Gatlinburg is located in eastern Tennessee and is known as the gateway to the Smoky Mountains. The beautiful drive to the high energy mountain town culminates in opportunities to enjoy some of the most beautiful sweeping views the east has to offer. The town still keeps much of its rugged mountaineer charm while adding attractions that invite fun and take advantage of the picturesque landscape.
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CONTENTS
00:00 Intro & Teaser
00:51 Gatlinburg Overview
02:02 Crockett's Breakfast Camp
04:23 Tennessee Jed's
05:12 Chesapeake's Seafood
06:56 Ole Smoky Mtn Moonshine
08:08 Trish's Mountain Diner
09:06 The Rampant Lion
11:42 Red Oak Bistro
13:31 Mad Dog's
14:18 Outro
With all there is to do in Gatlinburg, it can get congested on the strip. So we have restaurant picks in the downtown area as well as on the outskirts, depending on your dining preference.
Named for an 1800s frontiersman and soldier, Crockett’s Breakfast Camp opens early to quickly get you out to explore the Smoky Mountains. They have an abundance of sweet items, highlighted by their massive shareable cinnamon rolls. They are not short on savory goods, including cathead stackers, Cherokee sweet corn pone, and the Elk Mountain Grande Burrito. The atmosphere is like a scene from a hunter’s log cabin, complete with mounted head trophies, animal skins and a warm fireplace.
Tennessee Jed’s is a Gatlinburg staple that turns out excellent breakfast classics, sandwich favorites and Frito pies. If you are already downtown, there may be no better place for excellent grab-and-go food. But we found ourselves truly grabbing on the run as we couldn’t even find a parking spot during the busy noon hour.
Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar offers seafood that is flown in daily and pairs it with microbrews, local and international wines as well as hand-crafted cocktails. The atmosphere is notably upscale and nautical - a refreshing far cry from many of the home cooking alternatives in Gatlinburg. And their side items are so exquisite they may just rival the main courses.
Ole Smoky Moonshine is a Gatlinburg tradition, selling a variety of moonshine, flavored whiskies and spiked fruit. If you’re not sure what turns your crank, mosey up to any of the counters and get a sampling of the spirits they have to offer.
Trish’s Mountain Diner is located a good 8 miles east of the downtown Gatlinburg strip. Away from the hustle and bustle, you will have no problems parking at this mainstay for traditional breakfast dishes. Folks rave over the French Toast, but I found the breakfast bowl to be perfect as I selected the exact ingredients I wanted. The down home diner atmosphere is well paired with excellent staff service.
The Rampant Lion is a relaxed Scottish-influenced pub with an extensive wine and whiskey menu - and plenty of beer choices, too. You immediately get the deep sense of care that goes into every dish as the creator of the menu and your server are one in the same. It appears that hubby is in the back cooking up everything to order. This is a hidden gem in Gatlinburg as the traditional Celtic pub fare is no doubt the best you can find this side of the pond.
Red Oak Bistro may be touted as one of a kind in Gatlinburg, but I think it’s a unique cafe within the entire Southeast. Operated by a husband and wife team, their passion for serving up genuine Eastern European cuisine is obvious and appreciated. The tapas style is perfect for sampling a variety of the tasty treats. The upscale smoked salmon is just as scrumptious as the peasant sliced beets. Don’t forget to pair it with one of their grand selections of wine, bourbon, or beer.
Mad Dog’s Ice Cream and Donuts has your sweet tooth satisfied at the beginning or the end of the day. Do like we did: stop in the evening for a healthy dose of ice cream on a cone while you grab a variety of the scrumptious donuts for the morning after. A great way to consume those calories you’ll burn up climbing Mount LeConte or Charlie’s Bunion.