The expansive 5,400-square-foot complex boasts an impressive 3,000 square feet of deck space, providing diners with stunning vistas of the Tennessee River valley and the surrounding East Tennessee landscape. This is more than just a meal; it’s an immersive experience where the ambiance is as carefully crafted as the menu. Top of the Rock also encompasses the Fiery Gizzard cafe, offering casual breakfast and lunch options, and the Mountain Market, a general store catering to the Jasper Highlands community. However, the restaurant and brewery are positioned as the crown jewels, expected to attract patrons seeking a memorable dining occasion.
A Culinary Experience with a View
Developer John “Thunder” Thornton of Jasper Highlands envisions Top of the Rock as “more than a restaurant; it’s a culinary experience that will pair world-class dishes with a unique mountain view that can only be found in Tennessee.” This vision is brought to life through a meticulously designed menu featuring made-from-scratch dishes catering to a variety of tastes.
Dinner entrees at Top of the Rock showcase an array of options, from classic comfort food to refined dishes. Guests can savor choices such as chicken piccata, shrimp & grits, pecan-crusted rainbow trout, and a flavorful miso salmon bowl. For heartier appetites, grilled filet mignon and seared shrimp are also available. Prices for dinner entrees range from $13.95 to $29.95. Lunch offers a lighter fare with salads, sandwiches, and sides, including a tempting 10-ounce smash burger and sliced pork sandwiches, priced between $10.95 and $13.95. Early risers and brunch enthusiasts are also catered to with breakfast entrees like egg & cheese breakfast biscuits, grilled veggie wraps, avocado toast, and breakfast burritos, ranging from $5.95 to $7.50. Sunday brunch, served from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., elevates the weekend experience with special dishes like shrimp & grits, chicken piccata, country Benedict, and breakfast burgers, alongside $1 mimosas and $5 Bloody Marys.
Craft Beer and Mountain Fresh Flavors
Complementing the diverse menu is the on-site microbrewery, producing a selection of house craft beers. Beer aficionados can enjoy signature brews including an IPA, Red Ale, Kolsch, wheat, and stout, alongside rotating seasonal beers, ensuring a fresh and exciting selection throughout the year. Beyond beer, Top of the Rock offers a variety of cocktails and an extensive wine list to perfectly pair with your meal or to simply enjoy while soaking in the views.
Robert Werk, chief operating officer for Square One, emphasizes the brewery’s commitment to freshness, stating, “We’ll have the freshest beer in the county.” This dedication to quality extends throughout the entire dining experience, from the carefully sourced ingredients to the expertly prepared dishes and handcrafted beverages.
An Ideal Venue for Gatherings and Events
With seating for 150 diners, both indoors and outdoors, Top of the Rock is designed to accommodate a range of occasions. The restaurant is also available for private events, making it a stunning location for wedding receptions, parties, reunions, and corporate gatherings. The unique setting, coupled with the exceptional food and beverage offerings, creates a memorable atmosphere for any special event.
Fletcher Thompson, an executive of Square One LLC and general manager for Top of the Rock, highlights the unique appeal: “It’s a fantastic new restaurant with a really unique craft microbrewery attached to it and the best views anywhere.” This combination of elevated dining, craft beer, and breathtaking scenery positions Top of the Rock as a premier destination in the region.
Located near the Pat Summitt pavilion, a known venue for weddings and special events, Top of the Rock is poised to become a central gathering place within Jasper Highlands and the wider community. Dane Bradshaw, president of Thunder Enterprises, notes, “There aren’t many dining opportunities like this in our area. Our residents and neighbors have been waiting for an elevated dining experience for years.” Top of the Rock Restaurant and Brewery is set to deliver on that expectation, offering an unforgettable experience high above the Tennessee Valley.
