Howard's Restaurant Gatlinburg's Oldest Restaurant
1 / 5

Howard's Restaurant Gatlinburg's Oldest Restaurant

4.6
·491k reviews·,

Gatlinburg's oldest restaurant, serving history and hearty American fare since 1946, with a charming creekside patio.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Howard's Restaurant Gatlinburg's Oldest Restaurant

Howard's Restaurant Gatlinburg's Oldest Restaurant

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Gatlinburg's oldest restaurant, serving history and hearty American fare since 1946, with a charming creekside patio.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Experience elevated dining on the strip with an upscale atmosphere and amazing food."

TIP

Dine creekside for ambiance

Enjoy the scenic patio by Le Conte Creek for a more relaxing and aesthetic dining experience.

Consider the broiled trout

Reviewers suggest broiled trout over fried for a moister and tastier dish.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 9PM

Cuisine

American

Price

$$$

Phone

(865) 436-3600

Address

976 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Charm by the Creek

Historic Charm by the Creek

Dine at Gatlinburg's oldest restaurant, established in 1946, with a charming creekside patio. Experience history and nature.

6 of the Best Places to Have Dinner in GatlinburgBest Restaurants in Gatlinburg | Top Dining Spots to VisitSmoky Mountain Outdoor Dining+1
Steakhouse Excellence

Steakhouse Excellence

Savor generously portioned steaks, cooked to perfection, from filet mignon to ribeye. A true taste of Gatlinburg.

Top 8 Places to Eat in Gatlinburg TN on the StripGoogle Review
Dog-Friendly Creekside Dining

Dog-Friendly Creekside Dining

Enjoy a meal on the dog-friendly patio by Le Conte Creek. Accommodates pets with water bowls and a special menu.

Top Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Gatlinburg TNGoogle Review+1
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Dine creekside for ambiance

Enjoy the scenic patio by Le Conte Creek for a more relaxing and aesthetic dining experience.

Consider the broiled trout

Reviewers suggest broiled trout over fried for a moister and tastier dish.

Strong drinks available

Enjoy potent cocktails like Old Fashioneds and Bloody Marys, perfect for unwinding.

Accommodating staff

The staff is known for going above and beyond to meet special requests, like custom burgers.

Tips

from all over the internet

Dine creekside for ambiance

Enjoy the scenic patio by Le Conte Creek for a more relaxing and aesthetic dining experience.

Consider the broiled trout

Reviewers suggest broiled trout over fried for a moister and tastier dish.

Strong drinks available

Enjoy potent cocktails like Old Fashioneds and Bloody Marys, perfect for unwinding.

Accommodating staff

The staff is known for going above and beyond to meet special requests, like custom burgers.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Howard's Restaurant is celebrated as Gatlinburg's oldest dining spot, offering a blend of historic charm and delicious American cuisine. Diners rave about the generous portions, perfectly cooked steaks, and the serene creekside patio. While generally praised for its food and atmosphere, some minor critiques include inconsistent side dish quality and occasional crowdedness.

"Service is prompt and friendly. We were quickly seated and tended to. The adult beverages are strong and will bring comfort to your tired legs after walking around downtown Gatlinburg.

The mozzarella sticks are some of the best I've had, and apparently are made by their Italian restaurant next door.

The burger was cooked medium rare as I ordered it. The bacon was not burnt or raw and wasn't lacking or excessive. Perfect compliment.

The French dip was done proper. Bread was toasted well, without being burnt. No soggy bread! Fries were excellent, though the onion rings were not my style. Your mileage may vary.

This is an upper class restaurant. Food, beverages and staff were top notch. The bill will reflect this. Well worth the cost!"

Jordan Pier

"The place is nice, and very clean. They have nice options. We got the 'Two Steak Dinners for $77'
We each had an 8 ounce filet mignon. Really well cooked, tender and juicy. There were 2 sides as well. We had their lemon cream cake for dessert. It was also really good."

Stephen Tuohy

"I love a great burger and our waitress aimed to please. I really wanted an all American burger but it wasn't on the menu, I asked or server and she said give me a minute, when she arrived back to the table she had asked the chefs if they would accommodate my order and be dammed if they didn't deliver. When you are asked how you want you burger cooked and you'll put an over easy egg on for me you are customer service excellence. The serving size was large and filling and had phenomenal flavor. Thank you for going over and above for our group we loved it."

David Adams

What People Like

Historic creekside ambiance
Generous portions and great value
Perfectly cooked steaks

What People Dislike

Minor inconsistencies in side dishes
Can be crowded during peak times

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Howard's Restaurant features a dog-friendly patio by Le Conte Creek, offering a pleasant dining experience for you and your pet.

Top Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Gatlinburg TNGoogle Review+1

Diners highly recommend the steaks, especially the filet mignon and sirloin. The fried mushrooms and broiled trout are also popular choices.

6 of the Best Places to Have Dinner in GatlinburgTop 8 Places to Eat in Gatlinburg TN on the StripGoogle Review

Many reviewers consider the food, generous portions, and upscale atmosphere to be well worth the cost.

Google Review+1

The outdoor patio by the creek is highly recommended for its peaceful and aesthetic ambiance.

Smoky Mountain Outdoor DiningGoogle Review+2

The atmosphere is described as upscale but down-to-earth, suggesting smart casual attire is appropriate.

Google Review

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

The Greystone Lodge On The River, Downtown Gatlinburg Hotel

6 of the Best Places to Have Dinner in Gatlinburg

Embrace the history of the area by heading over to Howard’s Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in Gatlinburg!. This popular spot has been serving delicious meals since 1946, which has made them a core part of the Gatlinburg community. Whether you decide to enjoy a steak burger, some Smoky Mountain trout, a pulled pork platter, or another classic dish, you will leave satisfied when you stop by Howard’s Restaurant for dinner in Gatlinburg.

Visit Source →
smokymountains.com

The Ultimate Gatlinburg Steakhouse Guide

With its steakhouse on the ground floor and tavern upstairs, Howard’s Restaurant offers the best of both worlds in one convenient location. At both levels, you can count on an inviting atmosphere and great service plus tons of superb menu items. Although their hot appetizers are plenty good, you’ll want to start off your meal with either their New England Clam Chowder or Lobster Bisque.

Visit Source →
Medium

An Insider’s Guide To The Gatlinburg Strip… | by Alex Stokes

Also, another old favorite steakhouse is Howard’s on the strip. There has always been something about the atmosphere there that I’ve loved (the food is great as well.) Some other options on that end of town include Cherokee Grill and the Park Grill (both outstanding), and they both bring a different feel that the others don’t. A newcomer to the Steak game, however, is Burg Steakhouse.

Visit Source →
Hapey Cabin Rentals

Top Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Gatlinburg TN

Howard’s Restaurant in Gatlinburg is renowned for its dog-friendly patio dining by a scenic creek, offering a menu of burgers, steaks, fish, and refreshing drinks. The establishment warmly welcomes pets with water bowls and accommodates most weather conditions with fans and heaters, creating a pleasant ambiance for families and their furry friends to grab a delicious meal.

Visit Source →
smokymtndreams.com

Best Restaurants in Gatlinburg | Top Dining Spots to Visit

Discover Howard's Restaurant, a beloved Gatlinburg gem since 1946, offering classic American cuisine in a cozy, creekside setting. With its rustic charm and hearty meals, Howard's has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Enjoy a relaxing dining experience surrounded by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains at this iconic eatery that has stood the test of time.

Visit Source →
TheSmokies.com

The Absolute 11 Best Restaurants in Gatlinburg, According to a Local

Located in the heart of the strip, Howards is a bi-level destination with a steak house downstairs and a pub upstairs. Billed as Gatlinburg’s oldest restaurant – predating even the Pancake Pantry – Howards is a great spot to enjoy some Gatlinburg traditions. There’s nothing out-of-the-ordinary on Howard’s menu, but you don’t need food that is shocking to be great.

Visit Source →
Hearthside Cabin Rentals

Top 8 Places to Eat in Gatlinburg TN on the Strip

Howard's Restaurant is Gatlinburg's oldest restaurant and a true staple of the community!. This steakhouse opened in 1946 and remains as one of the best places to eat in Gatlinburg TN. Some of the steaks you can choose from include the ribeye, filet, New York strip, t-bone, porterhouse, and more. The menu also features juicy burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more.

Visit Source →
Smoky Mountain Chalet Rentals

5 of the Best Steakhouses in Gatlinburg You Will Love

As Gatlinburg’s oldest restaurant, Howard’s Restaurant has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike for many years. Their Extreme Appetizer Platter can be either an entree or a dish for you and your family to enjoy before your meal. It comes with onion rings, chicken tenders, mushrooms, catfish bites, mozzarella sticks, potato skins, and buffalo wings.

Visit Source →
colonialproperties.com

5 Best Steakhouses in Gatlinburg Tennessee

Visit Source →
My Bear Foot Cabins

Smoky Mountain Outdoor Dining

Howard’s Restaurant is another steakhouse, that has been a local favorite since 1946. located across from Ober Gatlinburg’s Aerial Tram Station in Gatlinburg, Howard’s serves up catfish bites, steaks, salmon, fresh trout, burgers and more in a gorgeous setting next to a flowing creek. Sit outside on the patio with trees, flowers, and tables with umbrellas.

Visit Source →
Smoky Mountain Opry

8 Best Steakhouse Restaurants in Gatlinburg 2023

Located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Howards is a two-story building with a steakhouse downstairs and a pub upstairs. It’s not a luxury steakhouse, but they’ve been delivering and catering to Gatlinburg’s people with the best since 1946. Although Howard’s menu may not seem fancy, you don’t need unique food and ingredients to have exceptional meals.

Visit Source →
Cabins For You | Just another WordPress weblog

Top 11 Gatlinburg Restaurants with Outdoor Seating

Another restaurant with outdoor seating in Gatlinburg, Howard’s Steakhouse — a local favorite since 1946 — offers a gorgeous patio with trees, flowers, and tables with umbrellas right next to a flowing creek. Menu items include catfish bites, soups, salads, ribs, steaks, salmon, trout, burgers, and pulled pork sandwiches. And there’s an in-house saloon!

Visit Source →
Visit My Smokies

10 of the Best Restaurants in Gatlinburg TN With a View

Howard’s Restaurant is a local favorite restaurant in Gatlinburg and has a scenic setting next to the mountain stream. It’s been providing guests with hand-cut steaks, gourmet burgers and fresh mountain trout since 1946, along with traditional Southern entrees. If you choose to dine on the outdoor patio, you can sit right next to the stream!

Visit Source →
Gatlinburg Cabins - Condos, Chalets, Cabin Rentals in Gatlinburg TN and Pigeon Forge Tennessee

4 of the Best Steakhouses in Gatlinburg You Have to Try

Since 1946, Howard’s Restaurant has been preparing some of the best steaks in Gatlinburg!. With great food accompanied by warm, Southern hospitality, you’ll love the atmosphere at Howard’s. Whether you’re looking for something on the lighter side or you’re ready to chow down on some premium steaks, there is something for you on the menu.

Visit Source →
blog.giftya.com

15 Romantic Restaurants in Gatlinburg Your Date Will Love

Serving the area since 1946, Howard’s Restaurant is Gatlinburg’s oldest restaurant. They offer a scenic setting that is more than enough to make a romantic night out. Whether you are seated inside or outside, you will have a great view of the rocky stream that runs right by the restaurant, which adds to the already great ambiance.

Visit Source →
Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau

Best Steakhouses in Gatlinburg | Top Places to Eat

A true Gatlinburg institution, Howard’s Restaurant holds the title of the city’s longest-running restaurant!. Opened in 1946, Howard’s has been serving top-quality meals for decades. For the best experience, request a creekside table and enjoy Smoky Mountain trout, Howard’s signature steaks, craft beverages, and decadent desserts.

Visit Source →
Smoky Mountain Wanderings

27 Tasty Gatlinburg Restaurants To Satisfy Your Appetite

In the heart of the Gatlinburg Strip is Howard’s, which stakes a claim as the oldest restaurant in the city. So, if you’re looking for a place that oozes history and tradition, this is the place to be. The food is classic American fare, but sometimes going to a restaurant is just as much about the atmosphere as it is the food.

Visit Source →
Alpine Chalet Rentals

5 Gatlinburg Restaurants With a View You Can’t Miss

For a beautiful river view, you should eat at Howard’s Restaurant. This Gatlinburg restaurant with a view is located in the middle of downtown, and you won’t find better steakhouse food anywhere else!. Start with chicken wings, catfish bites, fried mushrooms, or another appetizer of your choice.

Visit Source →
Greenbrier Campground

Top 4 Steakhouses in Gatlinburg

Howard’s Restaurant has been open since 1946, making it one of Gatlinburg’s oldest restaurants. The reason they have been in business for so long is their dedication to the customers. The business philosophy around this steakhouse in Gatlinburg starts with the meaning of Howard’s hospitality.

Visit Source →
Aunt Bug's

Top 5 Dog Friendly Restaurants in Gatlinburg You Have to Visit

Howard’s Restaurant is a fantastic dog friendly restaurant you will definitely want to try!. Head out to the patio to enjoy the fresh air with your pooch while you look through the extensive menu to find the perfect meal. You can get something light, like soup, salad, or a sandwich.

Visit Source →
Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals (Auntie Belham's)

Top 5 Dog Friendly Restaurants in Gatlinburg TN You Should Visit

Howard’s Restaurant is the top pet friendly Gatlinburg restaurant for you!. There is outdoor seating where you can sit with your furry friend while taking in the view of the river. Start your meal off with catfish bites or jalapeno poppers before enjoying one of their famous steaks.

Visit Source →
The Historic Gatlinburg Inn

Restaurant Guide

Howard's Restaurant is a Gatlinburg staple, having served fine food to visitors and residents of Gatlinburg since 1946. That makes it Gatlinburg's oldest restaurant, pairing nicely with your stay at Gatlinburg's oldest hotel. It has been voted best steaks and burgers...

Visit Source →
Smoky Mountain Vacation

Top 6 Casual Local Places to Eat in Gatlinburg

If you’re in the mood for an amazing steak then you’ve come to the right place!. Since 1946, Howard’s Restaurant has been serving up some of the best meats in Gatlinburg. Cooked to perfection every time, you won’t believe the flavor of these steaks!

Visit Source →
patriotgetaways.com

Top 10 Outdoor Dining Spots in the Great Smoky Mountains

Howard’s Restaurant, located at 976 Parkway, (865) 436-3600, offers outdoor dining along a beautiful creek!. There are heaters for cooler days and the lights strung up along the railing take the evening outing to special in just a twinkle.

Visit Source →
Travel Squad Podcast

Best Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains and Nearby Cities

But I am really glad that we went into Howard’s restaurant because the food was amazing. Didn’t really look like much, but the service was really good. We got ribs and mac and cheese.

Visit Source →
Family Destinations Guide

40 Best Restaurants in Gatlinburg, TN for 2025 (Top Eats!)

976 ParkwayGatlinburg, TN 37738(865) 436-3600 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Howard’s Restaurant is the oldest steakhouse in the city, dating back to 1946.

Visit Source →
tfrecipes.com

Buffet Restaurants In Gatlinburg Tennessee Recipes

2022-05-28 Here’s a list of the top 17 best restaurants in Gatlinburg TN: Howards Restaurant is a Gatlinburg staple (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 17.

Visit Source →
Atly

Top 15 Gluten-Free American Spots to Enjoy in Gatlinburg

Visit Source →
Gatlinburg, TN Vacation | Elk Springs Resort

Gatlinburg Thanksgiving Guide: 7 Things to Check Out

Visit Source →