Breakfast at Ember & Elm: A Delicious Start!
Quick Takeaways: Ember & Elm at Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge offers a breakfast experience that’s both convenient and delicious. With the choice between a hearty buffet and made-to-order menu items, there’s something for every appetite. The buffet stands out for its variety, freshness, and added value—especially with drinks included and a custom omelet station. The cozy, rustic setting creates a calm start to your day, and early breakfast hours make it easy to fuel up before heading to the park. Whether you’re staying at the lodge or just stopping in, Ember & Elm is a great way to kick off your Smoky Mountain adventure.
When staying at Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, there’s no better way to start your morning than with a delicious breakfast at Ember & Elm. Nestled inside this charming Smoky Mountain-inspired resort, Ember & Elm offers a warm, inviting dining experience with food to match. On our most recent visit, we opted for an early breakfast ahead of a full day at Dollywood—and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our stay.
A Peaceful Morning Ambience
We made reservations for 7:15 a.m., knowing we wanted to rope drop Dollywood right when the park opened. Even at that early hour, Ember & Elm was ready to welcome us with soft lighting, rustic lodge décor, and a calm, peaceful atmosphere. The dining room was quiet and relaxed, with guests slowly trickling in as the morning went on.
While we likely didn’t need a reservation that early—there was plenty of seating available—it gave us peace of mind, especially knowing the restaurant may become busier between 8 and 10 a.m. For families or larger parties, or if you’re planning to eat during peak breakfast hours, it never hurts to make a reservation ahead of time.
More Than Just a Buffet: Options and Value at Ember & Elm
One of the nice surprises at Ember & Elm is that guests aren’t limited to just one dining style—you can either order from a traditional breakfast menu or opt for the buffet. While both options offer a quality meal, we found the buffet to be the best bang for your buck, especially if you’re in the mood for variety. And here’s a sweet surprise—you can have Dollywood’s famous cinnamon bread delivered right to your table. What?! Yes, really. Warm, gooey, and topped with icing, it’s the perfect indulgent add-on to an already incredible breakfast.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill breakfast spread. The buffet is thoughtfully curated, with dishes that are both comforting and flavorful. Hot selections included perfectly scrambled eggs, crispy strips of bacon, seasoned breakfast potatoes, juicy sausage links, and soft, buttery biscuits paired with rich sausage gravy.
For those preferring something lighter, there was plenty to enjoy—fresh-cut fruit, creamy yogurt, warm grits with toppings, and a tempting array of pastries and muffins. Everything was well-stocked and neatly presented, and the staff made sure the serving stations stayed clean and inviting throughout our visit.
Whether you’re a big breakfast eater or just like to graze on a few favorites, the buffet offered plenty of options to start the day off right.
One of our favorite parts of the morning was the custom omelet station. A friendly chef was stationed near the buffet, crafting made-to-order omelets with your choice of ingredients. Whether you wanted classic ham and cheese or a veggie-packed creation, the chef was happy to accommodate.
The omelet was cooked perfectly and packed with flavor—a great way to add a personal touch to your buffet experience. It’s a small detail that elevated the entire breakfast and made it feel more special than your typical resort meal.
Sip & Savor
In addition to the food, Ember & Elm includes drinks in the cost of the buffet. My husband enjoyed a glass of orange juice and water, while I went for the classic combo of coffee and water. The coffee was hot, strong, and frequently refilled, which is always a win for early risers heading into a long theme park day.
Our server was attentive, making sure our drinks stayed replenished and our plates were cleared when we were finished with them.
Calm, Cozy, and Convenient
Ember & Elm strikes the perfect balance between mountain charm and modern comfort. The space is warm and inviting, with rustic touches like timber accents and cozy seating. It’s the kind of setting that encourages you to linger a little longer over that first cup of coffee.
Tucked just off the main lobby on the ground floor of HeartSong Lodge, the restaurant is easy to find and even easier to enjoy—whether you’re fueling up before a full day at Dollywood or taking your time with a relaxed morning at the resort. The atmosphere is calm, the location convenient, and the experience a peaceful way to begin your day in the Smokies.
A Perfect Pre-Park Meal
We wrapped up our meal around 8:00 a.m. feeling full, satisfied, and energized for the day ahead. It was the perfect pre-park meal—hearty enough to hold us over for hours, but not too heavy to slow us down. Having so many options meant that everyone in our group was able to find something they loved.
We also appreciated that Ember & Elm opens early (daily starting at 7:00 a.m.), which gave us plenty of time to eat without rushing. With Dollywood just a short trolley ride away, we were able to finish breakfast and still be at the gates before the crowds to take part in Golden Hour!
Cost and Value
At the time of our visit, the breakfast buffet cost $23.00 per adult, with discounted pricing of $15.00 available for children. Considering the quality of the food, the chef-driven omelet station, and the tranquil lodge setting, we felt the value was excellent—especially when compared to similar resort dining options. I’m talking to you Disney!
Final Thoughts
Breakfast at Ember & Elm is more than just a quick meal—it’s an experience that adds to the magic of staying at Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. Whether you’re fueling up for a day in the park or simply enjoying a slow morning at the lodge, this buffet is well worth your time.
We recommend arriving early if you’re planning to rope drop Dollywood, and making a reservation if you’re dining during peak hours. And don’t skip the omelet station—it’s the kind of extra touch that makes a vacation feel extra special.
If you’re headed to Pigeon Forge and staying at HeartSong Lodge, Ember & Elm is a can’t-miss breakfast spot. Come hungry—you won’t leave disappointed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of breakfast is served at Ember & Elm?
Ember & Elm offers both a full breakfast buffet and an à la carte menu. Guests can choose the buffet for variety and value or order individual dishes if they prefer a lighter or more specific option.
Is the buffet worth it?
In our opinion, Yes! The buffet includes a wide variety of hot and cold items, plus a made-to-order omelet station. It’s fresh, plentiful, and a great value if you want to try a little bit of everything.
What kinds of food are included in the buffet?
The buffet typically includes scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, biscuits and gravy, fresh fruit, oatmeal, yogurt, pastries, and muffins—plus custom omelets made by a chef. The breakfast pizza was also delicious!
Are drinks included with the buffet?
Yes, beverages such as coffee, tea, water, and juice are included in the price of the buffet.
What is the cost of the buffet?
$23 for Adults and $15 for children. 9 and under at the time of our visit.
Do I need a reservation for breakfast?
Reservations are available and can be a good idea during busy times (especially between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m.). During slower hours, like early morning, walk-ins are often accommodated without a wait.
What time does breakfast start at Ember & Elm?
Breakfast service begins at 7:00 a.m. daily, making it easy to enjoy a meal before heading to the park.
Where is Ember & Elm located within HeartSong Lodge?
The restaurant is on the main floor, just off the lobby, making it easy to access whether you’re staying overnight or stopping in for a meal.
