Gatlinburg has got to be not only one of the best small towns in Tennessee but quite possibly the world. I know we’re biased but with such a beautiful setting alone you could call it a lovely town. Add to that all of the attractions, restaurants, and fun things to do, you could spend vacation after vacation enjoying this little town. The secret is out though, because people have been flocking to this town from near and far, but hey while you are there we know a great place to listen to live music and get a bite to eat. Ole Red Gatlinburg is the go-to place for country music fans and it is conveniently located downtown.
If you come into Gatlinburg from the east chances are you have been stopped at the light that converges Route 321 to the Parkway, which is the main street through downtown Gatlinburg.
What you will see in front of you will be Ole Red Gatlinburg. If your windows are down you’ll likely hear the thumbing twang of live country music, because this restaurant is first and foremost a music venue.
The owner and founder of this iconic place is none other than Blake Shelton.
You might recognize him from TV, or you have followed his successful career as a country music star. Either way as a musician he wanted the building design to first reflect the live music scene above all else. That is why the stage is right in the center and every seat is a front-row seat.
Inside the place is alive and energetic with live music scheduled every single day.
Any given moment you make your way in for a bite to eat chances are you will be seeing a band playing their country heart out. Fun decorations throughout the restaurant bring you back to what is near and dear to all country fans. Probably the most noticeable is when you look up, hanging from the ceiling an old authentic tractor converted to hold the house lights.
Although the place is primarily viewed as a country music venue, do not discount the food as an afterthought.
The all-American menu has an excellent burger section. Most of the menu is named after Blake Shelton’s songs or a reference to the country music lifestyle, which makes it fun to see how many you can spot while perusing each item.
The Brisket Mac & Cheese takes two wonderful things and pairs them together in what is considered a “sharable side” but I would rather have it all to myself.
When you down your entrees and you are looking for an encore the dessert menu will not disappoint. The “That’s What I Love About Sundae” looks way too good to not order. With a heaping dose of everything sweet, how could you not want to finish off a meal with this treat?
Whether you are a Blake Shelton fan, a country music listener, or just a foodie who can not get enough American cuisine, Ole Red Gatlinburg is the place for you. Stop by for a burger and walk away with a new artist you love, it’s a great pairing that has to be experienced. For more information please visit the Ole Red Gatlinburg website.
Check out the local secret of this hidden-in-plain-sight city park in Gatlinburg you might not have ever explored before.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!