Dining at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen at The Island in Pigeon Forge, TN
Quick Takeaway: Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen at The Island in Pigeon Forge serves Southern comfort food family style, with shared entrées, sides, and desserts at a set per-person price.
When it comes to hearty Southern food served with a side of nostalgia, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen at The Island in Pigeon Forge delivers an experience that feels just as much like a gathering as it does a meal. This popular restaurant is popular for families, large groups, and anyone craving classic Southern favorites served the way they were meant to be, family style.
Location at The Island in Pigeon Forge
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen is conveniently located at The Island, one of Pigeon Forge’s most popular entertainment and shopping locations. The Island is pedestrian-friendly, so dining here does require a short walk into The Island. We like to pair this meal with a day we are already planning to visit The Island.
After parking in The Island’s main parking lot, guests can either:
- Walk across the bridge into The Island (the most common option), or
- Ride the complimentary Island tram, which runs frequently and drops guests right near the main entrance
Once inside The Island, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen is easy to spot thanks to its large signage and welcoming Southern-style exterior. It’s centrally located, making it a convenient dining stop whether you’re arriving just to eat or pairing your meal with attractions like The Wheel, Shopping, or live entertainment.
How the Menu Works: Family Style Dining
One of the most important things to know before dining at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen is that everything is served family style. This is not a traditional order-your-own-entrée restaurant. Instead, the entire table selects shared options, and food is brought out in generous bowls and platters meant to be passed around. It is unlimited, so you can have your bowls filled as many times as you like.
This is perfect for families and groups, but it does mean that everyone at the table must agree on:
- A set number of Down Home Dishes for the table based on which meal price tier you choose.
- Side dishes
If someone at the table is a picky eater, it’s a good idea to discuss choices ahead of time to make sure there’s something everyone will enjoy.
Pricing Breakdown
Pricing at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen is per person, and rates can vary slightly by season or meal, but generally fall into these ranges. These ranges are based on how many entrees are selected for the table:
- Breakfast: Around $17–$19 per adult
- Lunch: Around $20–$24 per adult
- Dinner: Around $25–$29 per adult
- Kids (ages 3–10): Reduced pricing
- Kids 2 and under: Eat free
Your per-person price includes all food selected for the table, and you’re welcome to request refills on most items, making it a great value if you come hungry.
Breakfast at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen
Breakfast is a favorite for many guests and offers a true Southern start to the day. The table selects shared items such as:
- Fluffy buttermilk biscuits
- Sausage gravy
- Scrambled eggs
- Bacon and sausage
- Fried potatoes
- Apple Cinnamon French Toast
- Nashville Hot Chicken Waffles
- Sweet Piggies in a Blanket
- Everyday Breakfast Casserole
- Country Scrambler with Sausage Gravy
- And More…
Everything is served hot, fresh, and plentiful. Breakfast is especially popular on weekends and during peak vacation seasons, so arriving early or planning for a wait is recommended. Reservations are also available which we highly recommend!
Lunch & Dinner: Southern Comfort Classics
Lunch and dinner follow the same family-style format and include some of Paula Deen’s most well-known dishes. The table can choose two to four entrées, along with multiple sides based on which price per person tier they decide to go with.
Popular entrée options often include:
- Southern fried chicken
- Country-fried steak with gravy
- Meatloaf
- Chicken and Dumplings
- Chicken Fried Pork Chop
- Spare Ribs
- And More…
Sides are just as much of a highlight and may include:
- Macaroni and cheese
- Creamed Potatoes
- Green beans
- Creamed corn
- Fried okra
- Broccoli Casserole
To finish the meal, each person chooses a dessert with favorites to choose from like banana pudding, peach cobbler, or Ooey Gooey Buter cake, depending on availability.
A True Family-Style Experience
What truly sets Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen apart is the shared dining experience. Food arrives in large portions meant to be passed, shared, and enjoyed together. It encourages conversation, slows the pace of the meal, and feels more like sitting down at a Southern family table than dining out at a typical restaurant.
This also means the experience works best when everyone is on board with Southern comfort food and shared choices. For families traveling together or groups looking for a relaxed, filling meal, it’s an ideal setup.
The dining room is located on the second floor, giving diners a beautiful view of The Island and the famous fountain from the many vast windows as they enjoy their meal.
Final Thoughts for Simply Touring Readers
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen at The Island in Pigeon Forge is more than just a place to eat, it’s a full Southern dining experience. From navigating The Island’s walkable layout to sharing platters of comfort food, it’s a meal designed to be enjoyed together.
If you’re visiting Pigeon Forge with family and want a sit-down meal that’s filling, familiar, and uniquely Southern, this is a restaurant worth planning into your trip. Just come hungry, be ready to share, and make sure the table agrees because at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, everyone eats the same, and everyone eats well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen located in Pigeon Forge?
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen is in The Island in Pigeon Forge. Guests must park in The Island’s parking lot and either walk across the bridge or take the complimentary Island tram to reach the restaurant.
How does dining work at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen?
Dining is family style. Instead of ordering individual meals, the entire table selects shared entrées, sides, and desserts that are served in large portions for everyone to share.
Does everyone at the table have to order the same food?
Yes. Because the meal is served family style, everyone at the table must agree on the selected menu items. This is important to keep in mind for picky eaters or guests with dietary preferences.
How much does it cost to eat at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen?
Pricing is per person and varies by meal. Breakfast typically ranges from the high teens per adult, while lunch and dinner are usually in the low-to-mid $20 range. Children receive discounted pricing, and kids two and under eat free.
Is the food all-you-can-eat?
While it’s not advertised as a buffet, most items can be refilled upon request, making it a generous and filling dining experience.
Do they take reservations?
Reservations are recommended. Currently reservations are only available for dinner. Walk-ups are accepted, but wait times can be long during busy hours.
Is Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The restaurant and The Island are wheelchair accessible, including walkways, seating, and restrooms.
