best places to eat in knoxville
The city of Knoxville, Tennessee is a great place to visit and offers tourists a peek into the East Tennessee lifestyle. Graced with friendly people, a variety of activities and entertainment makes this city a great choice to indulge in various restaurants that suit every taste. Jeanette’s Taqueria and Black Sheep Burrito are two great places to eat in Knoxville. If you live in Knoxville, you’ve probably had a conversation with a local where they mentioned the best place to eat in town. Most of these conversations happen at the office and right before coffee breaks. I won’t say whether it happens during lunch or on your break, because that is none of my business. My point is that out of all of the conversations, there should be one or two names that come up most frequently. These are places you want to try out (or maybe you’ve already been there and decided to get your opinion validated).
Knoxville is a great place to live, work, and play. With so many restaurants to choose from, it can be hard to make a decision.
Here are some of the best places to eat in Knoxville:
1) Knoxville Grill
The Knoxville Grill is a casual dining restaurant serving American food with a Southern twist. The menu includes items like fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and grilled salmon with lemon butter sauce. It’s located in the heart of downtown Knoxville at 2 West Clinch Avenue. Make sure you try the sweet tea!
2) Smokey Mountain Brewery
Smokey Mountain Brewery has been around since 1994 and has become known for its outstanding selection of brews. The brewery has locations in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge as well as one in Sevierville (including a taproom). Try the “Smoky Mountain Lager” or “Raging Whitewater Pale Ale” for a true taste of Tennessee!
Knoxville is a city known for its restaurants, and there are so many great places to eat that it can be hard to pick just one. Here are some of our favorite places to eat in Knoxville:
- The Black Rabbit: Located on the outskirts of town, this restaurant serves up some of the best food you’ll ever taste.
- Chuy’s Mexican Restaurant: This restaurant offers a fun atmosphere and delicious food.
- The Old City Soda Shop: This quaint soda shop has been around for decades, serving up classic American fare like burgers and fries with a side of nostalgia.
knoxville restaurants on the river
1. Calhoun’s on Bearden Hill
This restaurant is just one of the nine Calhoun’s locations across Tennessee.
It’s one of the best places to eat in Knoxville because of its exquisite Southern food and award-winning ribs.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
This resto uses the same recipe that led the Calhoun’s brand to victory in the National Rib Cook-off in Cleveland, Ohio.
20 Best Restaurants in Knoxville, TN
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The culinary staff also make all the side dishes here from scratch, which means they have the liberty to pick the right ingredients and create perfect plates.
What to Eat
Don’t miss out on the Hickory Smoked Bar-B-Que Ribs.
The meat is soft and tender and smoked to perfection that your taste buds will love every bite.
With that special barbecue sauce, the dish is just the best food in Knoxville, trust me.
2. Corner 16
This restaurant is only one of the two Corner 16 locations in Tennessee.
It’s where to eat in Knoxville if you’re looking for exquisite dishes with a Southern flair served in casual surroundings.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
This charming restaurant is one of the casual spots to eat in Knoxville.
Just picture yourself enjoying an exquisite meal while watching an exciting sports match on TV.
You can always savor those delicious flavors while listening to talented local artists perform live.
What to Eat
Whether for breakfast or brunch, the Monte Cristo Sandwich is amazing.
The turkey and Canadian bacon on the grilled French toast will definitely satiate your meat cravings.
With the melted Swiss cheese, the meat gets that delicious creamy flavor you won’t get enough of.
3. Connors Steak and Seafood
This restaurant in the Turkey Creek shopping center first opened its doors in 2014.
It has since been wowing tourists and locals alike with its amazing steak and seafood dishes served in a rustic elegant atmosphere.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
The restaurant has a beautiful interior, with its classy wooden booths and floors, and elegant centerpiece bar.
Expect a casual vibe, though, with its TVs typically showing diners’ favorite programs and the chitchat of locals just looking to hang out.
What to Eat
Have your best lunch in Knoxville with the Prime Rib Sandwich.
The hand-carved slow-roasted meat will delight your taste buds in every way.
Dip it in that light gravy to get a full explosion of flavors in the mouth.
4. Nick and J’s Cafe
This family-owned restaurant is the place to be for the foodie looking for American favorites ranging from burgers to salads served in casual environs.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
You’ll love the casual atmosphere in this place, one of the great Knoxville eats, without a doubt.
Sit by the window for a nice view of the neighborhood while you feast on exquisite flavors.
The staff are friendly, too, and will accommodate your requests for that epic dining experience.
What to Eat
The Pizza Burger is the perfect fusion of flavors on a bun.
The pepperoni is delicious, soaked in soft-smoked provolone cheese.
Add that flavorful pizza sauce and the dish is just heavenly, trust me.
affordables places in knoxville
Chesapeake’s West Knoxville
This restaurant is just one of the three Chesapeake’s stores in Tennessee.
It’s one of the best rated restaurants in Knoxville because of its exquisite seafood dishes served in charming environs.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Your visual sense will definitely enjoy this place.
Step inside the restaurant and you’ll notice its nautical theme from the get-go, with its hanging swordfish decor and light blue chairs.
You’ll want to take pictures of the dishes, too, with their beautiful plating.
This is one of the best birthday restaurants in Knoxville, too.
The restaurant’s private event center with its ample space, accent lighting, and beautiful fireplace is perfect for any special occasion.
Add the exquisite food served in huge portions for the win.
What to Eat
The Maryland Crab Cakes are divine.
The lump blue crab imperial transformed into a cake is really soft in the mouth.
The creamy tartar sauce gives those fluffy cakes that mild tang that’s just perfect for the palate.
Copper Cellar Restaurant
This dining establishment modeled after a legendary bar and steakhouse in Chicago is one of the top Knoxville restaurants that serve incredible pub grub and exquisite main dishes in a casual environment.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
You can literally have two dining experiences in one in this place.
If you prefer to enjoy delicious food in a rustic elegant but casual environment, then head to the first floor.
If you love vibrant environs with loud music in the background, the bar on the second floor is just the place for you.
What to Eat
Set your taste buds on fire with the Kickback Burger.
The jalapeño peppers and kickback sauce give that exquisite beef, grilled to perfection, that spicy taste your palate will love.
The pepper jack cheese adds that creamy and sweet flavor that makes the dish so heavenly.