Paula Deen's Family Kitchen

Duration

1.5-2 hours (longer if shopping in Paula Deen store and exploring The Island)

Price

$20-27 per person for all-you-can-eat family-style meals

Best For

Families wanting hearty Southern comfort food • Groups who love sharing meals family-style • Visitors exploring The Island entertainment complex

Pro Tip

Make dinner reservations online and request a table with fountain views - you'll get to watch The Island's choreographed water and light shows while you eat.

About Paula Deen's Family Kitchen

Paula Deen's Family Kitchen at The Island delivers classic Southern comfort food in a family-style dining experience that has earned a loyal following over the years. Guests select several entrees and sides for their table, then enjoy unlimited refills until completely satisfied.

The spacious 300-seat dining room offers spectacular views of The Island's fountain shows and the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. Timing dinner with the after-dark fountain show creates a particularly magical dining experience.

The portions are generous and the all-you-can-eat format means arriving with a hearty appetite is essential. The fried chicken and mac and cheese consistently impress, though every dish satisfies those comfort food cravings.

A large Paula Deen retail store downstairs features cookware and cooking mixes for guests wanting to recreate that Southern cooking at home. The complete dining experience typically spans about 90 minutes, with a relaxed pace that never feels rushed.

Pricing ranges from $20-25 per person depending on the meal selection, offering solid value considering the unlimited refills and prime location at The Island.

Amenities & Features

Standout dishes include the fried chicken, meatloaf, chicken and dumplings, creamed corn, and especially the buttery rollsAll-you-can-eat family-style format offers good value for money with endless refills on dishesWell-suited for large groups looking for generous portions of classic Southern comfort foodConvenient location surrounded by entertainment options in the Pigeon Forge area

Don't Miss

Family-Style All-You-Can-Eat Dining

Your table picks several entrees and sides, then servers bring shared platters with unlimited refills. The fried chicken, pot roast, and mac and cheese are absolute standouts that keep people coming back.

Fountain and Wheel Views

The tiered dining room overlooks The Island's choreographed fountain shows and the 200-foot Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. Request a window table for dinner to catch the evening light shows.

Classic Southern Comfort Food

Everything from country fried chicken to creamed corn and warm buttery rolls. It's the kind of hearty Southern cooking that leaves you completely satisfied and maybe needing a nap.

Paula Deen Retail Store

The downstairs store has over 3,000 Paula Deen branded items including her famous seasoning mixes, cookware, and kitchen gadgets. Perfect for taking some Southern cooking skills home with you.

Prime Island Location

You're right in the heart of The Island entertainment complex, so you can easily walk to rides, attractions, moonshine tastings, and shopping before or after your meal.

Know Before You Go

Free parking at The Island with tram service - arrive early on weekends as lots fill up
Come hungry - portions are generous and it's unlimited refills on everything
Make reservations online to avoid 60-90 minute waits during peak dinner hours
Dining room is upstairs with elevator access available
Each person pays the set price - no sharing meals allowed

Visitor Sentiment

Based on reviews

Paula Deen's Family Kitchen receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Pigeon Forge, it's a solid choice for the area.

Paula Deen's Family Kitchen Opening Hours

Monday8 AM to 10 PM

Tuesday8 AM to 10 PM

Wednesday8 AM to 10 PM

Thursday8 AM to 10 PM

Friday8 AM to 11 PM

Saturday8 AM to 11 PM

Sunday8 AM to 10 PM

Best Times to Visit Paula Deen's Family Kitchen

For the best dining experience, consider making reservations for weekend evenings.

🔥Buzzing

Fridays & Saturdays 6PM - 9PM

☀️Relaxed

Weekday lunches 11AM - 2PM

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours for Paula Deen's Family Kitchen?

Breakfast runs 8:00 AM to 10:15 AM, lunch is 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and dinner goes from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM Sunday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday they stay open until 10:00 PM for dinner.

How much does Paula Deen's Family Kitchen cost?

Breakfast typically costs around $20-23 per adult, lunch runs in the low-to-mid $20s, and dinner is usually mid-to-high $20s per person. Kids eat for less, and it's all-you-can-eat family-style with unlimited refills.

Do I need reservations for Paula Deen's Family Kitchen?

Yes, we strongly recommend making reservations online, especially for dinner on weekends. Without reservations, you could face 60-90 minute waits during peak times and busy seasons.

How long should I spend at Paula Deen's Family Kitchen?

Most people spend about 60-90 minutes eating, depending on how many refills you get. If you browse the Paula Deen store downstairs and explore The Island, plan on 2-3 hours total.

Is Paula Deen's Family Kitchen good for kids?

Absolutely - kids love the family-style sharing and there's reduced pricing for children. Plus being at The Island means there are fountains, rides, and attractions right outside to keep them entertained.

Is there parking at Paula Deen's Family Kitchen?

Parking is completely free at The Island with large lots and a free tram service. The lots can fill up on busy evenings, but there's usually space if you're willing to walk a bit.

Is Paula Deen's Family Kitchen a buffet?

No, it's family-style dining where your table chooses entrees and sides from a menu, then servers bring shared platters with unlimited refills. You don't walk to a buffet line.

Can we share meals at Paula Deen's Family Kitchen?

Each person at the table pays the full per-person price - no sharing allowed. It's designed for everyone to participate in the family-style experience with unlimited refills.