TSM Verdict
The Verdict
Junction 35 Kitchen & Bar in Pigeon Forge is a casual smokehouse and bar known for its house-smoked wings, BBQ sandwiches, and craft cocktails in a lively distillery setting. The menu highlights Southern comfort staples like burgers, pulled pork, and mac-n-cheese, making it a go-to for hearty American fare. Its signature draw is the combination of a full kitchen with an in-house distillery and bar program.
Worth it?
Yes, especially if you are near Pigeon Forge.
Best order
Junction 35 Burger, Blackberry Moonshine Wings, Smoked Wings (Dry Rub or Sauced), Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
Best time
Lunch or early dinner
Verify
Check current hours before driving.
Go For
- Junction 35 Burger
- Blackberry Moonshine Wings
- Smoked Wings (Dry Rub or Sauced)
- Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
- Burnt Ends
Skip If
- You want a quiet, fine-dining experience
- You're seeking vegetarian or vegan mains
- You prefer ultra-budget dining (most mains are $14–$25)
Before You Go
Confirm current menu and pricing directly with the restaurant, as some details may change seasonally.
Decision Guide
Decision Guide
Is it worth visiting?
Junction 35 Kitchen & Bar is a strong pick for travelers craving smoked wings, BBQ, and burgers in a casual, distillery-backed setting. It's especially appealing if you want both a full bar and hearty Southern mains in one stop.
Best first order?
Junction 35 Burger, Blackberry Moonshine Wings, Smoked Wings (Dry Rub or Sauced), Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, Burnt Ends
Best time?
Worth driving from Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?
If you're in Pigeon Forge, it's a convenient and worthwhile stop for BBQ, burgers, and moonshine cocktails. From Gatlinburg, it's a reasonable drive if you're specifically interested in a distillery experience paired with smoked meats and Southern bar fare.
Planner Snapshot
At a Glance
Location
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Cuisine
Bar & grill
Price
$$
Best meal
Lunch or early dinner
Families
Confirm fit before going
Planning fit
Best as part of a Pigeon Forge stop
Duration
1.5 to 2 hours for a full dining experience including tastings.
Price
$$–$$$
Best For
Families looking for a casual dining experience • Foodies interested in Southern cuisine • Visitors wanting to try local spirits
Website
junction35spirits.comMenu
View menuPro tip: Start with a spirit tasting or cocktail before your meal to enhance your visit.
About Junction 35 Kitchen & Bar
Junction 35 is Tennessee's first distillery restaurant, which offers house-made bourbon with the BBQ smash burger. They produce spirits on-site — moonshine, whiskey, vodka, and more — with daily tastings at the bar that rotate, ensuring a unique experience for every visit. We always start with the spirit tasting before dinner, partly because it’s fun and partly because the cocktails made with their own spirits are superior to standard Pigeon Forge bar fare. The smash burgers are highly recommended, and their slow-smoked ribs are a must-try. Be aware that weekends can get crowded, especially Friday and Saturday nights when live music is featured.
Amenities & Features
- Exceptional, personalized service from attentive staff who make guests feel genuinely welcomed
- Generous food portions that satisfy hungry visitors
- Quality drinks and cocktails that complement the dining experience
- Quick and efficient takeout service for locals and visitors on the go
Insider Tips for Junction 35 Kitchen & Bar
Insider tips
Visitors most often point to On-site Distillery, BBQ Smash Burger, and Live Music. Parking is available at the Tower Shops/Mountain Mile Mall lot.
Weekdays are the best time to visit for a more relaxed dining experience. The distillery opens at 10am, so you can start your day early with tastings.
Before you go
Plan around 1.5 to 2 hours for a full dining experience including tastings unless you are only stopping in briefly. Current price guidance on this page is $$–$$$.
A website is linked here for direct confirmation of current details.
From the reviews
Visitors frequently mention the quality of the house-made spirits.
Reviewers consistently praise the BBQ smash burger and slow-smoked ribs.
A common observation is that the atmosphere can get quite noisy on weekends.
Menu Guide
What to Order at Junction 35 Kitchen & Bar
Main
Junction 35 Burger
A signature burger featuring a beef patty with classic toppings; this dish is repeatedly highlighted in reviews and photos as a top order at Junction 35.
Starter
Blackberry Moonshine Wings
House-smoked or fried chicken wings tossed in a blackberry moonshine glaze, praised for their unique flavor and frequently featured in video reviews.
Starter
Smoked Wings (Dry Rub or Sauced)
Chicken wings smoked in-house and served either with a dry rub or sauced; noted for their flavor and generous portions.
Main
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
A spicy fried chicken sandwich in the Nashville-hot style, regularly mentioned in reviews and paired with artisan mac and cheese.
Main
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Smoked pulled pork served on a bun or Texas toast with BBQ sauce, a staple Southern BBQ sandwich often ordered with classic sides.
Starter
Burnt Ends
Brisket burnt ends, served as meaty cubes typically sauced, popular as an appetizer or shared plate among groups.
Side
Mac-N-Cheese
Creamy macaroni and cheese, available as a kids' entrée and mentioned in reviews as 'artisan mac and cheese' accompanying mains.
Kids Main
Kids Pasta Alfredo
A child-sized portion of pasta Alfredo, listed on the kids' menu and served with a choice of fries or applesauce.
Kids Main
Kids Hamburger
A classic kids' hamburger served with a side, featured on the kids' menu for younger diners.
Kids Main
Chicken Bites
Bite-sized pieces of chicken, offered as a kids' entrée with a choice of fries or applesauce.
Kids Main
Grilled Cheese
A classic grilled cheese sandwich from the kids' menu, served with a side of fries or applesauce.
Best For
- Families looking for a casual dining experience
- Foodies interested in Southern cuisine
- Visitors wanting to try local spirits
- Groups seeking a lively atmosphere
Know Before You Go
- Parking is available at the Tower Shops/Mountain Mile Mall lot.
- Weekdays are the best time to visit for a more relaxed dining experience.
- The distillery opens at 10am, so you can start your day early with tastings.
- Consider visiting during weekdays for a quieter experience.
- Check for live music schedules if you prefer a lively atmosphere.
What Visitors Say
Featured from 3,935 reviewsVisitors frequently mention the quality of the house-made spirits.
Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit Junction 35 Kitchen & Bar
Visit during weekday mornings for the calmest experience.
Tags
Traveler Questions
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, it is a casual spot open to all with non-alcoholic options alongside spirits.
Do they offer spirit tastings?
Yes, they have daily-changing samples at the bar, including flights like moonshine.
What's the address and phone?
2655 Teaster Lane, Suite 280, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863; (865) 365-1019.
Are there gluten-free or vegetarian options?
They offer non-GMO burgers, wings, and some Southern items, but check the menu on-site for specifics.
Do I need a reservation?
No reservations are needed; it is walk-in casual dining, but weekends can be busy.
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