Aunt Granny’s at Dollywood
Quick Takeaway: Aunt Granny’s at Dollywood offers homestyle, all-you-care-to-eat Southern comfort food that’s perfect for families — especially those with picky eaters. With flexible policies, hearty dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a recommended dining experience. Just be sure to build about 90 minutes into your touring plan so you can enjoy it without missing out on the rest of the park’s attractions.
When you plan a Dollywood visit, the spotlight often shines on thrilling rides and charming shows. But nestled in Rivertown Junction is a destination just as delightful: Aunt Granny’s Restaurant. This homestyle, all-you-care-to-eat, family-style dining experience is a standout—and it’s especially kind to families with picky eaters or special food needs.
For the Simply Touring traveler, Aunt Granny’s is comfort on a plate, and an absolute must for those seeking hearty, Southern hospitality paired with budget value and flexibility.
What’s on the Table? Aunt Granny’s Standard Offerings
Aunt Granny’s delivers a grand Southern buffet straight to your table, featuring a rotating rotation of classic dishes that read like a family recipe collection. You will get to choose 3 meats and 4 vegetables for your table:
- Smoky Mountain Starters & Sides:
- Braised cabbage
- Creamy corn pudding
- Mac ’n’ cheese
- Garlic cheddar biscuits
- Bush’s black-eyed peas
- Herb-roasted red bliss potatoes
- Honey-glazed carrots
- Mashed potatoes
- Southern green beans
- Braised cabbage
Bountiful Greens:
- Granny’s Garden Salad with iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, croutons, and your choice of ranch or Italian dressing
Hearty Smoky Mountain Classics:
- Crispy fried chicken
- Herb-baked (oven-roasted) chicken
- Sausage with peppers & onions
- Pot roast with vegetables & gravy
- Southern fried catfish with tartar sauce
Sweet Tastes of the Smokies:
- Assorted desserts like banana pudding and Oreo “dirt” cake cups
- Assorted sugar-free Jello
- Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies
- Seasonal cobbler (apple, peach, cherry, blackberry)
Plus, Coca-Cola fountain beverages or coffee come included with the meal
What’s the Cost?
Pricing varies depending on the season and offering. The current cost per person is as follows:
- Adult price: $27.99 + Tax
- Child (4-9) price:$11.99 + Tax
Why It’s Picky-Eater Friendly (and Parent-Approved)
One of the biggest perks of Aunt Granny’s? Flexibility for kids with selective tastes. If your child prefers food you’ve brought in—or just isn’t eating—the restaurant won’t make you pay for them just to walk through the door. That relational touch removes a lot of mealtime stress for parents and keeps dining affordable and inclusive.
The food itself caters to finicky eaters too: familiar favorites like mac ’n’ cheese, mashed potatoes, bread; plus milder proteins all side by side. That means children can have a little of what they want without pressure to eat everything on a plate.
Location Convenience
Located in Rivertown Junction, Aunt Granny’s is centrally placed within Dollywood. Whether you’re racing between rides or soaking in shows, it’s easy to pop in for a hearty sit-down meal without straying far. The family-style service means you can recharge together—no rushing, no chaos.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit
- Arrive Hungry: Portions are generous, and with unlimited refills, you’ll want room to enjoy the full spread.
- Bring a Plan for Picky Eaters: The combination of familiar sides and a no-charge policy for non-eating children makes this restaurant a parent’s ally. If need be you can pick up chicken tenders from the Country Fair area and bring them in for your child. They are very accommodating.
- Time It for a Break: Use this dining experience as quality downtime—perfect for sharing stories and recharging. Downside-You will lose touring time as this dining experience takes more time than a quick service window location.
Timing Considerations: Build It Into Your Touring Plan
One important thing to keep in mind is that dining at Aunt Granny’s will take time away from other attractions in the park. Because it’s a sit-down, all-you-care-to-eat experience with table service, you’ll want to set aside about 90 minutes to fully enjoy the meal. This is the one real downside: if you don’t plan for it, it can cut into your ride and show time. To make the most of your Dollywood day, consider scheduling Aunt Granny’s as your dinner stop after you’ve completed your touring plan, or intentionally build the mealtime into your itinerary. That way, you can relax, recharge, and savor the experience without feeling rushed.
Our Family’s Thoughts
Aunt Granny’s is more than a place to eat—it’s a taste of Southern hospitality wrapped in comfort food, made for families traveling with picky eaters or unique dietary needs. With hearty dishes, thoughtful policies, and wallet-friendly theme park pricing (I’m talking to you Disney), it’s a dinner table that feels like home—right in the heart of Dollywood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Aunt Granny’s located inside Dollywood?
Aunt Granny’s is in Rivertown Junction, conveniently near some of Dollywood’s most popular attractions, making it easy to fit into your park day.
What type of food does Aunt Granny’s serve?
Aunt Granny’s offers all-you-care-to-eat Southern favorites like fried chicken, pot roast, mashed potatoes, cornbread, green beans, and seasonal cobblers. Sides, salads, drinks, and desserts are included.
Do you have to pay for children who aren’t eating?
No. If you have a child who isn’t eating or prefers food you’ve brought in, you won’t be charged for them to sit with your family. This makes Aunt Granny’s very friendly for families with picky eaters or kids with special food needs.
How long should I plan for an Aunt Granny’s meal?
Because meals are served family-style with unlimited refills, expect to spend about 90 minutes at Aunt Granny’s. It’s best to build this time into your touring plan or schedule it as a relaxing dinner after rides and shows.
Is Aunt Granny’s all-you-can-eat?
Yes. Meals are served family-style at the table, and you can request as many refills as you’d like on entrées, sides, and desserts.
Does Aunt Granny’s accommodate picky eaters?
Absolutely! The menu includes plenty of kid-friendly basics like mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, bread, and chicken. Combined with the no-charge policy for non-eating kids, it’s one of the best options in the park for families with selective eaters.
