Donut Friar

As you walk through the shopping area in Gatlinburg called The Village your nose will be invaded by the smell of doughnuts and pastries, breakfast favorites and coffee from the one and only Donut Friar.

The Donut Friar has been a breakfast or anytime tradition in Gatlinburg for generations.  The quaint little shop on the corner inside The Village supplied doughnuts, coffee, pastries and more to people as they shop.  It is a great place to start the day for breakfast and during the day, as you roam through the alleys of The Village, a nice spot to break for a few minutes and grab a snack.  They have seating near the counters on the bottom level and more seating in the area up above the shop.  And though the seating is nice after you have been walking for a long time while shopping, it is nothing compared to the food.

Of course, the doughnuts are the best.  Glazed, cake, filled and jellies – virtually every kind of donut you could ever want or desire. Past the cases of fresh-made donuts are the pastries and breads.  Bearclaws, danishes, and their ever popular cinnamon bread.  You might find that you are headed back to the Donut Friar another morning to get more cinnamon bread or maybe right before you check out of your hotel – cinnamon bread for the road.  And to go with the doughnut or pastry of your choice – coffee, espresso or cappuccino.  Made to order, these specialty drinks go along great with the sweet, rich, sugary goodness of the doughnuts and pastries.

Drop by the Donut Friar next time you are walking the streets in Gatlinburg.  Follow your nose into the Donut Friar and eat.  Eat a doughnut and a bearclaw and get some cinnamon bread to take with you.  Add the Donut Friar to the places you visit each and every time you go to Gatlinburg.  Get up early for breakfast one day (they open at 5am, someone will already be there in line).  Start your day out right with doughnuts and breakfast sweets made with love and attention to decadence.

Donut Friar
634 Parkway #15
Gatlinburg, TN
865-436-7306

Pancake Pantry – THE Place for Breakfast & Lunch in Gatlinburg

The Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg has been serving up great food in Gatlinburg since 1960.

The Pancake Pantry is as much a part of Gatlinburg, TN as the Great Smoky Mountains. That’s saying quite a lot, but some people will tell you that they come to Gatlinburg for the pancakes at the Pancake Pantry and that’s it. It’s a popular place and if you plan on going get in line early because it can stretch around the block at times. Also, plan on eating a delicious breakfast or lunch. Any meal you have at the Pancake Pantry is one that will be remembered for years to come.

This is a large restaurant but people have made this stop a tradition on their vacation so any line you see should be expected. This is the type of restaurant that people go home and tell others about. Especially the great times they have while at the Pancake Pantry. Lines are a part of life at the Pancake Pantry. If you plan on eating there make sure you get there early and be prepared to wait for a seat.

The Pancake Pantry is located right in the middle of Gatlinburg in the Village. It’s actually right next door to the Village – one of the best shopping spots in town. It’s an easy walk from any of the hotels along the Parkway as well. So walk to the Pancake Pantry and then enjoy some shopping or window–shopping in the Village when you get done. The Pancake Pantry became Tennessee’s first pancake house when it was constructed in 1960. Since then, they have served great food at the same location and in the same building. You’ll find that some of their staff has been there just as long. You’ll feel like you are eating with family, and you are eating good.

Of course the food is what makes the restaurant here. The Pancake Pantry uses real butter, real whipped cream and the freshest ingredients to make breakfast and lunch foods that are to die for. They offer 24 varieties of pancakes. Along with this variety they provide, ham, eggs, home fries and hash browns made to order for each and every diner. You can also choose a waffle or omelet or the best crepes that you will ever eat in the Smokies. At lunch, their menu changes. Sandwiches and burgers begin to fill the plates at each table and you find that the Pancake Pantry can make a sandwich as diverse and different as 24 varieties of pancakes. Whether it is a club sandwich piled high with meats or a Blue Ribbon burger, the Pancake Pantry has a selection for everyone.

A few things to remember when you go to the Pancake Pantry:

  • Go early and plan for a little bit of a wait.
  • Bring cash, because they don’t take credit cards or debit cards.  They do have an ATM on premises though.
  • Come hungry because you are going to leave full.

The Pancake Pantry is a tradition that you need to add to your list of places that you have eaten and want to eat at again when you come to Gatlinburg.

Pancake Pantry
628 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN
865-436-4724
www.pancakepantry.com