Our Story
The Lion’s Den, as you see it today has a long, interesting history which began in 1939 when Walsh Mack built a small cafe in Old Pinetop. According to local history, it was burned down by locals attempting to run his family out of town. However, undeterred, he became the proprietor of The Dew Drop Inn.
He was well known throughout the area both for his stature - standing 6’ 7” tall, work ethic and his menu of hamburgers, chili, BBQ ribs and chicken gumbo. In later years, he moved into the current day building and opened The Pinetop Buffet and BBQ. Thru the years the name has been changed to The Mellow Mountain, Melting Pot, Harvey’s Wineburger and finally The Lion’s Den.
It has seen all walks of life enter its doors; it has spent some time as a place you never went after dark to a place you bring your kids for great music and even better burgers. It has seen two fires, a horse falling thru the floor, poker games in the basement, and reports of the paranormal. Since Walsh Mack’s opening, the names and owners may have changed, but what we now call The Den has always been a place that locals and visitors alike could come together for some great food, a cold glass of beer and live entertainment