Posted on 12/2/2022

A HIDDEN (AND DELICIOUS!) GEM

Sometimes one stumbles upon a thing they didn't know they'd been missing until it hits 'em square in the face. This happened in the very best way last week to a few of the MLC staff. After visiting a new MLC property (which is gorgeous and exciting--stay tuned!), the team decided to stop and grab lunch. The new home's owner suggested we try a nearby spot called Split Rail Eats. It was a bit off the beaten path, tucked away in a delightful shopping area on Glades Road in Gatlinburg. We arrived and were immediately excited by what we saw: the fun, fashion-forward aesthetic was modern yet unpretentious, and it felt, simply, like home. Plenty of dining tables were spread throughout the spacious floorplan, and the walk-up ordering area was clean, bright, and welcoming. A slightly separated room at the end of the property had more of a cozy coffeehouse feel, complete with leather sofas and a faux fireplace. It's the perfect place to kick back and connect with friends.

The Split Rail Eats menu offers fun twists on American favorites. They're well known for their Tater Bowls, which feature different proteins and flavors served over tater tots or fries. The Taco Tater looked especially yummy! They offer sandwiches (hot and cold), wraps, and delicious-looking fish tacos; they are also apparently serving the best burgers around. They have lighter fare as well, offering a variety of salads, and even have a Little Rascals menu for younger visitors. 

They have a full specialty coffee menu (available all day), and a full bar that serves up delicious hand-crafted cocktails. They also cater, so be sure to keep them in mind for your catering needs if you're local to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. If you love a good brunch, be sure to check them out between 10am-2pm on Sundays. They offer a special brunch menu that looks to die for.

Perhaps the most delightful part of our visit didn't involve food or beverage; it was the time we spent meeting and talking with the owners of Split Rail Eats, Corbin and John. These two brothers opened the restaurant together in 2018, and they're present day in and day out, working the register and serving food, hand to the plow alongside the rest of their staff. They're friendly, kind guys who exude hospitality, and we're delighted to help shine light on this delicious local establishment. Be sure to stop by when you're in town, and tell 'em Mountain Laurel Chalets sent you!

Split Rail Eats (849 Glades Rd., Suite 1b1, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 / (865) 325-8445 / SplitRailEats.com)

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