15 Can’t-Miss Restaurants in Knoxville, TN for Every Food Lover
Knoxville serves up an incredible food scene that goes way beyond typical Southern fare. From cozy breakfast spots to upscale steakhouses, this Tennessee city offers flavors that will make any food lover happy. Whether you’re craving French crepes, fresh seafood, or locally brewed beer with your meal, Knoxville’s restaurant scene delivers something special for every taste and budget.
1. The French Market Crêperie
Authentic French flavors transport diners straight to Paris at this charming downtown spot. Owner-chef Marie brings generations of family recipes to life, creating both sweet and savory crepes that locals can’t stop talking about.
Fresh strawberries, imported cheeses, and house-made Nutella fill delicate, paper-thin crepes cooked to golden perfection. Weekend brunch crowds gather for the famous chicken and mushroom galette paired with locally roasted coffee.
Cozy bistro tables and French music create an intimate atmosphere perfect for romantic dates or casual lunches with friends.
2. Chesapeake’s West Knoxville
Coastal cuisine meets Southern hospitality at this seafood lover’s paradise tucked away in West Knoxville. Fresh catches arrive daily from both coasts, ensuring every bite tastes like it came straight from the ocean.
Their famous crab cakes contain jumbo lump meat with minimal filler, while the lobster bisque has earned awards from local food critics. Happy hour brings discounted oysters and craft cocktails that pair beautifully with the seaside atmosphere.
Nautical decor and friendly servers make every meal feel like a mini vacation to the Chesapeake Bay region.
3. Stock and Barrel
Bourbon enthusiasts flock to this whiskey bar and restaurant that boasts over 200 different bottles behind its impressive back bar. Knowledgeable bartenders craft old-fashioned cocktails using rare finds and local Tennessee spirits.
Elevated pub food complements the drink menu perfectly, with their bourbon-glazed pork belly and whiskey bread pudding stealing the show. Small plates encourage sharing while you sample different pours throughout the evening.
Exposed brick walls and dim lighting create an intimate speakeasy vibe that makes every visit feel like a special occasion worth savoring slowly.
4. Calhoun’s on Bearden Hill
Legendary barbecue draws crowds from across Tennessee to this hilltop location overlooking the Tennessee River. Pitmasters smoke meats low and slow using hickory wood, creating tender ribs that fall right off the bone.
Their signature sauce recipe remains a closely guarded secret, passed down through three generations of the founding family. Generous portions of pulled pork, brisket, and smoked chicken come with classic sides like mac and cheese and coleslaw.
Panoramic river views from the outdoor deck make sunset dinners absolutely magical, especially during warm summer evenings when live music fills the air.
5. Pete’s Coffee Shop Restaurant
Since 1976, this family-owned diner has served hearty breakfast and comfort food that keeps generations of customers coming back for more. Homemade biscuits arrive warm at every table, alongside real butter and locally sourced honey.
Massive omelets stuffed with farm-fresh ingredients and golden hash browns define their breakfast menu, while meatloaf and fried chicken satisfy lunch crowds. Coffee stays hot and fresh all day, poured by servers who remember regular customers’ usual orders.
Vinyl booths and retro decor preserve the authentic diner experience that’s becoming harder to find in today’s fast-paced world.
6. Nick and J’s Cafe
Hidden gem status doesn’t begin to describe this neighborhood cafe where regulars feel like family members. Scratch-made soups change daily based on seasonal ingredients, while their famous chicken salad recipe has spawned countless imitation attempts.
Generous sandwiches piled high with quality meats and fresh vegetables satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Homemade desserts, especially the chocolate cake, disappear quickly each afternoon as word spreads through social media.
Casual atmosphere and reasonable prices make this spot perfect for quick lunches, business meetings, or catching up with old friends over excellent food.
7. Balter Beerworks
Craft beer innovation meets Southern cuisine at this popular brewery where head brewer Jake experiments with unique flavor combinations. Rotating taps feature everything from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, many incorporating local ingredients like Tennessee honey.
Food trucks rotate weekly, but their in-house kitchen produces elevated bar snacks that pair perfectly with different beer styles. Trivia nights and live music events create a lively community atmosphere that locals absolutely love.
Industrial-chic decor with communal tables encourages conversation between strangers, making every visit a chance to meet new friends over exceptional craft beer.
8. Connors Steak and Seafood
Prime cuts and fresh catches define the menu at this upscale steakhouse where special occasions become unforgettable memories. Dry-aged steaks cooked to perfection arrive sizzling alongside classic sides like loaded baked potatoes and creamed spinach.
Raw bar selections change based on availability, featuring oysters from both coasts and jumbo shrimp served with house-made cocktail sauce. Extensive wine list includes both domestic and international selections chosen specifically to complement their protein-heavy menu.
White tablecloth service and elegant atmosphere make this the go-to choice for anniversaries, business dinners, and celebrations that deserve the very best treatment.
9. Not Watson’s Kitchen and Bar
Creative cocktails and globally inspired small plates make this trendy spot a favorite among Knoxville’s young professionals. Mixologists muddle fresh herbs and craft syrups in-house, creating Instagram-worthy drinks that taste even better than they look.
Shareable plates encourage group dining, with Korean tacos and duck confit sliders representing their fusion approach to modern American cuisine. Late-night kitchen hours accommodate the downtown crowd looking for quality food after traditional dinner hours.
Modern industrial design with exposed ductwork and Edison bulb lighting creates the perfect backdrop for date nights and group celebrations alike.
10. Smoky Mountain Brewery
Mountain views and house-brewed beer create the perfect combination at this scenic brewery location. Multiple beer styles satisfy different preferences, from light wheat beers perfect for hot summer days to rich porters ideal for cooler evenings.
Pub-style menu features elevated versions of classic bar food, including their famous beer-battered fish and chips. Outdoor seating takes advantage of Tennessee’s beautiful weather while providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Family-friendly atmosphere during early hours transitions to a more adult-oriented vibe as evening approaches, making this spot versatile for different occasions and age groups.
11. Copper Cellar Restaurant
Underground dining takes on new meaning at this unique restaurant located in an actual cellar beneath downtown Knoxville. Stone walls and dim lighting create an intimate cave-like atmosphere that’s both romantic and mysterious.
Steaks and prime rib anchor the menu, while their famous salad bar offers fresh options for lighter appetites. Wine selection focuses on reds that complement their meat-heavy offerings, stored in temperature-controlled conditions within the natural cellar environment.
Historic charm combined with consistently excellent food has made this a Knoxville institution for over four decades, attracting both tourists and loyal local customers.
12. Schulz Bräu Brewing Company
German brewing traditions meet Tennessee hospitality at this authentic brewery where traditional recipes create exceptional lagers and wheat beers. Head brewer Hans trained in Bavaria, bringing Old World techniques to create beers that would make any German proud.
Authentic German food accompanies the beer menu, with bratwurst, schnitzel, and soft pretzels providing the perfect pairing for their carefully crafted brews. Oktoberfest celebrations draw crowds from across the region for traditional music and dancing.
Beer garden atmosphere with communal tables encourages the German tradition of gemütlichkeit, creating warm fellowship among strangers sharing excellent beer and hearty food together.
13. Corner 16
Gourmet burgers reach new heights at this casual spot where creative combinations satisfy adventurous eaters. Hand-formed patties use locally sourced beef, while toppings range from traditional lettuce and tomato to exotic combinations like fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese.
Sweet potato fries and onion rings provide the perfect accompaniment to their signature burgers, while craft beer selection focuses on local breweries. Milkshakes made with premium ice cream offer the perfect finish to any meal.
Casual atmosphere with booth seating makes this ideal for families, while the quality ingredients attract food enthusiasts looking for elevated comfort food experiences.
14. Jackie’s Dream
Soul food traditions live on at this beloved restaurant where recipes passed down through generations create unforgettable comfort food experiences. Fried chicken arrives crispy outside and juicy inside, while mac and cheese achieves the perfect balance of creamy and cheesy.
Generous portions reflect Southern hospitality, with sides like collard greens and cornbread completing every meal. Sunday brunch brings families together over dishes that remind everyone of grandmother’s cooking from childhood memories.
Warm atmosphere and friendly service make every customer feel like welcomed family members, creating the kind of dining experience that builds lifelong customer loyalty and community connections.
15. The Drawing Room
Sophisticated cocktails and refined atmosphere elevate this upscale lounge above typical Knoxville nightlife options. Expert bartenders craft classic cocktails using premium spirits, while the extensive whiskey selection showcases both local and international distilleries.
Small plates menu features artisanal cheeses, charcuterie boards, and other sophisticated nibbles designed to complement their drink offerings. Live jazz music on weekends creates the perfect soundtrack for intimate conversations and romantic evenings.
Elegant decor with plush seating and soft lighting attracts a mature crowd looking for quality drinks and conversation in a refined setting away from louder bar scenes.
