The gourmet's guide to Gatlinburg
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The Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee. Photo: Patrick Gorski/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Gatlinburg is the perfect autumn getaway for nature-loving Nashvillians.
- Smoky Mountain vistas, vibrant fall colors and the nearby Dollywood theme park prove irresistible to tourists. Great food, however, is rarely top of mind.
But maybe it should be.
State of plate: There are countless pancake joints lining the streets of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. But several hidden gems tucked away on windy mountain roads offer a more sophisticated take on Southern cuisine that perfectly complements the stunning sights.
Buckhorn Inn
🕯️ The Buckhorn Inn, a cozy bed-and-breakfast in Gatlinburg, offers a three-course dinner that is perfect for a date night in the mountains. The menu changes daily and is released a few days in advance.
The vibe: Their dining room only has room for a handful of tables, which creates an intimate atmosphere that feels like a cross between an exclusive restaurant and grandma's kitchen.
👋 Adam here: My boyfriend and I have been clamoring for a dinner reservation at The Buckhorn Inn. We finally succeeded earlier this month, and it became an instant favorite.
- Our server Agatha told us some diners have waited years to pull up a chair at The Buckhorn, so it's essential to call ahead for a reservation.
- We feasted on hearty portions of paella, garlic chicken with Brussels sprouts, and walnut cake with a rich buttercream frosting.
- The biggest surprise of the night was our bill: That decadent meal only cost $40 per person.
Greenbrier Restaurant
🥩 There are several steakhouses in the area, but one elevated favorite is the Greenbrier Restaurant, which would fit in next to any of the fancy restaurants in 12 South.
- The menu includes several high-end options, including beef tartare, crab cakes and "Nashville hot oysters" with a pickle juice "caviar."
- The craft cocktail menu is several pages long and includes the bright and balanced blood orange bourbon sour.
- If you're feeling theatrical, ask your server about the range of cocktails that are served up on fire.
Adam's pick: My favorite bite during a recent visit was the french onion meatballs, which are served in a rich broth that you can soak up with chunks of bread.
Red Oak Bistro
🍷 The Red Oak Bistro is a lively Mediterranean tapas bar that is ideal for mingling and meeting fellow travelers from all over the nation.
📣 Tell us: Email us at [email protected] and let us know your favorite foodie finds in and around Gatlinburg.