If you are craving a taste of the islands and looking for that 5 o’clock somewhere feeling, look no further than the brand new LandShark Bar & Grill in downtown Gatlinburg. This island-inspired eatery, which is Jimmy Buffet’s newest concept, is immediately adjacent the property where the new Margaritaville resort is set to open in 2018.
The atmosphere is spot on with its beach theme! The bright colors, bottle cap art, surf-boards, and fun decor throughout adds to the dining experience and helps you escape the craziness of the Gatlinburg strip just outside the door.
Menu Highlights:
Chicken Wings
The chicken wings are exceptional and on par with the best wing restaurants in our area. They come in a variety of flavors, but our two favorites are the traditional buffalo and jerk.
Salmon Avocado Salad
This fresh salad includes a bed of market greens tossed in a classic vinaigrette and topped with grilled cold-water salmon, tomato, cilantro, jalapeños, avocado, sautéed mushrooms, and feta cheese
Jamaican Jerk Chicken
LandShark did an excellent job with this dish! The chicken was perfectly seasoned and had some kick without being too spicy. This island-inspired meal is served with traditional dirty rice and seasonal vegetables.
Kids Meals
The kids meals cost between $4.99 – $6.99 and have HUGE portion sizes. Whether your child chooses the Mac & Cheese, Fried Shrimp, Chicken Tenders, Cheeseburger, or a sandwich, you can pick celery, apples, or french fries as the side.
Beer Selection
In addition to LandShark Lager, you will find plenty of other options including several flavors of Yee-Haw (out of nearby Johnston City, TN), Saw Works (oldest brewery in Knoxville, TN), and a couple dozen other choices. The beer is fresh, cold, and expensive – expect a 20-ounce glass to set you back just under $10.
The staff was attentive and on point with the customer service throughout our meal. Our server never let the drinks run dry, knew the area well, and made great recommendations for our group.
Insider Tip:
In downtown Gatlinburg, parking is extremely limited. Your best parking option is directly across the street from the LandShark restaurant at the city owned parking garage. The maximum charge for parking is $6 per day compared to $10-15 in the private lots nearby.