Smoky Mountain Espresso

Smoky Mountain Espresso - A Cozy Place to Stop for a Little Liquid Fuel
Local Expert's Rating:
4.5 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Smoky Mountain Espresso is a local coffee shop with plenty of heart. The staff is warm and welcoming, the interior and exterior provide just enough seating, and the drinks are exceptional. This is a great place to stop when you're on the road and need a little fuel for whatever incredible adventures lie ahead. 

- The SmokyMountains.com Local Expert Team

When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you might think of a general sense of comfort and well-being. The lush beauty and vast wilderness can open your senses to the many wonders of being alive. Smoky Mountain Espresso believes the best way to savor these moments is with the help of a steaming cup of coffee in your hand. Or on a hot day, a comforting icy drink to cool you off. As you sip the rich brews and concoctions of this local coffee hotspot, you may find yourself ready to explore a little further than you did the day before.

When you walk into this small coffee shop, you’re likely to be greeted immediately by the friendly staff. Locals and visitors alike report that everyone is ready to help, even when it’s not technically their obligation to do so. But the real reason people keep coming back is for the flavors. From caramel pecan lattes to frozen mochas, Smoky Mountain Espresso has specialty coffee down pat. They’re also happy to accommodate special requests by providing non-dairy alternatives and plenty of non-coffee drinks.

Most people who come here are on their way to somewhere else, such as Dollywood or Pigeon Forge. It’s not that far from the main tourist drags of the area, but it’s just enough to bring in road trippers who want to sample something a little more local than the ubiquitous coffee chains. If you’re hungry, you’ll find basic pastries to pair with your coffee or you can enjoy a cup of frozen yogurt, courtesy of the attached Sweet Frog Premium Frozen Yogurt shop.

Check out these menu items the next time you’re at Smoky Mountain Espresso: 

Red Velvet Latte
Customers describe the lattes at this spot as nothing short of delectable. The red velvet latte provides just enough sweetness to counterbalance the strength of the coffee. It’s an excellent energy booster if you have a full day of hiking ahead of you.

Peanut Butter Mocha
The combination of peanut butter and chocolate isn’t new, but it’s always fun to try different interpretations of your old favorites. If you can’t get enough peanut butter cups in your life, it may be time to try it in liquid (caffeinated) form.

Vanilla Iced Latte
If you’re starting to get a little stressed by the weather, the traffic, or the family, iced lattes can be the answer to cooling you off just enough to get a new perspective on the situation. You really can’t go wrong with any of Smoky Mountain Espresso’s iced creations, but this one has managed to garner some serious reviews from patrons.

Matcha
For those who want something a little different, matcha tea is both delicious and good for your body. Smoky Mountain Espresso’s version is naturally sweet and gives you just enough energy without edging over into the jitters.

No matter who you’re traveling with, Smoky Mountain Espresso is a great place to stop for a little extra oomph on your vacation. If you’re on the go, the staff will have you in and out as quickly as possible. But if you do have a chance to stop and stay awhile, you can’t beat the scenery, seating, and friendly company.

Insider Tips:
– Smoky Mountain Espresso features both indoor and outdoor seating.
– You won’t find formal breakfast options here, but Smoky Mountains Espresso does provide general pastries and snacks for hungry patrons.
– Smoky Mountain Espresso has a joint venture with Sweet Frog Premium Frozen Yogurt where patrons can make their own yogurt to enjoy with their coffee.