Applewood Farmhouse Grill

Applewood Farmhouse Grill hits you with warm apple fritters, homemade apple butter, and that sweet applewood julep before you even order — and honestly, that's half the reason we keep going back. The 1920s farmhouse setting feels authentic without trying too hard, though the rocking chairs on the porch are usually occupied by folks waiting for tables.

Their fried chicken is legit crispy, and the chicken and dumplings taste like something your grandmother would've made if she actually knew how to cook. We've tried most of the menu over the years, but those two dishes are what keep us coming back. The portions are huge — like, legitimately split-an-entree-and-still-be-full huge.

Here's the thing though: if you show up after 11am on weekends, you're looking at a wait. The locals know this place, and tourists find it quick since it's right off Apple Valley Road. We usually hit it for early breakfast around 8:30 or grab an early dinner before 5:30.

One weird scheduling thing — they're closed Mondays and Tuesdays at the Grill location, which catches people off guard. There's also the main Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant down the road that has slightly different hours, so double-check which one you're headed to. The family to-go meals run about $40 and feed four people easily, which beats most of the tourist trap prices in Gatlinburg.