The Dog-Friendly Restaurant In Tennessee That Just Might Be Your New Favorite Hangout
By Chris Dodge|Published July 24, 2023
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is one of the most walkable towns in the state and a popular vacation spot for millions of people each year. With so many people walking the streets and enjoying the many attractions, it is inevitable to see lots of friendly pups, too. Whenever we travel, I love having our adorable dog with us, too, but it can be a challenge knowing where he is allowed to go. However, when you are in town there is a great place that is always open for man’s best friend. Howard’s Restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is just the place to go when you want an amazing meal and still enjoy the company of your furry BFF.
Howard’s Restaurant has been around since 1946 -- put into perspective, The Great Smoky Mountains were established as a national park in 1934.
In other words, this restaurant is almost as old as our beloved national park! They are located only minutes away from the Gatlinburg entrance to the Smokies, too, so it is a fitting comparison. Since they opened doors to the restaurant they have been working hard to serve guests fabulous steaks, which are simply timeless.
If you happen to have your puppy with you, then you are in luck because the back patio is open for al fresco dining while enjoying your canine company. Most places in the area do not allow dogs, so this is especially a treat in one of our favorite small towns.
There is hardly a better sound in the world than a trickling stream while you let the peaceful sound take you away. The only thing that can make it better is to have your dog close by, curled up by your feet.
There are plenty of classic cuts offered and they even offer a petit fillet: a 5 oz. tenderloin wrapped in bacon. No matter what you choose, you can never go wrong with a steak at Howard’s.
If this is your first time visiting the restaurant, a great sharable you can order is called the "Extreme Appetizer Platter."
The name describes it nicely, but this monster starter comes with buffalo wings, mushrooms, mozzarella sticks, catfish bites, potato skins, chicken tenders, and homemade sauce. We can’t blame you if you fill up to the point of being uncomfortably full!
Howard’s is also open for lunch, so if you need a bite to eat while you are out and exploring the town this can be a great stop for you.
Peruse through the burger menu for the likes of classic 8 oz. burgers or a tasty Mexican burger. I can hardly resist a good pulled pork sandwich, and Howard's version comes with a homemade sauce that's dangerously delicious. You can’t go wrong with that! If you fill up too much and need a nap, then just down the road is a hotel... so rest up, stay awhile, and enjoy the Gatlinburg experience!
Howard’s Restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, has been around for a long time now, and with places like this that have stood the test of time, you know you getting a great meal. With a convenient location right on the Parkway, you can easily walk there from any of the other nearby attractions downtown. The cherry on top is that you can bring your dog; what more could you want in a steakhouse? For more information, please visit the Howard’s Restaurant website.
Need to walk off that big meal you just ate? Head into the park and enjoy a stroll on the Gatlinburg Trail.
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