Some restaurants chase trends; this one has stayed exactly what it is for over four decades, and that’s precisely the appeal. The Peddler sits right along the Little Pigeon River, and the best tables put you inches from the water with the sound of it rushing past as the sun goes down. Steaks are cut and hand-selected tableside from a rolling cart before they hit the grill, and the salad bar — a Gatlinburg institution in its own right — comes loaded with fresh, seasonal toppings you build yourself while you wait. It’s the kind of place where the same servers have worked for years and remember returning guests, which tells you something about how the staff feel about it too. Portions are generous, the wine list is solid without being fussy, and the river-view seating makes it a favorite for anniversaries and family celebrations alike. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and during leaf season when the whole town fills up. Go around golden hour if you can — watching the light change over the river while dinner comes together is half the experience.
