Do you love listening to live music? Then you’ll love the large variety of restaurants in the Smokies with live music. Take a look at a few of our top recommendations:
1. Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar
At Jason Aldean’s Kitchen, you come for the food and stay for the party! There are lively artists performing every day, and you’ll be impressed with the variety of talent! When it comes to the menu, we recommend starting with the mac & cheese bites with a chipotle ranch dipping sauce, then try the beer can chicken or the bourbon BBQ ribs for your entree. Finish with a slice of 7-layer chocolate cake with bourbon glaze and whipped cream for dessert!
2. Ole Red
Everyone knows Blake Shelton’s restaurant in Gatlinburg features amazing up-and-coming musicians, but the food is also fantastic! The menu at Ole Red has a little bit of everything, from burgers and chicken wings to BBQ and loaded nachos. Go all out with the 8 oz. char-grilled bison chopped steak topped with roasted mushrooms, beer onions, and a BBQ demi-glaze and served with smashed potatoes and collard greens.
3. Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill
Tom and Earl’s is one of Gatlinburg’s hidden gems and has been a favorite local restaurant in the Smokies for years. The menu features a variety of hearty sandwiches that pair perfectly with the selection of draft and bottled beer. Every Friday and Saturday night, you’ll find live music from musicians and songwriters such as Denver Evans.
4. Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina
One of the best places to eat in Gatlinburg for Tex-Mex cuisine is Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina! They serve delicious margaritas, unlimited chips and salsa, birria tacos, Mexican street corn, and all your favorite burritos, enchiladas, and more. If you’re up for a challenge, order the whole 5 lb. chihuahua burrito stuffed with rice, refried beans, black beans, seasoned beef, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, pico de gallo, cilantro sour cream, jalapeños, habanero salsa, chili con carne, and Mexican cheese blend. If you can eat this burrito by yourself within 30 minutes, you can receive your burrito for free, plus a free burro ride or draft beer of your choice! The rooftop bar features live entertainment, so it’s always a good time at Loco Burro.
5. Puckett’s
Puckett’s in Pigeon Forge provides a variety of musical artists on the weekends, so you can enjoy a nice dinner and drinks while listening to live music. Their food and bar menus are extensive, with choices like pimento cheese bites, BBQ taco salad, smoked meatloaf, hot chicken sandwich, and their iconic banana pudding. At the bar, they offer beer flights, wine, whiskey, and many handcrafted cocktails.
6. The Listening Room Cafe
One of the most unique dining and entertainment experiences is found at The Listening Room. Featuring acoustic sets from singer-songwriters and local East Tennessee singers and bands, there’s always someone new to discover at this music venue and restaurant. Their menu is also unique with opening acts (appetizers), hitmakers (entrees), co-writers (side dishes), and encores (desserts). We highly recommend trying the Turkey Apple Crisp which was featured in Country Weekly Magazine! It’s house-smoked turkey breast, bacon, crisp Granny Smith apples, Swiss cheese, and cranberry aioli on toasted wheatberry bread.
7. Iron Boar Saloon
The Iron Boar Saloon is much more than a biker bar. Enjoy friendly service, great food and drinks, live entertainment, and outdoor patio seating. They have their own special brew called the Iron Boar Lager and several cold brews on tap. Food options include burgers and dogs in addition to several appetizers such as nachos, tortilla chips and queso, wings, and quesadillas.
Now you know some of the best restaurants in the Smokies with live music! Looking for more restaurant recommendations? Check out this list of Smoky Mountain restaurants you must try!
