Timbers Log Cabin Restaurant — Restaurant in Gatlinburg

I read numerous reviews before eating here and was quite nervous about eating at a new restaurant because I have a big family that was relying on my choice so it had to be good. And when I say big family I mean there are 15 of us and if you've seen the size of this restaurant you know why that's a problem. So, we were immediately met at the door as well by the waitress and she said we would have to be split up, which was no issue to us. However, I initially was taken back because the lady was abrasive. Once we walked in I realized she was the ONLY waitress in the entire restaurant expected to serve all of these tables, which is totally unacceptable from a management standpoint. She was running herself ragged and I felt bad for her. Anyways, we did have to wait a while for our food but the food was the BEST I have ever had. I had a burger with pulled pork, coleslaw, cheddar, and barbeque on it and it was amazing. Truly. No words. My 5 year old and I ended up busting tables for the lady because she had gotten so behind. So pros: FOOD, amazing. It was well worth the wait. Best food in Gatlinburg. Huge portions. Never had any other food like it. Cons: They need more staff. The kitchen could keep up, but the poor waitress could not. To me, that's unacceptable for a restraurant with a #1 Trip advisor rating in all of Gatlinburg. Although her attitude could have been better, I think it was all due to her being overwhelmed. I cant say I wouldnt have been the same way.

UPDATE: Due to just receiving a private message from the owner to my Google review, I am going to have to bring my 5 star rating down to a 2 star rating. In his/her response, and I quote "As you stated in your review, we are a small family run restaurant and there are times when we do get busy especially when groups of your size stop in. We have over the course of three years of owning the restaurant attempted to accommodate groups of this size but ultimately we are not really designed to take that large of a group. We have discussed this as a family and tried to expedite what we do to make your experience as enjoyable as possible but obviously came up short. To that end, we will no longer be able to accommodate party sizes larger than 6. Thank you again for helping us make this decision and again for your business and review." I am absolutely horrified by this owner's response. His/her response basically says my family, due to their size, is not welcome in their restaurant. Not that they are going to try to expand or hire more staff, but that we aren't welcome. And not only did they neglect to post this on their website for further guests to know or on Facebook, but it was sent as a individual response to my review. I hope no one else has this experience and they make this decision public for further guests...

You're not welcome here! Thought this place was cute and family oriented, not at all... The rudest lady works here, she's the one with spikey hair. We came in freindly, filled her tip cup, than went to get a soda. She sprints over with both arms out, side to side, and yells "ill get it". No smile, no extra words, no formalities. She is just a rude, pen slamming, huffing and puffing person who ruined our expince. She should not be in the hospitality industry, treating people who keep the lights on like we're a burden who put a lemon in her mouth. Gave a kids cup to me because she thought adults don't order chocolate milk. 20 dollars a person for breakfast. Went to get ketchup and could feel her staring while customers watched her. I turned around and she snaps away like she's inspecting the ceiling. Asked for a to go box, rolls eyes, doesn't answer and tosses a box on the side. My kids ended up throwing their stuff out because they didn't want to go through the experience of asking this lady for anything else. Forget about asking for a bathroom key, everyone ended up holding it in. As far as those $20 breakfast plates... threw them out because it tasted like microwaved McDonald's and had hair in it (see photo below). Customers on the way out asked how it was, explained what just happened and all 3 cars left. Saved her the burden of having to serve even more people.

Read the owners response to other reviews it says it all:

"...If we have something derogatory to say we will say it to your face. Have a blessed vacation!!"

"It is our right to refuse service, have...

This is a very special place that will hold a special memory of the smokey mountains. It is locally owned by a husband and wife who truly love what they do and it shows. Their menu is very unique and home cooked food with their touch of culinary expertise. We ate here everyday they were open during our almost two week stay. Nowhere else could compare. The ambience of this log cabin was cozy and made the whole experience a treat. Their bacon is something everyone has to experience, biscuits melt in your mouth, creme Brule French toast is to die for, and the 3 cheese grits are something out of this world. Our only regret is our car broke down on the last night of our trip, we missed breakfast and saying goodbye because our car was in shop the next day and a half before leaving and we couldn't get there, but I know we will be back. I tried every item on the breakfast menu except the timber toast desert which looks amazing. Thank you for your wonderful east Tennessee hospitality. This little treasure is not to be missed and if you eat here, you are truly supporting a local that will treat you to a meal...