When it comes to finding something good to eat in Gatlinburg, TN, the choices are endless. This charming town is brimming with fantastic restaurants, each offering its own unique flavors and specialties. Burgers, in particular, are so well-regarded here that Gatlinburg hosts an annual event known as GatlinBURGER Week, where restaurants compete with special creations for the coveted title of the best burger in town. But fear not, burger enthusiasts—this article is completely independent of that competition. We’re here to give you our rundown of the seven best burgers in Gatlinburg, plus one more from a spot just a short drive away. Let’s dig in!
1. Boudicca’s Celtic Pub
Nestled in the Village Shopping Center, Boudicca’s Celtic Pub pays homage to the legendary warrior queen with its small, Celtic-inspired atmosphere. This cozy pub offers an array of dishes rooted in the culinary traditions of the Celtic nations, complemented by on-tap favorites like Guinness and Sullivan’s Irish Gold. Boudicca’s has earned the top spot on our list by winning the GatlinBURGER best burger award for the past two years. The standout burger here is the Scottish Street Melt, a tribute to the street-food revolution sweeping through Scotland. This mouthwatering creation features a potato roll toasted with the finest Irish butter, Irish white cheddar melted over Irish yellow cheddar, and fresh grilled red peppers, green peppers, and sweet onions atop a fresh, never frozen, 100% Angus beef patty. Served with chips seasoned with Celtic sea salt, the Scottish Street Melt is a match made in heaven and a must-try for any burger lover.
2. Morning Mist Cafe
Nestled in the charming Morning Mist Village, a quaint mall in the heart of Gatlinburg’s Arts & Crafts community, Morning Mist Cafe is a delightful spot that offers both indoor and outdoor seating, very friendly service…and an amazing burger. We ordered the Mexico Burger, a fiery delight that features a half-pound Angus patty served on a brioche bun. This flavorful creation is topped with a special house-made burger sauce, sautéed onions and jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and crispy bacon. Paired with thick, beer-battered onion rings, the Mexico Burger brings the heat and is sure to satisfy anyone looking for a spicy twist on a classic favorite.
3. Mountain Edge Grill
Since 1998, Mountain Edge Grill has been a beloved Gatlinburg staple. This family-owned restaurant specializes in “burgers and brews,” offering a no-frills dining experience in a clean, sports-themed setting filled with signs and knickknacks. We opted for the beef chili cheese burger with fries—a delightfully messy meal. The burger features a juicy patty topped with American cheese and smothered in flavorful chili, all piled onto a grilled bun. Be warned: this burger is more of a fork-and-knife affair due to its deliciously sloppy nature. The fries were well-seasoned with a satisfying crunch, perfectly complementing the burger. If you’re looking for a hearty, no-nonsense meal, Mountain Edge Grill won’t disappoint.
4. Burg Steakhouse
Burg Steakhouse is a classic dining establishment that excels in well-cooked, well-presented steaks, complemented by a fantastic salad, soup, and sides bar. And with a name like “Burg,” you can bet they make a mean burger too! We sampled the Burg’s Cajun Burger, a standout offering made from their signature blend of prime Angus steak, ground in-house and grilled to perfection. This flavorful burger is topped with house remoulade, jalapeños, sautéed peppers and onions, and pepper jack cheese, all served on a kaiser roll. Accompanied by a side of fresh-cut fries, the Cajun Burger delivers a spicy, savory punch that steakhouse and burger aficionados alike will appreciate.
5. Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets is an all-American restaurant that offers a fun and entertaining experience in a retro, 50’s-style diner atmosphere. We decided to try the Spicy Houston, a burger that’s as fiery as its name suggests. This creation features a single 100% fresh, never frozen certified Angus beef patty, grilled to perfection. It’s topped with jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and their homemade Smokin’ Chipotle Ranch sauce. The combination of spicy and savory elements, coupled with the nostalgic ambiance, makes the Spicy Houston at Johnny Rockets a must-try for anyone seeking a classic American burger with a kick.
6. Split Rail Eats
Located in the vibrant Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, Split Rail Eats is a hip eatery offering lunch, dinner, a full bar, and Gatlinburg’s only self-serve beer wall where customers can pour their own brews. It’s an ideal spot to stop while exploring the local arts scene. We tried the Southwestern Burger, a delightful blend of flavors featuring pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, tomatoes, red onions, avocado, lettuce, and chipotle mayo. This burger packs a punch with its spicy and creamy components, perfectly balancing heat and freshness. Split Rail Eats not only provides a unique dining experience but also delivers a standout burger that’s sure to impress.
7. Sun Diner
Sun Diner is another charming 50’s-style diner that pays homage to the iconic Sun Records, the legendary label that featured artists like Elvis and Johnny Cash. Located downtown right next to Aldean’s, this diner offers a menu inspired by classic Southern food. We opted for the “Greatest Hits” Burger Melt, a certified Angus beef steak burger sandwiched between a thick grilled cheese melt with American and cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and pickles. This decadent creation combines the best of a burger and a grilled cheese, delivering a deliciously nostalgic experience that transports you back to the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll.
Bonus: Sloppy Hog Burger Joint
For our bonus burger, we ventured a short drive to Wears Valley, not far from Pigeon Forge, to visit the Sloppy Hog Burger Joint. Known for its hearty and flavorful offerings, this place did not disappoint. We indulged in the Red Hot Sloppy Burger, which features two smashed patties dipped in their signature wing sauce, topped with pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, and ranch dressing. The combination of spicy wing sauce, melted cheese, and creamy ranch creates a mouthwatering experience that is well worth the trip. The Sloppy Hog Burger Joint is a must-visit for anyone looking to expand their burger horizons beyond Gatlinburg.
While we’ve highlighted some of our favorite burger joints in Gatlinburg, there are countless other great options in town. This list reflects just our opinion of some of the best, but part of the fun in visiting Gatlinburg is exploring all the diverse and delicious dining experiences the town has to offer. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, you’re sure to find a burger that hits the spot. So, grab a friend, head out on a culinary adventure, and discover your own top picks for the best burgers in Gatlinburg. Happy eating!