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If you’re anything like my family, you love visiting Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We’ve been going there for years and always find something new and exciting to do. My dad, especially, loves sampling the local craft beer whenever we travel, so we had to check out the Gatlinburg breweries.
So imagine our delight when we discovered that Gatlinburg has a few local breweries, offering visitors the chance to try some of the best locally made craft beer around.
In this post, we’re going to give you the inside scoop on the brewing scene in Gatlinburg and highlight some of the must-visit breweries in East Tennessee.
So, if you’re a beer lover or just looking for a fun activity to add to your Gatlinburg itinerary, keep reading!
Gatlinburg Brewing Scene
The Gatlinburg brewing scene has come a long way over the past few years. With a few craft breweries to choose from, beer lovers are spoiled for choice when it comes to sampling locally made craft beer in the Smoky Mountains. The main breweries in Gatlinburg are Smoky Mountain Brewery and the Gatlinburg Brewing Company, with the nearby Yee-Haw Brewery worth a visit. Each of these breweries has its own unique style, beer selection, and dining options, making them all worth a visit.
In addition to these two main breweries in town, there are other smaller breweries and beer-focused establishments that are worth checking out, and there are some amazing breweries in nearby areas like Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.
Here are the three top Smoky Mountain Breweries on our list:
Whether you’re a seasoned beer drinker or just looking for a fun activity to add to your Gatlinburg itinerary, the brewing scene in Gatlinburg has something for everyone. From classic American brews to more experimental and creative beers, there is no shortage of options when it comes to sampling locally made craft beer in Gatlinburg. So, grab a pint, pull up a chair, and get ready to check out the best breweries the Smoky Mountains have to offer.
Smoky Mountain Brewery
If you’re a fan of craft beer and find yourself in Gatlinburg, a visit to Smoky Mountain Brewery should be at the top of your list. This local brewery has been a mainstay in the area for over 20 years, serving up delicious brews and offering a fun atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. This place has been described as a cross between a ski lodge and a Bavarian Beer Hall!
Brews on the Menu: Smoky Mountain Brewery always has six flagship beers on tap, including popular brews like the Indian Pale Ale, Tuckaleechee Porter, Appalachian Pale Ale, Black Bear Ale, and Cherokee Red Ale. Additionally, there are four seasonal beers that rotate throughout the year, giving visitors a chance to try something new and different with each visit.
For those who are feeling adventurous, there is also a “Brewmaster Special” that changes every couple of weeks. This is a great opportunity to try a unique and creative brew that you won’t find anywhere else.
Also Serving: In addition to the impressive beer selection, Smoky Mountain Brewery also has a restaurant on-site serving up a range of tasty snacks, appetizers, and full meals. Some of the items you’ll find on the menu include chili, nachos, potato skins, garlic bread, chicken wings, pasta, sandwiches, subs, burgers, pizza, calzones, salads, and more. Whether you’re in the mood for a light snack or a full meal, there is something for everyone at Smoky Mountain Brewery.
But the fun doesn’t stop there – Smoky Mountain Brewery also offers a range of activities and events for visitors to enjoy. From trivia nights to live music, singo (a variation of Bingo), and even karaoke, there is always something fun and exciting happening at this popular Gatlinburg brewery.
Location: 1004 Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, but also locations in Turkey Creek, Maryville, and Pigeon Forge
Learn more about the Smoky Mountain Brewery here
Gatlinburg Brewing Company
If you’re looking for a great place to grab a beer and a bite to eat in Gatlinburg, look no further than Gatlinburg Brewing Company. Located in the heart of downtown, this popular brewery offers a variety of original handcrafted beers as well as delicious food that will keep you coming back for more. It’s a favorite among craft beer lovers and one of the best places to get a beer sampler.
Brews on the Menu: Gatlinburg Brewing Company is always updating their tap list to keep things interesting. Some of the brews you might find on the menu include the G.P.A. Session IPA, Gatty Light Golden Ale, Breakfast Juice NEIPA, Don’t Feed the Bears American Brown Ale, Turbo Weasel American IPA, Newfound And Down Double New England IPA, and Wild And Wonderful White Stout with Chocolate. They also have a range of other beers, from California Common to Cherry Hard Seltzer.
Also Serving: The restaurant on-site serves up a range of tasty appetizers, pizzas, and salads, making it the perfect spot for a casual meal or a quick snack. Some of the appetizers on the menu include cheese sticks, wings, and a jumbo soft pretzel.
In addition to great food and beer, Gatlinburg Brewing Company also offers entertainment in the form of live music and comedy acts. So, if you’re looking for a fun and lively spot to hang out in Gatlinburg, be sure to check out this popular brewery.
Location: 458 Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg and also another location in Sevierville
Learn more about the Gatlinburg Brewing Company here
Best Brewery Near Gatlinburg
Yee-Haw Brewing Company
If you’re a fan of craft beer, you won’t want to miss a visit to Yee-Haw Brewing Company in Pigeon Forge. Located at The Island and adjacent to Ole Smoky Distillery, this brewery is a must-visit for anyone looking to sample some of the best local beer in the area.
Yee-Haw Brewing Company originally opened its doors in Johnson City in 2015 and has since expanded to five locations across Tennessee and South Carolina. The Pigeon Forge location offers a range of great craft beers, from Dunkels to Pale Ales to their famous Oktoberfest brew.
If you’re feeling peckish, Yee-Haw Brewing Company also offers a range of bar snacks to go with your beer. Some of the options on the menu include chips and salsa, wings, and Bavarian pretzels. It’s the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat and enjoy some local beer with friends and family.
In addition to great beer and snacks, Yee-Haw Brewing Company is also making waves in the local community. The owners recently purchased Ober Gatlinburg with plans to expand the popular ski resort, bringing even more excitement to the area. So, whether you’re a seasoned beer drinker or just looking for a fun spot to hang out, be sure to check out Yee-Haw Brewing Company on your next visit to Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg.
Location: 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge with locations in Johnson City, Greenville, SC, Nashville, Knoxville and Ober Mountain.
Other Great Places to Get a Drink in Gatlinburg
If you’re looking for fine wines, moonshine or craft brews that aren’t brewed in-house, take a look at these offerings. Click on the name to learn more about each!
Tennessee Cider Company
If you’re looking for something different to try on your next trip to Gatlinburg, you won’t want to miss a visit to the Tennessee Cider Company. This unique cidery is the first of its kind in the area and is quickly gaining a reputation for its delicious hard ciders that are crafted by local folk and served by local friends.
The Tennessee Cider Company is surrounded by the beautiful mountains that are famous for their moonshine, but this cidery offers a different kind of spirit. Their hard ciders are bursting with flavor and will have you coming back for more with every sip.
Whether you’re a fan of classic apple cider or looking to try something a little more adventurous, the Tennessee Cider Company has something for everyone. So, if you’re in the mood for something refreshing and different, be sure to stop by this unique and welcoming cidery on your next visit to Gatlinburg.
Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery
Looking for some authentic moonshine? Definitely visit Tennessee’s first legal moonshine distillery. You can find locations in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Tennessee and the Pigeon Forge location offers free tastings (the City of Gatlinburg has a small fee for tastings).
Cherokee Grill
Gatlinburg Wine Cellar
Sugarlands Distilling Company
Smoky Mountain Winery
Little Bear Winery
Old Forge Distillery
For more information, see our Guide to Moonshine Tasting and Best Wineries in Gatlinburg.
Final Thoughts on Gatlinburg Breweries
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post on the top Smoky Mountain breweries. With their rich history, great brews made from pure mountain spring water and the variety of original beers made from simple ingredients, you’re bound to find a local brew you love in the area. While you’re checking out the breweries, take some time to hit up complimentary wine tastings, see the production of moonshine and see why these friendly breweries are a local favorite.
