Alamo Steakhouse & Saloon has been one of Gatlinburg's most beloved dinner destinations for over 25 years, and one visit makes it easy to see why. Tucked along the East Parkway with a distinctive adobe-style facade and a creek running alongside the outdoor patio, the Alamo delivers the kind of meal that becomes a vacation tradition — hand-cut, aged steaks seasoned and grilled over an open oak fire, house-ground burgers, homemade soups, and a warm, lodge-like atmosphere that feels genuinely local. This is a locally owned, family-operated restaurant, part of the Johnson Family of Restaurants, and the care shows in every detail from the kitchen to the table.
What Makes the Alamo Worth the Drive
The steak is the headline, but the kitchen takes the same from-scratch approach across the entire menu. Burgers are ground in-house. Soups, sauces, and gravies are all made fresh. Even the mozzarella sticks are hand-breaded and cooked to order. It's the kind of effort most tourist-area restaurants don't bother with — and guests notice.
The creekside outdoor seating area is a standout feature, especially on warm evenings. Inside, spacious booths and a relaxed Western lodge atmosphere make it comfortable for couples, families, and larger groups alike. Free parking — a full acre of it — is a genuine perk in downtown Gatlinburg.
The Menu
The Alamo's menu is built around its oak-fired steaks, with cuts ranging from the Sheriff Cut Rib Eye and filet mignon to a classic New York Strip. Prime rib, pork chops, and seafood round out the dinner menu, and specialty lunch sandwiches and wraps are available earlier in the day. Sides include house-made Alamo potatoes, loaded baked potatoes, grilled asparagus with hollandaise, and Mexican street corn, among others.
Save room for dessert — the Chocolate Burrito (a Hershey bar wrapped in a flour tortilla, deep fried, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and served with vanilla ice cream) has a serious following. A kids menu is available for younger guests.
Hours & Location
Address: 705 East Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Phone: (865) 436-9998 Hours:
- Monday – Tuesday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Hours may vary seasonally. Confirm current hours on the Alamo Steakhouse website before visiting.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Reservations: Not required, but the Alamo is consistently busy — especially on weekends and during peak season. Arriving early or during off-peak hours is the best way to avoid a wait.
- Parking: Free, with roughly an acre of dedicated parking on site — a genuine rarity in Gatlinburg.
- Kids welcome: A dedicated kids menu is available.
- Dine-in and takeout: Both are available.
Nearby Attractions
The Alamo sits on the East Parkway, slightly removed from the busiest stretch of downtown, which makes it a natural stopping point before or after exploring this side of Gatlinburg:
- Gatlinburg Trail — An easy, paved 2-mile trail connecting downtown Gatlinburg to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park boundary
- Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies — One of the top family attractions in the Smokies, just a short drive toward downtown
- Anakeesta — Mountain ridge entertainment venue with zip lines, a treehouse village, and panoramic views
- Ole Smoky Moonshine — The Holler distillery on the Parkway, a natural pre-dinner stop for a tasting
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park — The park entrance is minutes away; the Alamo is a great spot for a post-hike dinner
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Alamo Steakhouse take reservations? Reservations are not required. Walk-ins are welcome, though waits can be longer on weekends and during peak travel season.
Is there parking at Alamo Steakhouse? Yes — the Alamo has about an acre of free on-site parking, which is one of its most practical advantages in Gatlinburg.
Is there a kids menu? Yes, a kids menu is available.
What is the Alamo Steakhouse known for? The oak-fired, hand-cut steaks are the main draw, but the from-scratch kitchen approach — house-ground burgers, homemade soups, and hand-breaded appetizers — sets it apart from other steakhouses in the area. The Chocolate Burrito dessert has a cult following.
Is the Alamo Steakhouse locally owned? Yes. It's part of the Johnson Family of Restaurants, a locally owned group that has operated in the Smoky Mountains area since 1991.
Is outdoor seating available? Yes — the Alamo has a scenic outdoor dining area alongside the creek.
Stay Close to Gatlinburg
After a meal at the Alamo, you'll want a cabin that's just a short drive away. Browse our Gatlinburg cabin rentals to find the right fit — or explore all of our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals if you'd like to see what's available across the region.