If you’re on the hunt for the best burger in Gatlinburg, look no further than Boudicca’s Celtic Pub. With three consecutive wins in the GatlinBURGER Meister competition (2022, 2023, and 2024), this local gem has earned its spot as a burger legend. And after revisiting the pub recently, I can confirm: the hype is real.
The GatlinBURGER Meister
Every year, restaurants all over Gatlinburg duke it out in the GatlinBURGER Meister competition, a contest that’s as much fun for diners as it is for the chefs. The rules are simple: create a brand-new burger that’s not on the regular menu, serve it up, and let the visitors vote for their favorite. Boudicca’s Celtic Pub has dominated the competition for three years running, and after tasting their burgers, it’s easy to see why.
A Winning Philosophy
What’s the secret to their success? Adam Vannus, one of the pub’s partners, keeps it simple: quality ingredients and a focus on making a burger that feels like a burger. No unnecessary frills or gimmicks—just flavors that work together beautifully. Leading up to the contest each year, Adam experiments with a few new ideas and invites family over for taste-testing sessions to help decide which creation will make the cut. It’s a family affair that results in award-winning burgers, year after year.
The Frickle and Beer Cheese Burger
While the burger that clinched the 2024 title isn’t available anymore, we had the chance to try one of their past winners: the Frickle and Beer Cheese Burger. This masterpiece from 2022 features grilled, marinated Guinness fried pickle straws and beer cheese. It’s rich, tangy, and everything you could want in a burger. One bite, and it’s easy to understand why this one took home the trophy.
Three Trophies and Counting
During our visit, Adam proudly showed off the newest trophy for 2024, now displayed alongside the 2022 and 2023 awards. The display case is a fun reminder of the pub’s winning streak and gives visitors something unique to check out while they’re there. If you’re the kind of person who loves finding those one-of-a-kind spots with a story to tell, Boudicca’s Celtic Pub is exactly that.
More Than Burgers
While the award-winning burgers are reason enough to visit, Boudicca’s Celtic Pub has plenty more to offer. The cozy pub vibe, friendly service, and menu filled with other Celtic-inspired dishes (the Celtic Spice Bag is also awesome) make it a fantastic choice for a meal in Gatlinburg. Oh yeah, they have beer, too.
Why You Should Go
Boudicca’s Celtic Pub isn’t just a great place to grab a bite; it’s a piece of Gatlinburg’s food scene that keeps locals and visitors coming back for more. Whether you’re looking to sample an award-winning burger or just enjoy a hearty meal in a welcoming atmosphere, this pub delivers. Stop by, soak in the Celtic charm, and maybe even get a glimpse of those shiny trophies while you’re there.
If you’re a burger fan—or just a fan of great food—put Boudicca’s Celtic Pub on your must-visit list. After all, the best burger in Gatlinburg is waiting for you!
