your next trip by booking one of our Smoky Mountain cabins so you can try these unique places to eat!