MomSkoop
Knoxville offers an amazing food scene that goes way beyond typical Southern fare. From cozy cafes to upscale steakhouses, this Tennessee city serves up flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re craving craft beer, fresh seafood, or comfort food done right, these local gems deliver memorable dining experiences that locals have been keeping secret for years.
1. Not Watson’s Kitchen and Bar
Creativity meets comfort at this trendy downtown spot where the name alone sparks curiosity. The chefs here transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary dishes that surprise even the pickiest eaters.
Menu highlights include their famous duck confit and innovative cocktails crafted by skilled bartenders. The atmosphere buzzes with energy, making it perfect for date nights or celebrating special occasions.
Reservations fill up quickly on weekends, so plan ahead. The restaurant’s modern decor and friendly staff create an unforgettable dining experience that keeps customers coming back for more adventures.
2. Pete’s Coffee Shop Restaurant
Since 1950, this family-owned diner has been serving up hearty breakfasts and comfort food that feels like a warm hug. Generations of families have made Pete’s their go-to spot for weekend pancakes and weekday coffee breaks.
The menu features classic American dishes prepared with love and generous portions. Their biscuits are baked fresh daily, and the coffee stays hot all morning long.
Don’t expect fancy decorations or trendy ingredients here. What you’ll find is honest food, reasonable prices, and servers who remember your usual order after just a few visits.
3. Connors Steak and Seafood
Prime cuts and fresh catches make this upscale restaurant a celebration destination for meat lovers and seafood enthusiasts alike. The steaks arrive perfectly cooked, while the seafood tastes like it swam to your plate yesterday.
Professional servers guide diners through an extensive wine list that pairs beautifully with every entree. The elegant dining room creates the perfect setting for business dinners and romantic evenings.
Prices reflect the quality ingredients and expert preparation, making this a special occasion restaurant. The lobster tail and filet mignon combination remains their most popular dish among regular customers.
4. Calhoun’s on Bearden Hill
Barbecue dreams come true at this Tennessee institution where hickory smoke perfumes the air and ribs fall off the bone. The restaurant overlooks beautiful scenery while serving up authentic Southern barbecue that has won countless awards.
Their signature sauce recipe remains a closely guarded secret, but the tangy-sweet flavor keeps customers guessing and coming back. The pulled pork sandwich and dry-rubbed ribs represent the best of Tennessee barbecue traditions.
Families love the casual atmosphere and kid-friendly menu options. The outdoor patio offers stunning views, especially during sunset hours when the Tennessee hills glow golden in the distance.
5. Balter Beerworks
Craft beer enthusiasts gather at this local brewery where creative brews flow alongside delicious pub food. The rotating tap selection features seasonal favorites and experimental batches that showcase the brewmaster’s artistic vision.
Food trucks often park outside, creating a perfect pairing of fresh meals with house-made beer. The industrial-chic atmosphere attracts young professionals and beer lovers seeking unique flavors.
Trivia nights and live music events make this more than just a drinking spot. The knowledgeable staff happily explains each beer’s flavor profile and suggests food pairings that enhance the tasting experience for curious visitors.
6. The French Market Crêperie
Parisian charm meets Tennessee hospitality at this delightful crêperie where thin pancakes become works of art. Sweet and savory options satisfy every craving, from chocolate-banana combinations to ham and cheese classics.
The cozy atmosphere transports diners to a French café with checkered tablecloths and soft jazz music. Fresh ingredients and traditional techniques create authentic flavors that would make any French chef proud.
Brunch crowds flock here for weekend treats, while coffee lovers appreciate the European-style café experience. The Nutella crêpe remains the most Instagram-worthy dish, but every option delivers genuine French flavors and satisfaction.
7. Nick and J’s Cafe
Neighborhood charm radiates from this beloved local spot where regulars feel like family and newcomers quickly become friends. The menu combines Southern comfort food with creative twists that surprise and delight every palate.
Homemade soups change daily, and the sandwich selection features unique combinations you won’t find anywhere else. The relaxed atmosphere encourages lingering conversations over coffee and dessert.
Local artwork decorates the walls, showcasing Knoxville’s creative community. The staff remembers names and preferences, creating a welcoming environment where every meal feels like visiting friends who happen to cook amazing food.
8. Stock and Barrel
Whiskey flows like water at this sophisticated bar where bourbon knowledge runs deep and cocktails reach artistic heights. The extensive whiskey collection includes rare bottles and local distillery selections that whiskey enthusiasts travel miles to taste.
Knowledgeable bartenders craft custom cocktails based on individual preferences and flavor profiles. The upscale atmosphere attracts professionals and cocktail connoisseurs seeking refined drinking experiences.
Small plates complement the drink menu perfectly, featuring elevated bar food that pairs beautifully with various spirits. The dimly lit interior creates an intimate setting perfect for business meetings or romantic dates over expertly crafted libations.
9. Smoky Mountain Brewery
Mountain views complement house-brewed beers at this scenic brewery where Tennessee’s natural beauty enhances every sip. The outdoor deck offers stunning vistas while the indoor dining room maintains a cozy mountain lodge atmosphere.
Their beer selection ranges from light lagers to robust stouts, ensuring every beer drinker finds their perfect match. The kitchen serves hearty mountain fare that pairs wonderfully with freshly brewed selections.
Live music events and seasonal festivals make this destination more than just a restaurant. Families appreciate the welcoming environment, while beer enthusiasts enjoy learning about the brewing process from passionate staff members.
10. Copper Cellar Restaurant
Underground dining creates a unique atmosphere at this basement restaurant where stone walls and dim lighting transport diners to another world. The subterranean setting provides cool comfort during hot Tennessee summers.
Steaks and seafood dominate the menu, prepared with classic techniques that have satisfied customers for decades. The wine cellar atmosphere enhances the dining experience with its mysterious and romantic ambiance.
Business dinners and special celebrations find the perfect setting in these historic underground chambers. The experienced waitstaff provides professional service while the kitchen consistently delivers quality meals that justify the restaurant’s longtime reputation.
11. Chesapeake’s West Knoxville
Fresh seafood travels daily from coastal waters to this landlocked gem where ocean flavors meet Southern hospitality. The raw bar showcases the day’s freshest oysters and shellfish, while the kitchen transforms catches into memorable meals.
Crab cakes rival those found in Baltimore, and the fish selections change based on seasonal availability. The nautical décor creates a seaside atmosphere that makes diners forget they’re hundreds of miles from the ocean.
Happy hour specials make premium seafood accessible, while weekend crowds testify to the restaurant’s popularity. The knowledgeable staff helps diners navigate the extensive menu and wine pairings for optimal flavor combinations.
12. Schulz Bräu Brewing Company
German brewing traditions meet Tennessee creativity at this authentic brewery where lagers and ales follow time-honored recipes. The brewmaster’s German heritage shines through in every carefully crafted batch that honors Old World techniques.
Traditional German food accompanies the beer selection, featuring bratwurst, pretzels, and hearty dishes that complement the brewing styles. The beer garden atmosphere encourages communal dining and conversation.
Seasonal festivals celebrate German culture with authentic music, food, and beer pairings. The family-friendly environment welcomes all ages during daytime hours, while evening crowds appreciate the authentic European pub experience in the heart of Tennessee.
13. The Drawing Room
Elegance defines every aspect of this sophisticated restaurant where fine dining reaches artistic levels. The carefully curated menu changes seasonally, showcasing the chef’s creativity and commitment to fresh, local ingredients.
Wine pairings accompany each course, selected by knowledgeable sommeliers who understand flavor combinations. The intimate dining room creates perfect settings for proposals, anniversaries, and other milestone celebrations.
Reservations require advance planning, especially for weekend dinners when tables fill quickly. The attentive service and artistic presentation justify the premium prices, creating memorable experiences that guests treasure long after the final bite.
14. Jackie’s Dream
Soul food traditions live on at this beloved restaurant where recipes passed down through generations create flavors that touch the heart. The fried chicken achieves perfect crispiness while the mac and cheese delivers creamy comfort.
Generous portions ensure nobody leaves hungry, and the affordable prices make quality soul food accessible to everyone. The warm hospitality makes every diner feel like welcomed family members.
Sunday dinners draw crowds seeking authentic Southern comfort food prepared with love and tradition. The collard greens, cornbread, and sweet potato pie represent the best of African American culinary heritage served with pride and passion.
15. Corner 16
Modern American cuisine gets creative treatment at this contemporary restaurant where traditional dishes receive innovative updates. The chef’s background in fine dining elevates comfort food to sophisticated levels without losing familiar flavors.
The cocktail program features craft spirits and house-made ingredients that complement the food menu perfectly. The sleek interior design attracts young professionals and food enthusiasts seeking elevated dining experiences.
Seasonal menu changes keep regular customers excited about return visits and new flavor discoveries. The knowledgeable servers explain preparation methods and ingredient sources, enhancing the overall dining experience for curious food lovers.