Howard's Restaurant Gatlinburg's Oldest Restaurant

Howard's Restaurant has been feeding Gatlinburg since 1946, which makes it the oldest restaurant in town and something of a fixture on the Parkway. The kitchen turns out American comfort food, burgers and steaks at mid-range prices, with a two-for-$79 steak pairing that has become the signature order. The renovated century-old building, the creekside patio and the bourbon and whiskey list make it work for families, couples and larger groups alike.

Steak is what people come back for. Diners describe the ribeye as one of the best they have eaten, praise the filet alongside it and note that the sides hold their own. Others mention the sense of history you feel walking in, the hearty portions, including a chicken sandwich reviewers call enormous, and a patio where dogs get their own burger off a dedicated menu. Service draws mixed notes: several guests name their server and call the hospitality warm, while a few describe efficient but distant attention, a steak cooked well off the requested temperature or a dry patty melt.

The restaurant opens at 11 AM Monday through Saturday, closing at 9 PM on weekdays and 10 PM on Friday and Saturday; Sunday runs 10:30 AM to 9 PM. It holds a 4.4 rating across more than 5,000 Google reviews. Menus are posted at howardsrestaurantgatlinburg.com, and the phone is (865) 436-3600. Street parking on the strip is tight, so allow extra time, and budget around 90 minutes on a weekend night since a 30-minute wait is common on Saturdays.

Come before the dinner rush or at an off-peak hour if you want a table without the queue, and ask about daily specials that never make the printed menu. One caution: the patio and its creek views are best in warmer months, and the old building means some areas are harder to get around than others.