When you think of Tennessee the cities that come to mind are probably Nashville or Memphis. Memphis is known for it’s barbecue, and Nashville is known for it’s Nashville hot chicken. There are also a lot of great restaurants in knoxville, Tennessee. I compiled a list of 10 best restaurants in Knoxville, Tennessee.
What is Knoxville known for? Knoxville may not come immediately to mind when thinking about Tennessee, but it is quickly becoming a foodies dream. There’s an eclectic mix of southern, farm to table and award winning chefs.
Whatever you’re craving you’re likely to find it in Knoxville, Tennessee. There are many vegetarian and gluten free options. Many of the restaurants in this city will surprise and satisfy your cravings.
Whether you’re looking for casual or fine dining this city Has a bit of everything. If you’re looking for a new destination consider Knoxville, Tennessee. Here are 10 of the best Restaurants in Knoxville.
1. Aubrey’s
With it’s 14 locations across the area, it’s no wonder this is number 1 on my list. Every time I come to Knoxville, I can’t leave without going to Aubrey’s. Every time I visit one of these restaurants, the food and service does not disappoint. It tastes exactly like I imagine every time.
With their locally sourced meats, fish, fruits and vegetables it’s no wonder they have stuck around for 31 years. If you’re in the mood for pasta, burgers, salad, steak and everything in between you will find it here. The sides here are absolutely some of the best I’ve had. My favorites are the Parmesan Spinach, Squash Casserole, and Macaroni and Cheese. The perfect southern sides.
Aubrey’s has a very good Gluten Free Menu if you are looking for different options. One of the dishes that I highly recommend is the Haystack, which is essentially Chicken Alfredo Pasta. I always add a house salad with tomato and honey mustard. They have one of the best honey mustards I’ve tried. Of course dessert cannot be missed, I highly recommend the Praline Cheesecake. I never leave without having a piece.
2. Chuy’s
Chuy’s is a Tex-Mex restaurant that started in 1982 in Austin Texas that started out in an old, abandoned barbecue place. These restaurant boasts an eclectic mix of decree from wooden fish to hubcaps. When you walk in you feel like you are somewhere special and unique.
Chuy’s serves authentic and fresh Tex-Mex food, with a great atmosphere. The food here is some of the best Mexican food I’ve had. There’s an array of choices from soups, salads, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas. Whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed. Not to mention the free chips and salsa are so delicious you will not be able to stop eating them until your food arrives. You can also get some free creamy jalapeno sauce to dip your tortilla chips in. Even if you’re not really in to spicy food like me, go ahead and order the sauce you won’t be disappointed.
You can even custom order your own enchilada, which is what I ordered. You choose your meat, cheese and sauce. There are different delicious sauces to choose from. I ordered the ranchero sauce, which is like a traditional red enchilada sauce, but so much better. From sauces ranging in mild to hot there is one for everyone. I also recommend the tomatillo sauce also, which is delicious as well.
If you’re in the mood for dessert, which I alway am, I would highly recommend the Tres Leches cake. It’s a delicious cake made with three milks served with house made creme fraiche and caramel generously poured over top with strawberries added. Again, this is one of the best desserts I’ve had and It’s not to be missed.
3. Gondolier Italian Restaurant and Pizza
When I first walked into this restaurant I was taken aback by the amount of desserts in the case to choose from. There are an array of assorted cheesecakes and cakes. You can also order ice cream, brownies, cannnoli, baklava. You can’t leave without trying a piece from the case.
Gondolier is an amazing Italian restaurant that makes most of their food from scratch. It’s a no brainer why this is on my list of 10 best restaurants in Knoxville, Tennessee.There are out of this world appetizers, pizza, sandwiches and many Italian entrees to choose from which are served with salad and breadsticks. The food here is always amazing and fresh tasting. This restaurant has been around since 1974 and it’s once you try it it’s now hard to see why.
4. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
When you are making a list of best restaurants, Cheddars have to be on the list about best restaurants in Knoxville, Tennessee. With its variety of delicious cuisines, large portions and reasonable prices there’s no question why this is on my list of favorite restaurants. There are over 170 restaurants nationwide and from the first time I tried this delicious restaurant it quickly became one of my favorites.
As soon as you sit down to the table a plate of warm croissants are set down on the table topped with honey butter. There’s no butter way to make good first impression then giving me a warm, flaky croissant. Cheddar’s offers a wide variety of dishes to choose from. Pasta, burgers, sandwiches, gumbo, chicken, wings. This is a great place to bring the whole family.
Some of my favorites are the Pot Pie, Monte Cristo Sandwich, Key West Chicken and Shrimp. The made from scratch sides are not to be missed, with it’s broccoli cheese casserole, freshly made Cole slaw and cheese and bacon fries, it’s not wonder this is one of my favorite places.
5. Buddy’s Bar-B-Q
Tuesday’s are the day to go to Buddy’s. All day long you can get dinners for only $6.99. You get your choice of meat either, pork, chicken or ham, your choice of 2 sides green beans, potato salad, fries, slaw or baked beans. Plus you get hush puppies and a 16 oz beverage.
Saturday is also a great day to go if you are in the mood for all you can ear ribs. Your rib dinner comes with 2 sides as well as hush puppies. With deals like these it’s hard to go wrong when going to Buddy’s Bar-B-Q. There are 19 locations all across Tennessee. Whatever day you’re in the area, doesn’t matter. If you’re in the mood for barbecue, I recommend trying this place.
6. Chicken Salad Chick
Stacy Brown, the owned of Chicken Salad Chick took a simple recipe and elevated it to make it out of this world delicious. There are many options here to choose from when it comes to chicken salad. If you’re in the mood for sweet there’s buffalo chicken salad, chicken bacon ranch chicken salad, and even BBQ. If you want a sweeter chicken salad you can get their Fancy Nancy with apples, grapes and pecans or Fruity Fran with apples, grapes and pineapple, even Cranberry Kelly with cranberries and slivered almond.
There is no question why this is on my list of best restaurants in Knoxville, Tennessee.Whatever concoction you choose is sure to be delicious. They even have pimento cheese, egg salad, soup, salad, mac and cheese and a delicious grape salad. Plus their butter cream frosted flower cookies are another delicious sweet treat to go with your meal. They are handmade daily and sure to please any crowd. If you love chicken salad like I do this place is a must try.
7. Petro’s Chili and Chips
The first Petro’s location began with the invention of the Frito in 1932. It debuted at the World’s Fair in 1982. The first brick and mortar location was in 1985. With such a long history, it’s no wonder this is a staple in Knoxville and a must visit. Petro’s spans over parts of Tennessee and North Carolina and at Love’s Travel Centers.
There are 2 varieties to choose from the Original Chicken and Vegetarian. It comes with sour cream, cheddar and jack cheese, corn chips, green onion, tomatoes and chicken. There are other add ins like black olives and jalapenos. Petro’s is also gluten free, which makes it a great option for the whole family.
You can also get nachos, hot dogs, giant baked potatoes with all the fixings. Their Petro’s Tea is a great addition on a hot summer day, or anytime really, it has a delicious citrus punch in the form of Oranges. You can buy it by the glass or by the gallon. This may not be the traditional chili you’re used to, but it’s no less delicious. Give this one a try if you’re in the area.
8. The Chop House
If you’re in the mood for steak or seafood, this is the place to be. With it’s fast and friendly service as well as their delicious mixed drinks, you will not be disappointed you stopped here. The Chop House has 10 locations spanning across Tennessee, Georgia, and Ohio. It’s casual atmosphere and delicious food make this a premier place to stop.
Their Homemade Blue Crab cakes are a favorite of mine as well as their sirloin which is tender and flavorful. There’s also a variety of appetizers, chicken, ribs, pork chops, soup and salad to choose from to make anybody in your dining party happy. The delicious sides are a perfect compliment to any meal from the corn creme broiler to the mac and cheese, Parmesan spinach, onion rings, sweet potato and many more.
There are a number of add ons for you steak as well from burgundy mushrooms, blue cheese butter, Bearnaise sauce, and many others. Whatever you choose will be sure to elevate your dish to the next level. With Options like these how could you go wrong? It certainly sounds hard to pass up this place when you hear the many selections The Chop House has to offer.
Hoskin’s Drug Store is an authentic Soda Fountain Shop and Pharmacy opened in the 1930’s located in Clinton, TN. When you walk in you are transported back to that time. It has a vintage charm and it still operates to this day as a pharmacy and Soda Fountain Shop. You can either sit in a booth or on bar stools upholstered in red leather that takes you back to simpler times.
The hamburgers are considered the best in town, you can also choose blue plate specials and ice cream or shakes that is made to order at quick and affordable prices. The waitstaff are friendly and a good place to come to get a taste of the good old days and even make some new memories of your own. No matter what your age this place will surely remind you of your childhood and transport you back in time. Another place definitely not to be missed.
10. The Original Louis
The Original Louis is another great Italian restaurant. It has been a staple of Knoxville for over 50 years, serving dishes since 1958. They are family owned and operated, with made from scratch sauce, hand breaded onion rings and salad dressings. They offer a wide variety of tasty Italian dishes.
From Steak, Salad, veal, to pizza and many popular Italian dishes like Baked Spaghetti, Manicotti, Fettuccine, meatballs. Just listing these is making my mouth water. The Dishes are served with Salad and Garlic Bread. There are also sandwiches, steak and seafood. Whatever you choose, it is sure to be delicious. The portions are so big you could split most dinners or take home the leftovers for lunch the next day. I love Italian food, and this is definitely on my list of places to return to when I am back in North Knoxville.
Conclusion
There are 10 of my favorite Restaurants in and around Knoxville, Tennessee. I hope you will check some of these outbthe next time youre in knoxville.Happy Travels my fellow Foodies.