Coffee Shop near Gatlinburg, TN
Mia Piccola is a locally loved coffee shop near Gatlinburg, TN, serving real specialty espresso and coffee from two intentional Knoxville café locations—well worth the short drive.
Discover Gatlinburg’s Favorite Spot for Coffee & Community
If you’re searching for a coffee shop near Gatlinburg, TN, and keep running into sugary drinks, rushed service, or coffee that feels more like a souvenir than a craft—you’re not imagining it.
A lot of people staying near the Gatlinburg Parkway eventually decide to drive out for better coffee. Coffee that’s thoughtfully made. Spaces that feel calm instead of chaotic. A place where you can actually slow down and enjoy the cup in your hands.
Whether you’re heading out early before a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, stepping away from the Chalet Village cabins for a bit, or winding down after a full day of exploring Gatlinburg, Mia Piccola offers a coffee experience that feels grounded, creative, and refreshingly real.
Our Coffee Menu — Worth the Drive from Gatlinburg, TN
Everything we serve is made with intention—because great coffee near Gatlinburg, TN should feel thoughtful, not automatic.
Espresso Drinks
Lattes, cappuccinos, cortados, macchiatos, mochas
Cold Brew & Pour-Over
Smooth, balanced coffees made from single-origin beans
Tea & Seasonal Drinks
House chai, matcha, and rotating seasonal favorites
Dairy-Free Options
Oat, almond, and soy milk are always available
Pastries & Light Bites
Muffins, croissants, banana bread, cookies, and locally made desserts
✨ Local Tip: Seasonal drinks move fast during busy Gatlinburg weekends—especially when events are happening near the Gatlinburg Convention Center and the Parkway is packed.
Why Gatlinburg Locals Choose Mia Piccola
We’re not trying to be the closest coffee shop near Gatlinburg, TN—we’re trying to be the one you’re glad you drove to.
✅ True specialty espresso using beans from Nomad Coffee Roasters
✅ Fresh pastries from local baking partners
✅ A calm café vibe far from Parkway noise
✅ Wi-Fi that actually works
✅ Friendly baristas who remember faces, not just orders
✅ A favorite stop for visitors coming off attractions like Anakeesta or Ober Mountain
Some people stop in before the mountains. Others swing by after a full day in Gatlinburg. Either way, Mia Piccola is where good coffee meets better pacing.
What Our Coffee Shop Near Gatlinburg, TN, Does Best
Coffee is the foundation, but it’s not the whole story. Together, these make Mia Piccola a true all-day Gatlinburg coffee shop.
Coffee Shop
Enjoy true specialty espresso crafted with locally roasted beans and careful technique. Whether you’re stopping in on a weekday morning or easing into the weekend, our espresso bar delivers clarity and comfort in every cup.
Bakery
Pair your drink with fresh-baked pastries made by local partners who value quality as much as we do. Simple ingredients. Thoughtful baking.
Lunch
Light lunch options that work for travelers easing out of Gatlinburg after a morning on the Parkway or an afternoon at places like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.
Meet Our Founder — A Favorite Among Gatlinburg Regulars
Mia Piccola was founded by Nathan Kitner with a simple idea: serve great coffee and create a space people actually want to spend time in.
What started as a small coffee cart has grown into a trusted specialty coffee destination across East Tennessee—one that Gatlinburg visitors regularly discover after realizing they want something more grounded than what’s available near places like Herbert Holt Park or the Parkway strip.
Nathan’s focus stays the same:
Coffee made with care
Spaces that feel calm and welcoming
Hospitality that’s genuine, not scripted
That intention shows up in every cup and every interaction.
A Coffee Stop That Fits Your Gatlinburg Day
Mia Piccola fits naturally into Gatlinburg travel plans—especially for visitors staying near schools, parks, and neighborhoods locals recognize. People stop in before:
• Early mornings near Gatlinburg-Pittman High School
• Parkway adventures and chairlifts
• Exploring the Arts & Crafts Community
• Scenic drives after time at city parks and trailheads
And plenty swing by afterward, ready for a quieter, more grounded break.
🅿️ Parking: Easy & free
📍 Routes: US-441, I-40, Chapman Highway
A Place to Sit, Sip, and Reset
Our coffee shop near Gatlinburg, TN, is designed for comfort and breathing room:
✅ Spacious seating and natural light
✅ Fast, reliable Wi-Fi
✅ Plenty of outlets
✅ Quiet corners away from crowds
It’s why travelers, creatives, and remote workers staying in Gatlinburg keep finding their way here.
"Dwight, at 8:00 a.m. today, someone poisons the coffee. Do not drink the coffee. More instructions will follow. Cordially, Future Dwight.”
— Dwight, The Office
What Guests are Saying
-
![Young woman with long wavy blonde hair outdoors, looking to the side, touching her hair with her right hand.]()
"We had heard SO much about Mia Piccola through the community and decided to spend a Saturday morning there, and it was 5 stars in every way - the atmosphere, the coffee, the lemon poppyseed cake, and the staff!"
Blakely Cochran
-
![A young man with dark hair and a light beard, wearing a light blue T-shirt, standing outdoors on a sunny day with trees and blurred cars in the background.]()
"Such sweet and humble people, great coffee, and some of the best pastries that are locally sourced! Best little coffee shop in Knoxville."
Luke Nuchols
-
![]()
"Mia Piccola has a drink for everyone, and the cookies/cake sold are yummy and made with fine ingredients and creativity. The owner/barista is passionate about cultivating an RICH experience for all."
Ginny Kitner
-
![A pregnant woman standing in a dry, grassy field with trees in the background, wearing a red floral off-shoulder dress.]()
"Just moved to South Knoxville, and this coffee shop was right down the street from me. The coffee is great, and service is phenomenal! This will be my go-to coffee spot from now on!"
Maranda Perez
-
![An elderly woman smiling and exercising on a stationary bike inside a cozy living room with bookshelves and a window.]()
"I have never been let down by a cup of coffee from here, and it always comes with a smile!!! What could be better?! 🖤🖤"
AmberLynn Lovell
FAQs — Coffee Shop Near Gatlinburg, TN
-
Yes. We regularly serve Gatlinburg visitors and locals who make the short drive for real specialty coffee and a calmer café experience.
-
We have two Knoxville café locations that are easy to reach from Gatlinburg via US-441 and I-40.
-
Most guests reach us in about 45–55 minutes, depending on Parkway traffic, events, and season.
-
Because specialty coffee is hard to find in Gatlinburg. Guests come to us for handcrafted espresso, relaxed vibes, and a space that feels intentional—not tourist-driven.
-
Absolutely. Many guests stop in before heading into the park or as a calm reset after a busy Gatlinburg day.
Visit Mia Piccola — Coffee Shop near Gatlinburg, TN
Our two Knoxville café locations serve Gatlinburg visitors looking for coffee that feels real, creative, and carefully made—without the crowds of the Parkway.
If you’re ready to skip the tourist coffee and enjoy something thoughtfully crafted, Mia Piccola is the coffee shop near Gatlinburg, TN, that makes the drive worth it.