Dining at the Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge TN is an experience unlike any other. A favorite for big families and food lovers, this gem serves delicious Southern food that will leave you full and happy.
History of Old Mill Restaurant Pigeon Forge TN
image via Old Mill Website
The Old Mill Restaurant’s history is full of charm and nostalgia. Built next to the historic Old Mill in Pigeon Forge in 1993, it was first called The Cornflour Restaurant. Later, it was renamed The Old Mill Restaurant to connect it with the historic mill.
The design of the restaurant reflects the rustic look of an old mill. Utilizing rough-hewn posts and beams, the building exudes a sense of timeless charm. The National Register of Historic Places lists The Old Mill, highlighting its historical importance. The preservation of this beloved landmark by the Old Mill Restaurant is a source of great pride.
The restaurant is a great place to enjoy a true Southern dining experience. As soon as you step inside, the charm and history of this restaurant surround you. The restaurant has a rustic look, and you can even see the Old Mill itself from the dining room.
Location and Services
When it comes to services, the Old Mill Restaurant truly shines. They offer a wide variety of scratch-made Southern dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Using the freshly ground products from the historic grist mill, guests can savor the flavors of pancakes, biscuits, grits, muffins, hush puppies, and cornbread. The restaurant’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes ensures an authentic and memorable Southern dining experience.
As a popular dining destination, it’s important to note that there may be a wait to get a table at the Old Mill Restaurant. Guests should expect to wait between 20 minutes and an hour, especially during peak times. However, this doesn’t mean you have to twiddle your thumbs during the wait.
The restaurant is located in The Old Mill Square, where guests can explore nearby shops and attractions while waiting for their meal. It’s a great chance to find unique souvenirs, enjoy some shopping, or soak in the charming atmosphere of this historic area.
The Old Mill Restaurant is the perfect place for anyone wanting to experience Pigeon Forge. If you’re looking for a hearty meal of southern comfort food, this is the place to go.
Dining Experience at Old Mill Restaurant
A Feast Fit for a Family
One of the standout features of The Old Mill Restaurant is its generous portions and family-style dining. When you choose your main entree, you’re not just getting a meal; you’re getting a feast. The portions are enormous, ensuring that no one leaves the table hungry.
Each entree comes with Southern-style green beans and creamy, mashed potatoes served family-style and are All-You-Can-Eat. This means you can indulge in these delicious sides to your heart’s content.
For the full experience, we highly recommend opting for a dinner portion. This includes a fresh salad to start and a delectable dessert to round off your meal, making it well worth the upgrade from lunch.
A Taste of Southern Comfort
Before each meal at The Old Mill, you are served a comforting bowl of corn chowder and a basket of warm corn fritters with honey butter. This delicious start sets the tone for the hearty and flavorful dishes that follow. Some of our favorite entrees include:
- Chicken and Dumplings: A classic comfort dish that will remind you of home.
- Fried Chicken: Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned to perfection.
- Fish: Fresh and flaky, cooked just right.
- Steak and Shrimp: A surf-and-turf combo that’s sure to please.
- BBQ Ribs: Tender and flavorful, these ribs are a must-try.
- Meatloaf: A hearty and satisfying choice.
- Turkey and Gravy: Perfectly roasted turkey with rich, savory gravy.
Old Mill Restaurant Pigeon Forge Menus
Sweet Endings
Choosing a dessert at The Old Mill can be a delightful challenge, as all options are homemade and incredibly tempting. Whether you prefer your dessert à la mode with their in-house homemade vanilla bean ice cream or on its own, you’re in for a treat. Indulge in:
- Pecan Pie: Rich, sweet, and nutty, it’s a Southern classic.
- Chocolate Cake: Decadent and satisfying for any chocolate lover.
- Banana Pudding: Creamy and nostalgic, it’s a crowd favorite.
- Blackberry Cobbler: Bursting with fresh blackberries and topped with a golden crust.
More Than Just a Meal
Located in a working gristmill, The Old Mill Restaurant offers more than just delicious comfort food. The mill’s products are available for purchase at the general store and the kitchen store right across the street. You can take home a piece of the experience, whether it’s fresh-ground cornmeal or another handcrafted product.
Breakfast and Brunch at Old Mill Restaurant
The Old Mill Restaurant offers a truly delightful breakfast and brunch. Their menu is full of hearty southern classics like biscuits and gravy, country ham, and grits. They have options for both sweet and savory dishes.
It’s easy to see why the Old Mill Restaurant has so many repeat customers. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the staff is super friendly. The food is great, and you can get breakfast or brunch in a cozy dining room or on the scenic outdoor patio. If you’re looking for a memorable place to dine, this is it.
Family Reunions and Large Groups at Old Mill Restaurant
Looking for a place to host a special event for a large group? The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge is a great choice. Whether it’s a celebration or a memorial service, this restaurant can comfortably accommodate your guests.
Their staff will help you create a customized menu for your event, which is useful if you have guests with dietary restrictions. From traditional country cooking to Southern classics, there is something on the menu for everyone.
Besides delicious food and flexible menus, The Old Mill Restaurant offers excellent service to ensure a pleasant dining experience. The friendly staff goes above and beyond to make everyone in your group feel welcome and cared for.
Pottery House Café and Deli
The Pottery House Café and Deli, located in The Old Mill Square, has a separate menu from The Old Mill Restaurant. It offers a delicious variety of food in a cozy, charming atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to eat and relax while shopping in the area.
One of the unique aspects of the Pottery House Cafe and Deli is that all their breads are made from flour ground at The Old Mill. This dedication to using fresh, local ingredients adds an extra layer of flavor to every dish. While you enjoy your meal, you can admire the handcrafted pottery on display throughout the cafe. This adds to the charming ambiance.
The menu at Pottery House Cafe and Deli offers a variety of options, including both perishable and baked items. You can indulge in their mouthwatering comfort food, such as their signature sandwiches, made with the finest ingredients. The Pottery House Cafe and Deli at the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge serves a variety of sandwiches that are sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Whether you want a Chicken Reuben or something more gourmet like a Fried Green Tomato BLT, they have you covered.
In addition to their delectable food offerings, Pottery House Cafe and Deli also allows you to sample their artisanal breads. From freshly baked sourdough to flavorful Cinnamon Raisin Bread, these breads are the perfect accompaniment to your meal.
With its tasty dishes and warm atmosphere, Pottery House Cafe and Deli is a must-visit spot in The Old Mill Square.
Additional Amenities and Delivery Options
The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge offers more than just delicious food. It provides additional amenities that enhance your dining experience. One of these amenities is the Old Mill General Store, where you can find a variety of specialty products for purchase.
From locally sourced jams and jellies to handmade pottery and unique kitchen accessories, the General Store has something for everyone. It’s the perfect place to browse and take home a piece of the Old Mill experience.
If you’re unable to dine in at the restaurant, the Old Mill also offers convenient delivery options. UPS SurePost Delivery is available from Monday to Saturday for most orders, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of the Old Mill from the comfort of your own home. For those who need their food quickly, UPS Two Day Air expedited delivery is available from Monday to Friday.
Final Thoughts
The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge, TN, is a must-visit for anyone craving Southern hospitality and home-cooked food. Whether you’re with family or friends, you’ll love the hearty portions, delicious flavors, and warm atmosphere. When you’ve built up an appetite from hiking the Gatlinburg Trails, or traversing The Smoky Mountains, come visit this iconic spot and create lasting memories over a meal that feels like home. For more dining info, make sure to read our post, The Best Restaurants in Pigeon Forge: Must-Try Spots Near Hapey Cabin Rentals.
If you’re staying with us at Hapey Cabin Rentals, be sure to visit The Old Mill Restaurant. It will enhance your Pigeon Forge experience with its unforgettable Southern charm and cuisine.
Can dogs eat on the patio at the old mill?
Hey Christi!
Anywhere there is full service dining offered only service animals are allowed.
However, there’s an open seating area with tables in front of The Old Mill Creamery and picnic tables next to The Farmhouse Kitchen, where pets are allowed. The patio and indoor spaces of The Old Forge Distillery also allow pets.