Smokies Cuban Cafe — Restaurant in Pigeon Forge

Aww man. When we first walked in, the place looks brand new and I thought to myself, another disappointing Cuban sandwich? The picture on the menu looks promising...but not getting my hopes up. I have been disappointed too many times. Anyone can grab a photo of a true Cuban from the internet. But what's this? ROPA VIEJA? That's authentic Cuban Cuisine. So we order the Ropa Vieja and, of course, the Cuban sandwich. The Ropa Vieja comes out first with rice and frijoles negras, and fried plantains. Since I was waiting on my sandwich, I took a bite of the beef and about melted. I am used to it being chewy, the beef covered in the tomato- based sauce but not infused. My first bite of THIS Ropa Vieja really surprised me. The beef is infused with the sauce so that, chew after chew, the beef is tender, flavorful, and full of sauce. My opinion is changing... Next up to the plate is The Cuban. It is oblong, flat, and toasted on Cuban Bread!!! Looks good from a distance, lets check it out up close. You see, as all my Cuban Sandwich lovers already know, it's not only the bread, the ingredients...but it is also the BUILD. The roast pork, the sliced ham, the Swiss cheese, the sliced dill pickle spears, and the mustard, neatly stacked so that each bite has all the right flavors. This is a legit Cuban restaurant! Yet the decor looks brand new! When our waitress comes over, I ask how long they have been open (thinking maybe 6 months) FOURTEEN YEARS! Every Cuban Sandwich searcher knows the struggle is real, so when you find the legit thing, chills accompany every bite. Cuban sandwich and Ropa Vieja notwithstanding, the meal was finished with a Cordaito and Tres Leches.

This place is authentic and a rare gem in a land of pancake restaurants and mountain coasters (oh, and the MAJESTIC vistas, the INCREDIBLE arts and crafts community, and ALL the great, friendly people!)

We will be back again before...

Used to love this place. Went at opening at 11. My husband and an a large group got there first. Then a couple large groups got there. We sat down and it was like 20 mins before the first order was taken. The 10 top. 10 mins after that another large group gets their order taken. Even though we were there first and we were only two. We have yet to even be acknowledged. 10 more mins of waiting. We walked out. I enjoyed the food so much I went back at 2:30 to try again. Placed my to go order. Sat for 20 mins watching the kid with braces on the sandwich press make one sandwich at a time. Even though he’s got two presses that can do 4 each. More time texting occasionally making food. Finally lady checks on my to go order - says it’s because “the large group over there ordered first“. 🤦‍♀️ I don’t know if they don’t understand expediting or just how people will be more patient if greeted with a smile and checked on but I asked to cancel my order and just issue a refund. That took 10 more mins. My heart broke. Used to love coming in. Friendly service with a smile. The wait didn’t matter because you felt like you did. Won’t be returning. Wish I could say at least the food was good but I don’t know- because even after two trips almost an hour a piece I...

Nestled in the heart of Pigeon Forge, TN, lies a treasure trove of flavors known as Smokies Cuban Cafe. This charming eatery has become my sanctuary, my culinary compass when I find myself in the Smoky Mountains. On my latest pilgrimage, I was compelled by an invisible force, a gustatory gravity, to dine there not once, but twice in consecutive days. Such is the power of their fare. The Picadillo, a harmonious blend of savory and spice, was accompanied by Yuka fries that were nothing short of a crispy revelation. But the pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the stuffed potato. Oh, that stuffed potato! It was a marvel, a masterclass in comfort food that could soothe even the weariest of souls. My wife, ever the connoisseur of sandwiches, opted for the Roasted Pork Sandwich. Each bite was a testament to the cafe's commitment to freshness and flavor, a love letter to Cuban cuisine penned in pork and bread. Smokies Cuban Cafe is more than just a restaurant; it's a beacon for those who seek culinary excellence. It's my go-to place, a haven that calls to me with the siren song of its kitchen. If you ever find yourself in Pigeon Forge, do yourself a favor and let Smokies be your guide. You'll find me there, lost in a dish of Picadillo, with a...