20 Best Restaurants in Knoxville

Google Map - Photo by Balter Beerworks

Knoxville is one of the largest cities in the Appalachian region and also one of the gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

In Knoxville, you can find a variety of restaurants with variants menus available, most of them are Southern restaurants with a southern-inspired menu.

For example, there is Tupelo Honey, Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, Aubrey's Papermill, and more to go.

Then, Tripboba rounds up the best 20 restaurants in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Knoxville is a beautiful city to visit, and you can also find some good restaurants here to enjoy some tasty dishes in the city.

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1. CORNER 16

Corner 16 is the first restaurant on this list and very recommended to visit while coming to Knoxville, Tennessee. Corner 16 is an American eats with a tasty steak at good prices, friendly staff, and a nice atmosphere surrounding.

Corner 16 has a comfort food menu which includes many tasty dishes such as Hand-breaded Chicken Tenders, Hickory Smoked Ribs, Prosperity Steak, Smothered Chicken, Prime Grade Ribeye Steak, Country Fried Steak, Hickory Smoked Beef Brisket, Prosperity Steak, Hickory Smoked Meatloaf, Salmon, and Fish & Chips.

Corner 16

A spot that provides great food at fair price.

Has a nice outdoor seating area, brew beer and a great variety of dishes.

From the presentation of the dish, to the taste is well done.

Address : 1640 Bob Kirby Rd, Knoxville, TN 37931, USA

2. CALHOUN'S

Calhoun's offers Tennessee BBQ, fresh-ground burgers, and sandwiches on the menu plus homestyle sides and craft beers. Calhoun's starts open from 11.00 AM until 11.00 PM and has excellent service, top-quality food, and of course, delicious food.

For the food choices, Calhoun's has Grilled Chicken Teriyaki, Grilled Lemon Chicken, Southern-Fried Catfish, Hickory Smoked Chicken, Char-Grilled Shrimp, Filet Mignon, Bar-B-Que Steak Calhoun, Ale Pork Chop, Steak & Shrimp Combo, Prime Grade Ribeye Steak, and Hickory Smoked Prime Rib Dinner.

Calhoun's, Knoxville

Great Weekend Eating I took the family to the Calhoun’s on Pellissippi Parkway, and it was fantastic! I got the chicken tenders and mac and cheese, and they were delicious. Our server Danielle was even better than the food! She...

Good food My wife and I go here often for lunch. All of their salads are great and huge. We always get one and ask the kitchen to split it. Even then we have a hard time eating all of it. Everything else is good as well,...

Thanks Ali! On our recent visit to Knoxville we (me, my brother and best friend) came off the interstate off ramp searching for a place to get some food. Stomach”s growling we pulled into Calhoun”s and were greeted by Ali.Ali...

Address : 10020 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922-3321

3. SMOKY MOUNTAIN BREWERY IN TURKEY CREEK

Smoky Mountain Brewery in Turkey Creek is a laid-back brewery featuring multiple HDTVs, pizza, burgers, and sandwiches. Located in Turkey Creek, Smoky Mountain Brewery in Turkey Creek starts open from 11.00 AM until 12.00 AM and has a great atmosphere, incredible service, and tasty dishes.

Then, Smoky Mountain Brewery in Turkey Creek offers you some tasty foods on the menu which include, Thunder Road Shrimp, Roasted Chicken Quesadillas, Fried Chicken Tenders, Fried Fish Sandwich, Grilled Yellow Fin Tuna, Grilled Mountain Melt, Smoky Mountain BBQ Ribs, Prime Grade Ribeye Steak, and Filet Mignon.

Smoky Mountain Brewery in Turkey Creek

Laid-back brewery featuring housemade beer on tap, multiple HDTVs, pizza, burgers & sandwiches.

The food is really good with a vast selection of items.

Address : 11308 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934, USA

4. PETE'S COFFEE SHOP

Located in Locust Street Garage, Pete's Coffee Shop is an upscale breakfast restaurant that offers sandwiches, American breakfast, and lunch on the menu.

Pete's Coffee Shop starts open from around 6.30 AM until 2.00 PM six times a week and offers great service, very good staff, and a cozy atmosphere. For the food choices, you have Grilled Chicken Salad, Taco Salad, Ritas Fried Chicken Salad, Bacon and Egg Sandwich, Turkey Supreme, Roast Beef Supreme, Club Sandwich, and House Club.

Pete's Coffee Shop

Sandwiches & other diner staples in an enduring American breakfast & lunch joint.

This is the best breakfast in downtown Knoxville.

Address : 540 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA

5. BALTER BEERWORKS

Balter Beerworks has a Mexican and Southern-inspired menu with yummy food, great service, and a good atmosphere surrounding. Balter Beerworks is situated at 100 Broadway SW and is open daily from around 11.00 AM until 10.00 PM. So, you can visit this restaurant every day with your friends or family. Balter Beerworks has incredible entrees such as Miso Salmon Bowl, Blackened Fish Tacos, Shrimp Avocado Bowl, Baja Tacos, Burrito Bowl, Fish & Chips, Chicken Bacon Mac & Cheese, and Fried Chicken Strips.

Balter Beerworks

Lofty taproom with a spacious backyard doles out Mexican & Southern-inspired eats & draft beers.

Plenty of seating inside and out.

Address : 100 Broadway SW, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA

6. LAKESIDE TAVERN

Lakeside Tavern is a great restaurant to visit in Knoxville as it offers steel decor plus views of the water and a great menu.

Lakeside Tavern is located at 10911 Concord Park Dr, is open daily from around 11.00 AM to 09.00 PM, and has great prices for delicious food, a pleasant atmosphere, and excellent service from the staff.

Lakeside Tavern also has a delightful lunch menu that includes, Rosemary Pork Tenderloin, Blackened Tilapia, Chicken Tenders, Lakeside Fish & Chips, Mediterranean Pasta, Chicken Pasta Combo, 4oz Filet Medallion and Pan-Seared Crab Cake.

Lakeside Tavern, Knoxville

Amazing We flew into Knoxville and were given this place as a recommendation. It was absolutely fantastic. We ate out on the patio and had a great view of the river. The menu had so many good options. Everything our group ordered...

Great food and service Some co-workers took me here for my going away dinner. The food was great and the service and attention from the staff was excellent! I would recommend this restaurant to anyone for a nice quiet dinner or...

Great food and beautiful patio views Had a wonderful experience dining on the patio. We tried the asparagus and buffalo cauliflower appetizers, which were delicious! Pizza and barrimundi for our main course were very tasty. A nice...

Address : 10911 Concord Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922-6697

7. PARKSIDE GRILL

Parkside Grill is an American restaurant serving classic American dishes and drinks in a contemporary setting. Parkside Grill is located at 388 N Peters Rd and starts open from 11.00 AM until 9.00 PM daily. So, you can visit this restaurant every day with your friends, family, or your loved ones.

Parkside Grill has signatures on the lunch menu which include, Salmon with Mustard Dill Sauce, Fish Taco, Parkside Fish and Chips, Sandwich Combo, Southern Fried Chicken Tenders, Blackened Tilapia, Chicken Pot Pie, Roasted Chicken Pasta, Teriyaki Filet Kabob, Wild Turkey, and Grilled Cilantro-Lime Shrimp.

Parkside Grill, Knoxville

Restaurant serving twists on classic American dishes & drinks in a casual, contemporary setting.

The beer and wine are fantastic especially for the price.

Address : 338 N Peters Rd, Knoxville, TN 37922, USA

8. AUBREY'S STRAWBERRY PLAINS

Aubrey's Strawberry Plains is located at 805 Huckleberry Springs Rd, Knoxville, TN, starts open from 11.00 AM until 9.00 PM, and offers variants of food available, good service, and excellent staff. For the food selections, you have Chicken Salad Club, Grilled Salmon Tacos, Grilled Tuna Sandwich, Cheddar Burger, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, North Carolina Catfish, Lemon-Lime Chicken, Center Cut Sirloin, Hawaiian Ribeye, Filet Mignon, and more.

Aubrey's Strawberry Plains

Great food after a long day's drive Our group of 4 (my mother, my 12 yr old niece, my 9 yr old nephew, and I) arrived around 8:20 for a late supper. This restaurant had been recommended by our hotel. We had been on the road...

Great for Single Traveler or group travel I always stop here when passing thru twice a year. I actually pick my hotel stop at this location based on this restaurant. There are a number of hotels nearby and one even walking...

Good gathering place Good food, nice atmosphere.Great place to get together with family and friends. Accomadated our large group.

Address : 805 Huckleberry Springs Rd, Knoxville, TN 37924-4347

9. CAFE 4, KNOXVILLE

Cafe 4 is one of the best eateries that you need to visit in Knoxville, TN. Situated in Market Square on floor 1, Cafe 4 starts open from 11.00 AM to 10.00 PM every day and has a nice atmosphere, good staff, and delicious food. Then, all the guests have several tasty dishes on the menu such as Roasted Tomato Bisque, Grilled Cheese Dipper, Strawberry Field Salad, Low Country Shrimp, Maple Pecan Salmon, Fried Chicken & Waffles, Bistro Steak, Prime Meatloaf, Bistro Steak, and Herb Roasted Half Chicken.

Cafe 4, Knoxville

Refined Southern classics, wine & beer in a comfortable dining room with a mezzanine coffee shop.

Music for ambience is a bit loud which kinda make it feel less like a cafe but more for pop culture.

Address : 4 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA

10. THE TOMATO HEAD

The Tomato Head is an American restaurant that serves sandwiches, salads, and burritos with vegetarian options on the menu. The Tomato Head is situated at 12 Market Square, open daily from 11.00 AM to 9.00 PM, and offers delicious food, good services, and incredible staff.

For the food choices, The Tomato Head offers Griffin Pizza, Spring Salad, Khachapouri, Black Bean Hummus, Garlic Sticks, Pasta Salad, Caesar Salad, Bacon Salad, Turkey Melt, Tuscan Chicken, Veggie Burger, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches.

The Tomato Head

Hip pizza parlor also serves sandwiches, salads & burritos with many vegetarian options.

Local's favorite place to go for lunch or dinner.

Address : 12 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA

11. AUBREY'S PAPERMILL

Aubrey's Papermill is a local restaurant with Southern comfort food plus patio seating. Aubrey's Papermill offers all the guests great food, friendly staff, and music surrounding which makes it a relaxing place and favorite to visit.

Aubrey's Papermill is open every day from 11.00 AM and you can go to 6005 Brookvale Ln, Knoxville, TN 37919 to visit this restaurant. Then, Aubrey's Papermill has incredible dishes available such as Chicken Finger Platter, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, North Carolina Catfish, Citrus Glazed Salmon, Hickory Chicken, Center Cut Sirloin, Hawaiian Ribeye, Filet Mignon, Haystack Pasta, Tomato Basil, Rattlesnake Pasta, and Seafood Pasta.

Aubrey's Papermill

Local chain standby for Southern comfort food, steaks & wines, plus patio seating.

The garlic ranch is worth a trip on its own.

Address : 6005 Brookvale Ln, Knoxville, TN 37919, USA

12. MYRTLE'S CHICKEN AND BEER

Myrtle's Chicken and Beer is a laid-back restaurant that offers comfort Southern food with good service, tasty dishes on the menu, and excellent staff. You can go to 13 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902 to reach this restaurant and is open every day from 11.00 AM until 10.00 PM.

Myrtle's Chicken and Beer offers you the interesting appetizers and entrees menus contain some tasty dishes including, Crispy Pork Belly, Buttermilk Cheddar Drop Biscuits, Deviled Eggs, Fried Chicken & Waffles, Big Daddy's Rotisseries Chicken, Signature Chicken Pot Pie, Smoked Baby-Back Ribs, and Rib & Chicken Tenders Combo.

Myrtle's Chicken and Beer

Laid-back restaurant offering Southern fried chicken specialties, comfort food sides & craft brews.

They toasted the buns which gave it a nice crisp bite!

Address : 13 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA

13. TUPELO HONEY, KNOXVILLE

Tupelo Honey serves an all-day menu of Southern comfy food plus craft beers and cocktails. Located in The Oliver Hotel, Tupelo Honey is open daily from 11.00 AM until 9.00 PM on weekdays, and from 9.00 AM until 9.00 PM on weekends. So, you can visit this upscale eatery every day with your friends or loved ones.

All the guests pampered plenty of tasty dishes on the main menu contains Crispy Brussels, Fried Cauliflower Taco, Honey Dusted Fried Chicken, Cast Iron Pork, Smothered Chicken, Blackened Mahi-Mahi, Spicy Pork Carnitas, Creole Shrimp Linguine, Farm Fresh Burger, Avocado Chicken, and some desserts like Heavenly Banana Pudding, Mini Dessert Duo, and Brown Butter Pecan Pie.

Tupelo Honey, Knoxville

Lunch w/kids Nice lunch with the kids. Masks, social distancing etc. Nice menu, good service would def. come back.

Lunch with the girls! Highly recommended!!! We had a fantastic experience at Tupelo Honey! The food was spectacular and our server Emily seriously went above and beyond! The food was SO delicious... we ended up eating it all before...

Southern charm, cozy setting Our party of six had a late Sunday lunch/brunch here. I was very excited to eat here; I loved the menu. It ended up being the last restaurant I ate AT before the pandemic hit. Everyone enjoyed their...

Address : 1 Market Sq, Knoxville, TN 37902-1405

14. GUS'S WORLD FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken is a Southern restaurant serving spicy fried chicken and a lot of comfort sides on the menu. Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken is located at 3101 Sutherland Ave, open every day from around 11.00 AM until 9.00 PM, and has great service from the staff and good prices for good value.

There are several dishes and side dishes that are interesting to try such as Fried Pickles with Ranch, Fried Green Tomatoes, Fried Okra, Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Fried Okra, Cole Slaw, Seasoned Fries, Whole Jalapeno, Honey Mustard, Vanilla Ice Cream, and of course, the main event, Fried Chicken.

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, Knoxville

Long-running chain serving spicy fried chicken & comfort sides in a low-key setting.

The chicken is delightfully crispy and has a balanced seasoning.

Address : 3101 Sutherland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37919, USA

15. DEAD END BBQ

Dead End BBQ is an upscale barbecue restaurant that you have to visit while coming to Knoxville, TN. Dead End BBQ serving delicious BBQ sandwiches and plates alongside great service by the staff, reasonable prices, tasty dishes, and a casual atmosphere.

Enjoy some delicious food on the menus which include, Smoked Hummus, Loaded Pigskins, BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf, Bacon Wrapped BBQ Shrimp, Grilled Smoked Bologna, All American Burger, Tender Slider, Brisket Horseradish Slider, Homemade Banana Pudding, and Peanut Butter Pie.

Dead End BBQ, Knoxville

BBQ sandwiches & plates served with sides & draft beer in a low-key space with sports memorabilia.

They have plenty of indoor seating, walls filled with sport memorabilia, and a bar.

Address : 3621 Sutherland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37919, USA

16. LONESOME DOVE KNOXVILLE

Lonesome Dove Knoxville is a place that you should visit while coming to Knoxville. Why? because it offers so many good things such as fantastic service, amazing food, and a very nice atmosphere.

Located at 100 N Central Street, Lonesome Dove Knoxville offers you some delicious foods which include Snapper Ceviche, Deviled Gulf Blue Coast Crabs, Wild Boar-Beef Tenderloin Albondigas, Hamachi Tostadas, Roasted Garlic Stuffed Beef Tenderloin, Antelope Short Rib, Pan-Seared Branzino, Iberico Pork Secreto, Duck Ragout, Blackend Red Snapper, Crispy Chicken Thighs, and Chile Relleno.

Lonesome Dove Knoxville

A restaurant with plenty of space perfectly set up for lunch or date night.

 This restaurant offers a wide selection of wines with food.

It even has several types of meat such as steak, lamb, chicken, wild boar and various seafood.

Address : 100 N Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA

17. STOCK & BARREL

Stock & Barrel is a stylish restaurant featuring delicious burgers. Stock & Barrel is situated at 35 Market Square, open every day from around 11.00 AM until 10.00 PM, and has great decor, excellent service, and awesome food alongside fantastic music. Stock & Barrel also has several delicious foods such as Fried Pickles, Duck Fat Fries, White Cheddar Pimento Cheese, Fried Green Tomatoes, The Classic Bacon, The Steakhouse, The Salmon Burger, The Buffalo Burger, and many more.

Stock & Barrel

Stylish restaurant featuring thoughtfully sourced burgers & an extensive selection of bourbons

Address : 35 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States

18. NICK & J'S CAFE

Nick & J's Cafe is a perfect place to spend your breakfast in the morning at Knoxville with breakfast fares, sandwiches, and burgers. Nick & J's Cafe is located at 1526 Lovell Rd and it starts open from 7.00 AM until 4.00 PM on Monday to Friday, and from 8.00 AM until 2.00 PM on Saturday.

Nick & J's Cafe has some delicious foods on their menu which include, Three Buttermilk Pancakes, Egg Sandwich, Bacon and Egg Sandwich, Country Ham Biscuit, One Egg Biscuit, Tuna Salad, Chicken Salad, Fried Chicken Filet, Buffalo Fried Chicken Filet, Breaded Fish Filet, Grilled Cheese, Grilled Cheese With Bacon, Chili Burger, Buffalo Chicken Tenders with Fries, Grilled Turkey Reuben, Banana Pudding, Assorted Pies, Baklava, Cookies, and Brownies.

Nick & J's Cafe

Modest joint with counter seats offering breakfast fare, sandwiches & burgers piled with toppings

Comfort food · Quick bite · Fast service

Address : 1526 Lovell Rd, Knoxville, TN 37932, United States

19. CHESAPEAKE'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

If you are a seafood lover and living in Knoxville, make sure to visit Chesapeake's Seafood Restaurant because it offers classic Eastern shore-style dishes and other tasty seafood. Chesapeake's Seafood Restaurant is located at 600 Union Ave SW and it's open daily from 11.00 AM until 10.00 PM.

Chesapeake's Seafood Restaurant also offers ten out ten services, a great atmosphere, and of course, yummy seafood dishes. For the seafood options, you have Fresh Maryland Crab Cakes, Crab Imperial, Shrimp Chesapeake, Broiled Seafood Combination, Fried Seafood Platter, Fresh Fried Oysters, Fried Shrimp, Fresh Sea Scallops, Maryland Steamed Shrimp, Shrimp Scampi, Oysters Rockefeller, and Oysters Chesapeake.

Chesapeake's Seafood Restaurant, Knoxville

A welcoming restaurant with a cute little patio.

Has a selection of seafood which is perfectly cooked and well seasoned.

You can book a table online.

Address : 600 Union Ave SW, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA

20. THE ORIGINAL COPPER CELLAR RESTAURANT

The Original Copper Cellar Restaurant is one of the best steak houses in Knoxville with good service, yummy food, decent prices, and a nice atmosphere. You can go to 1807 Cumberland Ave, it's starting open from 11.00 AM until 11.00 PM and open every day, so you can visit this restaurant as long as you want.

Then, you have a lot of food options available here such as Crab Bisque, Fried Mushrooms, Seared Ahi Tuna, Chilled Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Mushrooms Stuffed with Crab, Asian Salmon Salad, Grilled Ale Chicken, Grilled Shrimp, Scallop Scampi Over Pasta, Prime Grade New York Strip Steak, Prime Grade Ribeye Steak, Filet Mignon, and Blue Cheese Sirloin.

The Original Copper Cellar Restaurant

Restaurant with a very classic vibe as well as a large amount of wooden decor surrounding.

Offers complete dishes such as steaks as well as a selection of drinks.

Their burgers are amazing with a wide selection of premade and build options.

Address : 1807 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916, USA