Rattlesnake Saloon
Tucked under a massive natural stone overhang, this legendary watering hole offers a dining experience like no other. Known as the 'saloon in a cave,' it serves up hearty burgers and cold drinks in a breathtaking cavern setting. Getting there is half the fun, thanks to a pickup truck 'taxi' that shuttles you down the steep bluff.
- Admission
- Free entry (menu prices vary)
- Hours
- Thursday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Seasonal, closed January - February)
- Duration
- 1-2 hours
- Parking
- Free parking available at the top of the hill at Seven Springs Lodge; a shuttle truck transports guests down to the saloon.
- Access
- Shuttle service can accommodate guests with mobility issues, but the saloon floor is gravel and uneven ground under the rock shelter.
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Tucked away under a massive natural rock shelter in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the Rattlesnake Saloon offers one of the most unusual dining settings in the American South. The site, located on the historic Seven Springs Lodge property, was once used by Native Americans for shelter and later as a pen for local livestock before being converted into a restaurant in 2009.
Visitors descend into a steep gorge to reach the saloon, where dining tables sit entirely beneath a soaring, 120-foot-wide stone ledge. The restaurant serves up classic pub fare like burgers, wings, and onion rings in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere that features live music on weekend nights.
Adding to the quirky charm, patrons can catch a ride down the steep hill in the bed of a converted pickup truck taxi. The natural rock ceiling provides built-in shade and a dramatic backdrop, especially during wet weather when a gentle waterfall drips over the edge of the overhang.
Ratings
restaurantVisitor Tips
- ◆ Take the complimentary 'saloon taxi'—a modified pickup truck—for a fun ride down the steep decline to the restaurant.
- ◆ Arrive early on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, as wait times can grow quite long when live music is playing.
- ◆ The saloon is seasonal and typically closes for the winter months, so always check their active operating season before visiting.
- ◆ Combine your meal with a stay at the adjacent Seven Springs Lodge, which offers camping, cabins, and horseback riding trails.
Heads Up
- ◆ The saloon is located in a dry county, meaning alcohol sales are restricted to specific hours and days; check their current beverage policies beforehand.
- ◆ Because the dining area is open-air under a rock ledge, it is highly subject to outdoor weather conditions and temperature fluctuations.
- ◆ Be cautious of dripping water and damp spots on the ground, as the natural stone ceiling can weep, especially after heavy rain.
Common questions
Do you have to walk down the steep hill to get to the Rattlesnake Saloon?
No, you do not have to walk down the hill. The saloon provides a complimentary pickup truck service, known as the saloon taxi, to transport guests down and up the steep decline.
Are dogs allowed at the Rattlesnake Saloon?
Yes, leashed and well-behaved dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area under the bluff.
Do they serve alcohol during lunch hours?
No, beer is only available for purchase after 5:00 PM.
Can you ride horses to the saloon?
Yes, horse hitching posts are available at the saloon for guests trail riding from the adjacent Seven Springs Lodge.