Debating the Virtues of Two Breweries in Gatlinburg: SMB and GBC

There is an argument to be settled as to which is the best brewery in Gatlinburg. On one end of town, we have Gatlinburg Brewing Company: a new kid in town, located on the corner of the Parkway and 321 at light #3; facing off at the other end behind Calhoun’s Village is Smoky Mountain Brewery and their unique lodge-style building, which opened in the mid-90s. So…which one is the supreme choice, according to this newbie local? Let’s “hop” into it and “mash” it up, shall we?

Aside from the silly beers puns, I’m going to delve into the differences between both esteemed breweries, and how they do in various categories. Because it’s not just the beers that make such establishments special; it’s also how they treat their customers, and how well they do the food on the menu. You can have the best menu or drinks in town, but it means nothing if you don’t feel welcome. Now, let’s debate the issues like civilized strangers at the bar…

I’m going to start with Smoky Mountain Brewery and the beers. This is sentimental for me. They are the first restaurant we visited in Gatlinburg, so this goes back to 2011. I loved the fact they only offered their beers, and while I tried the Mountain Light first, Helles became my favorite—their German light lager. They have seasonal beers that don’t disappoint, and I actually only like one IPA ever—theirs. I also don’t want to underrate the Black Bear Ale or Cherokee Red, two more tasty beverages from their Mainstay lineup.

Now we have Gatlinburg Brewing Company. Like I said, they are the newcomer in town, and I’m very glad they also have a place here for a little competition. They toiled in a different location before settling in their current digs around 2019, but it seems like they’ve been there longer. Time flies…

They do more experimenting than their counterparts on the other end of town. Sure, they have a standard handful that’s always available, but they offer a dizzying and diverse selection that rotates seasonally…and sometimes sooner. Gatty Light seems to be their popular, middle-of-the-road choice beer, but unlike SMB, GBC is my choice for mixing it up and going against the grain(s). Overall, I enjoy their beer a little more, but I’m no beer snob. I’m just a regular guy who like to occasionally sample the brews. They just taste a little better to me.

Here’s where it gets a little complicated (Would you expect anything less from me?). You see, GBC, to my knowledge doesn’t have a Happy Hour, and their beers are $7 a pint. Don’t get me wrong, they’re worth it, but I end up at SMB more often because of this fact. Starting at 4 from Monday through Thursday, their Happy Hour bites $2 off the regular price. For me, that means a Helles costs me $2.50, which is crazy because you can’t get a domestic draft anywhere in town for that.

Here’s the other complexity: Smoky Mountain Brewery does not offer a local discount on food. And Gatliburg Brewing Company? You guessed it, does! Not only do they give locals a break, it’s to the tune of 25% off! The scales just tipped in their favor on that distinction. In all honesty, though, I visit SMB more often. I’ll get into that a little more.

Smoky Mountain Brewery has a bigger menu, but that doesn’t mean it’s inconsistent. From my experience, everything has been very good to excellent! I will rotate between salads to pizzas, and quesadillas to wings; in fact, they are consistently in my top 3 list for favorite pizza pies in Gatlinburg. But it’s the service that has taken the most drastic turn.

We gave SMB a break after a couple of below average services early on; however, it’s been great ever since we returned. And now that I’m local, and a familiar face upstairs, a few of them know my drink order and get it to me soon after I seat myself. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a little awkward at first, but I have embraced it. I don’t ask for special treatment, and I don’t want it. It’s just nice to get friendly service. This is no slight to GBC; they do fantastic job as well.

But I will say, they have the best salad I’ve had in Gatlinburg, for the money. That Brewpub Salad is delicious and substantial! Even though I like the pizza more at the Brewery, GBC is no slouch themselves. Their specialty pizzas are pretty amazing, and my son and I enjoy every father-son outing here. The food and service are every bit as good as Smoky Mountain Brewery. The only insignificant drawback is the limited menu here. But in reality, I wouldn’t want them to extend themselves. Why fix what ain’t broke!

So…which one reigns supereme as the best brewery in Gatlinburg, in my honest opinion? Well, both of them have great beers, but I lean GBC; both have great food, but I lean SMB; both have great service, but I lean SMB due to the friendly familiarity aspect; both have great ambiance, but my comfort level is higher at SMB. That makes the winner, Smoky Mountain Brewery, right?

Yes and no. When I know the town is busy, I head to Gatlinburg Brewing Company, as they almost always have an open table or seat at the bar. That doesn’t mean they’re inferior. Remember: Smoky Mountain Brewery has been around longer, so that’s an advantage, not proof they’re significantly better than their rival.

Okay Corey, so what do you really think!?

I’m going to recommend…BOTH! Yes, I’m a fence-sitter on this one. I want you, the visitor, to try both…yes, both, on your vacation. Surely, you can find time for two quality breweries if you’re a fan of beer, pizza, whiskey, wings, salad, and sandwiches, even though they’re on opposite ends of the spectrum…and the Burg. Yes, SMB has entrees that rise above the pub moniker, but you simply can’t go wrong with either place.

I love the Brewery and GBC for different reasons; you can find me alternating between the two often. As a matter of fact, they are my top two most visited restaurants since we moved in August. No question! And for the record, no argument needed.

Thank you all for reading and subscribing to my publication! I hope you enjoyed this post, which is a bit of change from the norm. I hope to do more reviews, comparisons, and much more this year, and I would be honored to have you join me in this journey that has been quite joyful here in Gatlinburg. See you next time!