About Aunt Granny's Restaurant
Aunt Granny's Restaurant is inside Dollywood, so you need a park ticket to eat here. It is one of the park's original dining rooms: it was built in 1986 and opened in the park's first season. For many families, it is the sit-down meal of a Dollywood day.
What it is
Aunt Granny's is a Southern, family-style buffet in the Rivertown Junction area of the park. The restaurant was recast in 2018 with a new look and new menu items, and it is now presented by Lodge, the cast iron maker that is based in Tennessee. You can read about the changes in Dollywood's announcement coverage.
Hours and reservations
Hours follow the park calendar, so check the Dollywood website for the dates and times when the park is operating. Tripster's buffet guide lists a typical window of 11 AM to 7 PM and says reservations are not accepted, with later hours on peak summer and festival days. Plan around a seating wait at noon.
Making it work
The lunch rush is the problem on a busy day. Eat early, around 11 AM, or after 2 PM, and you will spend more time on rides and less in line. If you have a stroller or a group that cannot split up, a buffet keeps everyone happy with one stop, since each person picks their own plate.
Dollywood's 2026 season included the new NightFlight Expedition, which opened in August, and the Smoky Mountain Christmas season runs from November 6, 2026 to January 3, 2027. If you are visiting in the festival months, expect Aunt Granny's to be busy during evening shows.
Getting there
The address for the park is 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd in Pigeon Forge. Pigeon Forge's Fun Time Trolley runs along the Parkway and has a Dollywood route, which can save you the parking fee at the gate. Tripster's guide to Pigeon Forge buffets also lists Aunt Granny's among the area's best-known all-you-can-eat spots.
Who it suits
Big families, grandparents, and anyone who wants a real sit-down meal inside the gates instead of a snack stand. If you have picky eaters, a buffet keeps arguments to a minimum. If you are on a tight schedule and prefer a fast bite, other counter-service restaurants in the park will be quicker.
Good to know
- What kind of food does Aunt Granny's Restaurant serve?
- Southern, Family-style buffet. It’s known for southern buffet.
- Does Aunt Granny's Restaurant take reservations?
- Not accepted.
