Visit Gatlinburg Releases the 19 Eateries Competing for Gatlinburger Week

Are you ready for the list? Yes, Gatlinburger Week is September 15-21, and if you missed my recent article about how to participate and who is the reigning champ, you may want to check it out after what I’m going to reveal about the businesses and burgers in the competition. The Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau has put out an attractive contest we thoroughly enjoyed sinking our teeth into last year, and this year, we’re looking forward to trying what some of the 19 total businesses have to offer with their special burgers they want guests to try during this week. Go to the official Visit Gatlinburg tourism page for all annual, seasonal, and special events in this beautiful tourist town. Here’s a list of eateries vying for Burger Master of 2024, and their own special sandwich!

1. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que

Baby Got Mac

Crispy burger patty topped with a slice of pepper jack cheese, some Carolina Pork, Mac and Cheese and crispy fried onions. Served on Texas Toast.

This one has my attention, and don’t be surprised if I give this one a try! It’s a solid potential pick and a dark horse if it impresses.

2. Ober Mountain

Black Diamond Burger

The famous Black and Blue Burger with a twist: Black Brioche Bun, Asher Blue Cheese, Caramelized Onions, Peppered Bacon, Spring Mix, Tomato.

Unfortunately, this guy is no fan of blue cheese, so I will pass on this burger.

3. Cherokee Grill

Cherokee Grill Lamb Burger

American lamb, local tomato jam, crumbled goat cheese, arugula on a brioche bun. Cooked to temperature with a choice of side dish.

This sounds like the healthiest burger in the competition, and I am intrigued! Consider it a strong possibility!

4. Cliff Top Restaurant at Anakeesta

Flamethrower

All-Beef Black Angus Patty charbroiled, Cajun rubbed, Smoked Gouda, Pepperjack cheese, Crispy Fried Red Hot Jalapeno & Onions, Sweet Thai Chili & Bourbon Bacon Jam, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Fried Green Tomato, Garlic & Sriracha Aioli, toasted Brioche Bun, Flame-roasted Jalapeno.

The Flamethrower was tried by us last year, and if it’s as good this year, it’s certainly a contender!

5. Ole Red

Honey Bee Burger

Burger Patty, Pepperjack Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Bacon, Egg, Garlic Aioli with a Hot Honey Drizzle.

I am on the fence with this burger, so it’s a possible pick!

6. Maddie Mae’s Cafe and Creamery

iScream Burger and Shake

8oz hand packed Angus beef, topped with a House jalapeño pimento cream spread, bacon, lettuce and tomato. Side of chips and a Fire & Ice milkshake. Fire & Ice milkshake is a SPICY chocolate cookies & cream shake.

I applaud their effort, but pimento cheese is not my favorite, and I would pass on the fries and shake, which sounds satisfying… for another time in my life.

7. J.O.E. and Pop’s Sub Shoppe

J.O.E.’s Schmo

Savory and Smoky and a little Crunchy too! Topped with Swiss Cheese, Mushrooms and homemade Onion Straws. Drizzled with some BBQ and served with fries.

Not especially unique enough for this competition, but I’m sure it’s probably good.

8. The Rampant Lion

Little Bo Peep’s Sheep Burger Special

Ground lamb mixed with ground beef served on a homemade BAP, covered with fried onion rings, spring mix lettuce, English white cheddar crumbles, Pub spread, and HP sauce.

Two lamb burgers weren’t on my bingo card for Gatlinburger Week. It’s an outside option that could be worthy of tasting.

9. The Park Grill

Mac and Beef

Certified Angus Beef Ground Chuck - 8 oz Patty, topped with traditional Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and Deep-Fried Mac and Cheese bites and American Cheese.

If only it didn’t have pickles. That would be the only reason I steer clear.

10. Poolside Cafe (Sidney James Mountain Lodge)

MAC Burger

Two chargrilled, hand-pattied, locally raised Rock Bottom Farms’ angus beef patties, American cheese, crispy bacon, homemade macaroni and cheese, and onion crispies on a locally baked hamburger bun with a side of crunchy onion rings.

This sounds like a fine choice. I can see myself checking out this cafe I haven’t been.

11. Little House of Pancakes

Pete’s Famous Poppin’ Burger

A Jalapeno popper inspired burger made with an all-beef patty topped with smoked cheddar cheese, pickled red onions, sweet pepper jelly, two bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers stuffed with cream cheese. served with french fries.

My wife is eyeing this burger, and it’s a solid possibility for me as well!

12. Big Daddy’s Pizzeria

Pizzeria Mac Daddy

Its a BURGER! Its a PIZZA! Homemade dough, topped with homemade cheese sauce, cheddar cheese, ground beef, bacon, and roma tomatoes. Baked in a 550 degree wood oven and topped with 1000 Island dressing, pickles and lettuce.

The only non-burger of the competition. We love their pizza, but this ain’t it for us.

13. Pucker’s Bar and Grill

Pucker’s SMASH

Double smashed patties, American cheese, fried onions, ghost pepper mayo, lettuce, tomato, toasted brioche bun.

They may not have reopened yet, but they will serve it at Loco Burro. It’s a maybe.

14. Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina

Quesadilla Burger

Ancho chile seasoned beef patty, chipotle aioli, shaved lettuce, pico de gallo, topped with Mexican Cheese, smoked Bacon Quesadilla, served on toasted brioche bun.

This burger is the one reason we will likely try Loco Burro again. It sounds delish!

15. Boudicca’s Celtic Pub

Scottish Bonnie Burger

100% fresh angus beef with a Scottish egg inside the beef patty. Paired with a grilled tomato, basil and Irish cheddar cheese. Drizzled with a Guinness Alio sauce and fresh spring mix. All on an amazing potato roll toasted with Kerry Gold's butter.

Look, this is a must for me. If I could eat their fried pickles on last year’s winner, I can try a burger with a Scotch egg inside. Despite my apprehension, expectations are high!

16. Margaritaville Resort

Shark Bite Burger

Two 5oz beef patties with crispy onion rings, Applewood smoked bacon, pineapple-jalapeno jam, sweet and spicy zest, Chef Ciro’s signature sauce on an artisan bun.

I can see myself trying this one. It’s an option worthy of consideration.

17. Alamo Steakhouse

South by Southbest

A pound of steak ground in house with BBQ sauce, grilled onions, pepper jack cheese, pickled jalapenos, bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes, served on a toasted Ciabatta Bun. Served with a mountain of French Fries.

Alamo’s burger sounds too good not to select. Since it’s been a good while since we’ve visited, it seems this is a perfect time to return!

18. Crawdaddy’s

Surf and Turf Burger

Cajun spiced angus beef, lobster and shrimp dip, fried green tomato, creole mayo, toasted brioche bun.

Not a fan of anything on this burger. No offense to them, it just doesn’t fit my tastes.

19. The Vista Grill (Park Vista hotel)

The Park Brisk-Ta Tower

8 oz patty with, brisket, smoked gouda pimento cheese, bbq aioli, fried onion, lettuce, green tomato pico on brioche bun. A towering burger.

This is another restaurant we could be paying a first-time visit because of the contest!

Are you hungry yet? I know I’m looking forward to hopefully trying no less than 5 of these burgers, so I can tell you which one is my favorite, and which comes home with the trophy for Gatlinburg Burger Master of 2024! Thank you very much for subscribing and stay tuned for the results after the contest!