Split Rail Eats

About Split Rail Eats

Tucked away in the Covered Bridge Shops along Gatlinburg’s scenic Arts & Crafts Community Trail, Split Rail Eats has been serving mountain hospitality since 2018. This locally-loved eatery offers a refreshing escape from the downtown hustle, delivering scratch-made comfort food in a bright, welcoming space that feels more neighborhood hangout than tourist stop.

With a pet-friendly patio, yard games, and Gatlinburg’s only self-pour beer wall featuring 16 rotating taps, Split Rail transforms the simple act of grabbing lunch into a genuine experience worth savoring.

Why Choose Split Rail Eats

• Something for Everyone: Substantial vegetarian options alongside quality Angus beef burgers and creative hand pies mean no one in your group gets stuck with compromise food.
• Self-Pour Beer Wall: Gatlinburg’s only 16-tap self-pour system lets you sample local brews at your own pace and create custom flights.
• Off the Beaten Path: Located on the Arts & Crafts Trail with free parking, offering a genuine local vibe away from the tourist crowds.
• Pet-Friendly Patio: Outdoor seating welcomes your four-legged companions with water bowls and plenty of shade.
• Live Entertainment: Wednesday night live music, Thursday Music Video Bingo and Trivia, plus yard games make this more than just a meal.
• Quick, Casual Service: Counter ordering means no waiting for servers, grab your food and get back to exploring.

Menu Favorites

• Signature Hand Pies: Flaky pastries stuffed with chicken pot pie, spinach and feta, or the legendary cinnamon roll version served à la mode.
• Pickle Me Pimento Burger: GatlinBURGER Week runner-up featuring pimento cheese and fried pickles on a perfectly smashed Angus patty.
• Naan Fish Taco: Beer-battered fish wrapped in warm naan bread with house slaw and chipotle mayo.
• Chicken Fritters: Shredded chicken and cream cheese encased in crispy panko, served with addictive boom boom sauce.
• Traditional Bone-In Wings: Available in 8 or 12-count with your choice of signature sauces.
• Loaded Tots & Fries: Piled high with beer cheese, bacon, and green onions.
• Taco Tater Bowl: Seasoned ground beef over crispy tots with all the fixings.
• Southern Classics: Fried pickles and cheese curds perfect for snacking or sharing.

Featured Beverages

• Self-Pour Beer Wall: 16 rotating taps featuring local Smoky Mountain breweries and craft selections—you control the pour, you control the price.
• Bourbon Blackberry Smash: Local bourbon muddled with fresh blackberries and a hint of mint.
• Frozen Mudslides: Creamy, boozy, and perfect for warm mountain afternoons.
• Moonshine Cocktails: Creative drinks showcasing Tennessee’s famous white lightning.
• Mimosa Flights: Multiple flavors for sampling and sharing.
• Full Coffee Menu: Espresso drinks and specialty coffees pair beautifully with fresh-baked pastries.
• Happy Hour Specials: Thursday 4:00-8:00 PM featuring discounts on food, beer, and wine.

What to Expect

Upon arrival, head for the green “shop entrance” sign, the main entrance isn’t immediately obvious from the parking lot, but you’ll be glad you found it. Inside, you’ll discover a surprisingly spacious restaurant with rustic-modern touches, wood floors, and big bay windows overlooking the shopping complex.

Order and pay at the counter, then grab a numbered stand and choose your spot, whether that’s a high-top near the bar, a booth by the windows, or a table on the pet-friendly patio. Your food arrives promptly, cooked to order and noticeably fresh.

The vibe remains unpretentious yet thoughtful throughout, with attentive staff who treat regulars and first-timers with equal warmth. Leave your tray when you’re done; they’ll handle the cleanup. Save room for their made-from-scratch baked goods, cookies and cupcakes are available individually or by the dozen for takeaway.