Lineberger's Seafood, Gatlinburg, Tennessee

If you're looking for seafood while vacationing in Gatlinburg, TN, the best in town is at Lineberger's Seafood. Located at 903 Parkway, Lineberger's is at the heart of Gatlinburg. The restaurant was established in 1948 and is still family owned. Lineberger's bulging menu has selections to satisfy everyone, with options such as prime rib, fettuccini, rib eye steak and selections for both light fare and vegetarians. The main cuisine is, of course, seafood and Lineberger's offers nearly every delicacy that ever swam the seas.

As a self-proclaimed seafood-aholic, I have great expectations from seafood restaurants. I visit Gatlinburg at least once a year but had yet to sample what Lineberger's offers. We can consider that mistake rectified. The restaurant itself was spacious with additional seating upstairs. Our waiter was prompt, intelligent and very businesslike, but not so much that he was unfriendly. He adequately balanced his professional demeanor with the friendly charm Gatlinburg is known for. He was extremely attentive but not intrusive. As I observed other waiters and waitresses, I found the same to be true among them all.

Among the four of us dining, we selected different entrees and never advised anyone in Gatlinburg that the restaurant was being reviewed. We began our meal with oysters on the half-shell. Served with cocktail sauce, lemon and horseradish, the oysters were excellent. When the entrees arrived we passed around samples to one another. The scallops were not only the best in Gatlinburg but also the best I'd ever tasted. A fellow diner that has traveled extensively, frequenting posh locations both in and outside the U.S, echoed this sentiment. The halibut, salmon and catfish were so exquisite they gave the illusion of melting in your mouth. The combo dinner of steak and lobster didn't skimp on either fare, offering up portions of each large enough to fill a grown man.

Lineberger's is slightly more expensive than other restaurants in the area. However, they are less expensive or equally priced with many restaurants, yet serve superior food. For large families or those not wanting to spend a lot of money on food, Lineberger's serves lunch until 3 p.m. Because the serving sizes are bountiful a late lunch will easily carry you through the day, significantly cutting down the costs of snacks and requiring only a light dinner when food is most expensive.

Lineberger's location on the main drag in Gatlinburg makes it easy to find. Parking is located behind the restaurant. There is a $5.00 charge for parking but that will be deducted from your bill if you provide your server the parking stub. With window seating, spacious accommodations and superb food, Lineberger's should be on everyone's list of favorite restaurants.