Restaurant Reivew

Hard Rock Cafe Gatlinburg

515 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 430-7625
Five Stars
Main Photo

Hard Rock, one of the top choices for tourists, is always a safe bet. The food is great, service is usually above average, and the trendy atmosphere adds excitement to any trip. We always make it a point to dine at every Hard Rock location that we come across.

This particular Hard Rock is located in downtown Gatlinburg, a bit further down the road from most of the other attractions, which is nice. Although this location is much smaller than most of the others I have visited, I have to say I was impressed with the service.

UPDATE: This restaurant has been relocated to Pigeon Forge (2050 Parkway)

  • Hard Rock Cafe Gatlinburg Restaurant Preview
  • Hard Rock Cafe Gatlinburg Restaurant Preview

Food

At Hard Rock, you will find a wide variety of choices including comfort foods like fried appetizers, pasta, and pizza, and even a few healthy options like salads. In addition, there are plenty of specialty drinks and cool souvenir glasses which you can keep (for a small extra charge).

I ordered the Haystack Chicken salad, which includes mixed greens, corn, carrots, Pico De Gallo, shredded cheese, grilled chicken, tortilla strips, and pecans. I had to make a few substitutions - replacing the ranch dressing with vinaigrette, avocado instead of cheese, and chicken on the side.

The waitress was very friendly and had no problem at all with the substitutions. She was also able to verify a few questions that I had over ingredients.

Mike ordered a Turkery Burger with fries.
Once again, the waitress was able to make a few substitutions without any hassle. The fries at Hard Rock are the best!

The Twisted Mac and Cheese is definitely the standout menu item. Although it's probably loaded with calories, it is the best mac and cheese around. As far as appetizers go, any of the flatbreads, the onion rings, and the nachos are safe bets. Sadly, they got rid of their iconic spring rolls!


Service

Service was exceptional. Our waitress was very accommodating with any substitutions we needed to make. In addition, food came out fast and fresh.

Atmosphere

The inside is a bit smaller than other locations, but still has the same modern rock vibe - rock memorabilia hanging on the walls, a lively bar, and a great soundtrack. A few holiday decorations scattered about added holiday pizazz to the room.

Restaurant Photo

Final Remarks

I would definitely recommend Hard Rock Cafe to any tourist looking for an upbeat restaurant with a wide variety of menu choices.

Hard Rock is the ideal choice in Gatlinburg for a casual, lively dining experience with family or friends, and the perfect choice before/after your other Gatlinburg events and activities.

Hard Rock Cafe on Urbanspoon
Waiter