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8 of the Best Foods at Dollywood You Have to Try When You Visit

dollywood entrance sign
June 4, 2025

When you think of Dollywood, you think of rides, entertainment, and fun, but did you know you can find some of the most delicious food in the Smoky Mountains inside these gates? There are all kinds of Dollywood restaurants you’ll want to try. To make sure you don’t miss out on all the mouth-watering treats, we’ve put together a list of the best foods at Dollywood to try when you go.

1. Meatloaf

meatloaf is one of the best foods at Dollywood

Meatloaf may not seem like the typical dish you would order at a theme park, but it’s definitely one Dollywood food you’ll want to try! If you’re in the mood for Southern-style comfort food, you can find it at Granny Ogle's Ham 'n' Beans in the Craftsman's Valley section of the theme park. The meatloaf is a menu favorite at this Dollywood restaurant, crusty on the outside and rich with meat on the inside. It's served with green beans, mashed potatoes, and gravy for a true Southern feast.

2. Aunt Fronnie's Sampler

Another of the must-try options at Granny Ogle's Ham 'n' Beans includes all the favorite Southern staples! Aunt Fronnie's Sampler Platter has a little bit of everything for you to enjoy some of Dollywood's most classic foods. The platter includes Brunswick stew, pit ham, and the meatloaf, served with mashed potatoes, carrots, pinto beans, and cornbread. It's one of the top options when it comes to the best foods at Dollywood!

3. 25-Pound Apple Pie

apple pie is one of the best foods at Dollywood

Can you even imagine digging into a warm, delicious 25-pound apple pie? Only at Spotlight Bakery will you find this pastry. The pies are baked fresh every day in a cast iron skillet to guarantee a nice, flaky crust. You can get an individual slice, which weighs 3 pounds, or splurge and get the whole pie!

4. Fried Chicken

The Fried Chicken at Miss Lillian's Mill House is tender, juicy, and full of flavor and a favorite Dollywood food! It's served with cornbread, bread & butter pickles, chow chow, and your choice of baked beans, Southern coleslaw, or delicious mac & cheese made in-house. Miss Lillian's Mill House is located in Craftsman's Valley.

5. Funnel Cakes

funnel cake is one of the best foods at Dollywood

Another way to satisfy your sweet tooth is to enjoy a funnel cake — a must-try Dollywood food! One of the best places to find this delectable dessert is Crossroads Funnel Cakes, one of the most popular Dollywood restaurants. Add your favorite toppings like strawberry or apple pie filling, whipped cream, crumbled Oreo's, or hot fudge. This shop also has a Wild Berry Cream Cheese Funnel Cake topped with strawberries and blueberries, blackberry filling, whipped cream, and cream cheese icing that is sure to satisfy your taste buds!

6. Pork Barbeque

The best pork barbeque of any theme park in the country can be found at Hickory House BBQ in Dollywood! Order a delicious BBQ pork sandwich to get a taste of this award-winning Dollywood food. The sandwiches come with a side of twisted taters. You really don’t want to miss the chance to try this tasty meal!

7. All-You-Care-To-Eat Meal at Aunt Granny’s

Aunt Granny's Restaurant at Dollywood

Worked up a big appetite after a full day of exploring Dollywood? Aunt Granny's Restaurant is the place to go! Aunt Granny’s in Rivertown Junction lets you sample a little bit of all the best foods at Dollywood with their all-you-care-to-eat meal. Served family-style, you’ll find a grand spread of everything from fried chicken and catfish to side dishes like green beans and mashed potatoes. There is even starters, salad, and dessert options!

8. Cinnamon Bread

We’re sure you’ve heard about Dollywood’s world-famous cinnamon bread! You can find this delicious treat at The Grist Mill. The bread is served hot from the oven for a melt-in-your-mouth dessert you can’t get anywhere else. The theme park serves about 350 loaves of cinnamon bread in just one hour! If you can’t make it to Dollywood to get your favorite treat, use this Dollywood cinnamon bread recipe to make it at home!

Where to Stay Near Dollywood

The Inn on the River exterior

There is no better place to stay for your trip to Dollywood than The Inn on the River! Our Pigeon Forge hotel puts you just a short drive away from the theme park. We have rooms that are great for every occasion, from romantic getaways to family vacations. Enjoy amenities like an indoor and outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast, and more. You can even take the trolley right from our hotel to Dollywood! For more reasons to stay with us, discover what families love about staying at our hotel near Dollywood!

Start planning your trip today to try all the best foods at Dollywood! Browse our Pigeon Forge hotel rooms and book your stay.