Duration
2-3 hours (including wait time and meal)
Price
$15-25 per entree (includes multiple sides)
Best For
Families wanting authentic Southern comfort food • History buffs interested in working grist mills • Groups looking for shareable huge portions
Pro Tip
When they call your name over the speakers, you have about 5 minutes to get back to the hostess stand, so don't wander too far into the shops during your wait.
About The Old Mill Restaurant
The Old Mill Restaurant delivers a consistently satisfying dining experience inside an authentic 1830s grist mill, complete with a working water wheel that provides entertainment throughout the meal.
This establishment specializes in generous portions of Southern comfort food that truly live up to their reputation for size. The fried chicken and pot roast arrive with soup, salad, and the restaurant's famous corn fritters, which guests can request refilled throughout their visit.
Visitors should anticipate potentially lengthy wait times, particularly on weekends, with waits sometimes extending beyond an hour. However, the surrounding attractions help make the time pass more pleasantly, as guests can browse the various shops scattered around the mill property.
The restaurant's location alongside the Little Pigeon River creates an atmosphere steeped in historic charm that sets it apart from typical dining establishments. The broader Old Mill Square offers additional diversions including pottery shops, a distillery, and ice cream vendors for those looking to explore while waiting.
Families particularly enjoy the fascination of the working water wheel, and the portion sizes are substantial enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. The experience rewards those who arrive with both hunger and patience.
Amenities & Features
Don't Miss
Working Water Wheel Views
You can watch the actual 1830s water wheel turning while you eat, especially from the second-floor river-view tables. It's mesmerizing and gives you that authentic historic mill experience that you can't get anywhere else.
Famous Corn Fritters
These sweet, fluffy fritters come free with every entree and you can get unlimited refills. They're honestly addictive - crispy outside, soft inside, and the perfect start to your meal.
Massive Southern Portions
We're talking entrees that include soup, salad, multiple sides, and enough food for two people. Most folks leave with takeout containers, and sharing one entree between two people is totally normal here.
Historic Mill Setting
The restaurant is built into the actual 1830 grist mill, so you're dining surrounded by original stone walls and mill machinery. The atmosphere is rustic and authentic, not some theme park replica.
Old Mill Square Shopping
While you wait, explore the pottery shop, general store, distillery, and ice cream shop all within walking distance. The speakers will announce your table, so you don't have to hover by the door.
Signature Fried Chicken
Their fried chicken is crispy perfection and comes with all the fixings - mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, plus that soup and salad. It's classic Southern cooking done right with no shortcuts.
Know Before You Go
- Arrive early or expect long waits - weekends can be 60-90 minutes
- Wear comfortable shoes since you'll likely be standing and walking around shops
- They only accept walk-ins, no reservations or call-ahead seating
- Bring patience and maybe snacks for kids during the wait
- The restaurant is wheelchair accessible with available parking
Visitor Sentiment
Based on reviewsThe Old Mill Restaurant receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Pigeon Forge, it's a solid choice for the area.
The Old Mill Restaurant Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit The Old Mill Restaurant
For the best dining experience, consider making reservations for weekend evenings.
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Old Mill Restaurant?
They're open Sunday-Thursday 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Friday-Saturday 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner during all operating hours.
How much does Old Mill Restaurant cost?
Most entrees run $15-25 and include soup, salad, corn fritters, and sides. A typical dinner for two costs around $50-70 before drinks and tip, which is great value for the massive portions.
Do I need reservations for Old Mill Restaurant?
No, they don't take reservations at all. It's first-come, first-served, so you'll need to check in with the hostess and wait for your table to be called.
How long should I spend at Old Mill Restaurant?
Plan on 2-3 hours total - 30-90 minutes waiting depending on the time, plus about an hour for your meal. The wait gives you time to explore the shops around the mill.
Is Old Mill Restaurant good for kids?
Absolutely! Kids love watching the water wheel, they have highchairs available, and the portions are so big that families often share entrees. The casual atmosphere is very family-friendly.
Is there parking at Old Mill Restaurant?
Yes, there's free parking available in the Old Mill complex lot. It can get crowded during peak meal times, so allow a few extra minutes to find a spot.
What's the most popular food at Old Mill Restaurant?
The fried chicken and pot roast are their signatures, but honestly, everything comes with those addictive corn fritters that people rave about. The portions are huge no matter what you order.
Can I explore the mill without eating at the restaurant?
Yes! The Old Mill area has shops, pottery, a distillery, and ice cream that are all open to the public. You can walk around and see the working water wheel even if you don't dine.
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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 Restaurant receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Pigeon Forge, it's a solid choice for the area.
Last Updated Dec 27, 2025
164 Old Mill Ave Pigeon Forge TN 37863
164 Old Mill Ave Pigeon Forge TN 37863
Pigeon Forge
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