Dining at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen in Pigeon Forge offers a taste of Southern comfort food, but how does it cater to those with dietary restrictions? My husband and I decided to visit for lunch on a Tuesday, arriving around 12:30 pm. We experienced a brief 15-minute wait, which is quite reasonable for a popular spot like this. The restaurant is conveniently located on the second level, accessible by escalator or elevator. You’ll need to check in at the host desk on the first floor, within the store area. If you’re lucky enough to be seated by the window, you’ll enjoy a pleasant view overlooking the water fountain display outside.
As someone who is gluten intolerant, dining out can sometimes be challenging. However, I was pleased to find that our waitress at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen was well-informed about their gluten-free options. They even provide a helpful allergy reference guide, which details common food allergens in each dish. It’s important to note that while they offer gluten-friendly choices, they openly acknowledge the risk of cross-contamination, so it’s not a completely gluten-free environment. For the main course, the ribs were identified as the primary gluten-friendly entree, and fortunately, they were delicious! The selection of gluten-friendly sides was somewhat limited, but the side salad, though simple, was surprisingly tasty and refreshing. My husband, who doesn’t follow a gluten-free diet, thoroughly enjoyed the cream corn and the classic chicken and dumplings, stating they were excellent.
While the meal itself was satisfying, dessert was a bit of a letdown for me. None of the four desserts included in the fixed-price meal were gluten-free. The restaurant does allow you to take desserts “to go,” which was a nice gesture. My husband enjoyed my portion of the sticky chocolate cake later at our condo and reported that it was very good. Overall, the food and service were commendable. However, due to the limited gluten-friendly options, I’m not sure I would revisit during this particular trip, especially considering my dietary needs. One minor point of feedback would be that the meal felt a little rushed. While I understand the need for efficient table turnover, especially during peak hours, I would have appreciated a slightly more relaxed pace to fully savor the dining experience, particularly given the price point.
