Dollywood’s Wilderness Pass Restaurant
Quick Takeaway: Dollywood’s Wilderness Pass Restaurant is the park’s newest dining destination and delivers a true taste of the Smoky Mountains. With wood-fired meats, hearty sides, and relaxing outdoor seating, it’s the perfect place to refuel between thrill rides. Expect platters in the $25 range, mobile ordering options, and big portions that make it worth the time and money.
Dollywood is known for its heartwarming blend of Southern charm, mountain scenery, and comfort food that feels like home. In 2025, the park raised the bar again with the debut of the Wilderness Pass Restaurant, a brand-new dining spot that captures everything guests love about the Smokies — flavorful food, rustic beauty, and a relaxing space to slow down in between rides.
Nestled right in the middle of the Wilderness Pass area, this new restaurant sits conveniently between Wild Eagle, FireChaser Express, and Mystery Mine, making it a perfect mid-day stop during your Dollywood adventure. The open-air design gives it a mountain lodge feel, with sturdy timber beams, natural stone, and a cozy covered patio. Even on warm Tennessee afternoons, you’ll find plenty of shade, fans, and a comfortable breeze drifting through.
Mountain Flavor with a Southern Twist
The Wilderness Pass Restaurant focuses on wood-fired and slow-smoked favorites. The menu feels like something you’d find at a Smoky Mountain backyard cookout — hearty, simple, and full of flavor.
Guests can choose from a lineup of entrées that celebrate Southern cooking traditions:
- BBQ Braised Beef that’s melt-in-your-mouth tender
- Rotisserie Chicken seasoned with herbs and roasted perfectly
- Pulled Pork that’s been smoked low and slow
- Southern Fried Catfish with a crisp golden coating
- Delicious Country Sausage
Each meal comes with your choice of two classic sides, biscuit, and dessert. Dollywood didn’t hold back on sides: think creamy mac and cheese, tangy collard greens, buttery cheddar grits, smoky baked beans, hush puppies, corn salad, seasonal fruit, and sweet yams that could pass as dessert.
Speaking of dessert — you’ll want to save room for the banana bread pudding, strawberry shortcake or pineapple upside-down cake, both of which are already gaining a following among early visitors.
Kid-Friendly Dining
Families will appreciate the thoughtful kids’ menu, featuring chicken drumsticks, mac and cheese, or even an Uncrustable sandwich — perfect for younger park-goers who may be more excited about the next ride than what’s on their plate. Each kid’s meal comes with sides and a drink, so even picky eaters are covered.
Pricing and Portion Size
While Dollywood’s food prices have risen slightly in recent years, Wilderness Pass Restaurant keeps things in line with other full-meal locations across the park. Entrée platters with sides in the $25 range, depending on the protein you select.
Guests who’ve dined here early in the season have noted that it’s one of Dollywood’s better “value-for-quality” meals, especially considering the fresh ingredients and made-to-order feel.
Hours and Convenience
The Wilderness Pass Restaurant typically opens when the park does and closes about an hour before the park shuts down for the evening. Hours can vary slightly depending on crowd levels and season, so it’s smart to double-check in the Dollywood app before you go. The best news? The restaurant offers mobile ordering, meaning you can place your order in advance, skip the main line, and pick up your meal when it’s ready — a great time-saver during the lunch rush.
An Inviting Break Between Rides
If you’re spending the day exploring Dollywood, Wilderness Pass Restaurant is the perfect place to take a break without feeling like you’ve stepped out of the park’s immersive setting. The open-air structure keeps you connected to the sounds and energy of Dollywood — you might even hear the Wild Eagle soar by while you enjoy your meal.
It’s not a quiet spot (this is a themepark, after all), but it’s a comfortable one — ideal for recharging before heading off to Lightning Rod or Big Bear Mountain.
Simply Touring Tip: Plan It Into Your Day
As wonderful as the food is, this isn’t a quick grab-and-go stop. Expect to spend a little time here — between ordering, waiting for your food, and soaking in the scenery. If you’re building a Dollywood touring plan, it’s best to schedule Wilderness Pass Restaurant around your lunch or early dinner, rather than squeezing it in between major attractions.
Final Thoughts
Dollywood continues to impress with how it blends innovation and tradition, and Wilderness Pass Restaurant is the latest example of that balance done right. From its hearty meals and welcoming atmosphere to its prime location, this addition feels like it’s always belonged in the park.
Whether you’re a longtime Dollywood fan or visiting for the first time during the park’s 40th anniversary season, Wilderness Pass Restaurant is a must-try stop. Bring your appetite, take your time, and enjoy a little Southern comfort in the heart of the Smokies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Wilderness Pass Restaurant located?
It’s in the Wilderness Pass section of Dollywood, near Wild Eagle, Mystery Mine, and FireChaser Express.
What kind of food is served?
The restaurant specializes in wood-fired and slow-smoked Southern favorites like BBQ beef, rotisserie chicken, pulled pork, and fried catfish — plus classic sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and baked beans.
How much does it cost to eat here?
Entrée platters are in the range of $25, depending on your selection. Kids’ meals are around $7–$9.
Does Wilderness Pass Restaurant offer mobile ordering?
Yes! You can use the Dollywood app to place an order and pick it up when it’s ready.
What are the restaurant’s hours?
It generally opens with the park and closes about an hour before the park shuts down. Check the Dollywood app for specific hours during your visit.
Is there indoor seating?
The restaurant features covered outdoor seating with fans, heaters, and weather panels, offering comfort in all seasons.
