Red’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream

Why go: Red’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream brings 1940s and 50s charm to the heart of downtown Sevierville, serving hand-mixed phosphate sodas, Irvey’s locally made ice cream in 14 flavors, and specialty shakes steps from the Dolly Parton statue.

About Red’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream

Red’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream occupies a corner spot at 114 Court Avenue, part of The Corner Downtown complex beside the historic Central Hotel. The space has the look and feel of a mid-century soda parlor: counter seating with a view of the fountain, vintage decor, booths along one wall, and a free-play jukebox that sets the mood from the moment you walk in. A pair of world maps on the back wall, covered with pushpins marking visitors’ home countries, gives a sense of how far people travel to spend an afternoon here.

The name pays direct tribute to Red’s Cafe, which operated just across the street starting in 1946 and was a regular stop for a young Dolly Parton. That connection runs through the fabric of downtown Sevierville: a mural on a nearby alley depicts a young Dolly at the counter of the original cafe. Red’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream keeps that heritage alive, positioned steps from the Sevier County Courthouse and the Dolly Parton statue on its front lawn.

The ice cream is Irvey’s, handcrafted in Knoxville and served in 14 flavors including Chocolate Cake Batter, Amaretto Chocolate Chip, Espresso, Salted Caramel (lactose free), and a rotating seasonal option. Scoops come in a cup, a cake cone, or an in-house made waffle cone. The drinks menu covers hand-mixed phosphate sodas in 16 flavors, ice cream sodas, floats, malts, and a full lineup of milkshakes including house specialties like the Elvis, PB&J, Buster Brown, and Espresso Turtle. For those who want something savory, the menu offers all-beef hot dogs, the Hello Dolly Turkey Sandwich on marble rye, chicken salad croissant, pulled pork, house-made chili, and fresh salads.

Getting to Red’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream

Red’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream is at 114 Court Avenue in downtown Sevierville, directly beside the Central Hotel. The Sevier County Courthouse sits across the street, and the Dolly Parton statue on the courthouse lawn serves as a reliable landmark; Red’s is visible from it. Street parking is available along Court Avenue and on surrounding downtown streets, and the location is walkable from most of the downtown core.

Why Choose Red’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream

Red’s fills a specific gap in the Sevierville dining scene: a genuine sit-down soda fountain with locally made ice cream, a handcrafted drinks menu longer than most, and enough savory food to make it a real lunch stop. The downtown location and historical story add context that most roadside ice cream shops simply cannot offer.

• Locally made ice cream from Irvey’s. Irvey’s handcrafts each batch in Knoxville across 14 flavors, with seasonal additions that rotate throughout the year. Red’s is one of very few places in the Smokies area where you can find it.
• A real phosphate soda bar. Hand-mixed phosphates come in 16 flavors and can be ordered individually or as a flight of three, making it easy to sample before committing to a full pour.
• Specialty milkshakes with genuine variety. The shake menu goes well beyond standard flavors, with originals like the Elvis, PB&J, Buster Brown, Tin Roof, and Espresso Turtle, plus a Boston Milkshake built with hot fudge.
• A food menu that earns its own visit. The Hello Dolly Turkey Sandwich, house-made chili, and all-beef hot dogs make Red’s a workable lunch option, not just a dessert stop after a meal elsewhere.
• Downtown location within the historic core. Sitting steps from the Sevier County Courthouse and the Dolly Parton statue, Red’s fits naturally into a downtown Sevierville afternoon without requiring a separate drive.

Must Try

Red’s menu is designed to reward indecision. The sweet side is extensive enough that most visitors leave planning what they will try next time, and the savory side adds enough substance to make it a legitimate meal stop.

• Red’s Banana Split. The signature house specialty built with three scoops, your choice of toppings, whipped cream, and a cherry. The most ambitious item on the sweet menu and fully shareable.
• Phosphate Flight. Three hand-mixed phosphates of your choosing, served together as a sampler. With 16 flavors on the list, the flight is the smartest way to narrow things down before your next visit.
• Hello Dolly Turkey Sandwich. Shaved turkey on marble rye with havarti, spring mix, tomato, red onion, and mayo. A Red’s exclusive that stands apart from the typical downtown lunch sandwich.
• Specialty Milkshakes. The Elvis, the PB&J, the Espresso Turtle, and the Buster Brown each have a devoted following. Order large; the smaller size goes fast.
• Red’s ‘The Works’ Hot Dog. A quarter-pound all-beef hot dog loaded with house chili, cheese, coleslaw, onions, relish, ketchup, and mustard. Substantial enough to stand on its own as a meal.
• Homemade Waffle Cone. Made in-house and available as an upgrade to any scoop order. Worth the small additional charge if you are eating in.

What to Expect

Red’s is a sit-down experience with counter service at the fountain. The interior lends itself to lingering: the jukebox runs for free, the atmosphere is unhurried, and the vintage layout invites visitors to stay longer than they planned.

• Counter service only. Orders are placed at the soda fountain counter, not at the table. The open layout means you can watch your phosphates and shakes being made from wherever you sit.
• Welcoming for all ages. The format, the menu, and the decor engage children and adults equally. The free jukebox is a particular draw for younger visitors.
• No reservations needed or available. Walk in during open hours. Waits are possible during summer weekends and on busy downtown event days.
• Seasonal and holiday hours vary. Standard hours run Monday through Saturday, with Sunday closed. Check the Red’s Soda Fountain Facebook page before visiting during holiday periods or long weekends.

Nearby Restaurants in Sevierville

• Seasons 101. The upscale anchor of The Corner Downtown, steps away on East Main Street, serving seasonal American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in a polished setting.
• Pinchy’s Lobster & Raw Bar. A seafood-forward option just down Court Avenue, bringing fresh lobster and raw bar selections to a mountain town that rarely sees them on the menu.
• GRAZE Burgers. A walkable burger spot on Bruce Street in the downtown core, built around fresh-ground patties and a focused short menu.
• Aubrey’s. A reliable full-service American restaurant on Dolly Parton Parkway with a broad menu that handles large groups comfortably.
• Chubby’s Restaurant. A well-loved Sevierville institution serving Southern comfort plates and large portions at a price point that keeps locals coming back.

Explore More

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

• Sevierville Food & Beverage Guide. The complete directory for where to eat and drink in Sevierville, organized by category and type.
• Sevierville Attractions. A roundup of the top things to do in Sevierville beyond the dinner table, from shopping and entertainment to local history.
• Sevierville Outdoor Adventure. Trail options, water activities, and outdoor experiences in and around Sevierville for visitors who want to earn their ice cream.