Knoxville’s Top 5 Food & Drink Spots: A Local’s Guide

So, you find yourself visiting Knoxville, Tennessee, and you’re probably wondering where the eats and drinks are. That is that the kind of place it is! Luckily, you’ve landed in the right spot because this list, you see, very much breaks down five places you seriously ought to hit. This is almost like your local friend telling you the must-tries, is that it? No chain restaurants or tourist traps, just honestly wonderful spots with terrific food and amazing drinks for the discerning palate. Basically, I’m sharing my personal favorites here.

1. OliBea: Brunch Done Right

Alright, starting off, brunch spots might be pretty plentiful, right? That is that OliBea tends to stand out quite a bit. Located in the Old City, that, for your info, boasts the perfect laid-back, kinda funky vibe. They sort of emphasize fresh, locally sourced ingredients. I’ve been told the menu might be subject to change quite a bit, but keep your eye out for their breakfast tacos. These tacos are a total masterpiece, I have heard! Picture this: fluffy scrambled eggs, savory chorizo, maybe a bit of queso fresco, all bundled up in a homemade tortilla. It’s more or less brunch perfection on a plate, so it is! If tacos aren’t exactly your thing, try the biscuits and gravy, usually made from scratch and are pretty fantastic. Service has been terrific whenever I’ve swung by; it’s very like friendly and prompt, without being overbearing. Get there early, too, because this place definitely fills up quickly, especially on the weekends.

2. Lonesome Dove Western Bistro: Upscale Southwestern Flavors

If you’re looking to treat yourself in a fancy way, then Lonesome Dove Western Bistro might be it, right? Is that the spot for a great evening? Located downtown, that, very much, sets a pretty dramatic stage with its very western decor and sophisticated vibe. The celebrity chef, Tim Love, for your info, definitely puts his stamp on everything with an actually innovative menu showcasing Southwestern cuisine. Basically, one dish that always catches my eye is the wild game fettuccine. Now that is basically prepared with, you know, a medley of interesting ingredients and always surprises and is really quite delightful! Anyway, speaking of surprises, they change up parts of the menu seasonally. It also means it’s often really fresh, too. I tell you, Lonesome Dove also has a terrific bar area. That is the kind of place to grab a cocktail before or even after your dinner, very much is! Actually, the prices are a bit on the higher end here. Yet, that seems fair enough for the excellent quality of the food and service. It might be terrific for a special occasion, I guess. Or really, if you’re really feeling up to a great meal with upscale flavors.

3. J.C. Holdway: Appalachian Cuisine with a Modern Twist

Alright, so, J.C. Holdway very much gives you a terrific chance to see the awesome Appalachian food, just kind of, reimagined in the most modern of ways, so it is. This spot, that, you see, very much is the creation of a local star chef, Joseph Lenn. His cooking shines very brightly at Blackberry Farm too, a pretty world-renowned spot if that is what you’re seeking, by the way. J.C. Holdway, too, often features dishes made from wood-fired ovens that create unique and delightful smoky tastes, so they do. You might expect a focus on the classics of Appalachian fare such as fried chicken, pork, and local produce items. However, you just might find you’ve never tasted it the way Chef Lenn cooks. Everything very much shines at a fantastic level here. Like it is made with terrific thought and the flavors certainly seem amazing, so they are. I also often like sitting near the open kitchen area, you see. I could say, too, watching the crew do what they do can be very fun and exciting, just a bit. So, too it’s really interesting to catch, arguably, just some hints on the kitchen process as they prepare the dishes.

4. Balter Beerworks: Brews and Bites

Now, if you are feeling beers and terrific hang-out-type eats, is that that Balter Beerworks sounds about right? Is that your alley too? Now, this place is more or less the spot that gets a pretty constant recommendation and has a local taproom with its brewing outfit attached to it, sort of. With just an outside setting, they really focus on an environmentally smart design that looks terrific. They do brew their own beers and very much feature local crafts, too, by the way. I have really enjoyed trying any kind of option there; sometimes I’m a stout gal, and also sometimes an ale, right? Who knows what I may want. As far as food goes, right? One can’t simply do wrong ordering one of their tasty burgers, pretty much. I’m telling you they are done right and seasoned to perfection with pretty gourmet toppings. One can go wrong, just slightly, by getting messy while chowing down, right?

5. Kefi: Elevated Greek in Happy Holler

Looking to get a pretty specific style? Very much, that is that Kefi almost may give you one, or? This great modern spot just kind of emphasizes the wonderful flavors that do pop up out of Greece, you know. It just might be one of my favorites on this entire list! That tends to say so much with many wonderful restaurants existing in town, too, by the way. While here, that is that the restaurant takes an honest focus on making it farm to table when they certainly may! Just think that’s pretty unique too when aiming for those terrific, and really specific, Med-type flavors so often too, by the way. You’ll basically find those wonderful flavors and aromas associated with Greek cuisine. Still, these very great options tend to not exactly seem, well, boring or, also too much the same kind of stuff either, pretty much. I’ve gone through basically a ton of the menu; my favorites might be either a lamb shank, so it is, or trying some cool grilled octopus too. One should stop by and very much check them all out, just to know, sort of, what to expect. One, sometimes, will find cool and terrific things along the way, arguably especially with cool dining.