Gatlinburg Burger Week: A Cheeseburger Throwdown on the Parkway
If you stay with us at the Edgewater Hotel and find yourself craving cheeseburgers, you are in exactly the right place. Downtown Gatlinburg is packed with great eats and casual burger spots, all within a comfortable walk (with one earning the title Longest Yet Worth It Stroll). So one day last week I decided to embark on what might just be the most deliciously questionable plan ever: a week of cheeseburger tasting right here in town. Don’t worry: I did not eat all four in one day. Never do that. But I did get the chance to sample some of Gatlinburg’s best, and I’m here to share the tasty details.
Day 1: Casual Vibes at Blue Moose Burgers & Wings
I kicked off my cheeseburger week at a hometown fave where the vibe is laid-back, the wings are legendary, and juicy patties are part of the mission statement. Blue Moose Burgers & Wings brings tailgate energy with great service and plenty of screens if you want to catch a game with your meal.
I ordered the Hawaiian Luau burger, a generous half-pound beef patty crowned with provolone, pineapple salsa, mango habanero wing sauce, and applewood bacon. Sweet meets spice, with enough tropical flair to make it feel like vacation on a plate. With every bite, you know you’re in Gatlinburg, and the easy stroll back to the hotel afterward made it an ideal first stop.
Day 2: Game Day Flavor at Puckers Sports Grill
A laid-back, sports-friendly joint right on the Parkway, Puckers Sports Grill has become a reliable stop for comfort food and a lively atmosphere.
Their Juicy Lucy is a clever twist on the classic – a burger stuffed with applewood smoked bacon and American cheese, then topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle. The molten cheese pockets inside made it fun to eat, and the surrounding buzz of games and good service made it perfect for a midweek burger break.
Day 3: The Champion at Boudicca’s Celtic Pub
Now we’re talking. Tucked into The Village shopping area downtown, this cozy Celtic pub has earned its reputation, often topping locals’ lists and known for having one of the best burgers in town (as evidenced by its having won the Gatlinburger award three years in a row).
I tried the Boudicca Burger, featuring two fresh, never-frozen 100% Angus beef patties on a soft potato bun, Irish yellow and white cheddar, and a sweet balsamic onion jam that keeps things rich without overwhelming. It’s earned accolades across the years, and after tasting it, I can see why: bold flavor with just the right balance of savory and sweet.
Day 7: Brunch Twist at Over Easy Al’s
To wrap up burger week with a twist, I took the longest (but most delightful) walk over to Over Easy Al’s – a newer local spot best known for breakfast, but that also makes a mean lunch. Their Breakfast Burger is a creative mash-up featuring a smash patty, bacon, cheese, fried egg, and garlic aioli on a brioche bun. The egg brings a silky richness you don’t get in the others, and it made for a perfect weekend treat. It’s a slightly longer walk from Edgewater, but worth it if you’re exploring and craving something a little different.
So Who Wins?
Here’s the truth: you can’t go wrong with any of these cheeseburgers. Each one brought something special to the table and reflected a different side of Gatlinburg’s vibrant food scene. But if pushed for a favorite after a week of sampling, Boudicca’s Celtic Pub stood out with that perfectly balanced classic cheeseburger that’s earned local honors year after year.
So when you’re planning your next Gatlinburg getaway with us at Edgewater, leave room for a burger crawl. Whether you want laid-back sports bar vibes, Irish pub charm, tropical flavors, or a breakfast mash-up, the Parkway has a cheeseburger with your name on it. And one last tip: don’t try all four in one day. Really good burgers deserve time to be savored.
