10 Bars in Gatlinburg That Are Totally Worth a Drink
The 10 Best Bars in Gatlinburg, TN
It can be kind of risky to take someone else’s recommendation on a bar. You could be walking into anything, from a honky-tonk or a biker bar to a little hole in the wall. You might find a bar that’s one of the unique things to do in Gatlinburg or you might not. Let’s focus on the positive and say you hit the jackpot, really finding a place that’s worth stopping in for a drink.
Bar recommendations are heavy work. You’ve got to get the details on the bar, and you have to know what you’re looking for. Are you looking for a recommendation of a place that’s got hopping nightlife? Are you just looking to enjoy a drink? In the mood for some craft cocktails? Well, we’ve got you covered. Some of the best bars locals visit happen to be by some of the best things to do near Gatlinburg.
Gatlinburg Bars Locals Love
Typically, the bar scene in the Gatlinburg area is heavily skewed toward entertainment, which is kind of a given since it’s so close to Knoxville. But in a county where there’s a moonshine distillery on every corner, you can find liquor in a lot of places.
Here are our top 10 choices for the places to grab a drink in the Smokies:
1 | Southern Comfort | Great home-cooked meals meet sweet Southern style with our newest collection of decadent comfort food at Southern Comfort. Whether you're stopping in for breakfast or a quick grab-and-go lunch, Southern Comfort is serving up delicious eats with a twist. From pancakes to country skillets for breakfast and baby back ribs to slow-smoked pulled pork for lunch or dinner, the food is sure to fill you up and keep you "craving" back for more!
Besides the food, Southern Comfort offers a full drink menu with everything ranging from a Signature Smoked Old Fashioned to a Sweet Tea Julep, featuring Buffalo Trace Bourbon, sweet tea, muddled mint and fresh lemon juice on the rocks. Guests can also find sangrias, a Watermelon Patch Margarita and a bunch of bourbon flights, plus so much more! Settle in and get comfortable at Southern Comfort, located inside Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park, the next time you're in town.
WHERE: 915 Westgate Resorts Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-430-4800
2 | Loft Lounge | For those looking to hit up a bar after a long day on the slopes or best mountain coasters in Gatlinburg, then the Loft Lounge, located at Ober Gatlinburg, is a great place to start. It’s quite the popular attraction for both skiing and snowboarding, which makes the Loft Lounge the perfect place to grab a drink and chat after a long day on the slopes.
Even those who don’t ski can enjoy the views of the hills, which are particularly breathtaking in the winter. But there’s quite a lot of options on the menu, with a wide range of wines, spirits and beers to choose from. You’re bound to find something that will suite your tastebuds. The Loft Lounge is also incredibly popular during the annual Oktoberfest Celebration that it hosts, so you’re going to want to check that out!
WHERE: 1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHERE: 865-436-5423
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3 | Landshark Bar & Grill | For those looking for something that’s got a theme going on, then the Landshark Bar & Grill is the perfect location to grab a drink, particularly since it’s perfect for all ages! The Landshark isn’t just a bar, it’s also a restaurant that’s got a pretty diverse menu, so you’re bound to find something you’ll like.
With a tropical-themed location right in the heart of the City of Gatlinburg, you can find something to enjoy, particularly if you’re out and about travelling with kids. If you’re looking to grab a drink but can’t take the kids into an actual bar, then this is the spot for you!
WHERE: 515 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-277-7008
4 | Gatlinburg SkyCenter | If you’re in the mood for an impressive view, then you’re going to want to check out the Gatlinburg SkyCenter. It’s located in the heart of the Gatlinburg Skylift Park, but it’s definitely worth a visit for the stunning views that it offers.
There’s a wide variety of drinks to choose from and a food menu as well. But this is one of those recommendations where the view is the show-stealer! It’s definitely a bar that you’ll always remember!
WHERE: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-4307
5 | Cliff Top | If you’re looking for somewhere that you can soak in the beauty of the mountains and the great outdoors with a couple of friends or your partner, then Cliff Top is hard to beat. There might be one heck of a cover charge to get in, but you’ll be able to grab a couple drinks, carry on a conversation and enjoy some stunning views. What could possibly top that?
Cliff Top features a selection of local craft beers and includes a full bar with what’s been described as an “elevated dining experience.” So, it’s definitely one of those places where you’re going to want to leave the kids at home.
WHERE: Admission to Anakeesta required, 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-325-2400
6 | Iron Boar Saloon | For those looking for a biker bar experience but don’t actually want to roll into an actual biker bar, then the Iron Boar Saloon is the place for you. However, it’s a great place if you ride to hang out with some other riders and have a drink.
The place even offers its own special brew, the Iron Boar Lager, and boasts a biker-friendly atmosphere that’s been welcoming riders from all over for years now. It’s definitely a place that you’re going to want to grab a drink at and swap some stories.
WHERE: 104 Waldens Main St, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: 865-429-7779
7 | Smoky Mountain Brewery | There’s only a couple of places in the Smoky Mountains that are open late, and the Smoky Mountain Brewery just so happens to be one of them. It has locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, so you know that you’re going to be getting something good no matter which location you go to.
Offering a selection of great food, micro-brewed beer and live entertainment, it’s a solid choice for those who are looking to grab a drink in the Smoky Mountains.
WHERE: 1004 Parkway #501, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-4200
8 | Shamrock Pub | With a name like Shamrock Pub, you’re probably expecting a genuine Irish pub experience. Well, you’d be wrong about that. Offering karaoke every night with cold draft and bottled beer, cocktails and mixed drinks, the Shamrock Pub is a great place to grab the microphone and unload your favorite classic tunes.
Additionally, the Shamrock Pub also offers live music during the afternoon, making it a great option to grab a drink and listen to some local music.
WHERE: 105 Reagan Dr, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-412-1297
9 | Margaritaville Resort | If you’re staying in a hotel, then you’re probably going to be familiar with the Margaritaville Resort chain of bars. There’s not a lot of options for subtlety when it comes to entertainment in the Gatlinburg area. After all, you come for the experience. If you’re just looking to let lose after a long day and have a couple drinks, then stumble back to your hotel room after, then this is probably the best option for you.
WHERE: 539 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-430-4200
10 | The Fox & Parrot Tavern | For those looking for a traditional, pub-like atmosphere and experience, then the two-story Fox & Parrot Tavern is the perfect spot to stop in for a drink and a bite to eat.
It’s got a British theme going on, which includes traditional British pub grub. There’s a wide selection of beer choices to go along with the dart games and live music that the venue hosts. Thus, the Fox & Parrot is probably going to be the top choice of any beer drinker who’s in the area. And, let’s face it, there’s nothing quite as comforting as good British comfort food washed down with a cold beer.
WHERE: 1065 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-0677
BONUS | Ole Red | If you’re looking for someone who’s brought their signature establishment to the Smoky Mountains and that fits in perfectly, then you want to hit up Ole Red’s. It doesn’t feel out of place at all, despite Blake Shelton’s lack of ties to the area.
There’s a constant array of live country music to enjoy with food and drinks galore. You can choose from a stunning array of wine, beer and cocktails. So, if you’re looking to come to the Smokies for a genuine Tennessee experience, then Ole Red might just be the perfect place to stop in for a drink.
WHERE: 511 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: N/A
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Best Bars to Enjoy in Gatlinburg, TN
Well, that brings us to the end of our list of bars in the Gatlinburg area that you’re going to want to stop in for a drink at. All of these are great places. Each one will suite someone’s discerning tastes, but don’t just take our word for it! Check them out for yourself and enjoy the best bars, beers and drinks that Gatlinburg has to offer. For more foodie guides and travel tips, visit our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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