Mel's Diner

121

285

5 years ago

Came here on a Friday night and it was packed! We waited about 25 minutes to get a table. Ordered a short stack of pancakes which comes with 2, a biscuit, and a vanilla milkshake. The milkshake was basic and plain, not much flavor or sweetness. Didn't even come with whipped cream. The biscuit was gross and spongey. I don't recommend. However, the pancakes were delicious!! So thick and fluffy it almost melted in my mouth. The syrup was perfectly sweet and had a great taste. My boyfriend ordered a burger and fries. The fries were pretty thick but super crispy and tasted great. I guess the items are sort of a hit or miss. It was a cute diner though read more

Mel's Diner - Outside - Diners Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Klarisa W.

135

2 years ago

Been coming here 4 years straight every time we vacation. Food is great, the servers are super nice, & the prices aren't horrible for the quantity you get. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kristy M.

3 years ago

Reuben with onion rings was delicious! My husband and son enjoyed their omelette and pancakes. Fast and friendly service! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ann F.

1 year ago

The food was excellent and the wait staff were great. It wasn't a long wait for the table. Really enjoyed ourselves and will definitely come back. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Grant E.

240

501

4 years ago

A good old fashioned diner. No frills, prompt service, and large portions. Stopped in here for breakfast and it met all expectations of a classic diner breakfast. Nothing fancy here but everything done right. read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Dan S.

2 years ago

we visit here every time we come to pigeon forge, they have awesome burgers. It's a bit pricey as diners go but the atmosphere here is great, never had a bad meal or a bad server here. if you get a milkshake prepare for brain freeze. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sac B.

252

116

4 years ago

Just another tourist trap with below average food. Ordered their "world famous" cheeseburger, only to be surprised with a pre formed frozen patty cheeseburger...that was...not exactly famous, unless if they meant famous for being gross? Ambiance was pretty cool...place was super busy, and waitresses were hustling piles of food to ravenous customers...so apparently i may be the inly one who prefers a world famous cheeseburger to be a patty someone formed with their bare hands. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Bric E.

2 years ago

Nice place but the help was rude and the hair found in my wife's ham and cheese sandwich was gross. Also $3 extra for 5 total onion rings was a little excessive. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Michael M.

3 years ago

I recommend you go here and ask to sit in Patrick's section, you will not regret it!! The food was good (jumbo grilled cheese, famous Reuben, chubby checker burger, and the chili cheese hot dog), but the service was outstanding! Patrick was awesome. Made our entire meal. He was dancing and singing to the music and never missed a beat with refills or checking in with us. Patrick, Patrick, PATRICK, you are the best!!!!!!! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jenn R.

3 years ago

Saw a roach and the waitress walked away and came back to ask if we still want to eat here. Food was good. read more

Mel's Diner - Country fried steak green beans and Mac n cheese - Diners Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Wayne T.

114

5 years ago

Mel's diner was very good food, and very good service. The people who worked there were very friendly and kind and they all wore their mask. However the vibe switch when a few people walked in with confederate flags on their shirt. So if you are black just be cautious of who is sitting around because that was a very uncomfortable situation and hard to see that young children would be wearing those shirts. Other than that they can kiss my grits! Lol read more

Mel's Diner - Service is amazing here - Diners Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Chanda G.

2 years ago

Traveled here for a family vaca. from Michigan. Tried the catfish sandwich. good is not good enough. When I say I ate it cold...we were staying in the mountains..... omg!!! I need this on our trip back home!! One thing, if you do a carry out make sure you ask not to wrap it in aluminum foil, or at all, vent the box just so it will keep from the steam making it soggy. Service is great. Everyone is so friendly and accommodating. Place is clean and if you know anything about Mel's diner from the tv show (can't remember the name) but it's friendly and fun just like that. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Allison O.

295

2 years ago

I got so sick after eating this food and it was NOT even cheap. Super overpriced, very low quality food. The burger tasted like it was made out of sausage, and I asked the waitress why and she didn't have an answer. It was the nastiest burger I have ever tasted. My stomach killed me the rest of the day because of this food, I have no idea why so many people were there. Please don't go here. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sean E.

3 years ago

Great food and generous portions. You won't be disappointed going to Mel's! I had the biscuits with sausage gravy. It was delicious and the price was just right. Staff were very friendly too. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Katie N.

173

4 years ago

This was the second best breakfast experience we had in the area, and the only food bacon I could find. Food was tasty, server (Kim) was super nice, and it was so cute and retro. Would return in the future. read more

Mel's Diner - Outside window paintings - Diners Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Tammi H.

2 years ago

Amazing food!! The food was seasoned to perfection!! I highly recommend Mel's Diner to anyone wanting a delicious meal.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kristi M.

152

2 years ago

Good food and great service. It was very busy and everything flowed smoothly. Would recommend

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Megan H.

2 years ago

Amazing food! Great price! It was unfortunate that they couldn't do anything for my fiancé's birthday even though I told our waitress... I get they were busy but a happy birthday would've been nice to hear for him. But other than that it was good experience read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Hailey M.

3 years ago

I came in with my service animal which was in a little backpack, does not make a single peep and does not leave the bag. What I presume was the manager made me put her on the dirty ass floor without any reason. read more

Mel's Diner - service animal - Diners Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Cara A.

2 years ago

Food was great, but it took a very long time so if you're really hungry order an app! Otherwise it was great.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mary W.

2 years ago

Such a fun place to go, food was delicious. Service was amazing. They play oldies music and photos on the wall! We loved this place

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Neeka G.

2 years ago

Great food at Bealls always I truly enjoyed it The service is always great in the food selection. I always plentiful.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Robert C.

2 years ago

Really cool little place. This place was packed but we were very comfortable. Our waitress was great but she suffered no fools! Very hard to find a good fried bologna sandwich these days but Mel's has them. Delicious desserts too. Play some tunes on the jukebox while you're there. Would highly recommend. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Phillip M.

414

323

4 years ago

I will say that this icon of a place is a must eat at! While it does need a good cleaning, the staff are very efficient and the food was tasty. Understand that thus place has a high calling, so don't expect to just walk right on into a seat. read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Chris C.

3 years ago

Solid, but the vet had better. Our server was really cool and food was average diner fare.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Brandon C.

4 years ago

If you like classic diners and diner food then visit here! If you are looking for something else....then go somewhere else. (LOL) Never had an issue with any of our food selections or with the staff here. During their busy time, you may a have a wait but what do you expect. Burgers are hot, soup is hot, but their ice cream is cold, so take your pick! Not a great place for large crowds or families. The seating is very limited but again it's a classic diner. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 3

Oh no 0

Jena F.

4 years ago

We ate dinner here while on vacation and it was so good! The wait wasn't long and the service was excellent. I'm so glad we stopped here for dinner and we will absolutely be back. read more

Mel's Diner - Meatloaf meal - Diners Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Mel's Diner - Chili dog meal - Diners Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Mel's Diner - Chopped steak dinner - Diners Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Mel's Diner - Banana split - Diners Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

See all

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Bill R.

316

4 years ago

Nice enough. Restaurant itself has great decor, friendly staff and a decent amount of seating. Vegetables on the sandwiches were great, but the meat was very bland and looked either microwaved or on an awfully clean flat top grill. Prices OK. Revisiting the area, I'd probably see if there was better elsewhere. It was good, just not amazing. read more

Helpful 3

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Harley T.

2 years ago

This was very good service. Very well food and in a timely manner. I highly recommend this restaurant!

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Stephen P.

4 years ago

Mel's Diner lived up to the hype!! Six of went there for breakfast and it was excellent. The ambience is cool and enjoyable with plenty of signs and fun pictures from the 50's. It's styled after the diners if there era with barstools and classic tables. The service, from Darlene, was outstanding. She was engaging, courteous and provided wonderful service. All of our orders and special requests were perfect and she returned in timely fashion for refills. The eggs and hash Browns were very good. Fresh and tasty. The Virginia ham was a good size and really good flavor with a hint of sweetness. The pancakes were phenomenal!! Some of the best I ever had. Very fluffy and full of flavor with butter and a hint of vanilla. The biscuits and gravy were good, not great. Overall, an excellent place for a good southern breakfast at a reasonable price with great service. read more

See all

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Beth P.

136

4 years ago

Always a great experience! Great food! Breakfast is a must or a banana split or a fabulous milkshake!!!! Last time i was there I had a Patty Melt and it was delicious!!! When in Pigeon Forge, GO! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Hailey H.

3 years ago

Very unique vintage diner to visit in the area. The food was great and they had one of the best chocolate malts I've ever had! The service was quick and friendly. read more

Mel's Diner - Vintage Music box - Diners Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Mel's Diner - Outside of the restaurant - Diners Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Mel's Diner - Ritchie Valens' Jalapeno Cheeseburger - Diners Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Erin L.

Elite 25

197

143

250

4 years ago

I love diners. They remind me of growing up in South Jersey. Mel's is two thumbs up diner vibe. The staff is down to earth, knowledgeable & friendly. The menu is pretty extensive and my son's grilled cheese was a two thumbs up, my husband's burger was a hit & my club was delicious. A diner that lives up to its reputation & when we're back in town we will return. Check it out! read more

Helpful 3

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Matthew W.

Elite 24

115

6 years ago

This place is really cool. Loved the atmosphere and vibe. I have to say, a complete disappointment. Why? The server! She was HORRIBLE!!! This place would have received a solid 4 stars (perhaps even 5) if we didn't have the server we had. She clearly didn't want to be there, or at least didn't act like it. She oozed up to our table and literally just stood there and said "drinks?" Horrible. That ruined our experience. Absolutely ruined it. The food came (we both ordered Chubby Checker Cheeseburgers) and fired mozzarella sticks (for a starter) and the food was warm at best. Fries were cold. We could not tell our server because we never saw her again. She literally disappeared. Didn't even come back and refill beverages. This place would have received a solid 4 stars but our server ruined it. However, I will say that as I looked around and observed the other wait staff, they were amazing and on point. They were busting their butts taking care of their tables and customers. It was just our server. Did I mention she was horrible? We will not be back. Will be trying Skyliner Diner next time. read more

Mel's Diner - Inside Mel's Diner. - Diners Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Mel's Diner - Interior. - Diners Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Lori S.

4 years ago

Cleanest diner ever, food was superb and fresh! We had the catfish and it was delicious, our waitress was Flo, no kidding! And she was so sweet and helpful and patient as this was our first time trying to decide. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 1

Erika V.

2 years ago

We had gone to Denny's first but they never even aknowledged us. So while waiting to be aknowledged, I was looking for other places and I found Mel's Diner. We left Denny's and when we arrived at the Diner, we were immediately greeted and seated. We ordered and our food was out in about maybe 15 minutes. Great customer service! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Holly W.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

149

163

155

5 years ago

We really enjoyed a late night diner here. We were driving in from Chattanooga for a long weekend and got a later start. This was close to our hotel so we thought to check it out. We were sat immediately even though they were very busy. Our waitress was great. She communicated through our visit and made great recommendations on food. I got the catfish and my husband got the pot roast. We both were impressed with the flavor and quality. So impressed that my daughter wanted to go back a second time. Which they did the next night and got banana splits. read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Page 4 of 23

See outside
119 Wears Valley Rd
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Directions
(865) 429-2184
Call Now
Visit Website
https://melsdinerpf.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Mel's Diner open?

Mel's Diner opens at 7:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Mel's Diner close?

Mel's Diner closes at 12:00 AM (Next day) on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Mel's Diner is closed on Sunday.

Mon-Sat 7:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Next day)Sun Closed

Payment methods

Does Mel's Diner take credit cards?

Yes, Mel's Diner takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Mel's Diner have catering options?

No, Mel's Diner does not have catering options.

Does Mel's Diner have a drive thru?

No, Mel's Diner does not have a drive thru.

Does Mel's Diner have a happy hour?

No, Mel's Diner does not have a happy hour.

Does Mel's Diner serve alcohol?

No, Mel's Diner does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Mel's Diner allow dogs?

No, Mel's Diner does not allow dogs.

Does Mel's Diner have TVs?

Yes, Mel's Diner has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Mel's Diner have bike parking?

No, Mel's Diner does not have bike parking.

Does Mel's Diner have outdoor seating?

Yes, Mel's Diner has outdoor seating options.

Does Mel's Diner have parking?

Yes, Mel's Diner has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is Mel's Diner wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Mel's Diner is wheelchair accessible.

Does Mel's Diner have free WiFi?

No, Mel's Diner does not have free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

Ask the Community - Mel's Diner

Do they serve alcohol?

No, but based on the quality of their food, a few drinks might help! I'm pretty forgiving on restaurants, but I cannot in good conscience recommend Mel's Dinner. You'd be better off going to a fast food chain.

View 1 more answer

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Diners 5,920 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Explore benefits

Old Mill Restaurant

4.3(3.5k reviews)

1.7 mi

WOW! So much food. A true southern experience lol. When we were walking in, a guy walking out said,…read more"I hope you're hungry because they have A LOT of food in there!" and he was not wrong. With every entree you get a salad, corn chowder, corn fritters, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a dessert. Not to mention the entrees are huge. I ordered grilled chicken because I was getting tired of fried chicken, and of course they give you two chicken breasts, not one lol. Service was extremely fast. There was a wait when we got there, but it was fine and we went to the old mill store and I bought some flour to make corn bread and white bread. You put your name on a list and they call you in over the intercom that you can hear from outside. Wait was about 30 minutes.

Great home cooked style food. Can be very busy, so get there early for breakfast. We overlapped…read morebreakfast into lunch. They do not allow your table to split, so if you want breakfast, everyone has to choose breakfast. That's the one downfall of going at 10:30-11ish. Otherwise, we are never disappointed and always come back when in town.

Ambience

Chicken pot pie

See all

Inside

Local Goat

4.4(5.7k reviews)

1.0 mi

Family-owned & operated

Free parking

Had a 4:30 meal. Perfect timing. I had the fish & Chips. Wife had the 1/2 slab ribs. We also had…read morethe fried green tomato's. Food and server were excellent. Server also researched the ingredients of the tartar sauce. What really resonated with us, is that I left my cc with the check. Half way out the car, here comes running out is our server with my cc. That is customer service at its best. Kudos to Anette G , ticket # 492070.

Awesome restaurant. Hands down the best meal we ate while vacationing in Pigeon Forge and…read moreGatlinburg. I love meatloaf and most of the time if that is on the menu that's what I order, so I eaten a lot of different meatloaf from other well established restaurants. But let me tell you that I have NEVER ate a meatloaf this scrumptious before. The Bison Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and caramelized onions and crispy fried onions on top 5 stars. There is only 2 Local Goat restaurants and they are both in TN. Please bring one to NC. As for the service it was excellent, very professional from start to finnish. Sercice could not have been better 5 stars again. Ambiance of the dinning room was awesome 5 stars again. I believe in tipping my waiter and usually tip more than most. But I can say with out a doubt I left the biggest tip I have ever left at restaurant at the Local Goat in Pigeon Forge TN.

Mediterranean Salad with Grilled Salmon

Shrimp and Grits

See all

Teriyaki Chicken with rice and broccoli

Five Oaks Farm Kitchen

4.2(1.9k reviews)

2.0 mi

Come hungry! Portions are large. The open faced pot roast had a lot of very tender beef. Staff…read morewas great too.

Wow!! I wish they did breakfast like this on the West Coast!…read more Five Oaks Farm Kitchen is not only an amazing restaurant, but the food, atmosphere, and staff are incredible. We arrived with a party of 13, which can be a challenge for any restaurant, but they handled our group wonderfully. Our food came out fresh, warm, and extremely tasty. Everything had that homemade, comfort-food quality you hope to find when visiting Tennessee. Our service was provided by Rob, who did a great job taking care of our large group and making sure everyone had what they needed. The decor is an experience all by itself. It's warm and welcoming, yet mesmerizing when you take in the size of the restaurant and all the incredible details throughout. It really adds to the whole Southern farmhouse experience. If you're visiting Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Five Oaks Farm Kitchen should definitely be on your list. Great food, great service, and a wonderful atmosphere. Highly recommended!!

Inside of restaurant

Cinnamon bun

See all

Cinnamon Roll

Fox Den

4.1(14 reviews)

1.1 mi

This quaint restaurant was a gem to find. The staff was so kind and the food was amazing. We've…read moreenjoyed authentic Italian pizza in a number of states and this pizza quickly rooted our list of favorites. Fried ravioli was cooked perfectly. Crispy all around the outside and gooey and hot on the inside. We tried the Sasquatch pizza and White pizza with chicken. Both were absolutely delicious. Papa Leone's will definetly be a return place for us!!!!

Clearly understaffed. Mediocre food at best. We tipped generously because she was trying.read more

Our Fox Den bar offers cocktails, beer, and wine.

Enjoy dinner and drinks at our Pigeon Forge Restaurant.

See all

There's something for everyone at the Fox Den restaurant in Pigeon Forge, TN!

Blue Moose Burgers & Wings

4.3(1.5k reviews)

0.5 mi

Great environment. A sports fans dream. They have 6 different games playing around the restaurant…read more Staff is very respectful and food is delicious. The wife and I will definitely be back in the future. #bluevelvetcake

Fireeeeee. Our waitress Molly was so awesome and funny. It was super busy and food and drinks came…read moresuper quick. Everyone's order was correct which was also tea. All in all great time.

Bar area

See all

Old Mill Pottery House Cafe

4.5(1.1k reviews)

1.6 mi

Hand crafted products of all types for everyone. Do many…read moredesigns and natural products. Friendly employee

My wife and I visited on a Sunday evening in mid-October. Possibly one of the busiest times of the…read moreyear for this area. The wait was about 90 minutes before being seated. They use texting to notify you when the table is ready, so we could walk around and visit some of the nearby shops. Unfortunately, we found that our seats were going to be outside and no indoor seats were available after waiting 90 minutes. It was dark by the time we sat down and about 55° outside. They do have propane heating towers, but not where our table was situated due to the walking path of the restaurant entrance. We dined with our coats on and did our best to keep our hands warm in our pockets between bites. The food and the service we received were good. I would say the food was maybe a 7 out of 10 and the service was a 9 out of 10. Overall, weighing everything, I would not do it again. Nothing particularly stood out and I do not feel it was worth the 90 minute wait while eating dinner in the cold.

Koi pond

The sweet finish: coconut cream pie

See all

Oatmeal porter ($5)

JT Hannah's Kitchen

3.7(996 reviews)

1.2 mi

We absolutely adore this place and we've never had bad service or horrible food here! Buttttt…read more.. we went on a warm Monday evening and the fans were on high in the area we were sitting. It was freezing back there lol! Anyways our server I think Tony? Was incredible! I ordered Cheeseburger medium well add onions with potato salad. It wasn't the best burger I have had here but it wasn't horrible! Potato salad was ok everything tasted like it needed more seasoning tonight! Oooohhhh we had the potato chips for an appetizer and they were delicious! Real thick cut potato chips with ranch dressing yummy!!!

Well, my sister said good things about this restaurant before our visit. I know longer speak with…read moreher. I have never seen a restaurant so ill-equipped to handle a crowd. Service was slow, tables sat empty despite the huge wait list, and the bathrooms were small (for a large restaurant). Save yourself some aggravation. Pass this place by.

Main dining area to right of hostess stand

The Side Salad

See all

Junction 35 Spirits - Mountain Mile Location

4.4(1.1k reviews)

0.5 mi

Good vibe, good food and a great stopping spot for a meal and drink…read more The server was friendly and attentive, told us about the free tasting at the bar after dinner, and made some recommendations. The smash burgers are delicious. After food, the tasting was fun. Part of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail.

Great dinner experience and fabulous 9 bottle whiskey/moonshine tasting after dinner…read more Our waitress Ariana was great. I loved both sauces on my wings, wings sizes and cook great. And my fries were delicious. Hubby liked his platter although he didn't think the smoked potato salad was anything special. The special coffee drink( similar to espresso martini) didn't taste good. After dinner we got a free tasting experience at bar side of store. 9 bottles of different moonshines and whiskeys. Generous pours and so fun. The perfect ending to our dinner.

Bar Area

Nachos with upgraded brisket

See all

Black and bleu burger w/ sweet potato fries

Iron Forge Brewing Co.

4.5(332 reviews)

1.5 mi

Locally owned & operated

Kid friendly

Excellent food and beer! Natalie is a top tier server and went out of her way to make sure we had…read moreeverything we needed!

We were staying at the local campground and decided to eat close by tonight. Iron forge was a…read morepleasant surprise. We were a party of 6 and started with the fried green tomatoes and a pretzel. They were delicious and everyone in the party thought so. We then ordered a mix of burgers, flat bread pizza, and blackened salmon. Three different style burgers. All delicious and so much we took leftovers back. The loaded fries were a meal by itself. Everything was amazing. Jay jay was our host and he did a great job. All six of us walking out said the same thing. We were all happy with our choice of dining and would come back.

Outdoor area or beer garden with firepits

See all

Flight in beer garden

Paula Deen's Family Kitchen

3.6(2.3k reviews)

0.3 mi

Words to the wise....Don't eat breakfast and bring a hardy appetite. Paula Deen's Kitchen is…read moreperfect for lunch and can serve as your meal for the day (or two). Family style dining means diners order for the table, so it is perfect for families and couples. As a solo diner, I treated my self to The Albany (choose 2 entrees and 3 sides) and the portions were downsized perfectly. Starting with the buttered bacon topped cheddar biscuits, it was satisfying enough to be my meal alone. They are scrumptious too! I chose the Southern Meatloaf and Bourbon Glazed Chicken (with rice) as the entree's and for the sides, mashed taters, cole slaw, and green beans. Everything was delicious (so much so, I bought a couple of jars of the bourbon sauce to take home) and I so wished I could have taken leftovers for later but at The Kitchen, doggie bags are not an option. My server, Amber, seemed to be having an off day and it happens. Service was a little slow with placing my lunch order and getting beverage refills. Truly recommend the sweet peach tea...it is a wonderful bottomless beverage. Don't forget to make time to stroll thru the store before heading out. So many cute, color coordinated kitchen supplies available for purchase! Another place where the goodies make great gifts.

Firstly it's a tourist trap but a pretty good one. Family style all you can eat dining. The staff…read moreare a little overly friendly, if that's a negative, but know their stuff and are very attentive. There's so hits and misses on the menu but mostly with the sides not the main dish. Definitely worth a visit and you can't beat the shopping downstairs. The restaurant is on the upper floor which gives you a great view of the whole area. Do not, I repeat, do not get the chocolate gooey dessert. It is not gooey and it is not delicious.

See more unrecommended reviews

Ooo, so much to shop for

GEORGIA FRIED CATFISH

See all

LEMONADE

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

42 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Cathy P.

15 years ago

.Mel's Diner is the best place to eat in the Smokies!! We visit Dollywood and the Smokey mountains at least once a year and we ALWAYS eat at Mel's. It is Happy Days atmosphere and it is very family friendly. .Our waitress was awesome. There was also another gentleman who checked on us several times making sure we did not need anything. .Everything was HOT and Delicious. The fries were great, the Taco Salad was the BEST I ever had. The kids loved the Chicken Fingers Basket and the Hot Dog. Then the entire family shared the largest Banana Split I have ever seen. .We will never visit the Smokies without visiting Mel's Diner. The breakfast the next day was great too. Very inexpensive. We will most definitely eat here every time. read more

Lukas Hesh M.

4 years ago

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit at Mel's Diner! I don't go to diners often, so I went there for curiosity and I guess you could say I went there for "flashbacks". Haha. Our waitress, Kim, was very nice, energetic, social, and kindhearted. She had a ton of stories to tell, and always had the best service and kind manners with not only us, but the other tables she served next to us. On top of that, the food came to our table within a blink of an eye and was mostly very good, with some nice flavor. Only thing I could ask to be better would be their fries. Some were soggy, some weren't, and some had nice flavor, some were tasteless. Other than that, Mel's Diner is a good place to eat at in Pigeon Forge! read more

Kyley Coco C.

3 years ago

THIS RESTAURANT IS PREJUDICED AGAINST USA VETERANS AND DISABLED PEOPLE WITH SERVICE DOGS!!! We were made to leave by the manager because our service dogs wouldn't fit under the table even though we had asked for an out of the way table and were given menus!! Our dogs were not being disruptive at all because they are trained!!! This is a rule HE made up because we have eaten in MANY MANY restaurants and have NEVER been told that our dogs had to go under a table!! He embarrassed us in front of the entire restaurant and then followed us to the door like we were criminals or something!! IF YOU HAVE A SERVICE DOG OR ARE A USA VETERAN I would advise not stopping here!!! read more

Buzz S.

9 years ago

Mel's Dinner is the best place to eat. All home made meals and the best ice cream Sundays and Banana splits anywhere in the area. None better or bigger! I have been coming to Mel's dinner since they opened in 1993. I started to visit the area since 1990 and decided to retire and move here from. Janesville, Wi. My dream came true last yr Jan. 23rd, 2016. I frequent Mel's almost everyday and sometimes twice a day. The owner and his staff are the best and very friendly. They greet you as though are family! I have been to many dinners across the USA and found none better! Thanks to Mike and all his staff that makes me feel at home. read more

Lisa W.

9 years ago

This a favorite place to eat. Our waitirst was Sandy she was very helpful with the menu I didn't want something to big she reckamen the Philly steak,onion rings. That was the best Philly steak sandwich and those onion rings were homemade. You could just taste the pepper and onions on that Philly and that pepper jack cheese was so melted all the flavors just came together. My family and I went there often why we was in Pigeon Forge Tennessee . The diner is like going back in time. It was my daughter 's favorite place to eat. You just have to check Mel's Diner out if you are ever in Pigeon Forge Tennessee. read more

Jeremy H.

2 years ago

Mel's Diner in Pigeon Forge is a spot we enjoyed visiting during our trip. The diner has a classic vibe that makes you feel right at home. The service was friendly and quick, making each visit pleasant. The portion sizes were generous, and the prices were fair, giving you good value for your money. The food was solid--comforting, well-prepared, and satisfying. While it didn't completely blow us away, it's a reliable place to grab a meal. If you're in Pigeon Forge, Mel's Diner is worth checking out for a classic, dependable dining experience. read more

Erin S.

5 years ago

We are from Indiana and went to Tennessee for vacation for a week!! We was having a difficult time choosing a restaurant to eat at! My son who's birthday it was chose Mel's diner! We pulled up and it was a 45 minute wait! We was going to leave.... SO glad we didn't! Angel was our server. She was amazing, food was amazing, atmosphere was a amazing!! Would recommend anyone who is in Pigeon Forge area to eat there!! If we come back we will defiantly be back!!!! read more

Shollie L.

7 years ago

We love Mel's! We recommend it to everyone we know. The atmosphere is great, the prices are the best, huge portions, and the food is fantastic! Out of all the numerous trips we've made, I've had an issue once with something I just didn't like and they were all over making it right even after I told them it was no big deal. They of course took it off our check, and didn't charge for the item I ended up getting. I can't wait to go back! read more

Michael G.

4 years ago

Was in there this past weekend. As usual, the food there was great. The service was fast. I have never been disappointed with anything at Mel's. I also like the 50's atmosphere, you can actually relax when you go in. you can sing along with the songs on the jukebox. Sometimes the wait is a bit long, but it is well worth it. Mel's is a mandatory stop whenever we go to Pigeon Forge! read more

Roberto C.

13 years ago

Great place for breakfast. This place always has some kind of deal on breakfast food and man is it good. The service is great and the atmosphere is friendly. I love diner food and Mel's Diner is def. one of my favorites. We visit this restaurant every time we visit the Smoky Mountains! It is a family favorite. read more

Carol S.

8 years ago

Great food, great service, great price! Takes you back in time and it was a fantastic, quick meal! Portions were huge and we can't say enough about the friendly staff and fast service! Highly recommend! read more

Rachel W.

11 years ago

Came an he before closing on our first night into TN. Food was great! We are from New Orleans so I can be picky when it comes to what I say is "great food". Lots of options, good prices too! read more

Trisha S.

9 years ago

Had to wait for over 15 minutes to be waited on. My grandkids were with me and after looking at the kids menu, their meal would have cost $9. Will never be back due to the above. read more

Cassie S.

7 years ago

Great place to eat! Breakfast, lunch or dinner. They are always packed but service is very fast! Food comes put to you quickly. Food is great. Dessert is great. Fun atmosphere. read more

Brittney K.

9 years ago

Favorite place to eat when visiting the area. Great for and great people!!! I can't wait to come back and neither can my family! This is always a must when we come to town!! read more

Matthew B.

6 years ago

Great food, great service, overall great experience! Up here for the week from S.C. and I've come to this location 3 times and left happy each one! read more

Ginger M.

7 years ago

This place is under new management and is not what it use to be. Pass this up and go on down the rd to Bob's burgers inside the antique mall. read more

Eric S.

5 years ago

4 stars for the service 2 stars for the food considering the wait. There is better value elsewhere. If there is a line move on if you can.

T M.

11 years ago

Disgusting- don't waste your money- place is nasty. Food was cold and not fresh. Hard to get to from parkway. Not a lot of parking.

Noah D.

3 years ago

Amazing food, very quick, and good service. Nice ambiance. It made me and my family suprised with how good it was.

Mel's Diner - diners - Updated November 2026

People who viewed Mel's Diner also viewed

Sun Diner

4.0

(88 reviews)

The cheese grits were some of the best i have ever had, eggs cooked perfectly and pancake was huge…read more I assumed this place was similar to First Watch, the Sun Diner puts First Watch to shame. This breakfast was amazing!!! I think the french toast is a must try. Gina was our waitress and was so so sweet and so nice. She had a lot of tables and still was so nice. She deserves to get recognized for how hard she was working and still being so nice. We were waiting in the line for pancake pantry, and it was wrapped around the way and called it. at 9am on a saturday we were able to walk right in here and be sat and waited on immediately. It seems a lot of people walk by here and don't give it a thought but definitely a great choice if you don't want to wait in a crazy line in the morning for breakfast. They have bar top seating and then 5 tables in the back for families/ada.

There are a lot of good places to eat breakfast in Gatlinburg. Unfortunately, Sun Diner isn't one…read moreof them. We actually planned on eating about a block down the street, but that place was packed. Sun Diner wasn't. So we figured, why wait? We walked in, got seated right away, and thought we'd gotten lucky. Turns out the crowd knew something we didn't. I want to be fair: the staff was very nice, and the food wasn't horrible. Nobody ruined breakfast. Nobody served us something inedible. It was simply disappointing, especially for the price. I ordered the Crème Brûlée French Toast, which sounds like something that ought to make you forget every responsible decision you've ever made before 10 in the morning. It certainly looked impressive when it hit the table--French toast, strawberries, blueberries, whipped cream, syrup, the whole production. Then I ate it. There just wasn't much there beyond the presentation. For something called Crème Brûlée French Toast, I expected rich, decadent, maybe a little crisp caramelized magic somewhere. Instead, it tasted like fairly ordinary French toast dressed up for a night on the town. And it was way overpriced for what it was. Gatlinburg is a tourist town. I understand tourist-town prices. But if you're going to charge premium breakfast prices, the food has to earn them. When one breakfast place has people waiting outside and another a block away has empty tables, sometimes the best restaurant review is already happening on the sidewalk. Next time, we'll wait in the line.

Hillbilly's Restaurant

4.2

(178 reviews)

•$

Pure country comfort, the kind of place that feels like it's been around long enough to really…read morebelong. Breakfast is the highlight, with hearty plates of omelets, hashbrowns, and biscuits with gravy that taste just right. On weekends they even put out a breakfast bar, and those little mini biscuits brushed with sweet cinnamon butter are worth the trip alone. The dining room has its own personality too, complete with a truck parked inside that somehow feels fun rather than gimmicky. Service is warm and easygoing, adding to the laid-back atmosphere. When I visited, I grabbed a chai latte from the coffee shop next door since they don't serve specialty drinks here, and nobody batted an eye. That kind of neighborly vibe sums up the place perfectly. It is casual, filling, and just a little quirky in the best way. If you are nearby and craving a solid breakfast before or after a country drive, it is absolutely worth stopping in.

Came here for breakfast and the food was decent. It was not as good as it could have been. If I…read morecould've given it 3.5 stars that would be the actual rating. There was no sausage in the sausage biscuits and gravy. I mean no sausage there were a little specs in the gravy. The ham steak was good but it was extremely salty. The biscuits were amazing. The ambience is very cute. It's stereotypical hillbilly mountain decor lol it's nice to go to while you're there it fits the environment of hillbilly chic. The weight staff was great. The young African-American lady in the front. I don't know her name who is the hostess was absolutely delightful. The breakfast buffet was not the best either. They had French toast sticks that you buy at the grocery store as the French toast on the buffet. If they put a little bit more attention into the food, this place would be great.

Tom & Earls Back Alley Grill

3.6

(657 reviews)

We were not sure what we wanted for lunch and spotted this place. Fried Green Tomatoes on the menu…read moregrabbed my eye. They were delicious. My husband got tacos,and I also got a chicken wrap. Portions were good. Service was good, view was good when we spotted a black bear across the street. I would go back again!

We had our dogs and it was raini g so finding a place to eat with them was going to be difficult…read more Fortunately, Tom & Earl'swas next to a place that wasn't open, but had a table that was completely sheltered from the elements. The waitress said we could sit there which worked out great. The food is typical pub food and they had a decent selection of beers on draft.

Mountain Edge Grill

3.5

(177 reviews)

Great off the beaten path hole in the wall family owned restaurant. After seeing some price gouging…read moregoing on in the parkway, we decided to stop in for lunch on a saturday. It is on the second level across the street from the villages. We were greeted and promptly seated. The menu is your typical sports bar fare. I noticed alot of positive reviews for their burgers but opted for the 1/4 Lb south of the border hot dog not only was this dog delicious it was pretty darn big and it came with fresh French fries. The unique thing about the chili was that it had beans in it which I am not typically used to but it complimented the chili and diced onions well. The only downside was that it didn't come with cheese. I also ordered a Sierra Nevada citrus wheat ale pint and it was ice cold and hit the spot. My wife ordered a hot turkey sandwich and our daughter oredered a personal cheese pizza all were great according to my wife and daughter. Our waiter was very cordial and quick. Overall it is one of your better choices to eat around the parkway!

Amazing customer service! Got greeted and seated right away. They have room for larger parties as…read morewell. Have several different options to choose from and the food is made fresh and quickly. All for a decent price. Again amazing customer service!

The Diner

3.4

(331 reviews)

Old school diner with solid breakfast options. This is on the stretch before/after the craziness…read moreof Pigeon Forge. The portions were more than adequate but not as skimpy as other reviews have stated. It was a nice change to not get served a meal that would last days. Service was friendly and our food was good. The restaurant was clean but is old and could use some love.

Waitress seems non existent! Had to ask several other people for help! We ordered a hot turkey and…read morecheese and literally a small slice of turkey! BLT only had 3 small strips of bacon! Gave another star for not charging me to add an egg to my BLT

Applewood Farmhouse Grill

4.1

(398 reviews)

We recently ate here for the first time ever! Shame on us! The food & service was great! I love…read morethey start your meal with a little glass of Apple Julep, Apple fritters with Apple butter!!! Soooo good! Our waitress Corrina was excellent with recommendations!!! Your meals also come with a cup of homemade potato soup which was delicious as well! I got The meatloaf and because I'm not a big mashed potatoes fan, they let me sub them for another side when I picked fried okra and Mac and cheese for my sides! My fiancée got the pork chops, mashed potatoes and he also got fried okra! This is a good sized restaurant with beautiful wooden tables and chairs! Big cozy fireplace in the back of the restaurant for the winter months or cool days! We will be eating here again!

My wife and I were in Pigeon Forge for the Fourth of July and decided to try the Applewood…read moreFarmhouse Grill. I wanted to like the place a lot more than I did, but it had some serious drawbacks. This restaurant is set up like an old farmhouse with wooden chairs, tables, and floors. There is nothing to deaden the noise, so the place is very loud and uncomfortable. My wife couldn't wait to get out of the place. I ordered the smokehouse sampler which comes with two eggs, sugar cured ham, bacon, sausage, gravy, biscuit, grits, and potatoes. With all of that listing, you would expect a lot of food. It wasn't. I felt like there should have been more on my plate for that much money. Oh, well. Lesson learned. My wife had the biscuits and gravy with bacon which was fine. The food that we received was fine, but nothing special. Our server was nice, but she spoke so softly that I could not hear her over all of the noise. She also had to be prompted multiple times to bring a refill. All in all, this place was a real turn-em and burn-em kind of loud place that we probably won't return to.

Elvira's Cafe

4.3

(508 reviews)

We had a great dinner here! The staff is AMAZING! Shout out to our waiter, Alex, and Dennis! I have…read morebeen to MANY restaurants all over, and Dennis's explanation of the beautiful handmade and DELICIOUS desserts sold ALL of us! (We usually go coffee and no dessert lol) .. This is a place where you feel welcomed, the food is great, and you leave HAPPY! We will definitely be popping back in this place!

YUMMY FOR YOUR TUMMY. We arrived from Michigan later than we thought we would today and decided to…read moregive Elvira's a try. YUMMINESS all around. The service was AmAzing and food was delivered to our table quick, hot & fresh. The Chopped Steak did not disappoint. The guys in the group devoured their meals and finished every drop of the gravy. Our waitress, Kylie was a bundle of joy-very enjoyable. THANK YOU for a great meal after 13 hours of being on the road----Elvira's was pure YUMMINESS and we are coming back for breakfast before we head home. Reminds me of sitting around my Grandma's table for family dinners. P.S. Be sure and look online for the coupon for first timers.

The Riverstone Restaurant

3.7

(308 reviews)

The pot roast was the very best that we have ever had at any restaurant in our lives, and we are…read moreold people. It was home made. Real potatoes and carrots. All of the other food ordered by our party was also great. Everyone was happy. No complaints. Tea was also very very good. Didn't take too long to get the food. Service was good. We will definitely eat there again every time that we are in town. The ambiance was good except for the very rear small room that has booths, but the other 2 rooms were great.

We went there looking for a steak dinner as it had been recommended via sign at the "Trout &…read moreSteaks" restaurant which was closed. This place was not clean, the prices for an uninspired menu were out of line with a rundown atmosphere and, after trips to the filthy restrooms, we thanked the waitress and left. The single star is for her graciousness.

Timbers Log Cabin

4.6

(164 reviews)

Delicious! The service was quick and the food was hot. Very nice people and a cozy place to have…read morebreakfast. Definitely recommend!

Wonderful shrimp and grits, rustic cabin ambience with both indoor and outdoor seating. Food…read moreportion was really big and coffee was also great, no complaints it was a great stop away from the main strip and right next to all the artsy stores.

Frizzle Chicken Cafe

4.0

(784 reviews)