Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Gatlinburg

"A favorite with both locals and visitors alike, Smokies Cuban Cafe is considered something of a hidden gem in Pigeon Forge. Tucked away in a strip mall on the Parkway, this charming little place serves authentic Cuban cuisine. Highlights of the cafe’s menu include the Cuban sandwich, empanadas, palomilla steak, and the cafe con leche."

"Smokies Cuban Cafe is the only Cuban restaurant in the Smokies. They serve authentic Cuban cuisine, and some of the menu items include a Cuban sandwich, a croquette sandwich, and roasted pulled pork. Other entrees include palomilla steak, milanese steak, and fried pork chunks."

"This charming cafe serves authentic Cuban dishes that are sure to please. Before heading to Dollywood, grab a breakfast sandwich with Cuban bread, tomato, olive oil, and garlic. Other favorites include fried plantains, cheese empanadas, and guava pastries."

"Mad Dog’s Creamery and Donuts has a full selection of hand-dipped premium ice cream, soft serve, sundaes, banana splits and so much more!. You’ll be able to choose from 24 different flavors of ice cream, from Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough to Strawberry Cheesecake. You can even get milkshakes!"

"Mad Dog’s Creamery and Donuts is the ultimate dessert destination!. This great shop offers incredible ice cream cones, soft serve, sundaes, banana splits, and milkshakes. With 24 flavors to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find a new favorite (ours is Smoky Mountain Fudge)."

"You’ll find your favorite flavors, of course, such as vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. You could always try their unique flavors, from yellow brick road to rainbow sherbet. Get your ice cream in a cup or cone, or have a milkshake in your favorite flavor."

"A favorite for both breakfast and lunch, guests rave about the pancakes, which are thankfully served all day!. Head on over to their Facebook page to read all of the numerous reviews citing them as, “the best pancakes I’ve ever had.” Now that’s a good pancake!. If you hate pancakes (what?!), the cafe also serves a variety of other American breakfast foods, as well as soups, salads, and yummy baked goods."

"If you want to dine somewhere off the beaten path, choose Lil Black Bear Cafe!. This daytime eatery is known for its American breakfast and coffee. For a simple breakfast that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds, this is the spot for you."

"When you walk in this place you feel like you just joined the family. It is very small on the inside so plan accordingly. The food is fantastic and the prices..."

"Not all coffee shops in Gatlinburg have to be local for you to visit. In fact, ​Starbucks​ is conveniently located right on the Parkway for you to stop in and get your favorite caffeinated fix. Their success has just as much to do with their quantity of shops as it is the quality with which they deliver."

"The only Starbucks game in Gatlinburg, if you HAVE to have it. Arrive early, as the line out the door forms quickly after opening."

"The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is worth visiting for a few reasons: 1) girl power!. ; 2) it’s home to the world’s largest basketball; 3) the Hall of Fame is a sub-contractor for the Center for Sport, Peace, and Society. The society’s mission is “to use sport to change lives, communities, and the world through teaching, research, and service.” As travelers, how could we not want to support such a mission?"

"The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is one of the fun things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee. On its rooftop, you’ll see the biggest basketball in the world, making it easily spotted from far away. It’s a great place to get inspired and a spot in the city that sports lovers shouldn’t miss."

"Just a block away from Market Square and diagonal to the East Tennessee History Center, it’s a great place to start the day with some caffeine and pleasant conversation with your barista. And if you like the neighborhood already, that’s greater than great since you’ll be looping back around to it later in the day."

"On our final morning in Knoxville, we had several options for breakfast—Makers donuts and Status Dough being two worthy contenders (and spots you absolutely must try if you have a sweet tooth), in addition to my regular, tried-and-true haunt, Tomato Head—but I can never resist the crepes at French Market, which has relocated from Gay Street to the other side of the square and, ultimately, won out in a battle of the breakfast foods. I still don’t regret that decision one bit!"

"A great place for dinner in Market Square is Tomato Head, they have yummy pizzas and a nice range of sandwiches, salads, and sweets. Read More – 12 cool things to do in Knoxville Tennessee"

"If you’re more in the mood for a pizza, salad, or sandwich, try The Tomato Head in Market Square. It’s right near your next stop anyway."

"The menu at the Bistro changes pretty regularly, which certainly has its pros and cons—I will forever miss the vegan gingerbread waffles and Hoppin' John that used to grace their menu—but they always have something vegan and are great about making substitutions. Luckily, most of the sides are vegan. When I'm feeling particularly indulgent, I get the flash-fried Brussels sprouts as an appetizer."

"Bistro seemingly has it all – history, great food, a cozy and intimate wood-and-brick interior and a hip owner in Martha Boggs. While legions of downtown restaurants have come and gone, Bistro has been an urban staple since 1980. Housed in the fourth-oldest building (circa 1820) in Knoxville, the Bistro offers three seasonal menus featuring locally sourced vegetables and products."

"Those in search of a meatless meal don't have to exert too much effort sifting through menu selections for suitable items. At Bistro at the Bijou, they have a separate menu for vegetarian and vegan diners. The lunch/dinner lineup runs the gamut, from white truffle fries and a house salad to veggie burgers and a sweet potato kale wrap."

"The Wild Plum Tea Room is an amazing place to have lunch in the Arts & Crafts Community. Named one of the top 10 restaurants in the state of Tennessee, this unique cafe features scratch-made food in an idyllic natural setting. Be sure to make reservations at The Wild Plum at least 24 hours in advance."