The Roaming Gnome Pub & Eatery in Sevierville is practically anonymous from the outside, almost as though it’s in the restaurant witness protection program. Tucked away in a strip mall, it certainly does not look like much from the street. Take a chance and walk through those doors though and what awaits you will come as a surprise.
The owners have created a wam, cozy pub that you may be tempted to call your own. Warm jewel tones cover the walls and a soft leather sofa faces one of dozens of televisions (in fact, you have access to tv viewing from every table in the joint). There’s a jukebox, fish tank, and wooden tables just scarred enough to remind you of how popular this place is with the locals.
If pub food is your thing, you are likely to be in gastronome heaven. It’s all a bit hedonistic, but that’s the point. After all, The Roaming Gnome prides itself on something they refer to as the “Burger Challenge,” a contest that dares you to dig into a burger consisting of three bacon cheeseburgers stacked on top of each other and loaded with vegetable toppings. Surrounding this mammoth burger is one full pound of fries. The challenge here is to eat the entire 4.5 pounds of food in 30 minutes or less. If you can do so (presumably without throwing up or having a heart attack) they will give you the meal for free. Oh, yes. You are also eligible for a free t-shirt (we can safely guess that you will need a slightly larger size for a few hours), and your name on the wall of fame.
Although it styles itself as an Irish pub, The Roaming Gnome Pub & Eatery is really Americana with a slight Irish twist. Much of what you find on their menu is straight-up American fare, but there are a few gems Irish enough to remind you of the Emerald Isle.
Irish Boxies
Cheddar cheese and chive mashed potatoes that have been rolled in bread crumbs and deep fried – that’s right, deep fried. Boxies are served with a variety of dipping sauces.
Corned Beef Rueben
Sliced corned beef, topped with caramelized sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and 1000 Island dressing atop toasted rye bread.
Fish ‘N Chips
Whitefish that has been dipped in beer batter and fried to a light golden brown, served over fries with slaw and tartar sauce on the side.
Shepards Pie
A mouth-watering blend of beef, vegetables, and Guinness gravy. The concoction is topped with mashed potatoes and cheese and then baked to utter perfection.
There are also a few options so decadent we just had to mention them:
Gnomad
A monster of a sandwich loaded with fried chicken, ham, bacon, and cheese served on a brioche bun and loaded with “the works.”
Super Sampler including Reuben eggrolls, wings, fried pickles, and beer cheese
Simply put, it’s a bit intimidating when served on the same plate.
Tuna Sandwich
A fabulous Blackened Tuna Salad that starts by coating tuna in Cajun seasoning and then cooking it until the middle is warm. Served atop a bed of greens, it’s the perfect meal when you’re hungry but want to avoid heavy foods.
And like any good Irish pub, The Roaming Gnome offers a full range of beer and alcoholic options.
Insider Tips:
-If having a television in every corner is not something you particularly enjoy and the weather is cooperative, ask to be seated outdoors.
-The Roaming Gnome offers a pretty great variety of daily specials, so make it a point to check those out for the opportunity to try something new at a discount.