After a day on the trails or in the tram line, this is where we send guests who want a proper drink without leaving downtown. Loco Burro sits right on the Parkway with a rooftop bar that was one of the first of its kind in Gatlinburg, and it’s still one of the best — string lights, open air, and mountain silhouettes stacking up behind the skyline. The menu leans Tex-Mex, so expect fresh margaritas, loaded nachos, and a kitchen that’s just as happy to serve a full dinner as a round of appetizers to share. Live music runs Wednesday through Sunday evenings, which turns a casual stop into an actual night out without much planning. The energy skews lively rather than quiet, making it a natural fit for groups and families with older kids as much as couples looking for a drink with a view. It gets busy fast on weekend nights, especially when the music starts around 6pm, so an earlier arrival gets you the better rooftop seats. It’s an easy walk from most downtown lodging, so there’s no need to worry about parking or driving after a couple of margaritas. Go for sunset if you can time it — the rooftop is built for exactly that.
