Bars, Shine and Wine: Drinking Establishments in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Enjoy the Local Drink Scene in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
While Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are known for their family-friendly atmosphere, adult visitors will appreciate the diverse selection of bars, distilleries, wineries, and drinking establishments available throughout the area.
Notable Bars to Visit
Many local restaurants feature inviting bars where guests can unwind before or after dining. Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar offers a spacious and well-appointed bar area, perfect for socializing or enjoying a drink. Harpoon Harry’s, a popular seafood restaurant that also serves sushi, boasts a lively bar atmosphere.
For those seeking craft cocktails and an extensive whiskey selection, The Greenbrier stands out with its sophisticated ambiance and exclusive Whisky Society membership for tastings. They also host a Women of Wine group focused on wine appreciation.
Gaucho Urbano provides a stylish bar setting with an energetic atmosphere, ideal for gathering and watching the lively surroundings. Steakhouses such as The Peddler and its sister restaurant, The Park Grill, both feature inviting bars with diverse drink menus. Cherokee Grill is another excellent choice, offering a cozy bar area that is perfect for a relaxed evening.
Fans of Celtic culture will find charm in pubs like Fox and Parrot Tavern, which serves traditional slow-cooked English dishes alongside a wide range of beers. Its sister venue, The Rampant Lion, offers an extensive whisky collection in an intimate setting. Boudicca’s also delivers an authentic Celtic pub experience, complete with classic beverages like Guinness and hearty fare.
For craft beer enthusiasts, Smoky Mountain Brewery operates locations in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. This family-friendly spot offers a broad selection of beers, spirits, and wines, paired with a substantial menu of American favorites. The atmosphere strikes a balance between lively and comfortable, blending elements of a beer hall and ski lodge.
Explore Local Distilleries and Moonshine
The region is renowned for its moonshine heritage, now legally produced and available in a wide variety of flavors. Sampling local moonshine is considered a must-do when visiting the Smoky Mountains, and many distilleries offer products that can be purchased and shipped.
Ole Smoky, the area’s oldest legal moonshine distillery, operates multiple locations in Gatlinburg, including The Holler, known for live music and tastings, and the Barrel House, which specializes in their own whisky. There is also a presence at The Island in Pigeon Forge.
The Old Forge Distillery, located in Pigeon Forge’s historic Old Mill District, was the city’s first distillery. It continues to use grain from the adjacent mill and produces moonshine, whiskey, gin, and cream liqueurs in a family-friendly environment.
Sugarlands Distilling Company in Gatlinburg offers a variety of moonshine flavors, live entertainment, and a rich historical narrative. Their product line also includes vodka, whiskey, and cocktail mixers.
Formerly Doc Collier’s, the Tennessee Shine Company now produces flavored moonshine with a lower alcohol content designed for longer, smoother drinks. It operates several locations throughout the region.
Junction 35 Spirits in Pigeon Forge is notable both for its creative menu and its diverse moonshine selection, as well as whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and tequila. The bar’s inventive cocktails are also highly recommended.
Wine and Cider Experiences
Wine tasting is widely available in the region, with many restaurants offering a selection by the glass or bottle. The Smoky Mountains also feature a growing number of wineries, highlighted by the Rocky Top Wine Trail, which includes local winemakers and cider producers.
Little Bear Winery in downtown Gatlinburg offers tastings daily, featuring an extensive variety of wines. Tennessee Homemade Wines, with locations in Gatlinburg and Sevierville, provides a broad array of wines and hard ciders.
Smoky Mountain Winery, a charming establishment tucked away in Gatlinburg, offers a deep exploration of East Tennessee’s unique wine flavors and is well worth a visit.