Trailhead Steak House

3rd trip to the Smokies, but 1st time to this restaurant. What a find! The kitchen is in a glassed in building, where the chef's are easily viewed as you make your way in from the parking lot. They have nothing to hide. The dining room is spotlessly clean, white starched tablecloths, cool vintage photographs, homey wooden trim. Waitstaff is prompt and very attentive. Food is surprisingly great, well prepared, plates are attractively arranged. Townsend has a dozen or so restaurants on its main drag, but we so thoroughly enjoyed our meal that we decided go again the next night. Our waitress (Breanna), not only remembered us but also recalled our drink order and where we were visiting from.
Don't believe old reviews from years ago, our 2 meals there were the best we had in Townsend, & we went to just about every dinner spot in town. If I didn't live almost 800 miles away, I'd be a regular there.

We got there right when they opened at 5:00. There was only one other family there when we got there. They recommended reservations, however, the place was fairly empty when we went.  The restaurant is only open Wednesday through Sunday, 5 until ???   The restaurant is small with only about a dozen tables total.
When you first entered, there is a beautiful smell of Cedar wood and there is some nice rock work showing off the cabin setting of the place.
We knew the costs when we went because we viewed the menu online and also had a Groupon for the restaurant, so we were paying 1/2 price.
While we were sitting, we noticed 2 separate tables sit down and then a little while later, they left. One couple was walking out as another couple coming in asked them how it was. The guy commented, "We're leaving because it's too expensive." Not sure why the other couple left, but they have menus at the front to browse through in case you didn't know how much items were. Ask for a menu at the front to look through if you aren't sure of the prices and whether you will be staying or not.
The items were sold solo, with the sides as extra, so that made it a bit more expensive than other restaurants.
The food was delicious! I ordered the Grilled Rainbow Trout and baked potato. My husband ordered the burger and fries. We shared a Chocolate trouffle cake, which we took 1/2 of that home due to the large size. The fries were the best I've had in a long time. They had a crust on them with seasoning that was delicious! The food didn't come out too quick and let us enjoy the warm bread and talking.
The server was also the hostess and handled most of the tables. She was busy, yet handled all the tables within a reasonable amount of time. By the time we left, 1/2 the tables were filled. She was very good in keeping with everyone's drinks and timing of food coming out. There was another server that was helping her bring food and drinks.
Overall I was impressed, except for the items being separate on the menu.
It's in a cute little restaurant, but I am not sure I'd go back due to the expense of it.

Overdone lobster tail, canned green beans, soggy rice, a pork chop undercooked and overpriced. The one star is for the service, otherwise an awful meal