Red Oak Bistro - Gatlinburg, TN
Following about two years of preparation, this wine and tapas establishment opened in late April of 2018. Already, it has the look and feel of a place that may soon become the hottest ticket in town.
Located in the Arts and Crafts District of Gatlinburg, the experience here begins by entering and then standing in awe as you soak in the surroundings. Tables, a bar, and comfortable couches are tastefully arranged, and a cathedral ceiling provides the opportunity to display carefully appointed artwork. Behind the bar, a ladder on wheels and railing permits the proprietors to safely climb to reach that bottle you’ve selected.
But the atmosphere doesn’t end with the indoor dining room and bar. There is also an open-air patio/deck area that is, to all appearances, pet-friendly. Taking the surroundings and environment as a whole, the Red Oak Bistro is a place that would blend easily into Manhattan or Beverly Hills. To be certain, this bistro is going to be a truly new and unique experience for many.
Guests here are offered three menus, one for wine, a second for beer, and another for the tapas. The wines feature reds, whites, and even at least one sparkling variety. The beer menu presently tempts with approximately a dozen craft brews, while the tapas menu, although currently limited, features its own treats.
We opted for an artisan cheese plate and a bottle of the sparkling wine. The cheeses, about four of them, were all excellent choices and were accented with warm toasted bread, crackers, honey, and fresh fruit. The proprietor kept the bubbly chilled for us and refilled our glasses when they were running low.
After a time, we were offered a new option to try with the cheeses, a Bulgarian dip or spread made of honey, walnuts, and garlic. As a 1970s sitcom taught us, three’s company, and this Bulgarian delicacy was every bit as winning a trio as Jack, Janet, and Chrissie.
The owners of the Red Oak Bistro have gone the extra mile to ensure their guests have a relaxing, enjoyable experience (they also plan to expand the menu). This is probably more of an experience, however, for the grown-ups, and what a terrific getaway it is. The casual elegance, wine, and tapas make for a laid-back, romantic experience.
So if you’ve been seeking a setting far from the madding crowd, come and knock on their door. They’ve been waiting for you.
(669 Glades Road, Gatlinburg; currently open weekends only, so phone first at 865-325-1717)
