About Margaritaville Restaurant
Margaritaville at The Island is the Pigeon Forge outpost of the Jimmy Buffett restaurant brand, and it commits to the theme from the front door. Expect natural wood, warm colors, several bars and a stage built for live music. The operator's own tagline promises "margaritas to cheeseburgers," which is a fair summary of the menu's center of gravity.
Where it is
The restaurant is on the south end of The Island in Pigeon Forge, at 130 The Island Drive, Suite 6101. It is not in Gatlinburg,. If you are staying in Gatlinburg, plan on a drive up the Parkway rather than a walk.
The Island is a pedestrian-friendly entertainment district with its own parking, so you can park once and wander. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel and the shops are a short stroll from the restaurant, which makes this an easy stop on a rainy afternoon or after dark.
What makes it different
- The deck. A large deck overlooks the Little Pigeon River, with outdoor tables and live music. A fire pit anchors the 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar, the spot to head for on a cool fall evening.
- The stage. Live music is a regular feature. Check the restaurant's website for the current entertainment schedule, because performers change.
- Multiple dining rooms and bars. The layout spreads across several distinct spaces, so a large group can usually find a table that does not feel like a cafeteria.
Hours and contact
As posted by the operator in fall 2026:
- Sunday through Thursday: 11 AM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 11 AM to 11 PM
- Call (865) 210-8530
Holiday and winter hours can shift, so a quick call before a late dinner is smart.
Making it work
Margaritaville is a themed restaurant first, and it plays best for groups who want a lively room more than a quiet one. Families fit in well in the daytime; evenings with live music get louder. If you want a calmer meal, eat at an off-peak hour, such as mid-afternoon between lunch and dinner.
Parking at The Island is free in the main lots on most days, but event nights can fill them, so allow extra time around holiday weekends and during the Winterfest season (November 6, 2026, through January 31, 2027), when the Parkway slows to a crawl after dark. The Pigeon Forge Fun Time Trolley is $1 a ride and stops along the Parkway if you would rather skip driving after a margarita.
A good plan for a Smokies day: spend the morning in the national park (remember the parking tag, $5 a day, which federal passes do not replace), then come back down to The Island for a late lunch, a ride on the Wheel and an evening set of music. It is a dependable choice when the group cannot agree on one cuisine, because the menu leans on familiar American comfort food with a beach-bar accent.
This is a chain, so you will not find regional Appalachian cooking here. If that is what you came for, look at the independent Parkway restaurants and save this one for the night you want a drink with your feet figuratively in the sand.
Good to know
- What kind of food does Margaritaville Restaurant serve?
- American, island-themed.