The Heirloom Room: Creekside Restaurant & Bar has long served as a beloved dining destination in Gatlinburg. Its location alongside the Little Pigeon River makes for a truly unique experience, whether you dine inside or out on the patio. Plus, it’s where to taste hearty Appalachian dishes and signature mixed drinks galore.
To enjoy all this restaurant offers, you’ll want to make reservations well before your visit. While they do accept walk-ins, extended waits are common. Planning ahead ensures you can start savoring their delicious food and drinks soon after walking through the doors.
As you enter the restaurant, the host will greet you warmly and promptly usher you to your seat. If you have your heart set on eating on the patio, be sure to speak up if you haven’t already requested it when making your reservation.
Once you’re settled in your seat, take your time pouring over the menus. Although they’re only a couple of pages each, every menu item deserves your full consideration. The handpicked ingredients and thoughtful preparation ensure every dish is a standout, so choose carefully to enjoy the ultimate dining experience.
If you simply can’t choose, consider ordering for the table and sharing each dish with your tablemates. This allows you to sample some of their most popular items without missing out on any of the dishes that catch your eye. You can also buy some time by ordering from the Mountain Mixology menu first. Then, sip on a signature cocktail, a glass of wine, or a draft brew while you weigh your options.
As soon as you order, the kitchen will get to work, whipping up perfection with each dish. Since every item is made to order, you’ll likely need to wait a bit for your meal to arrive. During your wait, you can savor the breathtaking views and listen to the water burble through the rocks.
When your food does arrive, it’ll be well worth the wait. Expect your dishes to arrive piping hot and freshly prepared, ready for you to savor every bite. You’re welcome to take your time and enjoy everything the Heirloom Room has to offer.
Their must-try menu items are:
Eggs Benedict Appalachia
You haven’t truly had eggs benedict until you’ve tried the Eggs Benedict Appalachia. This dish features scratch-made biscuits, seared house-braised pork belly, and poached eggs. Over that, they pour a delightful crawfish hollandaise and top it with crispy tobacco onions as a finishing touch.
Spicy Grilled Venison Loin
For a wholly unique dish, you cannot go wrong with the Spicy Grilled Venison Loin. The chef prepares this dish by generously coating the venison tenderloin in a smoked chili rub. Then, it’s grilled to perfection and paired with crispy heirloom fingerling potatoes and tarragon bearnaise.
The Smoked Sazerac
A true local favorite, The Smoked Sazerac is a must if you want to enjoy the best signature cocktail around. This drink features Sazerac rye and absinthe in equal parts. To that, the mixologist adds Bittermen’s Creole Bitters and a simple syrup with smoked cherry wood to bring it all together.
After finishing your meal, you can continue the experience by heading to the Bourbon Bar to sip drinks and chat with your companions. It’s located just to the left of the dining room, featuring a cozy ambiance that exceeds all expectations. You can sidle up to the bar if you want, but the real magic lies in lounging on the couch or chairs while you sip on your selections.
Insider Tips:
-There’s no dedicated waiting area for walk-in patrons. But you can ask to wait at the bar. Otherwise, you’ll need to go sit in your car or hang out on the sidewalk out front until your table is ready.
-Do you need vegetarian or gluten-free fare? Just let your server know when you arrive.