About
In the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains is The Greenbrier, a historic lodge dating back to the 1930s. It is known far and wide as one of Gatlinburg's premier dining establishments and even has an eerie tale.
Our story begins in 1939 when the log cabin became a "mountain lodge" and later the Greenbrier Lodge. During the war era, it catered to wealthy hunters, vacationers, and travelers to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The years rolled by, and in 1980, the lodge was purchased by Dean and Barbara Hadden. They converted it into the Greenbrier Restaurant and operated it until Dean passed away in 1991.
During this phase, Barbara passed the restaurant to her son, David Hadden, his wife, Becky, and their son, Jordan. Currently, KBS Restaurant Group assists in managing the eatery, making it a sister to regional favorites like Five Oaks Farm Kitchen and Crockett's Breakfast Camp.
Today, The Greenbriar retains its log-cabin charm while serving its renowned dry-aged steaks and chef-driven entrees. It also retains a 1940s tale that attracts the curious.
According to local legend, a beautiful young bride named Lydia was staying at the lodge. But after being jilted by her fiancé at the altar, she returned to the lodge, ascended the stairs to the second floor, and hung herself from the rafters. Whether the lore is fabricated as a publicity stunt to attract guests or is a morose Southern Gothic event, it adds mystique to one's visit.
The bottom line is that this homey, log cabin in East Tennessee offers fine dining and chef-driven entrees. Come to dismiss the ghost story or visit to savor the dry-aged steaks, but either way, come!
Vibe
When you pull into the expansive parking lot, the charming building stuck on the side of a Tennessee hill will take your breath away. Its classic log cabin structure, complete with a stone foundation and welcoming porch, connects you to its Smoky Mountain history.
Step inside, and you'll be awestruck by how the renovations modernized without detracting from or destroying its log cabin ethos. You'll find mortar-and-beam walls, low ceilings, and nooks and crannies for seating. Rich leather chairs, soft ambient lighting, and carefully selected accents create an upscale yet relaxing setting.
Windows throughout offer glimpses into the surrounding woods, adding yet another layer of relaxation and sophistication.
Dining areas offer a variety of experiences, from intimate tables to seating at the well-appointed bar.
All of which make it a perfect addition to any East Tennessee vacation itinerary.
The Greenbrier: Menu & Drinks
A standout choice is the dry-aged, hand-cut ribeye. The Iowa Premium USDA prime beef is celebrated for its rich marbling. Seasoned with just fresh-cracked black pepper and kosher salt, the ribeye is incredibly tender and robust.
While there are other cuts, like a tomahawk, the menu flexes its culinary muscles with venison, lamb, duck, chicken, and seafood, such as salmon.
The fish is cooked to get the skin crispy while keeping the meat juicy and tender. It comes with a butternut squash fondant, roasted Brussels sprouts, and Shiitake jus.
The drink menu is as popular as the dry-aged steaks, especially the list of premier bourbon and whiskey offerings. Regarding craft cocktails, be sure to try its revered Dylan, which is a creative twist on an Old Fashioned. This libation features Bob Dylan's Heaven's Door Bourbon, Madagascar vanilla bean simple syrup, and bitters. The tipping point is the pecan-smoke-washed snifter with black-cherry ice spheres. Add the Filthy Black Cherries for garnish, and it's easy to understand why this is their signature drink.
As you can see, The Greenbrier offers more than those tourist-driven restaurants throughout the Smoky Mountains. The combination of a refined menu, creative cocktails, and a historic and possibly haunted atmosphere makes for a memory-making dining experience.
Local Tips
- Reservations are strongly encouraged.
- The restaurant has a smart casual dress code.
- Order a cigar from its menu and enjoy smoking at the outdoor fire pit.
- Ask about any seasonal dishes showcasing fresh, local food.
