A Grand Opening for the New Puckers Sports Grill in Gatlinburg: My Experience

On October 28th 2024, the new Puckers Sports Grill in Gatlinburg rose from the ashes to a fresh new environment. If you haven’t already heard, the old Puckers succumbed to a tragic fire in October 2022, but now, 2 years later, they’ve rebuilt and have a totally new and different style for which they are welcoming tourists and locals. But on this day, it was a celebration for the local crowd only.

The new Puckers Sports Grill will officially open on November 1st to the general public. For me, the grand opening was a first. Let me explain. We never visited the old Puckers. Why? Well, it’s complicated. I think we were of the mindset it wasn’t very welcoming to tourists. I believe, for us, it was the gawkers who always seemed loud and judgmental in the underground area that made up the outside patio. Hey, I’m only being honest, so please don’t judge me. That fact alone elicited an unfavorable impression on all of us as tourists at the time, and—maybe unfairly—kept us away.

Despite my reservations about visiting, I had heard glowing reviews from out-of-towners who visited, saying they really enjoyed their wings and the whole vibe of the place. As for the new building, on the inside, there are plenty of televisions, including a 20 foot widescreen that wasn’t quite ready for viewing, but expect it soon after the official opening. Like many sports bar new builds, this is an open concept with few booths. The bar is inside to the right, and they have a gaming area with a pool table in the back left corner. Overall, it definitely emits a sports bar feel that reminds me of a few other chains that we’ve visited. I like it.

When finished, this will be the largest television in any Gatlinburg restaurant.

A look at the inside of Puckers Sports Grill in Gatlinburg, including a salvaged piece from the old bar on the right.

I arrived in time to see the ribbon-cutting, and then it was time to feast away. As a guest you were allowed a few drinks, including a Hillbilly Blue Flame with Ole Smoky Moonshine, a few domestic beers, shots, and an Old Fashioned with Buffalo Trace bourbon. The Hillbilly Blue Flame was as advertised by one of the nice servers who offered to get my drink without me stepping up to the busy bar area. She said it was a strong drink, and, needless to say, it was. I had my very first Old Fashioned, and I liked it a good bit. My only quibble would be too much ice, but Buffalo Trace bourbon was quite tasty as a base for the classic cocktail.

The appetizers were passed around from table to table, so I didn’t bother to have the busy servers stop for a pic; instead, here are the drinks. Old Fashioned on the left and Hillbilly Blue Flame on the right.

The servers came to your table with most of the appetizers that will be featured on their menu: potato skins, pretzel bites, wings, pizza, and sliders. My favorite? By far, the sliders. While they added an undesired hamburger pickle (for me) on top, they were uh-ma-zing! The small buns were nice and toasty, and the meat patty rivaled the best I’ve had in Gatlinburg. Seriously! Their much-hyped wings were worthy as well. They had dry rubs and wet sauces that hit perfectly. I prefer they not be so breaded, so that was a small mark against them; however, some were rather lightly coated. When we return as a family, we will certainly consider an order. They were juicy and tasty!

I don’t have much else to say, other than the fact I’m glad I was provided the opportunity to attend the the new Puckers’ grand opening. It will certainly be a place I consider as a hangout spot. Time will tell whether it really gives me a good vibe. Sometimes, it takes a little time. Gatlinburg Brewing Company took months for me to ease into, so I won’t rush it with Puckers. The people here seemed friendly enough, so that was a good first impression. The customer base will have an effect as well, seeing as I am introverted to my core. Social settings are definitely not my strong suit, nor does it help with my anxieties that are directly related to them. Still, I try not to make it a crutch, and stand as tall as I possibly can without being too wobbly.

Different framed pictures were on a handful of tables, portraying the events of October 2022 that closed the old Puckers.

So… do I recommend a visit to Puckers Sports Grill in Gatlinburg after they open on November 1. Absolutely! I think the environment is less intimidating for people of my ilk, in contrast to my unfair assessment, in my mind, of the old Puckers. While it has the typical sports bar feel, you should have no problems bringing in the family for a nice, no-frills dining experience, and catch your favorite sports team on the big screen. I won’t rate it yet, because it was a VIP experience, but I hope to give them a fair review in the future after a paid family visit. In my opinion, they’re off to a promising start.

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