Restaurant Review of The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe and Grille in Pigeon Forge, TN

We love to go out to eat but don't go very often. It's a special treat for us whether here at home or on vacation.

When you go out to eat, do you look for an establishment popular with locals, or do you seek out a restaurant chain with which you are familiar? Our family loves to try new places that are popular with the residents of the area.

Here in the tourist mecca that is Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, there are a multitude of restaurants for every palate and price range.

The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe' and Grille is one of our favorites. Located in the Old Mill area of Pigeon Forge, two blocks from the Pigeon Forge Parkway at traffic light number 7, it's one of those places you might not notice if you didn't know it was there.

The Pottery House is known for their delicious home-baked breads made from the stone-ground grain at the Old Mill across the street and for their freshly made desserts. Meals are served on heavy dinnerware that is hand-crafted at Pigeon River Pottery right next door.

Open for lunch and dinner daily during the "season" (call 865-428-0771 to check their hours), the lunch and dinner menus include a variety of sandwiches, soups, quiches and burgers. One of my personal favorites is the Smoky Mountain Cheese Steak. All I can say is YUM.

The dining area is average in appearance and seating capability. However, during warmer weather, there is outdoor seating in a lovely courtyard right outside the back door. A waterfall complete with a fish-filled pond and a tiny creek border the flagstone. The landscaping is beautiful.

The experience of The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe' and Grille is not restricted to the restaurant. Before or after your meal, a walk through the unique shops that celebrate the 1800s heritage of the area adjacent and across the street bring guests into another world. The Old Mill Restaurant, with a Southern menu (and a fabulous breakfast) complete with General Store and operating gristmill, sits on the Little Pigeon River.

Shops in the Old Mill Square area include:

Pigeon River Pottery, which has been in business for more than 50 years

Old Mill Farmhouse Kitchen

Creamery, home of homemade ice cream in mouth-watering flavors

Candy Kitchen, with taffy, fudge, peanut brittle and more made at the store

Toy Bin - Need I say more?

Sassafrass, a jewelry and accessories boutique