Food Downtown Knoxville is a culinary haven, offering a diverse range of cuisines, hidden gems, and unique dining experiences that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
From romantic dinners to family-friendly meals and quick bites, downtown Knoxville has something for every occasion and every palate.
Downtown Knoxville Food Scene
Downtown Knoxville offers a diverse culinary scene that caters to various tastes and preferences. From classic American comfort food to international cuisines, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Popular restaurants include:
American Cuisine
- The Tomato Head: Known for its mouthwatering burgers, crispy fries, and refreshing salads.
- Regas Restaurant: Offers a modern take on Southern classics, featuring dishes like shrimp and grits and fried chicken.
- Stock & Barrel: A cozy gastropub serving elevated comfort food, including gourmet burgers and craft beers.
International Cuisine
- Mexi-Go: Serves authentic Mexican dishes made with fresh ingredients, including tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.
- Chira Asian Cuisine: Offers a wide selection of sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes, known for its fresh seafood and creative presentations.
- India Palace: A popular Indian restaurant serving traditional dishes like butter chicken, tandoori chicken, and various vegetarian options.
Unique Dining Experiences
- The Peddler Steakhouse: An upscale steakhouse with a sophisticated ambiance and an extensive wine list.
- Honeybee Coffee Co.: A cozy coffee shop offering specialty coffee drinks, pastries, and a charming atmosphere.
- The Vault: A speakeasy-themed bar with a hidden entrance, serving craft cocktails and live music.
Hidden Gems
- Scruffy’s Cafe: A hidden gem serving breakfast and lunch, known for its delicious sandwiches and friendly service.
- OliBea: A small but mighty bakery offering fresh-baked pastries, breads, and cakes.
- Sweet P’s Barbeque & Soul House: A local favorite serving authentic Southern barbecue and soul food.
Best Restaurants for Different Occasions: Food Downtown Knoxville
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a family-friendly meal, or a quick bite, Knoxville’s downtown dining scene has something for everyone. Here are a few of our top picks for different occasions:
Romantic Dinners
For a romantic dinner, you can’t go wrong with The Melting Pot. This fondue restaurant offers a unique and intimate dining experience, with a menu that features cheese, chocolate, and wine. Another great option for a romantic dinner is OliBea, an Italian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and a menu that features classic Italian dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
Family-Friendly Meals
If you’re looking for a family-friendly meal, we recommend checking out Calhoun’s on the River. This restaurant has a casual atmosphere and a menu that features a variety of American dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Another great option for a family-friendly meal is Big Ed’s Pizza.
This pizzeria has a fun and lively atmosphere and a menu that features a variety of pizzas, pasta dishes, and salads.
Quick Bites
If you’re looking for a quick bite, we recommend checking out Nama Sushi Bar. This sushi bar has a casual atmosphere and a menu that features a variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri. Another great option for a quick bite is Taco Bell Cantina.
This taco shop has a fun and lively atmosphere and a menu that features a variety of tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
| Occasion | Restaurant Name | Cuisine Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Romantic Dinner | The Melting Pot | Fondue | $30-$50 per person |
| Romantic Dinner | OliBea | Italian | $20-$30 per person |
| Family-Friendly Meal | Calhoun’s on the River | American | $15-$25 per person |
| Family-Friendly Meal | Big Ed’s Pizza | Pizza | $10-$20 per person |
| Quick Bite | Nama Sushi Bar | Sushi | $10-$15 per person |
| Quick Bite | Taco Bell Cantina | Mexican | $5-$10 per person |
Food Events and Festivals
Downtown Knoxville is a vibrant culinary destination that hosts a variety of food events and festivals throughout the year. These events offer a unique opportunity to sample diverse cuisines, meet local chefs, and enjoy live entertainment.
From farmers’ markets to food truck rallies, there’s something for every taste and preference. Here’s a glimpse of some upcoming events:
Farmers’ Markets
- Market Square Farmers’ Market: Every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm, Market Square transforms into a bustling marketplace featuring fresh produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, and more from local farmers and vendors.
- Old City Farmers’ Market: Every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm, the Old City Farmers’ Market offers a wide variety of local produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
Food Truck Rallies
- Food Truck Friday: Every Friday from 11 am to 2 pm, Krutch Park hosts a food truck rally featuring a rotating lineup of local food trucks serving up everything from burgers and tacos to sushi and desserts.
- South Knoxville Food Truck Park: Every Saturday from 12 pm to 6 pm, the South Knoxville Food Truck Park offers a variety of food trucks serving up a diverse range of cuisines.
Special Events
- Knoxville Food & Wine Festival: Held annually in September, the Knoxville Food & Wine Festival showcases the best of Knoxville’s culinary scene with food and wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and live music.
- Taste of Downtown Knoxville: Held annually in October, Taste of Downtown Knoxville features food samples from over 40 downtown restaurants, along with live music and entertainment.
Food Tours and Experiences
Downtown Knoxville offers a range of guided food tours that cater to different tastes and interests. These tours provide a unique opportunity to sample local culinary delights and learn about the city’s vibrant food scene.
Guided Food Tours, Food downtown knoxville
- Taste of Knoxville Food Tour:This 3-hour walking tour takes you to six local restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines from Southern comfort food to international flavors.
- Knoxville Brew Bus:This tour focuses on the city’s craft beer scene, visiting local breweries and offering samples of different beers.
- Knoxville Food Truck Tour:This tour takes you to some of the best food trucks in the city, serving everything from tacos to burgers to gourmet desserts.
- Secret City Food Tours:This tour explores the hidden culinary gems of downtown Knoxville, including off-the-beaten-path restaurants and local favorites.
- Knoxville Foodie Walk:This tour offers a combination of food tastings and historical insights into the city’s culinary culture.
Booking and pricing information for these tours can be found on the respective tour operators’ websites.
Craft Beer and Cocktail Scene
Downtown Knoxville is home to a thriving craft beer and cocktail scene, with local breweries and distilleries offering a wide variety of unique and flavorful beverages.
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From award-winning IPAs to handcrafted cocktails, there’s something for every taste bud in the heart of the city.
Breweries and Distilleries
Several local breweries and distilleries have made their mark on the Knoxville beer and cocktail scene, including:
- Knoxville Brewing Company: Known for its flagship IPA, the Hop Ice Cream, and a variety of seasonal and experimental brews.
- Crafty Bastard Brewery: Offers a diverse selection of beers, including the popular amber ale, Copperhead, and the refreshing session IPA, Bastard.
- Old City Distilling Company: Produces a range of spirits, including the popular Marble City Moonshine and the Smoky Mountain Vodka.
Taprooms and Tasting Rooms
Many breweries and distilleries have their own taprooms or tasting rooms where you can sample their products and learn more about the brewing or distilling process.
- Knoxville Brewing Company Taproom: Located in the Old City, offering a wide selection of beers on tap and a cozy atmosphere.
- Crafty Bastard Taproom: Situated in the vibrant South Knoxville neighborhood, featuring a rotating tap list and live music on weekends.
- Blackberry Farm Brewery Taproom: Nestled in the historic Old City, offering a rustic setting to enjoy their handcrafted beers.
- Old City Distilling Company Tasting Room: Located in the Old City, offering guided tours, tastings, and a chance to learn about the art of distilling.
Signature Drinks
Several downtown Knoxville establishments are known for their signature cocktails, including:
- The Oliver Royaleat The Oliver Hotel: A classic cocktail made with vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and orange bitters.
- The Bee’s Kneesat The Vault: A refreshing gin-based cocktail with honey, lemon juice, and orange bitters.
- The Smoky Old Fashionedat The Old City Wine Bar: A twist on the classic Old Fashioned, made with bourbon, maple syrup, and smoked bitters.
Local Food Sources and Sustainability
Downtown Knoxville’s vibrant food scene is deeply rooted in local food sources and a commitment to sustainability. Local farms and food producers play a vital role in providing fresh, seasonal ingredients to restaurants and markets.
Initiatives such as the Knoxville Farmers’ Market and the Urban Agriculture Program promote sustainable practices and reduce food waste. Community gardens and urban farming projects empower residents to grow their own food and connect with their community.
Local Farms and Food Producers
Knoxville is surrounded by a network of family-owned farms that supply local restaurants and markets with high-quality produce, meats, and dairy products. These farms prioritize sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation and organic pest control.
Sustainability Initiatives
The Knoxville Farmers’ Market is a bustling hub for local food and sustainable practices. The market encourages vendors to use compostable packaging and provides educational programs on food preservation and waste reduction.
Community Gardens and Urban Farming
Community gardens and urban farming projects are flourishing in downtown Knoxville. These projects provide opportunities for residents to grow their own food, learn about sustainable gardening, and build a sense of community.
Last Word
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring the food scene downtown Knoxville is a must-do experience. With its vibrant atmosphere, thriving craft beer and cocktail scene, and commitment to sustainability, downtown Knoxville is a culinary destination that will keep you coming back for more.
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