With all the amazing activities to do in and around Hartford, your family is bound to work up an appetite. Luckily, there are plenty of fantastic places around town to get a scrumptious meal! Whether you are looking for a home-cooked country dinner or some true southern BBQ, the perfect dining spot is just a short drive away. Please note that these restaurants are seasonal and may not be open year round. Here are 3 of the best family restaurants in Hartford TN:
1. Pigeon River Smokehouse
It’s not a complete Smoky Mountain vacation without a little BBQ! The Pigeon River Smokehouse is a small restaurant that provides big flavors! They serve a variety of different sandwiches that are to die for. Although everything on the menu is delicious, you definitely can not go wrong with the pulled pork sandwich! The meat has the perfect amount of flavor and the BBQ sauce is the icing on the cake. For the kids, they have a good variety of meals to choose from, including a grilled cheese sandwich, cheese pizza, peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and hot dogs! Pigeon River Smokehouse is one of the best restaurants in Hartford TN to visit after a busy day of whitewater rafting or exploring the town!
2. The Bean Trees
Many times, you can find the best tasting food and friendliest service at small, locally owned restaurants. That is certainly the case with The Bean Trees. The business was started a few years back by four women. To this day, they are still family owned and operated. Every meal is made fresh to order and served with a smile and true southern hospitality. One reason that the products are so delicious is because of the restaurant’s dedication to using only the freshest ingredients. For example, they use their own blend of organic coffee that is roasted less than two hours away in Brevard, North Carolina. Their coordination with other local businesses makes a trip to The Bean Trees a great family experience!
3. Gill’s Barbecue
Over the past few years, food trucks have really started to skyrocket in popularity. Just about everywhere you turn, there is a new food truck park or restaurant. The next time you are in Hartford, be sure to stop by Gill’s Barbecue! We promise you won’t be able to resist the smell of the fresh ribs and pork on the smoker. This is the perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat after rafting on the Pigeon River! In addition to the traditional BBQ foods, they also serve a few signature items, such as the BBQ tacos. The outdoor environment surrounded by the beautiful mountains makes for the perfect scene to enjoy a meal with the family! You can either sit at one of the outdoor picnic tables or sprawl out on the grass and enjoy a picnic.
Now that you know about some of the best family restaurants in Hartford TN, be sure to check out some of the other delicious places to eat near our rafting outpost. We can’t wait to see you soon rafting on the Pigeon River!
