Cliff Top isn’t your usual bar and grill. Situated atop the Anakeesta resort area, you’ll have to pay for admission and take a chair lift or gondola up to the top to access the restaurant. But if you’re already spending the day enjoying all the adventures Anakeesta has to offer, Cliff Top is a top contender when it comes to lunch or dinner menu options.
Like pretty much everything in and around Gatlinburg, the aesthetic is that of a cozy, welcoming lodge: lots of warm wood tones and rustic, vintage-inspired details. Expect a polished, clean dining area with ample seating, comfortable chairs, and an open, airy atmosphere. Many similar establishments feel a bit crowded and dark during peak hours, but Cliff Top manages to maintain a cozy, warm atmosphere without a hint of stuffiness.
Visitors consistently remark that they receive exceedingly friendly, helpful service and that they are seated and served quickly.
Whether you’re on a date or vacationing with a large family, you’ll find yourself right at home. Indoor and outdoor dining options with panoramic mountain views invite you to sit down, make yourself comfortable, sip something refreshing, and stay awhile. And with an impressive menu of refined-casual American dining options, pretty much everyone will be able to find something to suit their fancy.
Some of our favorite menu items at Cliff Top are…
The Beef Burgers
It can be tough to get a burger just right, but Cliff Top manages to do so practically every time. Burgers are cooked to order with a wide array of available toppings, and they’re consistently hot, fresh, and delicious.
Cheese Curds
An appetizer worth every calorie, the cheese curds consistently earn rave reviews. These satisfying little pillows of lightly-breaded, fried cheese are crispy, fresh, and savory–the perfect combination to keep you coming back for more.
French Onion Soup
Whether you order it as an appetizer or a meal, Cliff Top’s French onion soup is magnificent. From the perfectly-seasoned sweet onion flavor to the toasty cheese and crouton on top, this dish is consistently high-quality. It’s one of the restaurant’s most popular menu items for good reason.
Black Bean Burger
Cliff Top offers several dedicated vegetarian options, and the black bean burger tops the list; it’s a popular choice even for non-vegetarian visitors looking for a mouthwatering option. Beautifully seasoned with the perfect texture and flavor, this satisfying burger checks all the boxes: fresh, hot, and flavorful, just what you need during a day of adventures. Enjoy with a side of shoestring fries and you’ll be set.
Full Bar and Draft Beers
A full bar and $5 draft beers, including several locally brewed options, offer an excellent complement to your meal. Visitors report particularly enjoying the Bloody Mary and the Railrunner drinks served here.
Location
Cliff Top is located at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, an adventure park that offers a day’s worth of outdoor mountain experiences and adventures. Paid parking and admission to the park are required to eat here.
Insider Tips:
-If you’re visiting in the summer, you might want to eat indoors; there isn’t a lot of shade in the outdoor dining area, and it can be quite hot. During the spring and fall, the outdoors is the place to be.
-Kids are welcome here, and a generous kid’s menu is available to satisfy even the pickiest palates.