Native Brews Tap & Grill

Why go: A 100% women-owned Native American brewpub on Tsali Boulevard with two veteran chefs running a menu that stretches from peanut-crusted NC trout and BourbonZola burgers to house-brewed craft beers, all served in a bright, family-friendly space with outdoor seating and live entertainment.

About Native Brews Tap & Grill

Native Brews Tap & Grill is a full-service brewpub and restaurant at 1897 Tsali Boulevard, positioned right at the entrance to Cherokee as you come off the Smokies. The business is 100% women-owned and Native American-owned, and it operates with a level of culinary ambition that sets it apart from the typical tourist-corridor dining scene.

The kitchen is led by Chef Kevin Conrad and Reuben Sharpless, each with over 20 years of professional culinary experience. The menu they run is broad and unapologetically eclectic. Starters range from a colossal Bavarian pretzel with house beer cheese to deep-fried deviled eggs with bacon jam and Ba Da Boom shrimp. The burger section includes builds like the BourbonZola (bourbon BBQ, gorgonzola, bacon, and onion straws) and the Warrior Burger (jalapeno pimento cheese, fried green tomato, and bacon). Entrees run from peanut-crusted NC trout with shrimp Florentine cream sauce to honey chipotle salmon, blackened catfish, whiskey berry meatloaf, and a full pasta lineup. A seasonal menu rotation keeps the kitchen fresh.

The tap room side of the operation features Native American Brewing, the in-house craft beer program. The brewing concept connects heritage and the land’s natural resources to the finished product. Current offerings include a West Coast IPA, the Smoke Signals Hazy IPA (a juicy, tropical hop-forward brew with less bitterness than a traditional IPA), and a vanilla-caramel cream soda. Additional taps rotate, and the bar carries a full selection beyond the house brews.

You will know you have arrived when you spot the 25-foot-tall fiberglass Cherokee figure out front, a restored roadside landmark that has become part of the restaurant’s identity. Inside, the space is bright with large windows. Outside, a generous patio area includes cornhole and space for kids to move around. The restaurant also features live entertainment from local talent on select evenings.

Getting to Native Brews Tap & Grill

Native Brews is at 1897 Tsali Boulevard (US 441), right at the northern entrance to Cherokee. If you are driving south from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance at Oconaluftee, the restaurant is one of the first businesses you will encounter on your right. If you are coming from downtown Cherokee heading north, it is near the end of the commercial strip. Parking is on-site, and the 25-foot Cherokee figure makes the building impossible to miss.

Why Choose Native Brews Tap & Grill

Native Brews occupies a unique position in Cherokee dining. It is one of the few locally owned, full-service restaurants with both a serious kitchen and an in-house brewing program.

• Two experienced chefs running the kitchen. Kevin Conrad and Reuben Sharpless each bring over 20 years of culinary experience. The menu reflects that depth, with dishes that go well beyond standard pub fare.
• A genuinely eclectic menu. Peanut-crusted trout, honey chipotle salmon, blackened catfish, chicken pot pie, a Philly cheesesteak, wraps, bowls, pasta, and a full burger lineup. The range is wide enough that a table of four with completely different cravings can all eat well.
• House-brewed craft beers from Native American Brewing. The Smoke Signals Hazy IPA and the vanilla-caramel cream soda are the most frequently mentioned, but the tap list rotates and the bar carries plenty beyond the house beers.
• 100% women-owned and Native American-owned. One of the few restaurants in the Cherokee corridor with direct ties to the community it serves.
• Outdoor seating with a play-friendly layout. The patio includes cornhole and room for kids. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables.
• Live entertainment on select evenings. Local musicians perform regularly, adding a layer to the dining experience that most Cherokee restaurants do not offer.
• Open seven days a week. Daily hours from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM, covering both lunch and dinner with a consistent schedule.

Menu Favorites

The menu is large, and the kitchen commits to executing across a wide range. These are the items that reviewers return to most often.

• Peanut Crusted Trout. NC peanut-crusted trout served with a shrimp Florentine cream sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, and fried Brussels sprouts. This is the signature entree, and it draws repeat orders from both locals and visitors. Allergy note: this dish contains shellfish.
• BourbonZola Burger. Bourbon BBQ sauce, gorgonzola cheese, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and onion straws. A rich, layered build that reviewers consistently rank among the best burgers in Cherokee.
• Warrior Burger. Jalapeno pimento cheese, fried green tomato, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and onion. A Southern-influenced build with real heat.
• Colossal Pretzel. A massive Bavarian soft pretzel served with honey ground mustard and house beer cheese. Multiple reviewers describe it as a meal on its own, and the beer cheese is made in-house.
• Honey Chipotle Salmon. Honey chipotle-glazed salmon with fried Brussels sprouts and garlic mashed potatoes. A strong pick for anyone looking beyond the burger and pub side of the menu.
• Whiskey Berry Meatloaf. Southern-style meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes and green beans, finished with a tangy whiskey berry sauce. A comfort food anchor that reviewers frequently mention by name.
• Cranberry Chicken Wrap. Blackened chicken breast with cranberry pecan cheese spread, lettuce, and tomato on a spinach herb wrap. One of the most-ordered items in the wrap lineup.
• Say What?!? (Deep-Fried Deviled Eggs). Deviled eggs breaded and deep fried, served with house bacon jam. An unusual starter that gets strong reactions and repeat orders.
• Smoke Signals Hazy IPA. The house-brewed hazy IPA from Native American Brewing. Juicy, tropical, and less bitter than a traditional IPA. The most frequently named beer in reviews.
• Cream Soda. A vanilla-caramel hard cream soda brewed in-house. A lighter option that appeals to diners who want something beyond a standard beer.

What to Expect

Native Brews is an upscale casual restaurant with full table service, a tap room atmosphere, and a kitchen that takes its food seriously. The experience lands somewhere between a polished brewpub and a neighborhood grill.

• Full table service. This is a sit-down restaurant with wait staff, not counter service. Expect a more traditional dining pace.
• Service can be inconsistent. Many reviewers praise the staff as friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. Others note slow service and difficulty flagging down their server during busy periods. Weekday lunches tend to run smoother than weekend dinner rushes.
• No substitutions policy. The kitchen does not modify or alter menu item preparation. If you have specific dietary needs, review the menu carefully before ordering.
• Surcharges to be aware of. A 3% fee applies to all credit card transactions. A 20% gratuity is added automatically for groups of six or more. Takeout orders carry an additional surcharge, and split plates have a fee as well.
• Dog-friendly patio. The outdoor seating area welcomes dogs. Staff have been noted for offering water bowls and accommodating pet owners.
• Outdoor play area. The patio includes cornhole and open space, which makes it a strong pick for families with kids who need room to move between courses.
• Live music on select evenings. Check the Facebook page for the current entertainment schedule.
• Takeout and delivery are both available. Call ahead at (828) 497-2739.

Nearby Restaurants in Cherokee

• El Cajelito Mexican Restaurant and Bar. Family-owned Mexican on Acquoni Road with house-made corn tortillas, a daily lunch buffet, and a full bar near Harrah’s.
• Granny’s Kitchen. Southern comfort food served buffet-style on Painttown Road since 1984, known for hand-carved roast beef and fried chicken at honest prices.
• Ruth’s Chris Steak House. The fine dining anchor at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, serving USDA Prime steaks sizzling on 500-degree plates with a full New Orleans-rooted menu.

Explore More

My Smoky Mountain Guide Cherokee is a great resource for finding things to do and places to eat.

• Cherokee Food & Beverage Guide. Discover restaurants, cafes, breweries, and other local dining favorites.
• Attractions and Entertainment. Check out all the attractions in Cherokee.
• Outdoor Adventure. Explore all the great outdoor adventure in Cherokee.