Paula Deen's Family Kitchen — Restaurant in Pigeon Forge

So this will be long... With high anticipation after hearing about "having to eat here when you're on your trip!" from many people but not knowing really anything about Paula Deen, we went in early-Oct 2021 as a total group size of 8 (5 adults, 3 kids). Apparently normal, we waited a short amount of time...when we checked in we were told 1.5-2hrs but only waited just over an hour which is apparently fast ha. But at a tourist stop/trap like The Island and in the fall season, that's normal so I hear.

BUT I did thoroughly enjoy goofing off in the store while we waited. We didn't buy anything (AND BATHROOMS ARE VERY CLEAN/NICE! -- a feat amongst itself amidst my own southern people who don't seem to even see that they make messes!) but had fun looking at fancy scripts with southern sayings on things like spoons, buckets, mugs, aprons, etc. And apparently a catchphrase of Paula Deen is "Butter, y'all!" because that was scripted everywhere on things for sale, even on spatulas which instantly require a 500% markup in price (give or take -- I'm no financial wizard)! 😜😂

Customer service was friendly, but it better be at a place like this! So they explain the setup at the beginning if you haven't gone before -- it's family style dining so you order the entrees and sides you want to share for the table. We really should have stuck with less entrees & sides. They are bottomless after all. But they start with the biscuits, and because we're all pre-conceived/conditioned to eat too much here and we just ordered what we already know is "too much," then why not go ahead and splurge on eating extra biscuits. And they're SOOOOOO warm and gooey and bursting with flavor!

Now as a southerner at heart, I can get behind some butter and starch (although we don't eat that way anymore!) -- BUT HOLY BUTTER & STARCH! 😱😜 Now I mean, I love me some good, southern cooking but that usually means flavor. None of the flavor really blew us away like the hype said, except the BISCUITS 🤤 and the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake (which we all got in either chocolate, regular, and pumpkin -- regular vanilla seemed to be the consistent fav!).😋 Each person gets a dessert with their meal.

Dad ordered the largest of the meals - the Georgia (4 entrees and 4 sides) - for all 8 of us, but still that was too much. We chose the ribs, pot roast, meatloaf, and fried chicken with the sides being creamed corn, Mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, & broccoli casserole. The fried chicken was quite dry (major disappointment to this southern girl) and the painful kind of crispy, crunch -- not the satisfying crunch. Surprisingly the meatloaf was a huge hit! Mashed potatoes and Mac & cheese were "OK" -- not awful, but my Nana's were even creamier and she didn't use as much butter as I'm sure they did. Broccoli casserole was a pretty big hit. Corn seemed to do pretty well. Pot roast was quite good but coming with equal portions of rice (& the rice was just plain, not flavored), so felt unnecessary.

You can't take any leftovers with you, but you can take your dessert with you, and the dessert portions were decent. Nice treat for the NEXT day, as I couldn't hardly breathe trying to fit it all in.

I think of I were to ever be near here and fam wanted to go again, I would ENJOY one biscuit and stick with less sides/entrees. But truth-be-told, unless someone in our party absolutely insists that this must be the restaurant of choice, we won't return. Can help make it less of a wait for other tourists with their own conditioned stimuli...

A Southern Delight: Paula Deen's Family Restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Paula Deen's Family Restaurant is a culinary haven that encapsulates the true essence of Southern hospitality and delectable cuisine. Boasting a shared family food style and an array of mouthwatering dishes, this modern-style eatery sets itself apart with its divine Garlic Biscuits and breathtaking second-floor dining area. From the moment you step foot into this charming establishment, you'll be enchanted by the warm atmosphere and unforgettable flavors that await.

Unforgettable Flavors: One bite into the amazing Garlic Biscuits at Paula Deen's Family Restaurant, and your taste buds will be transported to a realm of pure bliss. These fluffy, buttery delights are infused with just the right amount of garlic, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Served fresh out of the oven, these biscuits are truly addictive and set the tone for an exceptional dining experience.

Shared Family Food Style: At Paula Deen's Family Restaurant, food is more than just sustenance; it's a celebration of togetherness. The shared family food style encourages diners to bond over generous portions of mouthwatering dishes. With each plate overflowing with traditional Southern fare such as fried chicken, fried catfish, chicken and dumplings, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and creamed corn, every meal feels like a festive gathering. The restaurant's commitment to creating an atmosphere reminiscent of home-cooked meals makes it an ideal destination for those seeking comfort in their dining experience.

Worth the Wait: It goes without saying that exceptional food often comes with a wait time. However, at Paula Deen's Family Restaurant, the wait is undeniably worth it. As you patiently anticipate your turn to be seated, tantalizing aromas waft through the air, whetting your appetite for what lies ahead. The attentive staff ensures that your wait is as pleasant as possible, making you feel like a valued guest even before you've taken your first bite.

Modern Style and Scenic Views: Ascending to the second-floor dining area at Paula Deen's Family Restaurant unveils a modern space adorned with tasteful decor and an abundance of natural light. The panoramic views from this elevated vantage point provide a picturesque backdrop for your meal, adding an extra touch of elegance to the overall experience. Whether you're enjoying a romantic evening or gathering with friends and family, the second-floor dining area offers a serene ambiance that complements the delightful flavors served.

Paula Deen's Family Restaurant in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a culinary gem that embodies Southern charm and unforgettable flavors. From the heavenly Garlic Biscuits to the shared family food style, every aspect of this dining experience exudes warmth and satisfaction. While patience may be required during peak hours, the exceptional staff ensures that your wait is rewarded with an unparalleled feast for both the eyes and taste buds. So, if you find yourself craving a taste of the South, allow Paula Deen's Family Restaurant to transport you to a world of culinary delight where good food and cherished...

Food: My group ordered the Savannah, which meant we got 3 main dishes and 4 side dishes to share and a dessert for each of us. We selected the pot roast, the chicken and dumplings, and the fried catfish. We ordered the broccoli casserole, the green beans, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes. As for the desserts, we selected the seasonal peach cobbler, the banana pudding, and the ooey-gooey butter cake.

The complimentary biscuits that come at first were very doughy, it reminded of chunky mashed potatoes strangely enough.

The pot roast was the best out of the 3 dishes, but it was strange that it was served on a bed of white rice. The chicken and dumplings are mostly gobs of dough in sauce - hard pass. The fried catfish was too salty and didn't seem like good quality fish and slightly dry.

The beans are served with bits of meats, which were not mentioned on the menu or by the server. Our vegetarian friend could not partake in them. She wasn't missing out on anything, though. They tasted like they had been reheated. The mashed potatoes were very smooth, with no chunks. The broccoli casserole was alright to me. However, my friend commented that they tasted like they were frozen previously. The Mac and cheese were okay. Not dry, and enough of a cheese flavor so as not to be mistaken as plain like other mac and cheese.

The banana pudding was too bland for me. No banana flavor. Just the sweetness fwaters. Vanilla wafers. The peach cobbler was commented as being light and refreshing. The ooey gooey butter cake was dense and sweet. Not bad for sharing.

Additionally, I ordered a peach tea that had free refills with peach slices on top. After the first 2 glasses, the sweetness of the tea became a little overbearing.

Service: We placed a reservation for 6:30pm, checked in at the front desk around 6:00pm, we received a text saying our table would be ready SOON and to check in at the front desk again in 10 minutes around 6:24pm. We were confused about needing to check into the front desk again, so we decided we would wait for an additional text to tell us that the table is READY. That text never came. Once it turned 6:54pm, I checked into the front desk, and the young lady told us to head up the escalator to.... ANOTHER check-in desk. They gestured for us to wait on a narrow carpeted walkway that was in obstruction of all the servers darting back and forth, in addition to shoving several waiting families behind us. Very unorganized. We eventually were seated at a booth at 7:01pm. Our waiter arrived 6 minutes later to fill our orders. He was the best part of the service. Juan was very friendly and quick and kept all our drinks filled. He deserves a raise.

Atmosphere: Too crowded and packed like a can of sardines. The view was nice if you were seated near the windows. Otherwise, you're facing southern...