TSM Verdict
The Verdict
Smoky Mountain Trout House is a casual, long-running Gatlinburg restaurant specializing in fresh rainbow trout prepared in a variety of Southern styles. Its signature draw is a menu almost entirely focused on trout, with options ranging from classic fried to hickory-smoked and Parmesan-topped. The setting is relaxed and family-friendly, making it a go-to for trout lovers visiting the Smokies.
Worth it?
Yes, especially if you are near Gatlinburg.
Best order
Trout Fritters, The Eisenhower, Ole Smoky Trout, Grilled Rainbow Trout
Best time
Lunch or early dinner
Verify
Check current hours before driving.
Go For
- Trout Fritters
- The Eisenhower
- Ole Smoky Trout
- Grilled Rainbow Trout
- Parmesan Trout
Skip If
- You want a menu with extensive non-seafood or vegetarian options
- You prefer upscale or fine dining atmospheres
- You are seeking a destination restaurant worth a long drive from outside the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area
Before You Go
The restaurant may close early depending on customer traffic; confirm current hours on the official website.
Decision Guide
Decision Guide
Is it worth visiting?
It's a great choice for anyone in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge looking for a dedicated trout restaurant with a long local history. Best suited for diners who want classic Southern trout preparations in a casual setting.
Best first order?
Trout Fritters, The Eisenhower, Ole Smoky Trout, Grilled Rainbow Trout
Best time?
Go early in the dinner window (around 3–5 pm) or on weekdays to reduce wait times and avoid risk of early close.
Worth driving from Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?
Yes, if you're already in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge and want to try a restaurant focused on rainbow trout, it's a distinctive local option; it's not positioned as a must-visit from farther away.
Current concern?
Capacity is limited and the restaurant may close early if customer traffic is low; always check for current hours before visiting.
Planner Snapshot
At a Glance
Location
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Cuisine
Seafood restaurant
Price
$$
Best meal
Lunch or early dinner
Families
Confirm fit before going
Planning fit
Best as part of a Gatlinburg stop
Duration
1-2 hours (longer during peak dinner times due to potential waits)
Price
$20-30 for trout entrées, $15-25 for other mains, appetizers $8-12
Best For
Trout lovers seeking authentic mountain cuisine • Families wanting hearty Southern comfort food • Couples looking for cozy, rustic dining
Website
trouthousegatlinburg.comPro tip: Order the trout fritters as an appetizer - they're made with local trout, onions, and peppers, served with homemade dill sauce that locals rave about.
About Smoky Mountain Trout House
Since 1975, Smoky Mountain Trout House has anchored Gatlinburg's dining scene with its signature mountain-fresh rainbow trout, served in one of the city's oldest buildings. This family-owned seafood restaurant stands out for its ten distinct trout preparations, including the local favorite 'Eisenhower' style and perfectly blackened fillets that keep regulars coming back.
The rustic cabin interior features exposed wooden beams and a wood-burning fireplace that creates a cozy mountain atmosphere, especially welcome during cool Smoky Mountain evenings. While the restaurant offers steaks, catfish, and traditional Southern sides, their rainbow trout preparations remain the star attraction, with generous portions that justify the moderate pricing.
Smart visitors know to arrive early - the restaurant opens at 3 PM and doesn't take reservations. Peak dinner hours (6-7:30 PM) often see substantial wait times, but arriving right at opening or after 8 PM typically means faster seating. The free parking lot across the street - a rare amenity on Gatlinburg's busy Parkway - makes access convenient even during tourist season.
Each trout dish comes with traditional sides, and servers are known for offering helpful suggestions on preparation styles for first-time visitors. While the restaurant maintains its traditional, no-frills approach to dining, the focus remains squarely on serving quality mountain trout in an authentic Gatlinburg setting.
For those seeking classic Smoky Mountain dining without the tourist-trap prices, Smoky Mountain Trout House delivers consistently good seafood in a casual, comfortable environment that's been pleasing visitors and locals alike for nearly five decades.
Amenities & Features
- Rainbow trout from local Cherokee-area farms, prepared multiple ways including blackened, smoked with bacon, and trout parmesan
- Complimentary warm chips and hush puppies with chili sauce as starters
- Family-owned with authentic mountain atmosphere unchanged since opening in 1975
- Convenient parking across the street and typically no wait times
Insider Tips for Smoky Mountain Trout House
Insider tips
Visitors most often point to Ten Different Trout Preparations, Trout Fritters Appetizer, and Historic Building Atmosphere. Use their free parking lot across the street rather than hunting for Parkway parking.
Dress casually - it's a rustic, no-frills family atmosphere. They accept cash, cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay.
Before you go
Plan around 1-2 hours (longer during peak dinner times due to potential waits) unless you are only stopping in briefly. Current price guidance on this page is $20-30 for trout entrées, $15-25 for other mains, appetizers $8-12.
A website is linked here for direct confirmation of current details.
Menu Guide
What to Order at Smoky Mountain Trout House
Starter
Trout Fritters
Fresh trout mixed with potatoes, onions, and peppers, formed into fritters and fried golden, served with house dill sauce. A house specialty starter praised for its unique take on trout.
Main
The Eisenhower
Rainbow trout breaded in cornmeal and fried the old time way, served with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and standard sides. Noted as a house favorite and a classic Southern preparation.
Main
Ole Smoky Trout
Hickory-smoked rainbow trout stuffed with bacon, plus sautéed mushrooms and onions and sides. Known for its smoky flavor and bacon stuffing.
Main
Grilled Rainbow Trout
Fresh mountain rainbow trout seasoned and grilled over an open flame, served with hushpuppies, coleslaw, and a side. A popular choice for those wanting a lighter, classic trout dish.
Main
Blackened Trout
Fresh mountain trout seared with the chef’s special blackening seasoning, served with standard sides. Frequently ordered for its bold seasoning.
Main
Parmesan Trout
Broiled rainbow trout topped with shredded Parmesan cheese, offering a savory twist on the traditional trout dinner.
Main
Dilly Trout
Rainbow trout seasoned with dill weed and served with dill sauce, highlighting fresh herb flavors.
Side
Complimentary Hush Puppies & Homemade Chips
A basket of house-made hush puppies and chips served with Frank’s Red Hot Sweet Chili sauce, provided to each table with dinner.
Best For
- Trout lovers seeking authentic mountain cuisine
- Families wanting hearty Southern comfort food
- Couples looking for cozy, rustic dining
Know Before You Go
- Use their free parking lot across the street rather than hunting for Parkway parking
- Dress casually - it's a rustic, no-frills family atmosphere
- They accept cash, cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay
- Arrive early (3-4 PM) or late (8+ PM) to avoid dinner rush waits
- First floor only is handicap accessible
Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit Smoky Mountain Trout House
Check the restaurant's current seating policy before weekend evenings; popular spots can have waits.
Tags
Traveler Questions
What are the hours for Smoky Mountain Trout House?
They're open daily from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Hours can change seasonally, so we recommend calling (865) 436-5416 to confirm before heading over.
How much does Smoky Mountain Trout House cost?
Trout entrées typically run $20-30 depending on preparation style. Other mains like steaks and catfish are generally in the high teens to mid-$20s, with appetizers and desserts in the single digits to low teens.
Do I need reservations for Smoky Mountain Trout House?
No, they don't take reservations - it's walk-ins only. This means you might wait during busy times, especially weekend evenings and peak tourist seasons.
How long should I spend at Smoky Mountain Trout House?
Plan on 45-75 minutes for your meal if there's no wait. During busy times, add another 20-45 minutes or more for waiting since seating is limited.
Is Smoky Mountain Trout House good for kids?
Absolutely! They're family-friendly with a kids' menu and casual atmosphere. The rustic cabin setting appeals to all ages, and kids love the wood-burning fireplace.
Is there parking at Smoky Mountain Trout House?
Yes, they provide free parking across the street for restaurant guests. This is a huge advantage on the busy Parkway where parking can be tough to find.
Do they only serve trout?
While trout is their specialty with 10 different preparations, they also serve steaks, catfish, shrimp, chicken, burgers, and have a full kids' menu.
Is the trout really fresh and local?
Yes, they source rainbow trout from the clear waters of the Smokies and have it ice-packed directly to the restaurant. It's been their specialty since 1975.
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