5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Gatlinburg Brewing Company in Gatlinburg
It’s no secret I have professed my love of the food and atmosphere at Smoky Mountain Brewery. With that being said, I have been transparent with my opinion that there’s more than enough room in this tourist town for two legitimate breweries. So what I’d like to do is write about my appreciation for an underrated place for food and a beverage here in Gatlinburg. And yes, I can make an argument why Gatlinburg Brewing Company may be a better place, even though the atmosphere is pretty unmatched at their cross-town rival brewery. Here are 5 reasons to strongly consider GBC when you spend a few days or a week in the Smoky Mountains.
1. Bold Brews
Easy choice, I know. Yes, they’re a brewery, but that doesn't automatically give them a passing grade. As a fledgling company, mistakes were admittedly made, but through much trial and error, they’re now on strong footing. Whether you’re drinking a Gatty Light, or a heavy dark beer, you’re not going to be disappointed. Their collaborations with regional and non-regional breweries have produced adventurous beers that are never boring. Every week it seems they have a new beer on tap. And while not all of them are home runs, (most are, though) I still appreciate the hustle. Hey, sometimes my taste buds don’t agree with the array of flavors, but that doesn’t mean they’re not well-produced. Some of my favorite beers from them are only temporary, leaving me anxiously awaiting their return… hopefully.
2. Delicious Brick Oven Pizza
It’s not often I indulge in a pizza pie, but when I do, this is one of just a few places in Gatlinburg I will consider. These are artisan pizzas that have no sizes. I would say, if you’re hungry, you could eat an entire one by yourself, but you can share. The heat of the brick oven crisps up the crust, while the toppings do the job, especially their specialty pizzas. They border on the profane with their names, but that should only emphasize your enthusiasm for them. I’m not offended, and neither should you. Basic AF—being a name for one—is much more than that. And it’s tasty AF, if you know what I mean. They even have a Betty White pizza. Gatlinburg Brewing Company would like to thank you for being a friend.
3. Underrated and Under-Served Salad
It shouldn’t really be a surprise when the bartender tells you they don’t often make their Brewpub Salad, but that’s a damn shame. They should. It’s a top 3 salad in Gatlinburg for me, as I wrote in a previous post. It’s another reason GBC should be visited multiple times to get a true sense of what I mean. A brewery should make solid pizza, but you don’t necessarily expect a salad to get much attention. A bigger than average bowl with a mix of protein and healthy greens; add in their house ranch as a splurge, and this is a solid order. It’s up there with Calhoun’s salads in the value category, and that’s high praise. It’s a $9.99 salad that’s good on its own, but for only $2 per topping, you can add a meat choice or extra egg. It’s fire-roasted chicken for me that they heat up in that pizza-loaded brick oven. Never has a salad tasted so divine while being so basic at the same time.
4. Friendly Staff
Yes, I’m a local, so they know me. Well, I’m not sure any of them really knows who I am much beyond my face, and probably don’t know my name for that matter, but I’m totally fine with that. With me, it’s a basic “how are you,” good to see you again,” and “have a nice day, and “I’ll see you next time,” and that’s good enough. If you know me, I’m better communicating when I’m writing. I still have some lingering public anxieties, but walking up to a bar here is confronting my introversion. A simple “hello” and “have a seat anywhere” when I and others walk in is a simple ice-breaker. I appreciate the little things that make for great customer service, and I think you’ll find this out for yourself when you visit, whether it’s your first time or one hundredth time.
5. Surprise Live Music
Look, it’s not a huge place, but they do occasionally host a live local performer in a nook by the window against the backdrop of the lively Parkway. I do love listening to live music, but the years-long noises that have rattled by eardrums make for difficulty in hearing others when I’m already trying hard to be courteous and not awkward. Still, it’s a good way to enjoy an evening tasting great craft beers, excellent pizza and breadsticks, or a fantastic salad. If you’re here with a group of friends and/or family, it’s a non-touristy, local place you’ll feel right at home patronizing. I can say that now as someone who was a tourist as recently as July of last year. I’ve been on both sides of the coin, but it still feels the same, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. That is my take as a local who loves visiting Gatlinburg Brewing Company.
Thank you for reading my latest post and for subscribing to my publication. Next week, I plan to do at least one or two reviews on places I haven’t visited. I’m excited to give you an honest perspective of the experiences. Be sure and stay tuned to see where I go and what I get. Heck, I don’t even know yet, but I like it that way! See you soon!