The Fox and Parrot is an authentic British tavern located beyond the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg. You can find it in the arts and crafts community past the main drag and it is SO worth the trip. This is hands down my favorite restaurant in all of the Smokies! Although we like to try something new every time we go to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, this little tavern has become a staple to my family.

The Atmosphere

As someone who travels with a toddler and dogs, a place that caters to both shoots straight to the top of my list. The first time I went to The Fox and Parrot I asked if we were allowed to walk through the dining room to get the dogs to the outdoor seating. The response I got floored me. I was told they could sit inside. Like… whhhhaaattt? Having traveled with dogs for years and being accustomed to sitting outdoors I felt like a kid on Christmas day. If the dogs being able to sit inside wasn’t good enough, there was a full ass playroom for my kid.

Aside from this place being absolutely perfect for my family, its charming as hell. It reminds me of every piece of furniture in every Mamaw’s house I have ever seen in the best way possible. None of the tables and chairs match, there’s a cozy wood fired stove nestled in a makeshift living room, there’s books, there’s board games, there’s a suit of armor… I f’ing LOVE IT! I may never make it across the pond, but visiting here makes me feel like I have.

I don’t know what it is about this place, but every time we’ve been we start talking to other guests like we’ve been friends forever. The staff and patrons take in my family as if we are their own. We are ALOT. Between getting the dogs settled, keeping a child entertained, and trying to grab a bite to eat I have often felt like we are a hassle no one really wants in other places. It doesn’t feel that way here. The Fox and Parrot makes me feel like we’re visiting my parents in Boone County on a Sunday.

The Food

Y’all, this food! Everything on the menu is homemade and made to order. We ordered the chips and beer cheese, the fish and chips, and the bubble and squeak. The winner for me is the fish and chips. The fish is fried crispy beer battered perfection. The chips are hand cut and what I would describe as amazeballs. If you are not feeling froggy and don’t want to try the other British dishes on the menu, you can not go wrong here. It is the best seller for a reason!

In second place for me was the chips and beer cheese. I could have drank it. Not only was is good for dunking the chips into, but also the de-freakin-licious bread that came with the bubble squeak. Ooey gooey perfectly seasoned liquid gold, come to mama!

Last but not least for me was the bubble and squeak. How can you not order a dish named bubble and squeak? To like this you are going to need to like cabbage. Although I had never had bubble and speak before, this dish reminded of something my grandparents would cook on New Year’s day for good luck and it hit me right in the feels. It also hit me in the taste buds. Although it was great, my mind was on the fish and chips. It still is really. 🤤

The Service

Pictured above are the owners. I’m not trying to be dramatic, but I love them! There is not a doubt in my mind that they are the reason The Fox and Parrot is so special. They bring a warmth to their establishment that I have felt no where else in Gatlinburg. They are funny, they are helpful, and they make you feel like a guest in their home.

From making sure our glasses were filled with beer and cider to telling me to help myself to paper towels or anything else I needed behind the bar to clean up a sippy cup spill – They 👏 are 👏 there 👏 for 👏 you! They are cooking for you. They are serving you AND your fur babies. They are turning on cartoons for your toddler. As I’ve said before they are taking you in as their own.

Not to mention they are hilarious. I was lucky enough to witness some light hearted bickering that reminded me of my parents. As some of you may know, I recently lost my Dad, and seeing my own family reflected in a couple I don’t truly know made me happy.

The Bottom Line

You need to go here, full stop. The Fox and Parrot is so different than what other places have to offer in Gatlinburg. If you have kids, go! If you have dogs, go! If you don’t have those things and you’re traveling like a civilized human being, go! You are going to love it here no matter who you are.

Check out The Fox and Parrot Tavern here: https://www.facebook.com/thefoxandparrottavern/