Pigeon Forge burger joint named top 'Hidden Gem' restaurant in United States
Cookie Dough Monster in Pigeon Forge − which gets its name from an impressive selection of cookie dough bites − also proclaims its burgers "the best in the Smokies."
It seems the contributors to travel guidance platform Tripadvisor agree. The locally owned burger joint in the Smoky Mountains tourist mecca has been named the No. 1 "Hidden Gem" restaurant in the country by Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Best of the Best for 2023.
What are the Travelers' Choice awards?
Every year, Tripadvisor names travelers’ favorite destinations, hotels, restaurants and things to do around the world, based on reviews and ratings collected over the past 12 months.
Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best restaurants have a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor’s 8 million listings are awarded Best of the Best.
To be eligible for an award, a business must have been listed on Tripadvisor for at least 12 months, must receive a threshold number of reviews within the evaluation period, and must maintain or exceed a minimum bubble rating.
Three East Tennessee restaurants named 'Hidden Gems'
Tripadvisor named 25 "Hidden Gems" this year, calling them "restaurants that earn their under-the-radar status."
Cookie Dough Monster Burgers & Shakes, located in Pigeon Forge, drew raves for its friendly staff and unique menu options that include more than a dozen cookie bite flavors, 40 different shakes and an array of burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.
"Don't let the name fool you," wrote one Tripadvisor reviewer. "If you like burgers, this is the place!"
Coming in at No. 2 is Riverfront Seafood Company in Kingsport, which calls itself "Northeast Tennessee's only fresh seafood restaurant., located on the South Fork of the Holston River overlooking Bays Mountain."
Riverfront Seafood was the only Tennessee eatery to win in two categories, ranking No. 21 on the list of best "Everyday Eats."
Trish's Mountain Diner in Gatlinburg, which has been called a classic diner experience, was ranked No. 13. The family-style restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch, with dinner on Fridays and Saturdays.
Eastern Tennessee also received nods in family-friendly, fine dining categories
Several other Pigeon Forge restaurants were recognized: Local Goat, a farm to table restaurant specializing in New American cuisine, was ranked the No. 2 "Everyday Eats" restaurant, while Frizzle Chicken Cafe came in at No. 5 on the list of family-friendly eateries.
English Mountain Trout Farm in Sevierville, which was featured in the new season of Guy Fieri's All-American Road Trip, was named No. 4 in the family-friendly category. According to Tripadvisor, these are the restaurants "where the vibe − and the menu − is a good time for the whole fam."
It's been a good year for Dancing Bear Lodge's Appalachian Bistro in Townsend, which was ranked No. 21 in the fine dining category. According to Tripadvisor, "Think: white tablecloths, famous chefs, unforgettable bites." Dancing Bear also received an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine after winning the award last year as well.
Liz Kellar is a Tennessee Connect reporter. Email liz.kellar@knoxnews.com.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: East Tennessee ranks high in Tripadvisor's 'Hidden Gem' restaurants
