Battle of Disappointments in the Smokies: Puckett’s vs Junction 35

Breaking down two favorite restaurants that have underwhelmed recently

I can’t imagine what it’s like running a restaurant in the Smokies. I know a lot of places have competition and the restaurant business is notoriously hard. But in the Smokies where new competition arrives seemingly weekly and any success is met with a dozen copycats, the work of sustaining excellence, retaining staff and delivering a consistent experience must be incredibly hard.

Recently, we were let down – to some degree – by restaurants that had been among are favorites. Are we ready to give up on them? No. Both Puckett’s and Junction 35 Kitchen & Bar remain in high regard in our opinion. However, based on recent events, we have to admit we have concerns.

The Current Restaurant Situation in the Smokies

There is an issue currently among restaurants in the region. I see a lot of help wanted signs. I see a lot of complaints about service and I see a lot of waiting rooms filled with people while the restaurant has empty tables but presumably not enough staff to service a full restaurant.

What’s the deal? I suspect it’s a combination of things. First, I suspect there simply are not enough folks interested in waitstaff work to fill all of the restaurants in the Smokies. In other words, the demand for waitstaff and more outpaces the supply. Also, I suspect that many folks looking for work simply don’t want to do it. It can be a difficult job with demanding and sometimes demeaning guests.

There also seems to be a growing pushback against the tipping system we’ve developed. Some people have a hard time accepting that the tip is a major portion of the server’s pay and they believe a tip should be an extra reward. Also, some people just struggle with math or are cheap.

Finally, for some restaurants, I suspect it’s also a cost-saving issue based on trends. If you typically have smaller crowds for your Sunday lunch service, you’re not going to be fully staffed. Then, if you get an outlier crowd you’re fighting hard to keep up. It is better to have guests waiting in the lobby than seated at a table and getting less service than they expect.

The Situation at Puckett’s 

We recently stopped at Puckett’s for a Sunday lunch. The restaurant wasn’t busy, we walked in and were seated. However, over the course of our meal, a decent crowd grew even though several tables were empty. Our waitress was exceptionally nice, chatted and took our order.

And then we waited and waited. Then, waited some more.

I didn’t think to clock it but it was a significant amount of time. When I tell you, I’m easy going about situations like these. I’m non-confrontational and would rather sever one of my toes than make a fuss at a restaurant. I will wait – outwardly patiently – all dang day. Was it a half and hour? Possibly. Was it 45 minutes? I don’t think quite that long. But it was a bizarrely odd wait for a half empty restaurant with a couple at the bar.

What about the Food at Puckett’s?

It was good. Everything I’ve come to expect from Puckett’s, which is one of my favorites. It’s a Tennessee-based chain that offers cherry-smoked barbecue, live music and more.

I like Puckett’s story – starting as a local grocery store in Leiper’s Fork back in the 50s. It was purchased by a Piggly Wiggly mogul who built it around the music and restaurant concept. It grew to seven restaurants. I am immensely charmed by that story, I dig the idea. And I dig the vibes and I’ve always dug the food – which, again, remains quite good.

What’s going on at Puckett’s then? I’m a little worried. Sure, we were there on a Sunday in the offseason but there was a lot of traffic around. Other restaurants, like The Local Goat and Sunliner Diner, had full parking lots and a guests waiting outside, all the signs of a packed and bustling restaurant.

At Puckett’s we pulled into the best parking spot – that may be because I am the best parker in the world – walked right in and were immediately seated.

Does Puckett’s offer Breakfast?

Some of the deal, I think, is that Puckett’s in the Forge is the only one in the Puckett’s family that doesn’t do breakfast and looking at the Puckett’s breakfast menu in other locations, you’d think it would work in the breakfast restaurant capital of the world. However, I don’t remember if the Pigeon Forge location started with breakfast offerings and pulled back.

I thought maybe other restaurants getting a head start on the day might be part of the reason Puckett’s was so slow. But The Local Goat opened at 11 a.m. as well and you couldn’t get a parking spot that day unless you brought a tow truck.

I remain bullish on Puckett’s because the food is good – big fan of the barbecue, the piggy mac and the smoked meatloaf – and the online reputation is decent with a 4.2 on Google and a 3.7 on YELP! but I have concerns. Maybe it’s the location next to the Christmas Place. The sign isn’t very big and maybe people are just missing it.

The Situation at Junction 35

Our first dining experience at Junction 35 was a revelation. I said at the time the Reuben was the best I’ve ever had, the apps were delicious everything was great. Return trips have been a little more hit or miss. Junction 35 has two locations one in the Tanger Outlets in Sevierville, the other in the Mountain Mile in Pigeon Forge. In our experience the Pigeon Forge location is far superior though both have an adjacent distillery store where you can buy a variety of Junction 35 alcohols … I’ve liked every one of these I’ve tried.

At the Tanger location we ran into a similar problem plaguing restaurants across the region. Open tables but a significant wait time. We waited and were seated. There seemed to be a miscommunication as to who had our table with the bartender – who was quite busy at the bar – coming over sometimes as well as two different waitresses and a guy who I believe may have been the cook. Despite all the various attendees, service was kind of few and far between as it seemed mostly they were just trying to pick up as best they could. The food was overcooked, just shy of burned, really, which was a shame.

Again, I understand being short staffed. I understand people have bad days. Maybe this was that. Our visits to the Mountain Mile location have been more consistent. Maybe not as dramatically good as the first time, but still very good.

What about theFood at Junction 35?

We remain big fans of the Tennessee Poutine and the Brussels Sprout Skillet. I still stand behind the Big Country Reuben with Pastrami Brisket, Swiss cheese, coarse-grain mustard, sauerkraut, and J35 sauce served on toasted rye bread. The burgers and other sandwiches also come highly recommended. The barbecue, which Puckett’s also does very well, is quite good. I think the menu could do with a little trimming. I think the sandwiches and BBQ trays are probably enough but the Smokehouse Mac probably makes that whole section of the menu worth it.

What does the internet think of Junction 35? It’s very bullish. The Mountain Mile location has a 4.4 on YELP! and the Tanger location is a 4.3. Google has a 4.7 rating – I think for both restaurants – but that includes tastings and moonshine, which skews the results.

Who Wins this Battle of Restaurants “Who Have Disappointed”?

The truth is I remain bullish about both. If I had to choose, I’d probably go with Junction 35’s Mountain Mile location because it has offered the highest of highs. However, I’ve never had a disappointing meal at Puckett’s, so it’s a close race.

How do you feel about Puckett’s or Junction 35? Have you been disappointed? Let us know in the comment and on the socials!