Duration
1-2 hours (longer if staying for live music on weekends)
Price
$15-25 per person for entrees with sides
Best For
Dog owners looking for pet-friendly dining • Families wanting generous portions and kid-friendly atmosphere • Couples seeking live music and craft beer off the beaten path
Pro Tip
Skip the table wait by sitting at the bar - you'll get served faster and can watch the kitchen action. The bartenders are usually the most knowledgeable about beer pairings too.
About Tom & Earl's Back Alley Grill
Tom & Earl's Back Alley Grill offers a welcome retreat from the bustling Parkway scene. This casual bar and grill sits tucked behind the main strip, accessible through a creek-side alley that gives it the feel of a well-kept local secret.
The menu delivers Southern comfort food that lives up to its reputation. Diners can expect massive portions of BBQ brisket, the restaurant's famous Hillbilly Philly cheesesteaks, and creamed corn fritters that could easily spoil dinner plans.
What distinguishes this establishment is its dog-friendly patio, where four-legged guests receive their own water bowls. Live music on Friday and Saturday nights enhances the laid-back atmosphere that keeps visitors returning.
The restaurant occasionally runs with limited staff, meaning servers might pull double duty as bartenders. However, food quality remains consistent, and the team works diligently to ensure guest satisfaction.
Portions prove generous enough for sharing, and the kitchen accommodates dietary restrictions with solid vegetarian and gluten-free options. The spot serves as an ideal place to decompress after a day spent navigating tourist attractions.
Amenities & Features
Don't Miss
Hillbilly Philly Cheesesteak
This massive sandwich is their signature dish for good reason. The portions are generous enough to share, and the flavors hit that perfect comfort food spot. We always order this when bringing first-time visitors.
Dog-Friendly Patio
One of the few spots in Gatlinburg where your furry family members are truly welcome. They provide water bowls and the staff genuinely loves meeting the dogs. Our golden retriever has his own favorite spot here.
Creamed Corn Fritters
These crispy, golden fritters are addictive in the best way. They're a Southern comfort food twist that we haven't found anywhere else in town. Fair warning: order extra because everyone at the table will want some.
Live Music Weekends
Friday and Saturday nights bring local musicians who create the perfect laid-back atmosphere. The music isn't overwhelming, so you can still have conversations while enjoying the vibe.
Oversized Wings
These aren't your typical bar wings - they're actually massive and come with creative sauce options. The portions are so generous that an appetizer order can easily feed two people.
Hidden Location
The creek-side alley entrance makes this feel like a local secret, even though it's right in the tourist area. It's a nice break from the crowded Parkway atmosphere while still being convenient to everything.
Know Before You Go
- Enter through the creek-side alley behind the main Parkway - look for the signs near Ole Smoky Whiskey
- Bring a leash if you're planning to dine on the patio with your dog
- They accept cards and cash, no reservations needed
- The patio is great in mild weather, but indoor seating has AC for hot summer days
- Restaurant is wheelchair accessible with ground-level entry
Visitor Sentiment
Based on reviewsTom & Earl's Back Alley Grill receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Gatlinburg, it's a solid choice for the area.
Tom & Earl's Back Alley Grill Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit Tom & Earl's Back Alley Grill
Visit during weekday mornings for the calmest experience.
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Tom & Earl's Back Alley Grill?
They're open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week. We've found they're pretty consistent with these hours, even during busy tourist seasons.
How much does Tom & Earl's Back Alley Grill cost?
It's mid-range pricing - expect to spend around $15-25 per person for entrees. All sandwiches and wraps come with two regular sides, which makes it a solid value for the portion sizes.
Do I need reservations for Tom & Earl's Back Alley Grill?
No reservations needed, but there can be waits during peak dinner hours. We recommend sitting at the bar if you want to skip the wait entirely.
How long should I spend at Tom & Earl's Back Alley Grill?
Plan on 1-2 hours for a typical meal and drinks. If there's live music on Friday or Saturday nights, you might want to stick around longer to enjoy the show.
Is Tom & Earl's Back Alley Grill good for kids?
Absolutely - it's very family-friendly with generous portions kids love. They have chicken tenders and other kid favorites, plus the casual atmosphere means you don't have to worry about noise levels.
Is there parking at Tom & Earl's Back Alley Grill?
You'll use the general Parkway area parking since it's in the main tourist strip. There's street parking and nearby public lots, but expect to walk a few blocks during busy times.
Can I bring my dog to Tom & Earl's Back Alley Grill?
Yes! The outdoor patio is dog-friendly and they even provide water bowls for your pets. Just keep dogs on leashes and be mindful of other diners.
When does Tom & Earl's have live music?
Live music happens on Friday and Saturday nights. The music adds a great atmosphere to the already laid-back vibe, but get there early if you want patio seating during music nights.
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We use a weighted 10-point scoring system to evaluate the best places to visit and things to do in the Smokies.
Scoring is carefully evaluated based on reviews, social signals and expert assessments.
Tom & Earl's Back Alley Grill receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Gatlinburg, it's a solid choice for the area.
Last Updated Dec 27, 2025
651 Parkway #110 Gatlinburg TN 37738
651 Parkway #110 Gatlinburg TN 37738
Gatlinburg
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