Split Rail Eats — Restaurant in Gatlinburg

Split Rail Eats: The Best Hidden Treasure Since Bigfoot

If you’ve ever wanted to question your GPS, reconsider your life choices, and then be absolutely rewarded with some of the best food in the mountains, Split Rail Eats is your spot. Nestled so deep in the hills that I half-expected to be greeted by a friendly bear offering me a menu, this place is an off-the-beaten-path gem. You don’t find Split Rail Eats—you discover it, like an explorer stumbling upon a lost civilization of flavor.

Let’s talk about the food, because oh boy, after a drive like that, you need it. The wings? They were so meaty and tender I briefly considered whether they were actually tiny, well-seasoned pterodactyls. Full of flavor, cooked to perfection—if I lived closer, I’d probably develop a wing addiction that would require professional help.

But the real star? The Tater Tot Bowls. Now, I don’t know who looked at a pile of tater tots and thought, You know what would make this better? Marinated chicken, fresh veggies, creamy tzatziki, and feta. But that person deserves a medal. Or at least unlimited tots for life. Every bite was like a flavor explosion—crispy, creamy, tangy, and downright delicious.

The atmosphere? Chill. It’s like that cool friend’s house where you can kick back, eat amazing food, and temporarily forget that you had to navigate mountain roads that made you question whether civilization still existed.

So, is Split Rail Eats worth the trek? Absolutely. Will you feel like a pioneer venturing into the unknown? Probably. But trust me, this is one backroad adventure that ends with a happy belly and a new...

A friend of ours suggested this little Gem out on Glades Road. We didn't have any idea what to expect but we tried it out. Plenty of parking and located in the middle of the complex. When we went in we assumed it was a sit down and order restaurant. It is not but that was ok. You go up to a counter and order. They have the menu boards on the wall behind the cashier. Large enough and easy to read. Of course the first thing I saw was the Brunch Old Fashioned and ordered one of those. We ordered some BBQ wings and some Loaded tots. Paid the cashier and found a seat (plenty of seating, high top and low top tables available and for all size groups. They had a huge wall of beer on tap, tons of choices. They brought out our OF and I took one sip and was blown away. This was the absolute best OF I've had anywhere (other than my hubby's bar at home). Wings and tots came out and the portions were very large. The two of us could barely finish them. Back to that Brunch Old Fashioned, I noticed a very distinct flavor in it so my hubby went and talked to the bartender (who was awesome) and he came back with a sample cup and told me to try it, I did and that was the distinct flavor I was tasting that put this over the top. Now this is where it gets interesting, that flavor I was tasting was coffee moonshine (I do not like coffee at all but wasn't paying attention to the ingredients when I ordered it, so moral of the story is to at least give things one chance). If you are in Gatlinburg this is a must try. Thumbs up to the bartender for helping us figure out my...

Looking for a great place to go? Try out "Split Rail Cafe", it's in the Glades...you won't be disappointed. The atmosphere is great and their food is worth any wait. A couple of great guys John n Corbin own this tucked away treasure nestled in a small array of shops with brick walkways & an adorable covered bridge welcomes you as you enter the properties. Their food selections are a plentiful variety of choices. Great homemade desserts, different expressions of coffees, & cold slushy fruit drinks. There are specialty sandwiches served with very tasty french fries or an argula salad, salads....ohhh & some wonderful cucumber n' onion salad to touch off a great steak & cheese sandwich! yummy!! Add a touch of liquer to your coffee & sit by the fireplace & have that Conversation you've desired with your spouse or significant other... or you got a group? Come and enjoy. The service was very good and prompt. The place is clean as a whistle, and I loved their co2water! your food comes on a cute little silver tray topped off with a smile from your server. there's a touch of music in the air! it's a feel good place. Note, the ambience is welcoming & the decor inviting. Thank you guys! We'll be back for that banana pudding or that delicious looking moist carrot cake... its hard to decide! thanks for making our 93 yr young mom feel so welcomed & Steves 71st...