Dining out is one of the best parts of being on vacation, but it can also be one of the most expensive. Eating at a restaurant for nearly every meal can add up quickly, especially if you are feeding an entire family. Fortunately, Pigeon Forge is home to a number of wonderful eateries where you can enjoy great food at a great price. To help you make the most of your next getaway, we have put together a handy guide to five of the best places to eat in Pigeon Forge on a budget.
1. Lil’ Black Bear Cafe
The Lil’ Black Bear Cafe is perfect for lunch or dinner! This small, family-owned restaurant has built a loyal following for its super friendly service, mouthwatering food, and extremely reasonable prices. Guests will find a great selection of omelets, salads, soups, sandwiches, and more all-American fare. Standout menu items include the biscuits and gravy, fried bologna sandwich, and the patty melt. Be sure to save room for dessert, so you can try one of the cafe’s incredible homemade cupcakes!
2. Cielito Lindo Mexican Grill
Cielito Lindo Mexican Grill is another one of the best places to eat in Pigeon Forge on a budget. Specializing in authentic south-of-the-border cuisine, this restaurant is famous for its incredibly generous portions. We recommend sharing your entrees or taking home leftovers!
A highlight of eating at Cielito Lindo is their salsa bar, where guests can choose from a variety of mild, medium, and spicy salsas. Want to know where else you can get Mexican food? Check out these Mexican restaurants in Pigeon Forge!
3. Pigeon Forge Deli
Tucked away on East Wears Valley Road, Pigeon Forge Deli is the ultimate lunch spot! The deli’s signature subs are served on freshly baked bread and come with your choice of tomato basil soup or homemade pasta salad. Popular sandwiches at Pigeon Forge Deli include the Pot Roast Sub, Pizza Loaf, Chicken Salad Sub, and the Meatball Sub.
4. Mel’s Classic Diner
If you’re looking for cheap eats, it’s hard to beat a diner! Mel’s is a classic 50s-style eatery that is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests will find a varied menu filled with comfort foods like burgers, hot dogs, meatloaf, and chicken pot pie. Best of all, Mel’s serves breakfast all day long, so you can have pancakes at 11 p.m. if that’s what you’re craving. Of course, no visit to Mel’s is complete without sharing one of their epic sundaes or banana splits!
5. Smokies Cuban Cafe
Believe it or not, you can find delicious (and very affordable) Cuban food right on the Parkway! Smokies Cuban Cafe is a family run hole-in-the-wall that serves traditional Cuban food in a cozy, no-frills atmosphere. Some of the most-buzzed-about dishes at this restaurant include the empanadas, ropa vieja, Cuban sandwich, and the palomilla steak. It’s easy to see why Smokies Cuban Cafe is one of the best places to eat in Pigeon Forge on a budget!
Since you have an idea of where you’d like to eat on a budget, check out these fun things to do in Pigeon Forge on a budget!
Save Money with Pigeon Forge Restaurant Coupons
Coupons are another great way to enjoy dining out on vacation without breaking the bank. Pigeon Forge TN Guide has scoured the internet to find the very best deals and discounts at some of the most popular restaurants in the Smokies. Follow the link to see all of our Pigeon Forge restaurant coupons!
