The Peddler Steakhouse - Restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
TSM PickRestaurant

The Peddler Steakhouse

Gatlinburg820 River Rd Gatlinburg TN 37738
9.4
Outstanding

Duration

1.5-2 hours (longer if waiting for walk-in seating)

Best For

Romantic date nights • Special occasion dinners • Multi-generational family meals

Pro Tip

Request a river view table when making your reservation online - they'll note your preference and seat you by the water when available.

About The Peddler Steakhouse

The Peddler Steakhouse delivers one of Gatlinburg's most distinctive dining experiences, combining mountain charm with premium steakhouse service. Set in a historic riverside cabin along the Little Pigeon River, this local institution has perfected their approach over 45+ years of serving visitors and locals alike.

What sets The Peddler apart is their tableside service - a dedicated meat carver visits each table to cut your selected Certified Angus Beef steak to your specifications. While you wait for your entrée, help yourself to their extensive salad bar, which features fresh vegetables, homemade dressings, and traditional steakhouse accompaniments.

The restaurant's original cabin structure creates intimate dining spaces with river views, making it equally suitable for special occasions or a refined dinner out. The kitchen grills each steak over Tennessee hickory charcoal, imparting a subtle smokiness that enhances the natural beef flavor.

Expect to invest in your meal here - steaks range from $39-58, with each entrée including salad bar access. The quality and portion sizes justify the premium pricing, which explains why many families make The Peddler their traditional special occasion restaurant.

During peak tourist seasons, securing a reservation becomes essential - walk-in waits often stretch beyond two hours. The parking lot fills quickly, but the restaurant sits within walking distance of downtown Gatlinburg hotels. Consider making the short walk if you're staying nearby.

For the best experience, book ahead, arrive hungry, and save room for their house-made desserts. The combination of mountain setting, expert preparation, and attentive service explains why The Peddler remains one of Gatlinburg's most enduring restaurants.

Last updated: February 22, 2026 • Based on 6,407 reviews

Amenities & Features

Outstanding salad bar that many reviewers say is the best part of the mealRiverside window seating with potential wildlife sightings (including bears walking by)Exceptional servers who provide attentive, genuine service that elevates the experiencePrime rib and rainbow trout as standout menu items over traditional steaks

Don't Miss

Tableside Steak Cutting

The "steak peddler" comes to your table with your ribeye or New York strip and cuts it to your exact specifications. It's dinner and a show, and honestly, it never gets old watching them work.

Included Salad Bar

This isn't your typical restaurant salad bar - it's massive with fresh vegetables, multiple dressings, and all the toppings you could want. It comes with most entrées and really adds value to the meal.

Riverside Dining Rooms

The best tables overlook the Little Pigeon River through large windows. The sound of the water and rustic wood-and-stone interior create a romantic mountain atmosphere that's hard to beat.

Certified Angus Beef Steaks

They use high-quality Certified Angus Beef for their steaks, and you can taste the difference. The ribeyes are particularly popular with regulars, and they're cooked exactly how you order them.

Historic Cabin Setting

The restaurant is built around a 1950s cabin with rustic charm throughout. It feels like dining in an upscale mountain lodge, which fits perfectly with the Gatlinburg vibe.

Bar Seating Option

If you don't have reservations, you can often get seated first-come-first-served in the bar area. Some of these spots actually have great river views and help you skip the long wait.

Know Before You Go

  • Make reservations online up to 2 weeks in advance - walk-ins face long waits
  • Bring a light jacket in cooler months - riverside seating can get chilly
  • Automatic 18% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more (including babies)
  • Parking lot is small and fills up - consider walking from downtown
  • Come hungry - the salad bar plus steak makes for a big meal

Opening Hours

Monday5 to 9 PM
Tuesday5 to 9 PM
Wednesday5 to 9 PM
Thursday5 to 9 PM
Friday5 to 9 PM
Saturday4:30 to 10 PM
Sunday5 to 9 PM

Best Times to Visit The Peddler Steakhouse

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

🔥Buzzing
Weekend dinner rush 5PM - 8PM
☀️Relaxed
Tuesday & Wednesday evenings

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Popular

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours for The Peddler Steakhouse?

Sunday through Friday 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Saturday 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM. They're closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with extended hours between December 26-30.

How much does The Peddler Steakhouse cost?

Steaks range from $39-58 depending on cut and size. Chicken and fish entrées run $26-34, desserts start around $8. The salad bar is included with most entrées.

Do I need reservations for The Peddler Steakhouse?

Yes, absolutely. Walk-ins can face 1.5-2 hour waits during peak times. You can book online up to two weeks in advance, and prime times fill up quickly.

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