25 Essential Knoxville Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Knoxville.
Holy Land Market
Tennessee
Unfussy counter-serve featuring Middle Eastern deli fare such as kebabs & falafel, plus burgers.
Cafe 4
Tennessee
Refined Southern classics, wine & beer in a comfortable dining room with a mezzanine coffee shop.
Wings Etc.
Tennessee
Relaxed sports bar serving wings & beer.
Parkside Grill
Knoxville, Tennessee
Restaurant serving twists on classic American dishes & drinks in a casual, contemporary setting.
Mellow Mushroom Farragut
Knoxville, Tennessee
Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas.
A Dopo Sourdough Pizza
Knoxville, Tennessee
Varied wood-fired sourdough pizzas with beer & wine on tap in a family-friendly space.
Pizza Inn
Knoxville, Tennessee
Pizzeria & buffet chain offering several crust options, plus pastas & more.
Lakeside Tavern
Knoxville, Tennessee
Sleek, stone & steel decor plus water views for a long menu of surf 'n' turf & buzzing happy hour.
Good Golly Tamale
Knoxville, Tennessee
Warm, casual joint offering a range of tamales stuffed with veggie & meat options.
Aubrey's Powell
Knoxville, Tennessee
Popular local chain known for hearty portions of regional comfort dishes & draft brews.
Chaiyo's Thai & Sushi
Knoxville, Tennessee
Low-key Thai eatery offering curries, noodles & stir-fries, plus a variety of specialty sushi rolls.
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
Knoxville, Tennessee
Long-running chain serving spicy fried chicken & comfort sides in a low-key setting.
Chivo Taqueria
Knoxville, Tennessee
Gourmet tacos & an extensive tequila menu offered in a dark, rustic-chic tavern with a trendy vibe.
Sami's Cafe
Knoxville, Tennessee
Low-key, family-friendly eatery offering ample comfort food for breakfast & lunch.
First Watch
Knoxville, Tennessee
Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.
La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant
Knoxville, Tennessee
Classic Mexican fare & cocktails offered in a relaxed, colorful cantina with quaint decor.
Chesapeake's Seafood Restaurant
Knoxville, Tennessee
Regional seafood, lobster & steaks in a modern, nautical-themed setup with a lounge & Sunday brunch.
Zaxby's Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings
Knoxville, Tennessee
Chain eatery serving up fried chicken fingers, wings, sandwiches & other American comfort food.
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar
Knoxville, Tennessee
Retro haunt with vintage decor offering classic bar food with a modern twist & regional craft beers.
Fai Thai Kitchen ร้านฝ้ายไทย
Knoxville, Tennessee
Identifies as Asian-owned, Identifies as veteran-owned, Identifies as women-owned. Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, Delivery, Onsite services.
Tangerine Japanese Cuisine
Knoxville, Tennessee
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great tea selection. Popular for.
Firehouse Subs Fountain City
Knoxville, Tennessee
Counter-serve sandwich chain offering made-to-order hot & cold subs, plus a variety of hot sauces.
Calhoun's On The River
Knoxville, Tennessee
Chain serving Tennessee BBQ, fresh-ground burgers & sandwiches, plus homestyle sides & craft beers.
Gourmet’s Market & Cafe
Knoxville, Tennessee
Bustling institution for hearty, traditional Southern-style comfort food, plus wine & cocktails.
Eggspectation - Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee
Stylish chain serving a lengthy egg-focused breakfast menu, plus American lunch & dinner fare.