Most visitors come to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to experience world-famous outdoor recreation and family-friendly entertainment options. But if you want to spend an evening or two out on the town, you’re in luck—Gatlinburg is also home to a buzzing nightlife and bar scene.

Since you have so many different hotspots to choose from, we’ve put together a guide to help you plan your next bar crawl. Book your stay at a nearby Prestige Vacation Rentals property and read on to discover our top 10 picks.

1. Boudicca’s Celtic Pub

• 634 Parkway # 7, Gatlinburg, TN
• boudiccascelticpub.com
• $$
• Celtic-themed pub in downtown Gatlinburg
• Open seven days a week; closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas

Located right on the Parkway, Boudicca’s Celtic Pub is hard to miss. Though opened relatively recently in 2021, Boudicca’s has quickly become a local institution and draws Gatlinburg residents and tourists from out of town to its open doors. Pair your drink with Celtic bar food like spice bags and Irish grilled cheese, and you can keep the fun going all night long.

2. Smoky Mountain Brewery

• 1004 Parkway #501, Gatlinburg, TN
• smoky-mtn-brewery.com
• $$
• Relaxed downtown brewery with great food and sports on TV
• Open seven days a week

Though Smoky Mountain Brewery now has four locations, the one in Gatlinburg is the oldest—and, some may argue, the best. The brewery’s seasonal, rotating selection of cold beers pairs well with the pizza, burgers, and wings on offer, but look up from your glass to take in the views of the Smoky Mountains off the enclosed deck. Then again, you might just get distracted by the sports on HDTV or the live entertainment.

3. Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park

• 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
• anakeesta.com
• Multiple bars at an outdoor theme park
• Must enter the theme park to access the bars

You’ll find Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park just outside of downtown Gatlinburg. Since you need to buy a ticket to enter, you might as well make the most of your visit and go for a heart-pounding ride down Anakeesta’s mountain coasters and zip lines.

Then, unwind with a drink and mountain views at one of the park’s many bars. There’s the Watering Can (also called Tower Bar), Tap House, the Bar at the Top of the World, and Bear Can—try one or all four.

4. Tennessee Cider Company

• 611 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
• tncidercompany.com
• $$
• Cider tasting room in a cozy location
• Open from 10 am to 11 pm, seven days a week

Cider fans should plan to snag a table here ASAP. Gatlinburg’s first dedicated cidery, the Tennessee Cider Company, pours small-batch, locally crafted hard ciders with flavors ranging from golden apple to pumpkin pie. Stop by and order a flight to find your new favorite brew, or, if you’re the designated driver, sink into the cozy atmosphere of the Tennessee Cider Company’s rustic location.

5. Gatlinburg Brewing Company

• 458 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
• gatlinburgbrewing.com
• $$
• Locally owned and operated brewpub with an inventive beer selection
• Reservations/other notes

Since the craft beer of the Great Smoky Mountains is famous worldwide, a stop by one of Gatlinburg’s finest breweries is a must. This lively pub is ideal for a night out on the town, with a lively crowd and an impressive selection of drinks on tap. Try a glass of Road Trip—a collaboration with Antietam Brewery—or Red Rye-der, a red rye IPA.

If you start feeling peckish, add one of Gatlinburg Brewing Company’s pizzas (the Hangover Helper is a hit for good reason) or sauce-drenched wings to your tab.

6. Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar

• 644 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
• jasonaldeansbar.com/gatlinburg
• $$
• Cocktails and live music at a downtown restaurant and bar
• Open from 11 am to 10 pm, seven days a week

Started in Nashville by country singer Jason Aldean, this restaurant-and-bar combo transports all the good vibes of Music City to downtown Gatlinburg.

Pick up a few cocktails and some fried pickles, then settle in for the night—with live music performances happening just about daily, there’s always something new to bob your head and tap your toes to. The high energy of this place is infectious, and soon, you might just find yourself out on the dance floor.

7. The Fox & Parrot Tavern

• 1065 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN
• foxandparrottavern.com
• $$
• Dog-friendly British tavern outside of town
• Closed for renovations at the time of writing

The second you walk through the doors at The Fox & Parrot Tavern, you’ll be glad you came. This pub fully embraces its British roots, with U.K.-worthy food and drinks as well as a welcoming, upbeat atmosphere. Even four-legged friends and kids are welcome at this happening spot. The Fox & Parrot also features dart games and live music, the perfect accompaniment for your night out.

8. Ole Red Gatlinburg

• 511 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
• olered.com/gatlinburg
• $$
• Restaurant and honky-tonk with live music performances
• Open seven days a week

Jason Aldean isn’t the only country music star to put down roots in Gatlinburg. Run by Blake Shelton, the Ole Red Gatlinburg bar shakes up cocktails like the She Shed and Mountain Berry Rita. Girls trip, anyone?

Live music plays every night, so check the restaurant’s event calendar to find out who will take the stage during your visit. You can order a plate of redneck nachos or an Oklahoma onion burger to nosh on while you enjoy the show.

9. The Rampant Lion

• 734 Powdermill Rd, Gatlinburg, TN
• rampantlionpub.com
• $$
• Scottish-themed, family-friendly pub
• Closed Sunday through Tuesday

Owned by the same family as The Fox & Parrot, The Rampant Lion skews toward whiskey drinkers and carries more than 180 different brands—even moonshine. Like its sister restaurant, this location also serves several British dishes, including fish and chips and shepherd’s pie.

That said, though, the wine and spirits will likely be the main attraction for many. Between six draft beers on tap, 100 different bottled beers, and dozens of wines from around the world, The Rampant Lion has you covered no matter what you like to drink.

10. Landshark Bar & Grill

• 515 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
• gatlinburg.landsharkbarandgrill.com
• $$
• Cocktails and American food at a tropical-themed bar
• Open seven days a week

You can spot the neon shark fins of Landshark Bar & Grill from a mile away, so follow these beacons to a variety of creative drinks and eats. Since the Landshark is part of the Margaritaville Resort, the margarita menu naturally features a diverse range of cocktails—the License to Chill, Shark Tank, and Fins Up are all popular choices. The more traditional drinkers out there can pick from an equally extensive wine and beer selection.

Bottoms Up in Gatlinburg

The 10 best bars in Gatlinburg are guaranteed to turn your night out into something special. If you want to keep the party going, you can find even more bars in neighboring towns like Pigeon Forge and Sevierville—just make sure to drink responsibly.

To make sure your designated driver doesn’t have to go too far, book your stay with Prestige Vacation Rentals. Our rental homes aren’t far from downtown Gatlinburg, allowing you to experience the best of both the city’s outdoor recreation and indoor activities.

Though it serves as a popular jumping-off point for visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, more than holds its own as a travel destination. With dozens of attractions, plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, and gorgeous scenery to boot, this city has everything you could want and then some.

That includes a world-class dining scene, with diverse options ranging from high-dollar steakhouses to budget-friendly breweries. You can eat mouthwatering ribeyes, fuel up with decadent pancake breakfasts, and, yes, sample some of Tennessee’s finest barbecue right here in town.

You’ll find dozens, if not hundreds, of eateries in the area, so we’re sharing our top picks for the best restaurants in Gatlinburg. That way, you can start making your dinner reservations and planning detour-worthy lunch stops ahead of time.

Even more important than where you’ll eat, though, is where you’ll stay. Book your trip dates with Prestige Vacation Rentals, so you’ll be just a few minutes away from all the must-try food that Gatlinburg has to offer.

The Peddler Steakhouse

Photo Credit: Jim Bowie

• Address: 820 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN
• Favorite menu item: Prime rib
• Price point: $$$

The Peddler Steakhouse’s upscale yet comfortable atmosphere is perfect for just about any kind of dining occasion — and that’s before you take into consideration their famous steaks and popular salad bar.

For almost 50 years, this local favorite in the outskirts of downtown Gatlinburg has garnered a reputation for delicious eats and custom cuts of meat (including specially sized steaks just for kids). As an added bonus, you can take in views of the Little Pigeon River while you eat.

Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar

Photo Credit: Chonlapron S

• Address: 437 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
• Favorite menu item: Broiled seafood platter
• Price point: $$$

Though Gatlinburg is often called the Myrtle Beach of the Mountains, the city is still in the very much landlocked state of Tennessee. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t eat amazing seafood right here in the mountains.

Head downtown to Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar to slurp oysters, sip craft cocktails, and chow down on Maine lobster. Once you’ve finished your meal, walk off those calories with a short jaunt to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.

The Donut Friar

Photo Credit: Alexander Prokopenko

• Address: 634 Parkway #15, Gatlinburg, TN
• Favorite menu item: Chocolate eclair
• Price point: $

One of 27 boutique shops and restaurants located in a Bavarian-themed shopping center known as The Village, The Donut Friar is renowned for its fluffy pastries and morning pick-me-ups. Offerings range from traditional yeast donuts to European-style sweets like eclairs, crullers, and danishes.

Make sure to wash your donut down with a latte or cappuccino — the coffee here is every bit as tasty as the baked goods.

Crockett’s Breakfast Camp

Photo Credit: David Pimborough

• Address: 1103 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
• Favorite menu item: Griddle cakes
• Price point: $$

Alright, everyone has tried breakfast classics like eggs benedict, omelets, and cinnamon rolls — but we bet you haven’t had them the way Crockett’s Breakfast Camp makes ‘em.

You may need to wait a little while for a table since this ultra-popular spot doesn’t take reservations, but the hearty food is more than worth it. Once you get seated, start your day off right with a heaping helping of Crockett’s hot griddle cakes, so rich and sweet you might not need any maple syrup to top them off.

Tennessee Jed’s

Photo Credit: fornStudio

• Address: 631 Parkway Suite A8, Gatlinburg, TN
• Favorite menu item: Reuben
• Price point: $

If you’re looking to grab some quick grub on your way to your next adventure in Gatlinburg, make a pit stop at one of Tennessee Jed’s two locations for hefty sandwiches, hot dogs, and just-the-right-kind-of-greasy frito pies. Need to feed a large group? You can purchase pulled pork, corned beef, and Virginia ham by the pound, a great choice for picnicking in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Smoky Mountain Brewery

Photo Credit: P Maxwell Photography

• Address: 1004 Parkway #501, Gatlinburg, TN
• Favorite menu item: Boneless wings
• Price point: $$

Gatlinburg is home to a respectable handful of craft breweries, but Smoky Mountain Brewery ranks as the most popular by far. In addition to a wide selection of original beers on tap, Smoky Mountain Brewery also features live entertainment and a lengthy menu of sports bar fare, including entrees like chicken wings, pizzas, calzones, and hamburgers.

For dessert, you can choose between a slice of key lime pie or one of the daily rotating cheesecakes. This spot also has regular live music and outdoor seating, making it perfect for a night out!

The Greenbrier Restaurant

Photo Credit: sweet marshmallow

• Address: 370 Newman Rd, Gatlinburg, TN
• Favorite menu item: Bone-in ribeye
• Price point: $$

Anyone seeking a romantic night out should do themselves a favor and book dinner reservations at the Greenbrier Restaurant, housed in a historic log cabin that dates back to the 1930s. But the restaurant limits the rustic charm to its decor — the menu is all modern, with hand-cut Premium USDA steaks, stuffed Carolina trout, and a few European-inspired dishes like duck rillette.

No matter what you pick, pair your meal with a seasonal craft cocktail from the Greenbrier’s extensive drinks menu.

Delauder’s BBQ

Photo Credit: Brent Hofacker

• Address: 1875 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN
• Favorite menu item: Pulled pork sandwich
• Price point: $

A feast of Appalachian comfort food awaits visitors to Delauder’s BBQ, an award-winning local favorite. There’s no fuss or frills here — take a seat at one of the checkered-cloth-covered tables and order up some smoked brisket or a juicy pulled pork sandwich with a side of fried mac-n-cheese for good measure.

Those who feel like taking a walk on the wild side should try the Sneaky Pig sandwich, which comes dressed in Delauder’s famous habanero sauce. It’s a dining experience you won’t soon forget!

Cliff Top at Anakeesta

Photo Credit: Cartela

• Address: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
• Favorite menu item: House battered fried green tomatoes
• Price point: $$

You might come to outdoor adventure center Anakeesta for the ziplines, mountain roller coasters, and other fun activities, but you’ll stay for much longer once you get a whiff of the food cooked at their on-site eateries and bars. While all serve solid menus of good food, Cliff Top is the most popular for its panoramic mountain views. Start with a plate of fried green tomatoes, a popular appetizer, before getting a hamburger or one of the signature salads. After dinner, swing by for an American classic — Pearl’s Pie in the Sky for a hand-dipped ice cream cone or sundae.

Dine in or Out in Gatlinburg

Now that you know all about the best restaurants in Gatlinburg don’t wait to reserve your tables and book your stay with Prestige Vacation Rentals. You can even order takeout from some of these restaurants and enjoy your meal from the comfort of your rental cabin’s patio or dining room.

Just make sure to bring your appetite when you visit — we take our food seriously around these parts.

Between Dollywood, Ripley’s, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and much more, you’ll have no shortage of things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. But to fully seize the day here, you’ll need the right fuel. That starts with the most important meal of the day—breakfast.

From country breakfast nooks to upscale brunch places, the best breakfast spots in Gatlinburg won’t disappoint. You can choose from a variety of different breakfast experiences, starting with the eight restaurants we’ve picked out for this guide.

Book your stay at Prestige Vacation Rentals, and read on to find out what to eat when you arrive.

Crockett’s Breakfast Camp

Photo Credit: Julia Lav

• 1103 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
• crockettsbreakfastcamp.com
• $$
• Essential stop for a Southern-style breakfast

Crockett’s Breakfast Camp, located right on the Parkway, doesn’t take reservations. So, this is your cue to arrive as early as possible to snag your table. Locals and visitors alike love this ultra-popular spot for its giant cinnamon rolls (and we’re talking giant), but its other breakfast options include hearty bacon and eggs and French toast, cooked just like grandma used to make.

The expansive menu can be a bit daunting, so it’s best to go to Crockett’s with a group. That way, you can try a little of everything. While you eat, you might want to read up on some local history—the restaurant’s namesake, David C. “Crockett” Maples, Sr., and his wife sold breakfast to hungry travelers near Mount LeConte in the 1800s.

Little House of Pancakes

Photo Credit: MShev

• 807 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN
• facebook.com/people/Little-House-Of-Pancakes
• $$
• Breakfast and lunch classics in a central location

Also on the Parkway, the Little House of Pancakes is another long-standing favorite for a heaping helping of Southern breakfast. As its name implies, the restaurant specializes in piping hot griddle cakes, but there’s much more than that on the menu here. Guests can choose from just about every kind of pancake imaginable or grab an order of steak and eggs for something a little more filling.

Like many Gatlinburg restaurants, the Little House of Pancakes doesn’t accept reservations, so it might take you some time to snag a table. The second you walk in and smell the pancakes, though, you’ll know they’re worth the wait.

Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin

Photo Credit: Zakir61

• 956 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
• flapjacks.com
• $$
• Sizable breakfasts in a replica log cabin

Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin is all about authentic flavors. Order up some chicken and waffles, or savor a Southern classic with a plate of old-fashioned biscuits. For those who need a little extra push in the morning, the Barn Buster Feast will fill you up with a taste of everything on the menu. Oh, and a stack of the restaurant’s namesake buttermilk pancakes are a must, of course.

Flapjack’s has three locations in Gatlinburg. But if you can’t score a seat at one of them, scoot on down to Sevierville or Pigeon Forge to try again. Or, if you want an equally delicious breakfast on a similar theme, head to the family-owned Log Cabin Pancake House.

Pancake Pantry

Photo Credit: Watch And Rewatch

• 628 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
• pancakepantry.com
• $$
• Variety of breakfast eats in a spacious dining room with Parkway views

In case you haven’t gathered by now, we really like our pancakes here in Gatlinburg. And if you’re thinking, “Oh, another pancake place?” just trust us. The Pancake Pantry is top among the city’s breakfast restaurants for good reason.

The crepes and pancakes, which come in flavors like wild blueberry, chocolate chip, and sweet potato, are naturally the main draw. But don’t stop there—add an order of French toast or one of their popular omelets. As you eat, you can watch the world go by via the floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the Parkway. So, yes, another pancake place, but it’s a must-try.

Donut Friar

Photo Credit: Rizvisual

• 634 Parkway #15, Gatlinburg, TN
• thevillageshops.com/2016/02/29/the-donut-friar
• $
• Photo-worthy coffee and pastry shop

In need of a quick morning pick-me-up before setting out to Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park or the Great Smoky Mountains? Drop by the charming, Bavarian-inspired Village Shops for a breakfast run to the Donut Friar.

When you arrive at the shops, follow the scents of freshly fried donuts and baked pastries to this quaint little bakery and coffee shop. You can take it from here, of course, but we’d recommend a few crullers and a loaf of cinnamon bread to go—these sweets make for the perfect hiking snacks. And for a caffeine fix, you can’t beat the Donut Friar’s lattes and cappuccinos.

Split Rail Eats

Photo Credit: RebeccaDLev

• 849 Glades Rd Suite 1B1, Gatlinburg, TN
• splitraileats.com
• $$
• Sunday brunch in a brewery—yes, really

At Split Rail Eats, the impressive Beer Wall typically commands most visitors’ attention. But come on Sunday mornings to see this popular brewpub in a new light. Sunday brunch here entails everything from fried pickles (a Southern delicacy) to chicken and biscuit plates.

Since Split Rail focuses on beverages, it’s no surprise that the coffee menu matches the beer menu for sophistication and variety. Try a cortado or an affogato to stave off the inevitable food coma at the end of your meal. Your day’s just getting started.

Old Mill

Photo Credit: Jack7_7

• 164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN
• old-mill.com
• $$
• Hearty Southern classics in a historic location

A short drive from Gatlinburg in the neighboring town of Pigeon Forge, the Old Mill offers the perfect excuse for a day trip. A gristmill dating back to 1830 sits at the center of this complex, which also features two restaurants, candy shops, and a pottery studio. Suffice it to say that you could easily spend hours exploring this fun and fascinating spot.

Start, though, at the Old Mill Restaurant. There’s no beating the hearty fare served here throughout the day, but the breakfast is especially popular thanks to offerings like biscuits and gravy, cinnamon raisin pecan French toast, and Southern omelets. If you’re hankering for brunch, drop by the Pottery House Cafe on Saturdays and Sundays to try the sweet potato and sausage skillet or the Southern eggs benedict.

Sawyer’s Farmhouse Breakfast

Photo Credit: Lisa Top

• 2831 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN
• sawyersbreakfast.com
• $$
• Adult- and kid-friendly eatery

Also in Pigeon Forge, Sawyer’s Farmhouse Breakfast is the perfect way to start a day in the Smokies. Even the pickiest little ones will love the sizable kids’ menu, while adults can indulge in beverages like mimosas and Bloody Marys.

The menu here spans an impressive range of foods, featuring M&M pancakes and chicken fajita omelets in addition to more traditional Southern offerings, like scrambled eggs with chopped ham. If you’re traveling with a large group, especially one with different tastes, do yourselves a favor and try Sawyer’s.

Stay Near the Best Breakfast Spots in Gatlinburg

Whether you want something hearty and filling in the morning or a light breakfast before you hit the hiking trails, the eight best breakfast spots in Gatlinburg have got you covered. Just don’t forget to book your stay with Prestige Vacation Rentals so you won’t have to wake up too early. Sure, you can whip up your morning meals in our cabins, but nothing says “getaway” quite like going out for breakfast first thing in the morning.

These breakfast places will prepare you for everything Gatlinburg has to offer. Come on down, y’all—we can guarantee you won’t leave hungry.