Tapoco Tavern is a place you have to see for yourself. Getting there is extremely “curvy” because it is at the Tail of the Dragon, which is an 11-mile, 318 turns stretch of US129, and is considered one of America’s top motorcycle and sports car roads…but it is so worth the drive!

Tapoco Tavern sits on the banks of the Cheoah River and if you can score a seat by the water, it’s an outdoorsman’s dream. Make sure to check the hours, as this place isn’t open year-round for outdoor seating. There are also Cheoah River Release dates when kayakers are challenged by the rapids flowing by Tapoco. If you choose to stay at the Tapoco Lodge, I was told you can have first choice at the tables to reserve. There is a gift shop upon entering to get to the Tavern, in which you are welcomed by a huge fireplace and unique gifts galore. The day I visited, the fire felt delightful, but the sun was coming out full force and I was able to get a table by the river. There is a bar top firepit table, along with covered seating for those that don’t want to sit in the weather, but still want to enjoy the outdoor sights and sounds.

Slick Rock with Gluten Free Crust

The server recommended the wood fired pizza, since that is what they are known for, so of course that is what I decided on. I chose the Slick Rock with a gluten free crust, which is available for an extra charge, but only on medium pizzas. The crust was especially good for gluten free, crispy and thin, topped with red sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, bacon, sausage, black olives, sliced fresh tomatoes, green peppers, onions and mushrooms.

Meaty

My companion chose the Meaty with no ham and extra pepperoni. This is basically a meat lovers pizza with a red base sauce covered in mozzarella cheese, sausage, ground beef, pepperoni and bacon. The crust was phenomenal with this wood fired pizza. It was thick, almost a pan-pizza crust, but it had a crunch to it and I was able to pick up a piece without everything sliding off because the crust didn’t hold up. Pair this pizza with some good cold beer or a glass of wine and you can sit here all day relaxing, listening to the rapids, enjoying the weather and the view.

They do have a few cocktails on the menu as well, but I didn’t opt for any this visit. Overall, this place is spectacular based on its natural setting. I can’t say I would drive back just for the pizza, but add the views… I will definitely be back and can’t wait to try out more items on the menu.

For more pizza reviews, see here or here!

-Tennessee Taster