The Peddler - The Best Restaurant in the Smokies

The Peddler in Gatlinburg is "the" place for special celebrations. That's not only true for the Smokies, but for all of East Tennessee. The service is unparalleled, the food is absolutely delicious and the atmosphere is romantic and relaxing.

First, let me give you what some may consider disclaimer. My first dinner at the Peddler came after my future husband had been out of town for a few weeks. I missed him terribly. He took me to The Peddler and it made me feel so special. You're really treated like a queen there. Afterwards, he drove up to the Gatlinburg lookout in the mountains and said he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. That's the kind of restaurant The Peddler is. All the seating is wonderful, but if you're lucky you'll be able to eat by the creek, which is an experience to itself.

The Peddler is located on River Road, just behind the ski lift. Take the last right before entering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Peddler opens at 5 p.m. during the week and at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. It is not open for lunch. The restaurant does not take reservations, but does offer call ahead seating beginning one hour before opening. Take advantage of this or you may be waiting for hours. It's probably the most popular upper-end restaurant in and around the Smokies. The number is (865) 436-5794.

Other than the atmosphere, people generally go to the Peddler for two things: salad and steak. Both are well worth the trip. I'll begin with the salad bar. You'll actually hear "ooh" and "awe" from first timers while you're waiting in line. Everything is fresh and is on ice. Croutons, salad dressings, crackers all homemade. The toppings are literally over the top. Fresh asparagus, baby corn, an assortment of potato, bean and pasta salads plus smoked oysters. The salad bar is included with every entrée and can be purchased as a meal for only $10.95.

Now, on to the steak. This is literally the best steak I've ever had. And I say that every time I eat at The Peddler. When you're ready to order, a butcher comes to your table to cut your meat exactly to your specifications. Sorry, but you won't find sirloin tips on this menu. It's New York Strip, Ribeye, Prime Rib and T-Bones. For non-steak lovers, shrimp and chicken are also on the menu.

Plan on sharing a dessert. They are huge and dripping with the most incredible sauces!

Having said that the Peddler is one of the best restaurants I've ever dined at, I must counter that by saying it's also one of the most expensive. Order a steak, an appetizer; some wine and your bill will easily come to $80-100. That may not be expensive in New York or California, but it's a hefty amount in Tennessee. And it's worth every penny! Even if you can only afford to go there once or twice a year, it will be something you always look forward to doing! If you're in the area on your honeymoon, there's no better place for your first meal as man and wife.