Cozy Up To the Park Grill Steakhouse
by Mark G. Smith As seen in Southern Living

The Park Grill Steakhouse Restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, serves as a welcome retreat from the bustling main street. Perched only a few hundred yards from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the lodge like building looks quite at home nestled up against the Appalachians.

Soft light glows from lamps gracing the entrance. I open the branch-framed front doors to give my name to the greeter (there is a long wait on weekends and holidays), and the mountain lodge feeling wraps around me like a warm, woolen throw.

Massive beams form a wooden cathedral. No live spruce trees were harvested to construct the restaurant. All of the large logs were standing trees killed either by bark beetles or forest fires. The wood was selected for interesting branching patterns, big knots, or large scars. Three fireplaces enhance the atmosphere.

Don’t leave the Park Grill Steakhouse without taking a stroll around to look at the decorative items in the restaurant that are the works of East Tennessee artisans. And, by all means, check out the restroom! (You’ll have to see for yourself)

The Park Grill Steakhouse is open for dinner (5:00 p.m. seven days a week. Oh, and bring the little tykes along, too! The restaurant boasts an excellent children’s menu. The price? Half your child’s age! For the entire family: no trip to the Great Smokies is complete without a visit to The Park Grill Steakhouse.