Wild Plum Tea Room — Restaurant in Gatlinburg

We had a reservation for 11:30 (and apparently, so did 8 others). We were 10 minutes early for our reservation, and were finally seated at 12:20. When we left at 1:30, one of the original 11:30 reservations was finally being seated. When anyone asked about the status of their reservation, the staff's answer was "we're working on it".

I understand that serving staff can only do so much because they're trying to keep things flowing inside. What I don't understand is why a manager or owner wasn't visible or even making an effort to smooth out the wrinkles (or help their staff). The best part of the wait was the smell of something dead wafting over from the parking lot every time the wind changed direction.

When we were finally seated inside, we were told that the long wait was due to having only 2 people running the restaurant that day. Even with only 2 servers, the dining room (maybe 10 tables total) should be seated to capacity. We observed several tables (2 and 3 seaters) in the front room remain empty and unseated for over an hour while multiple small groups of customers could have been in the seats.

Some suggestions to the proprietors: If you know you only have 1-2 people to run the place, don't accept 8 reservations for the same time. If you have to, make phone calls to keep people from driving 20 minutes, parking in that ridiculously small lot, and waiting hours for nothing. Absolutely don't accept more reservations than you have reasonable seating for. If you end up short staffed unexpectedly, at least communicate with your customers that their reservation is unable to be honored.

If you end up with people waiting an inordinately long amount of time (expectedly or not), offer them something. The tea room is famous for their muffins. Maybe a plate could be taken to each of the tables of people waiting on the front porch at some point during their 1+ hour long wait after they expected to be eating? How about an outdoor water cooler so people could get a drink while they're waiting? Maybe, in an effort to maintain future customers, people could even be offered something minor to make a different reservation (free scones, tea, etc.) The benefit of having a daily menu that changes is also that when you're short staffed and people are waiting ridiculously long that the menu gets changed to items that can be prepared quickly. Half of the menu is chicken salad options anyway, so I don't understand what was taking so long to move people in and out in the first place.

The entire experience was wholly disappointing. The food was nothing groundbreaking. We all ordered chicken salad since we were half starved and figured that would be the fastest meals to prepare. 3 drinks and 3 chicken salad plates cost $60 before tip. I can think of a hell of a lot of places that would have offered a much better experience for a lot less time and money. We will NOT...

So, this happened to me for the very first time in my SERVICE DOG life! 😪

Let me tell you first, the only reason Mommy and I stayed was because our server was the sweetest young lady and Mommys friend was treating us. It truly was a shame, when she spent over $70 for a lunch for 2 to have such a negative experience. Mommy truly tried not to let it impact her, but I'm her precious boy and no one messes with me! Hee! You know you have the same exact Mom!🥰

It was our very first time dining at "The Wild Plum Tea House" in Gatlinburg and it was truly delicious, and as I said, our adorable, sweet, awesome server was amazing. However, upon our arrival we were DENIED dining in the main area and the screened area for dining. A young man approached us as we entered, without a greeting, just said, "NO DOGS ALLOWED!" I politely replied that Barry was my Service Dog and he said nope, doesn't matter, outside on the deck. The deck was not clean, ants, bees, loud from traffic and very warm. Mommy continued to share with him the law of Service Dogs and he just ignored us with a grumpy face. (swipe to see pic #3 from their which states, Service Dogs are permitted.) Totally, False!!!!!

There were several tables with customers, and they could not believe the treatment we were given. Mommy was so embarrassed and sad and not happy.😪 Soooo, if you ever think of going there with your Service Dog, don't! In fact, I will never go there, again! As you know, we live in Sevierville and have company often, and we will never take them there, either. On a different note, if you do not have a Service Dog, please go. Kasey is the Owner and Chef. The scones are to die for, chocolate flourless torte was scrumptious, the Plum tea was delicious and refreshing, Chicken salad and fruit was magnificent and make sure you get our server!

TRAIN YOUR PEOPLE: Service Dogs are allowed in restaurants under the Disabilities Act (ADA) The ADA requires that businesses allowed service animals in all areas where the...

Cozy and quaint little cabin a short distance from the main strip in the Arts and Crafts Community. We've been coming to Gatlinburg for 30+ years and somehow this little hidden gem had managed to evade us. It's been in business for 36 years, so you know it's going to be good.

The reservation process is a bit tedious and I highly recommend booking your slot several weeks in advance to ensure they get you on the list. We booked about 2 weeks out!

The waitstaff went above and beyond to ensure our Wild Plum Tea was always topped off. They were very knowledgeable of the menu and did not hesitate to answer ALL of my questions.

Portion sizes are near perfect for lunch, but definitely grab an app or two. The pimento cheese is served warm and all the oooey, gooey cheesey awesomeness just melts off your spoon... We inhaled it!

The chef's specials Are. To. Die. For. We missed out on the lobster pie (I food stalked the people beside us since they got the last one and it looked heavenly!) but nabbed one of the salmon burgers. The combo of dill and fresh garlic in the burger and the tangy aoli + onions and pickles on top were nothing short of divine. The flavor profile was off the charts!

The chicken salad was savory and unique in that it was filled with fresh fruits. It was a nice light treat on a hot summer day. Definitely try it!

Deserts were beautiful and big enough to share (if you don't have much of a sweet tooth).

Insider Tip: Reserve your chef special when you make lunch reservations, so they will save one for you! Our sweet waitress was kind enough to mention that for our future visits.

The Wild Plum Citrus Tea is super sweet and like crack. They offer free refills and (thankfully) a restroom upstairs. 😂

Try them out and support a true local hidden gem nestled in the beautiful mountains...