Mellow Mushroom Pigeon Forge

We've hit both Mellow Mushroom spots in Pigeon Forge more times than I care to admit, and honestly, they're not the same experience at all. The Parkway location is your classic sit-down spot with servers and the full hippie vibe, while The Island one is counter-service only — you order at the front and find your own table.

The stone-baked pizzas are solid at both places, though we've noticed the Parkway location isn't as clean as it used to be. Last time we went with the kids, the tables were sticky and the walls looked like they needed a good scrub. It's still the same crispy crust and creative toppings, but the atmosphere has definitely slipped from what it was a few years back.

Skip the weekend dinner rush unless you enjoy waiting 45 minutes for a table. We learned this the hard way on a Saturday night — ended up getting takeout instead. The Island location moves faster since it's counter-service, plus you can watch the Ferris wheel while you eat on the patio.

Fair warning on the prices though. We spent over $60 for one small pizza, one medium, and queso dip last month. That's pretty steep for what you get, even by Pigeon Forge standards. The 29 draft beers help justify it if you're drinking, but families with kids might want to budget accordingly.

The free parking at the Parkway spot is clutch — it's shared with Starbucks and Marble Slab, so get there before 11am if you want a close spot.