Duration
1-2 hours for dining (longer if exploring the Old Mill District)
Price
Mid-range casual dining prices, more affordable than main Old Mill Restaurant
Best For
Couples seeking romantic outdoor dining • Families wanting authentic Southern food without massive crowds • Brunch lovers exploring the Old Mill District
Pro Tip
Come for weekend brunch between 10-11 AM to snag outdoor garden seating before the lunch crowd hits, then walk next door to watch live pottery demonstrations.
About The Old Mill Pottery House Café
The Old Mill Pottery House Café stands as a beloved fixture in the Old Mill District, housed in the original potter's residence dating back to 1954. This charming restaurant serves meals on authentic handcrafted pottery plates, creating a unique dining experience that connects guests to the area's artisan heritage.
The Southern-inspired menu delivers exceptional steaks, fresh seafood, and bread made from grains ground at the neighboring Old Mill. The outdoor garden seating offers fountain views and proves particularly popular during weekend brunch service.
Guests should note that the restaurant operates without reservations, which can mean waits during peak dinner hours. However, the typically shorter lines and more accessible pricing compared to the main Old Mill Restaurant make it an attractive alternative.
The walkable Old Mill District encourages post-dinner exploration, with the nearby creamery serving ice cream and live pottery demonstrations happening next door. This combination of quality dining, historic atmosphere, and surrounding attractions makes the Pottery House Café a standout destination for visitors seeking an authentic taste of local culture and cuisine.
Amenities & Features
Don't Miss
Historic Potter's House Setting
You're literally dining in the 1954 home of Douglas Ferguson, who founded Pigeon Forge Pottery. The cozy atmosphere and authentic history make every meal feel special.
Handcrafted Pottery Plates
Your food comes served on actual pottery made in the district. It's not just a gimmick - the plates are beautiful and add to the whole authentic experience.
Garden Fountain Dining
The outdoor seating overlooks gorgeous gardens with fountains. We love the peaceful setting, especially during weekend brunch when the morning light hits just right.
Fresh Ground Bread
Their bread is made from grains actually ground at the Old Mill next door. You can taste the difference - it's fresh, warm, and way better than typical restaurant bread.
Contemporary Southern Menu
The steaks and seafood are top-notch, but we also love their fresh salads and creative Southern dishes. Everything feels elevated without being pretentious.
Walkable District Location
After dinner, you can stroll to the creamery for ice cream, watch pottery demonstrations, or browse the shops. It's like having a whole evening planned in one spot.
Know Before You Go
- Arrive early for dinner or expect to wait - no reservations accepted
- Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the Old Mill District
- Credit cards accepted, but bring cash for nearby shops
- Outdoor seating available but weather-dependent
- Restaurant is wheelchair accessible with on-site parking
Visitor Sentiment
Based on reviewsThe Old Mill Pottery House Café receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Pigeon Forge, it's a solid choice for the area.
The Old Mill Pottery House Café Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit The Old Mill Pottery House Café
For the best dining experience, consider making reservations for weekend evenings.
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Old Mill Pottery House Café?
They're open Sunday through Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM. Weekend brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM.
How much does Old Mill Pottery House Café cost?
Menu pricing varies, but reviews consistently mention it's more affordable than the main Old Mill Restaurant. Expect typical casual dining prices for steaks, seafood, and Southern entrees.
Do I need reservations for Old Mill Pottery House Café?
No, they don't accept reservations at all. Come early or be prepared to wait during peak dinner hours, especially on weekends.
How long should I spend at Old Mill Pottery House Café?
Plan 1-2 hours for your meal, but budget extra time to explore the Old Mill District shops, pottery demonstrations, and gardens nearby.
Is Old Mill Pottery House Café good for kids?
Yes, families love it here. Kids enjoy eating off the pottery plates and watching the outdoor fountains, plus there's plenty to explore in the district afterward.
Is there parking at Old Mill Pottery House Café?
Yes, they have on-site parking available. The whole Old Mill District is also very walkable once you park.
What makes the pottery plates special?
Your food is served on actual handcrafted pottery made right in the district. It's part of the authentic experience since you're dining in the former potter's house from 1954.
Can I walk to other attractions from the café?
Absolutely! The Old Mill Creamery, pottery demonstrations, distillery, and various shops are all within a few minutes' walk in the same district.
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We use a weighted 10-point scoring system to evaluate the best places to visit and things to do in the Smokies.
Scoring is carefully evaluated based on reviews, social signals and expert assessments.
The Old Mill Pottery House Café receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Pigeon Forge, it's a solid choice for the area.
Last Updated Dec 27, 2025
3341 Old Mill St Pigeon Forge TN 37863
3341 Old Mill St Pigeon Forge TN 37863
Pigeon Forge
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