Smoky Mountain Brewery
Smoky Mountain Brewery – Gatlinburg, Tennessee
30
MARCH, 2022
Travis introduced me to Smoky Mountain Brewery when we did our first Great Smoky Mountains National Park hike together in June 2017. He also introduced me to the iconic LeConte Lodge on that hike. Perhaps it was my excitement for my first Smokies hike, but that pre-trip meal at the Smoky Mountain Brewery was one of my best pre-hike dinners. It’s located a decent distance from Gatlinburg’s main strip, so it has a more relaxed feel. I’ve done many hikes in Great Smoky Mountain National Park since that first one. Many things have changed on all those hikes, but one thing has remained the same. The dinner before our hiking starts is always at the Smoky Mountain Brewery.
“I always visit the Smoky Mountain Brewery when I’m in the Smoky Mountains. The beer selection is great and so is the food. I’ve always had terrific service and short wait times and it’s such a fun atmosphere. Check it out if you get a chance!” – Guest Review
Fourth visit to Smoky Mountain Brewery before March 2022 hike
Carl, Travis, and I met at Jack Huff’s Motor Lodge to stay the night in Gatlinburg before our March 2022 Great Smoky Mountains National Park hike. We enjoyed some porch time at the Lodge before deciding where to go to dinner. There was no choice, though. Of course, we were going to head to our ‘old mainstay, the Smoky Mountain Brewery, for dinner before our hike. For prior hikes, I had always stayed at the forgettable Microtel Inn and Suites, primarily based on its perfect location just off Gatlinburg’s main strip. Jack Huff’s is a longer walk, but it wasn’t bad. You take the shortcut through The Village Shops area, which makes you feel like you’re in a European village. And the people-watching in Gatlinburg is always fantastic! In no time, we arrived at Smoky Mountain Brewery.
Atmosphere inside the Brewery
This was my fourth visit, but the restaurant atmosphere has been remarkably consistent for each visit. As you walk down the ‘alley’ off the main drag that leads to the restaurant, the exterior is brightly lit and colorful. As soon as you open the door, the festive atmosphere hits your ears, and the smell of brewers yeast and high-quality hops hits your nose. The restaurant has two levels. I believe the first level is reserved for families and seems much more ‘tame.’ The brewing area takes up half of the lower level. The bar is located upstairs amid a reasonably large area with tables. Each time I have been to the Brewery, they have had some trivia-type contest going on. They have live music too though I’ve never been there when they do.
The menu and the food
The Smoky Mountain Brewery food menu is typical bar fare. Less-than-healthy appetizers range from fried pickles to potato skins to nachos to fried shrimp. Meal choices are limited to sandwiches, burgers, and pizza. I haven’t had the pizza, but apparently, it is some of the best in Gatlinburg. The burgers also get rave reviews. My food choice has always been in the sandwiches category, and for all my visits except the 2022 trip, it has been the Big City Reuben (I am a Reuben connoisseur!). It is massive and consists of corned beef, pastrami, sauerkraut, grilled rye bread, and Swiss cheese. Very tasty! After dinner, we grabbed a pre-hike group shot and headed out to enjoy Gatlinburg’s nightlife.
Conclusion – Smoky Mountain Brewery
The Smoky Mountain Brewery will not be a 3-Michelin star dining experience. The atmosphere can get a bit loud if you’re looking for a quiet conversation-type evening. But it’s hard to beat for that last pre-hike meal if you’re heading out with your hiking buddies for backcountry time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The bar-type food is delicious and plentiful, and the beer is ice cold and delicious. Service has been outstanding for each of my visits. The location is just a short walk from Gatlinburg’s main strip, making it the perfect place to eat before checking out Gatlinburg’s downtown attractions. If you find yourself in Gatlinburg for the night, I recommend you stop by Smoky Mountain Brewery for dinner and a beer.
I am a ‘content creator’ with a passion for backpacking, creating videos, photography, and writing – with a healthy dose of all things outdoors on the side!
