I've been coming to Gatlinburg all my life, and I'm no spring chicken. I grew up camping in the area and now I take my children to do the same. To be perfectly honest, the town is not really my jam these days. Our more recent tradition is to get a hotel near the strip and just use the room for occasional hot water (my kids are still very young) and to take a break from meals made over the fire. We don't actual sleep there, but this rooms around here are a bargain, they're affordable even if you're not sleeping in them. I'll admit we don't walk the entire strip, but there a little portion called The Village that the kids like to walk through.
I was browsing around a shoe store in this little nook off the strip and asked the owner if there was a good spot for charcuterie and wine that wasn't sweet. I do realize this isn't the culinary capital of the world, but you never know. Anyway, he couldn't think of anything that fit that bill, but he did mention that an Irish spot a couple doors down was voted best burger in the city two years in a row. This was compelling enough and it was close!
We walked in with our kids and they took a seat a bar. I apologized to the bartender (Joey) and he assured me, it wasn't a problem. A kid-friendly bar? I was already impressed. We didn't spend much time studying the menu; we had to try that burger! The Banger Burger, with Guinness-marinated sausages, sweet grilled onions, Irish cheddar, and a thick spread of fresh mashed potatoes, was served with a hefty portion of Celtic sea salt seasoned fries. We ordered the beer cheese for dipping. It was smooth, spiced perfectly, and was the perfect accompaniment to the rest of the meal. I also ordered a Magner's Pear Cider.
This is small restaurant that is perfect for takeout, but they also have several tables upstairs. The space was adorned with Irish decor, maps, witty signs, blessings, and a perfect little window nook to watch the passerby. We headed upstairs and Joey brought up our meals when they were ready. The burger itself was huge. It truly was a flavor explosion. If Irish pubs are your forte, this place is an absolute must. We dug deep into the depths of that beer cheese container. It's the type of meal that will have you wanting to lick your plate and even better, the type of establishment that makes you feel comfortable doing so. My beer was made with 100% premium pears, crisp, with a refreshing fruit flavor. Unlike other ciders I've tried, the notes of fruit weren't overstated or too sweet.
If you're like me and find the task of choosing a meal in Gatlinburg more difficult than most, this is your needle in the haystack. It's worth coming down the mountain for. The service was warm and friendly, the restaurant has a unique atmosphere, Irish tunes, and without a shadow of a doubt, the very best burger in town. read more