Painted Bear Coffee Co

Amazing owners, beautiful shop, the coffee is the best in the county. The owner makes her own pumpkin spice! All the drinks we bought were great!

Fabulous specialty coffee and beautiful grounds (coffee and environment) hehe. Wonderful family-owned property and do not forget to visit the art gallery side!

Welcoming and cozy café with warm and friendly staff/owners, Alicia and Daniel.
We were on vacation in Gatlinburg and came across the Painted Bear Coffee Co. after a random internet search. Seeing the near perfect reviews, we decided we had to check it out. And we're so glad we did, because it's one of the best we've been to, and arguably one of the best anywhere. It's nestled at the end of a small row of local artist shops amid the beautiful trees and tall hills bordering the Smokey Mountains. In Fall, when we were there, it's like living in a postcard as you pass the vibrant orange, yellow, red, and green foliage and round the bend to see the small, handmade sign reading "Coffee" on the side of the road just before you see the shop.
They have all the usual assortment you'd find in most coffee shops, but once I found out they had Yerba Mate, that became my drink of choice. Not many places carry this, and since Daniel hails from Uruguay (originally), he really knows how to brew it properly.
I asked Daniel about creating a Yerba Mate Latte and, after some experimentation, he ended up with a nice blend that was then added to the menu. If you're into this great concoction that has been consumed (sometimes) ceremonially for decades in South America, I highly recommend giving it a go, particularly when it's made by someone who grew up making and drinking it.
My wife got the latte and my kids got something flavorful (mocha frappe maybe??). All drinks were always amazing, which I'm sure is the result of the extensive research Alicia did on all things coffee and tea for more than a year prior to opening the shop (how many baristas can say that?!?). Daniel's specialty is clearly Yerba Mate, but perhaps everything else is Alicia's specialty, as she moves through the portions, timing requirements, and various brewing and frothing mechanisms like a pro. Take note competitors, this is how it's done!
While you're there, don't forget to check out some of Daniel's paintings. He's incredibly gifted as an artist and wonderful to chat with. If we weren't four hours away, we'd be there all the time.
Don't waste your "Bucks" anywhere else... Stop by Painted Bear Coffee Co. before heading out on your day trip. You'll be very happy you did.

We came through while we were heading back home to MS and stopped here for a coffee. It was their fifth day open and they were already busy! The shop is so adorable and there is a collection of art, soaps, and various crafts to purchase. We ordered the maple toffee frappe and latte and omg were they were delicious, love the coffee they used. Absolutely worth a visit, especially if you’re looking for a lovely cup of coffee before heading into Gatlinburg or the national park!

Great little coffee shop we found while staying at the Buckhorn Inn. Really nice people, great coffee and pastries!

The smokies is our anniversary getaway. While there my wife googled coffee shops near our cabin and painted bear was the closest one and we sure are glad it was. Being from Ohio our local shop has a drink called a buckeye that is a peanutbutter and chocolate latte. My wife asked the ladies at painted bear if they had any drinks with peanutbutter in them to which they replied "no but we can make you one". I explained to them what's in it and they nailed it the first time. If that's not customer service then I don't know what is. You have gained forever customers from Ohio.

YAY! Finally found a coffee shop that opens before 10 AM in Gatlinburg! It’s ran by the most amazing family so between their cheerful service and a fantastic barista menu, it’s the perfect way to start your day ☀️

Coffee is amazing, and the people are even better. So glad to have found this sweet little coffee shop.

Visiting from Missouri. Big coffee drinkers, we love espresso! But our drinks were as white as milk itself. Didn’t even taste the espresso. So if you like strong drinks, not the place for you. But very sweet staff! Cute place!

Nice little coffee shop/art gallery. Stopped here after a morning trail run and picked up two drinks. Was good and would definitely recommend.