If you’re planning a visit to Gatlinburg, The Peddler Steakhouse is one of the most talked-about places to eat. This spot has been around for years and is known for its cozy log cabin setting, great service, and hand-cut steaks. Whether you’re walking around downtown or coming from a hike in the Smoky Mountains, the Peddler Steakhouse Gatlinburg is a popular stop for dinner.
People love the relaxing atmosphere, the fresh salad bar, and how steaks are cut right at your table. If you’re looking for a classic meal in the Smokies, Peddler Steakhouse is a great choice for families, couples, and anyone who wants a good steak in a mountain town.
You can click here to view the Peddler Steakhouse menu and see what’s waiting before you go.
Know Before You Go: Hours, Location, and Parking
Address:
The Peddler Steakhouse – 820 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Hours of Operation:
- Monday – Friday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Seasonal Hours:
- Christmas Eve: Closed
- Christmas Day: Closed
- December 26 – 30: Opens daily at 4:00 PM
- December 31: Opens at 3:00 PM
Click here to view the full hours on their website.
Reservations:
The Peddler Steakhouse does take reservations, and it’s smart to book ahead—especially on weekends or during peak travel times. You can call them directly or reserve a table online through their website.
Click here to make a reservation online or get more details.
Parking:
The Peddler Steakhouse has free on-site parking for guests, but spaces fill up quickly during dinner hours and peak seasons.
If the lot is full, here are a few other options nearby:
Free Parking Options:
- Park and Ride lots – The City of Gatlinburg offers free parking at the City Hall complex on Highway 321 and the Gatlinburg Welcome Center on the Spur. Both are trolley stops and great if you plan to park and ride into town.
Nearby Paid Parking Lots (daily rates typically range from $12–$20):
- Bear Skin Parking Lot (955 Parkway) – Public lot close to the restaurant
- Burning Bush Parking Lot (1151 Parkway) – Near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Downtown Parking Lot (526 Parkway) – Public lot near aquarium, walkable to Peddler
- Reagan Drive Parking Lot (220 Reagan Drive) – Close-by surface lot
- Shade Tree Parking Lot (120 Historic Nature Trail) – Another surface lot option
- Maples Lane Parking Lot (off River Road) – 67-space lot (passenger vehicles & motorcycles), 7-minute walk away
- Lineberger’s Parking Lot and others (e.g. M & O Lot behind Cumberland Jack’s via River Road) are also in the vicinity
- McMahan/Parkway Garage (520 Parkway) and Aquarium Garage (161 Greystone Heights Road) offer secure paid garage parking at $10/day
If you’re dining during busy times, plan ahead and arrive early to make parking easier.
Click here to view parking lots in Gatlinburg, TN.
Trolley Access: With trolley stops near many of these lots, including Park & Rides, you can park and ride closer to The Peddler – Click here for more information.
When It Gets Busy:
Expect longer wait times during weekends, summer, and holidays. If you don’t have a reservation, try arriving right when they open or closer to closing time.
Hosting a Group Dinner?
The Peddler Steakhouse doesn’t take group bookings, if you’re visiting with a large party, here’s how it works:
- On the day of your visit, call 865‑436‑5794 about one hour before they open. If there’s room, your group’s name goes on the list and they’ll give you a wait time
- They can seat river‑view tables for parties of 1–4, so larger groups won’t get that view
- They do not offer private dining or decorations at The Peddler, though you can bring your own cake for a $50 service fee plus tip
- You can bring wine or champagne, but it costs $10 corkage per 750 ml unless you buy from their list .
- They are wheelchair accessible, with ramps and ground‑floor seating
- There are no automatic gratuities, so groups should tip 17–22%
- For parking, the Peddler has its own lot and River Road parking; The Park Grill lot (one block away) is another option; plus nearby paid lots
If you’re coming with kids, the restaurant offers a kids’ menu for ages 12 and under, and your group can order from the regular dinner menu
History
The Peddler Steakhouse opened in 1976 but the story starts in 1958 when a man named Earl Ogle and his wife Beth built a log cabin by the river this cabin later became the restaurant it still has the stone chimney and rock patio from the original house in 1983 a bar was added that sits above the river over time the inside was updated with wood from local trees and a stained glass trout above the bar
There is a tall tree in front of the building called the Peddler Tree it is a Dawn Redwood planted by the Ogles in the 1950s and today it is one of the tallest trees in the area Geoffrey Wolpert started working at the restaurant in 1978 and became the owner in 1985 he helped keep the same look and feel while making the restaurant better over time now the Peddler Steakhouse in Gatlinburg is known not just for food but for being part of the town’s history
What’s on the Menu
Appetizers and soup
Start your meal with baked brie, cheddar cheese bites, or the shrimp cocktail. Guests also love the fried green beans and oysters on the half shell. For something warm, go for the signature chicken almond soup or classic French onion soup.
Steaks and entrées
Steak is the star here. Go for the hand-cut filet mignon or prime rib, both cooked over Tennessee hickory charcoal. You can also customize your own New York strip or ribeye. If you’re not in the mood for steak, the grilled salmon, rainbow trout, and portabella chicken are also great picks.
Sides
All entrées include a side and salad bar. Guests love the steak fries, baked potato, and wild rice. If you want to upgrade, try the stuffed potato, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions.
Salad bar
The salad bar is included with your meal and has become a guest favorite. It’s always fresh, fully stocked, and makes a great start to any dinner.
Desserts
The blackberry cobbler and New York cheesecake are crowd-pleasers. Chocolate cake and strawberry shortcake also get rave reviews. There’s even key lime pie, crème brûlée, and tiramisu.
Wine, beer, and cocktails
The wine list includes reds, whites, and sparkling options from California, Italy, and beyond. If you prefer beer, there’s draft and bottled choices like Bud Light, Miller Lite, and Modelo. Signature cocktails include the Peddler Old Fashion and the Pebble Beach.
Why It’s One of Gatlinburg’s Top Dining Spots
The Peddler Steakhouse is one of the most recommended places to eat in Gatlinburg for a reason. First, there’s the tableside steak service, people love picking their own cut and watching it sliced fresh right at the table. It’s something you don’t see often, and it makes dinner feel special.
The restaurant sits right by the river, so you get peaceful views while you eat. At night, the lights reflect off the water and give the place a romantic feel. It’s a favorite for couples celebrating something or just looking for a quiet meal.
Even though it’s great for date night, it’s also family-friendly. The menu has options for kids, the vibe is relaxed, and the service is welcoming.
Reviews on Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor mention the steaks, salad bar, friendly staff, and cozy setting. A lot of people say they come back every year during their trip to the Smokies, which says a lot.
Final Thoughts and Pricing
If you’re looking for a place that gives you good food, great service, and a true Gatlinburg experience, The Peddler Steakhouse is worth a visit. The tableside steak cutting, riverside views, and classic cabin setting make it one of the most loved restaurants in town.
Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or just want a nice night out, this spot checks all the boxes.
The Peddler Steakhouse is a mid-to-upscale restaurant, but prices are fair for the quality and portions. Most steak entrées range from $30 to $45, depending on the cut and size. You can expect to pay more for larger cuts or premium selections like ribeye or filet mignon, which are hand-cut tableside.
The salad bar is included with most entrées or can be ordered on its own. Sides and desserts are priced separately, usually around $5 to $10 each. Drinks—like wine, beer, or cocktails—vary depending on the brand or pour.
Families, couples, and groups agree the food is worth the price—especially for a special dinner out in Gatlinburg. While it’s not the cheapest meal in town, it’s often one of the most memorable.
Cabins Near The Peddler Steakhouse
If you want to stay close by, there are cabins near The Peddler that make it easy to enjoy both dinner and the mountains.
