Local Goat – New American Restaurant: Scratch-Made Burgers, Steaks & Southern-Inspired Favorites in Pigeon Forge

For a meal that combines creative American cooking with the relaxed atmosphere of the Smoky Mountains, Local Goat – New American Restaurant is a standout dining option in Pigeon Forge. Known for its scratch-made kitchen, locally sourced ingredients, gourmet burgers, steaks, ribs, and inventive appetizers, this restaurant offers a fresh take on familiar comfort food.

Whether you’re craving a juicy burger, a perfectly grilled steak, tender barbecue ribs, or a seafood entree, Local Goat brings plenty of variety to the table. Its menu balances recognizable favorites with distinctive combinations that make the dining experience feel a little different from a typical casual restaurant.

The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with mountain views, local artwork, and a bar featuring craft beers and signature cocktails. Families can enjoy a relaxed meal together, while couples and groups of friends can settle in for a longer dinner after a day of exploring the area.

Located along the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, Local Goat is a convenient stop for guests visiting nearby attractions. For those staying at Sunshine Around the Bend, it is worth adding to your dining itinerary when you’re planning an outing beyond Sevierville.

About Local Goat – New American Restaurant

Local Goat – New American Restaurant is located at 2167 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. The restaurant specializes in scratch-made American cuisine, with an emphasis on locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. Its kitchen prepares many items from scratch, including breads, while the dining room features artwork created by local artists and craftspeople.

Burgers are among the restaurant’s signature offerings. The menu includes classics such as the Patriot and Bacon Cheeseburger, alongside more creative combinations. The BGT Burger pairs goat cheese with crispy onions and bacon jam, while the Smokehouse Burger features smoked Gouda, barbecue sauce, caramelized onions, and smoked bacon. For a distinctive sweet-and-savory combination, the Elvis burger combines peanut butter, smoked bacon, and fried banana.

Guests looking for a full steakhouse-style meal can choose from hand-cut steaks, including ribeye and sirloin, as well as pork chops, salmon, and other substantial entrees. The menu also features fall-off-the-bone pork ribs, fish and chips, shrimp and grits, and bison meatloaf.

The appetizer selection gives diners plenty to explore before the main course. Options include deep-fried deviled eggs with candied bacon, fried green tomatoes, beer cheese fondue served with soft pretzels and apples, spinach artichoke dip, and jumbo chicken wings. These dishes are ideal for sharing when you’re dining with family or friends.

Salads and lighter options are available alongside the heartier entrees. The menu includes Caesar salad, Mediterranean salad, and other selections that can be paired with grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or steak.

Families traveling with children can choose from a dedicated kids’ menu featuring familiar favorites such as hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, grilled cheese, and macaroni and cheese.

The restaurant also has a full bar with craft beers, cocktails, wine, and a selection of spirits. Its lounge area features large televisions for guests who enjoy watching sports while dining.

Why Guests Love It

Creative burgers beyond the basics

Local Goat takes the classic burger and gives it a distinctive twist. From the traditional cheeseburger to options featuring goat cheese, bacon jam, smoked Gouda, or specialty sauces, the menu offers plenty for guests who enjoy trying something new.

If you’re traveling with someone who loves burgers, comparing two different signature combinations can make the meal more interesting.

Scratch-made food with local character

The restaurant emphasizes scratch-made cooking and locally sourced ingredients. Its menu reflects that approach through creative appetizers, house-prepared components, and combinations that go beyond standard casual dining.

The dining room’s local artwork also adds a sense of place, connecting the restaurant to the surrounding East Tennessee community.

Steaks, ribs, and hearty entrees

Not everyone wants a burger. Local Goat offers hand-cut steaks, pork chops, ribs, seafood, and other entrees for guests looking for a more substantial dinner.

The variety makes it a good option when your group wants a satisfying sit-down meal after spending the day exploring Pigeon Forge and the surrounding Smoky Mountain area.

Shareable starters for groups

Appetizers such as beer cheese fondue, fried green tomatoes, and chicken wings can make the meal feel more social. Ordering a starter or two for the table gives everyone a chance to sample different flavors before choosing a main course.

This works particularly well for families, couples traveling together, and larger groups who enjoy sharing food.

Mountain views and a lively atmosphere

Local Goat combines its dining experience with views of the surrounding mountains, including the Mount LeConte area. The restaurant’s upbeat setting, local artwork, and sports-friendly lounge create an atmosphere suited to both casual lunches and relaxed dinners.

Family-friendly menu choices

The dedicated kids’ menu helps make dining easier for families with younger travelers. Adults can explore the more adventurous dishes while children choose familiar favorites.

For multi-generational groups, this variety makes it easier to find a meal everyone can enjoy at the same table.

Insider Tips

• Make a reservation when possible. Local Goat accepts reservations for parties of 10 or fewer through its reservation system. The restaurant can be busy during weekends and peak vacation seasons, so planning ahead is helpful.
• Arrive hungry and consider sharing starters. With options such as beer cheese fondue, fried green tomatoes, and wings, there are plenty of choices for a shared beginning to the meal.
• Explore the specialty burgers. If you usually order a classic cheeseburger, consider trying one of the restaurant’s more distinctive combinations for a different flavor experience.
• Check the lunch menu. Local Goat offers lunch selections in addition to its dinner menu, making it a useful stop if you’re planning activities later in the day.
• Ask about vegetarian choices. The restaurant has a limited number of vegetarian menu items and may accommodate special requests depending on kitchen availability.
• Be careful with dietary restrictions. The restaurant offers gluten-sensitive menu information, but its kitchen is not a gluten-free environment. Guests with allergies or strict dietary needs should speak with staff about ingredients and potential cross-contact.
• Allow extra travel time. The restaurant is on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, where traffic can be heavy during busy seasons. Build extra time into your plans, particularly around popular attractions.
• Confirm holiday hours. The restaurant lists daily hours of 11 AM to 10 PM and closes on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Check the current schedule before visiting.
• Plan for a sit-down meal. Local Goat states that it does not offer to-go orders, so plan to dine at the restaurant rather than relying on takeout for a cabin dinner.

Stay Hello Sunshine Tip

Make Local Goat part of a day exploring Pigeon Forge. After visiting attractions, browsing shops, or enjoying a scenic drive through the Smoky Mountain area, settle in for a relaxed meal with creative American comfort food.

If you’re visiting with family or friends, consider ordering a few appetizers to share before everyone chooses a main course. With its range of burgers, steaks, seafood, and kid-friendly options, the restaurant offers flexibility for groups with different tastes.

Because Local Goat is a sit-down dining destination, plan enough time to enjoy the meal without rushing back to your next activity. A reservation can also make the evening easier during busy travel periods.

After dinner, return to Sunshine Around the Bend and enjoy the quieter side of your getaway. Unwind in the hot tub, admire the wooded views from the wraparound deck, or gather around the private patio fire table when conditions allow.

At Stay Hello Sunshine, we believe meaningful stays are about more than the places you visit. They’re about good meals, conversations that linger, and the comfort of returning to a space where everyone can slow down and reconnect. Local Goat offers a memorable dining option to include in your Smoky Mountain experience.