best burger in pigeon forge

Pigeon Forge, located in the heart of Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains, is a hub for southern cuisine, and nothing epitomizes this better than a juicy, tasty burger. People come from far and wide to experience the town's burger scene, and it's easy to see why. From traditional, classic offerings to inventive, creative options, there's something for everyone in Pigeon Forge's burger scene.

Top 10 burgers to try in Pigeon Forge

First on our list is The Local Goat's classic burger, which is made with fresh, organic meat and comes topped with house-made pickles, bacon, and goat cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, head over to The Old Mill's Pottery House Cafe for their Gruyere Cheese and Mushroom Burger, which comes with a side of hand-cut fries.

If you're looking for a bit of spice, the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. serves up the Spicy Shrimp Burger, complete with fresh shrimp and a tangy remoulade sauce. The cutely named Mel's Classic Diner offers a 50s-style drive-in experience and a towering Double Burger with all its trimmings.

For those who want to sample something truly unique, The Melt's Pimento Cheeseburger, with its perfectly toasted bun packed with a generous helping of creamy pimento cheese, will surely satisfy. Finally, don't miss out on The Burger Master's incredible Bacon Cheeseburger, complete with their homemade sauce and crispy bacon strips.

If you're a fan of BBQ, then you must try the BBQ Bacon Burger at Boss Hogg's Barbecue. This burger is piled high with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and smoky BBQ sauce. Another great option for meat lovers is the Steakhouse Burger at Holston's Kitchen, which features a juicy beef patty topped with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and Swiss cheese.

If you're looking for a vegetarian option, The Wild Plum Tea Room offers a delicious Veggie Burger made with black beans, quinoa, and roasted vegetables. And for those who want to indulge in a little bit of everything, the Loaded Burger at Blue Moose Burgers and Wings is the perfect choice. This burger is loaded with bacon, cheese, onion rings, and a fried egg.

Burger joints that locals swear by in Pigeon Forge

When visiting Pigeon Forge, it's always a great idea to ask locals for their favorite burger hotspots. The two most recommended establishments by the locals are The Hickory Cabin on Wears Valley Road and Mama's Farmhouse on Parkway. Not only do they serve up delicious burgers, but the overall experience is so memorable that people keep coming back.

The Hickory Cabin provides an intimate atmosphere, featuring a wood-burning fireplace in the main dining area and outdoor seating with scenic views. Mama's Farmhouse provides a farm-to-table atmosphere, offering some of the freshest ingredients in town, including their famous ribeye-laced burgers. The menu changes weekly, but one staple remains consistent - their dedication to quality.

If you're looking for a unique twist on a classic burger, head over to The Local Goat on the Parkway. Their signature burger, The Local Goat Burger, is made with a blend of ground beef and ground lamb, topped with goat cheese, caramelized onions, and a balsamic reduction. It's a flavor explosion in every bite. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of craft beers to pair with your meal.

Vegetarian and vegan burger options in Pigeon Forge

While Pigeon Forge is famous for its carnivorous delights, vegetarians and vegans need not worry. There are plenty of options for them throughout the town. Captain Jim's Seafood is the place to go for veggie burgers prepared to order, with choices of toppings, sauces, and cheese.

Butcher Boys Grill features meatless Beyond Burgers with all the trimmings players can expect from a classic burger. In addition, The Island Belle Ice Cream Shop offers their famous As You Like It Veggie Burger, packed with a delectable combo of soy protein and seasonings. It's the perfect meatless meal that's not lacking in flavor.

For those looking for a more upscale dining experience, The Peddler Steakhouse offers a delicious vegetarian burger made with a blend of quinoa, black beans, and roasted vegetables. It's served on a brioche bun with avocado, lettuce, tomato, and a side of sweet potato fries.

If you're in the mood for something spicy, head over to Smoky Mountain Brewery for their black bean burger topped with jalapenos, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle mayo. It's a flavorful option that's sure to satisfy your cravings.

The history of burgers in Pigeon Forge

Burgers have a rich history in Pigeon Forge that dates back to the 1950s. The area was the perfect spot for diners and drive-ins to thrive, setting the stage for the birth of some of Pigeon Forge's most beloved burger joints. Long before the advent of the franchised burger restaurants, locally-owned businesses like Mynatt's Drive-In, Charlie's Steak and Hoagie House, and Mel's Classic Diner were already making great burgers.

As the years went by, larger franchised chains began to expand into Pigeon Forge, including Five Guys, McDonald's, and Burger King, offering plenty of variety for burger lovers everywhere. Now, the quaint mountain town has evolved into a destination for foodies keen on experiencing regional specialties.

One of the most unique burger joints in Pigeon Forge is The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe & Grille. This restaurant is located in a historic mill and offers a variety of burgers made with locally-sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is cozy and rustic, making it the perfect spot for a casual lunch or dinner.

Another popular spot for burgers in Pigeon Forge is The Local Goat. This restaurant prides itself on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to create unique and flavorful burgers. They also offer a variety of craft beers to pair with your meal.

A guide to the different types of burgers in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge offers more burger varieties than you could ever imagine. Some top favorites include the classic cheeseburger, double burgers, barbecue burgers, and veggie burgers. For those who crave a bit of southern flavor, check out the Granddaddy Burger at Huck Finn's Catfish, made with blackened seasoning, Swiss cheese, and a fried egg on top.

If you're in the mood to channel your inner cowboy, head to the Old Mill Pottery House Cafe for their Wild West Burger with bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a homemade BBQ sauce. For those looking for an Italian twist, the "Godfather" at Tony Roma's takes burgers to a whole new level.

But that's not all! If you're feeling adventurous, try the "Ultimate Burger Challenge" at Mellow Mushroom. This massive burger is stacked with two beef patties, bacon, cheddar and Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, and mayo, all sandwiched between two grilled cheese sandwiches. Finish it in under an hour, and it's free!

The best hamburger in pigeon forge

When it comes to finding the best deals and specials on burgers in Pigeon Forge, there are plenty of options to choose from. BurgerFi has a Happy Hour special that offers a discount on select burgers, and on Tuesdays, The Island's restaurant offers their juicy burger at half price. Additionally, at Tony Roma's, Happy Hour extends from 3 pm to 6 pm, featuring discounts on their top burgers.

For those looking for a unique burger experience, The Local Goat offers a "Build Your Own Burger" option, where you can choose from a variety of toppings and sauces to create your perfect burger. They also have a daily Happy Hour from 3 pm to 6 pm, where you can enjoy discounted drinks and appetizers to pair with your burger. Another great option is the "Burger of the Month" at Blue Moose Burgers and Wings, where they feature a new, creative burger every month that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Burgers with a view: scenic spots to enjoy a burger in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is renowned for its beautiful scenery, and it's always nice to indulge in some stunning views while enjoying a burger. The Hard Rock Cafe is a prime location, boasting lovely views from its balcony seating. The iconic Mel's Diner offers a fun-filled 1950s atmosphere with a beautiful view of the mountains from its elevated seating area.

The Mellow Mushroom, with its vibrant, eclectic decor and a picturesque spot in downtown Pigeon Forge, is also a great place to enjoy a burger with a view. For something close to nature, Kickback Jack's and The Local Goat both have outdoor seating with a stunning view of the Great Smoky Mountains.

If you're looking for a unique burger experience, check out the Local Burger Co. This restaurant offers a variety of creative burger options, such as the "Elvis Burger" with peanut butter and banana, and the "Mac Attack Burger" with mac and cheese on top. The outdoor seating area also provides a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.

For a more upscale burger experience, head to The Peddler Steakhouse. While known for their steaks, their burgers are also top-notch and can be enjoyed on their outdoor patio with a view of the Little Pigeon River.

How to make the perfect burger at home (based on Pigeon Forge's best)

For those who want to try their hand at making a delicious Pigeon Forge-style burger at home, here's how to do it. First, select a fresh, quality beef patty, season it with salt and pepper, and grill it to perfection. Don't be afraid to top it with bacon or cheese for extra flavor.

Next, dress up the burger with some local touches like smoked sauce, pickles, or barbecue sauce. And to add some color, add some veggies like lettuce, tomato, and onion. Finally, let the burger rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute and resulting in a more delicious and juicy burger.

Secret menu items at Pigeon Forge's top burger restaurants

For those in the know, some of Pigeon Forge's top burger restaurants offer secret menu items that one can only discover by word of mouth. If you're at The Melt, don't hesitate to order the Disco Burger, topped with grilled onions, mushrooms, and a fried egg. At The Island's restaurant, ask for the Lava Burger, which comes with bold chipotle sauce.

At Five Guys, request the "In-N-Out Animal Style" for a burger topped with grilled onions, pickles, and extra Thousand Island sauce. For a sweet and spicy twist, ask for the Firehouse Burger at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., made with their signature remoulade sauce and jalapeno jam.

Gluten-free burger options in Pigeon Forge

Many of Pigeon Forge's top burger restaurants have delicious gluten-free options, perfect for those with dietary restrictions. At The Local Goat, diners can order their Signature GG Burger made gluten-free by using a lettuce wrap instead of a bun. At The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe, the Bacon Cheeseburger is also available on a gluten-free bun.

Meanwhile, Butcher Boys Grill offers gluten-free Beyond Burgers with all the same toppings as their regular burgers, while at Five Guys, there's a "bunless" option available for any burger. The Melt takes gluten-free to the next level, providing gluten-free buns that can be substituted in any sandwich on their menu.

From classic to creative: the most unique burgers in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge's burger scene has something for everyone, from the classics to the creative. For those who love a bit of spiciness with their burger, Tony Roma's "Korean Burger" is a must-try made with Sriracha mayo, crispy jalapenos, and Asian slaw.

The Smoky Mountain Brewery features their highly inventive "Peanut Butter and Bacon" burger, which includes a smoky peanut butter sauce, bacon, and cheese for a truly unique flavor combination. Finally, Loco Burro features the "Nacho Burger," which adds a kick to the traditional burger with jalapenos, pico de gallo, and nacho chips.

The ultimate guide to pairing beer with burgers in Pigeon Forge

Pairing the perfect beer with your burger is critical to getting the most out of your meal. Many of Pigeon Forge's top burger restaurants offer a fantastic selection of local, craft, and imported beers to pair with their burgers. At Butcher Boys Grill, try the Gravity Sling American Pale Ale with their Classic Cheeseburger for a fantastic combination.

Meanwhile, The Local Goat recommends trying the Four Loko Gold with their crispy fried chicken sandwich for a tangy flavor sensation. Finally, head over to Smoky Mountain Brewery for a pint of their award-winning Helles Lager and pair it with their "Spicy Swine" burger, a perfect match for a tasty burger and a delicious beer.

The rise of plant-based burgers: are they worth trying in Pigeon Forge?

Vegan and vegetarian plant-based burgers have been highly popular in recent years, and many of Pigeon Forge's top burger restaurants now offer plant-based options. The Beyond Burger at Butcher Boys Grill is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering all the flavors of a classic burger but made from plant-based ingredients.

At Five Guys, the "Impossible Burger" is available for diners looking for a meatless experience. Finally, The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe offers a "Vegan Burger," a soy-based patty with spicy coleslaw for an extra kick. While these plant-based options may not be for everyone, for some, they offer a delicious and healthy alternative.

Behind-the-scenes: meet the chefs behind the best burgers in Pigeon Forge

Finally, it's time to meet some of the individuals behind the best burgers in Pigeon Forge. At The Old Mill, Executive Chef Scott Green dishes up the famous Gruyere Cheese and Mushroom Burger, amongst a wealth of other fresh and flavorful creations.

At The Local Goat, Chef David Anthony is at the helm, creating delicious and innovative burgers while using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Meanwhile, Chef Matt Gennity at Butcher Boys Grill puts his passion for food into every burger, ensuring that visitors leave more than satisfied with their meals.

Pigeon Forge is a destination for food lovers, and these chefs are just some of the reasons why. Their dedication to fresh ingredients, preparation, and service make every burger unique and delicious, offering visitors an unforgettable culinary experience.

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