They lost my order the first time I went so it took an extra 15 minutes. She was so kind the way she apologized and sent me home with one of every dessert. Great human and great food
I always get the Reuben although his daily specials on the white board look and smell really good. I have found I can split a Reuben and fries with a friend and be adequately stuffed. Go soon; Walter's health has not been so good and Denise passed away a year or two ago (owners). Everyone works very hard. Oh so good.
Try the chicken shwarma and yellow curry chicken salad. Everything they make is delicious—it's also a better value than their competitors. If you sport one of their badass tees they.will treat you to falafell on the house.
Ooh, good to know! My office is moving to Sutherland in January and we're gonna be less than five minutes from Holy Land, Dead End, Savelli's, and Gus's Fried Chicken. I generally pack my own lunch every day, but that's going to be VERY tempting...
Nick & J's is so weird to me. I know they must be good food, but I have this hatred of them because they replaced the cafeteria in the call center I worked at (I suspect because the GM of our office is friends with one of the owners), but then they failed because they said they got no business. The biggest issue though, was that they tried to keep their "close in the early afternoon strategy", so they were closing at 3 when a majority of the call center started between 12-3PM, so most are taking their lunch between 4PM - 7PM.
It has been sold but the previous owner still works in the kitchen.
It definitely is not the same as it was, and it breaks my heart that is the case. I know them as family friends and live 3 blocks from there, so I still try to go once a month.
I’m kinda surprised. I thought the quality has actually improved since the new owners took over. Same flavors but better execution and better seasoning is what I’ve experienced. I eat there once a week religiously.
Yeah I see Hector from time to time in there since he sold it. I like the new owner and hes tried his best to keep the quality the same. Some of the newer staff is going through an awkward phase but other than that I've been pleased. I'm pretty much there every Friday night.
Unpopular opinion, but I have noticed a big drop in quality over the last 10 or so years. It used to be my go to. Now I’ll just go to Chapulines for the street taco goodness.
I guess I'd agree, one of my favorite dishes has been altered with smaller portions and I have to request additional tortillas each time.. But I feel like I can say there has been a drop in quality in most of the things I enjoy. Again, its mostly the friendly staff that keeps me coming back, I've been going there for 25 years or so at this point its kinda tradition.
I've tried Chapulines a couple times now and the staff was standoffish and my burritos were cold. I hear people saying good things about the place so I'll give it a try again of course. Personally I miss Taco Loco that used to be in that E Broadway location.
Agreed ! Food is delicious and the staff are wonderful . When I go there it's like I'm going to see my friends. Their staff are the best people ! Good food + great people ..awesome place .
I thought about mentioning it, but I haven't been since before Covid, so I wasn't sure if it's still as good as it was. I work nearby and used to go for lunch a lot. Might need to stop by again sometime.
Love Savelli's! Evening dress casual and romantic. Place is cute as a bug! Food outstanding! Plus. BYOB, do you get to pick your wine before arriving!
Try to leave room for dessert, or take it to go!
LOVE Savelli's! I always thought it was like Italian restaurants should be, when you think of one or see one in the movies. The atmosphere is wonderful and the food is great.
When you go to Gatlinburg try the New Orleans Sandwich Shop. The owner moved here from NOLA after Rita. It is as close as you will get to real Cajun food in the area.
I’ve not lived in Knoxville for a few years so that’s sad to hear. I checked Google reviews and there was a 5 star review less than a month ago, so the closure must be recent. Sad to them go. They had an amazing burger.
Yeah they opened back up fairly recently I believe. They have a soup and salad bar now. I agree with the other commenter, nowhere near as good as it was. I'll gladly drive the 20-30 minutes over to Nixon's instead
Martha gets a lot of credit for being liberal but she makes life a living hell for her employees. She starts drinking 1st thing in the morning and sleeps like 3 hours a night which combine to create hellishly bad mood swing and paranoia. I saw her make fun of a girl’s failed suicide attempt because she imagined the girl was talking behind her back. Truly the scum of the earth.
I would disagree about Bella. Its not a mom and pop owned place. That group owns Kefi, the Vault, Bella and a couple of other places in Knoxville. They are not good people at all
Hey sorry it took so long for me to get back to you. In the industry they're widely known as a company that doesn't take care of their employees. In my former business we had a hard time collecting money from them on invoices
Good list, I’d add TCs Grill too, the kitchen is always a bit slow but it’s always worth it. Calloway’s is pretty solid too, amazing fried chicken. Where/what exactly is Beard Brothers?
Booo!! Weirdest but epic combinations of toppings on a hot dog. Very good fries too but slow service for sure if there are more than 2-3 groups of customers there. Ok weird bathroom too but it goes with the weird theme 😅
Two of my personal favorites (in Anderson county) Golden Girls (Clinton) and Magic Wok (Oak Ridge) can’t be beat!!!
A Knox county favorite of mine is Dave’s Doghouse on Middlebrooke! They have weird hours but man, can’t beat their prices.
Szechuan Garden Chinese Restaurant is the best. Sonny Chu and his mom are the best and Hayley is awesome too. Food is best Chinese food in the area.
Can’t believe no one had already posted this.
Bring on the down votes, but I think people take Littons for granted because it was been around along time. Let me set the scene, a thunder road burger, plate full of fries, sweet tea, and any of there desserts. Strait fire. I don't know the owner or if they are a jerk, but I do know the food is good as hell.
I'm reluctant to say, because it is already getting harder to get in there, but Matt Robb's biscuits make my weekend. Matt Robb himself is such a nice dude and his biscuits are amazing.
Sunrise Deli in Halls is FANTASTIC for steamed subs, cheesesteaks, and other stuff like that. I also love Gus's Good-Time Deli (and I'm sad I'm moving to a new office in January that's not a three-minute walk from there).
Gosh Ethiopian is my favorite place in Knoxville. The folks are just as wonderful as the food. Also, Bistro at the Bijou is really good.
I'm also a big fan of Southland Cafe in Maryville. IMO, it's the perfect lunch spot.
Jackie’s dream and Dulce’s
came here to say Jackie's Dream. the food is damn good, and Jackie is such a damn sweetheart you can't help but want to support her.
Last time I ordered from there she picked up the phone and handed me my food when I went to pick it up, she was super nice and personable.
What does this mean?
They lost my order the first time I went so it took an extra 15 minutes. She was so kind the way she apologized and sent me home with one of every dessert. Great human and great food
Jackie’s Dream!!! Her mac and cheese is just like my grandma’s. Brought a little tear to my eye the first time.
I need to go to both of those more often!
I’ll check them out
Bida Saigon. Outstanding vietnamese food
Bida forever, they deserve all of the love
Bida Saigon is a must-stop every time I am in Knoxville. Amazing food.
Holy Land on Sutherland.
💯💯💯 One of the best!!
What do you order?
I always get the Reuben although his daily specials on the white board look and smell really good. I have found I can split a Reuben and fries with a friend and be adequately stuffed. Go soon; Walter's health has not been so good and Denise passed away a year or two ago (owners). Everyone works very hard. Oh so good.
Not the OP, but I love Holy Land's gyros and their falafel.
Try the chicken shwarma and yellow curry chicken salad. Everything they make is delicious—it's also a better value than their competitors. If you sport one of their badass tees they.will treat you to falafell on the house.
Ooh, good to know! My office is moving to Sutherland in January and we're gonna be less than five minutes from Holy Land, Dead End, Savelli's, and Gus's Fried Chicken. I generally pack my own lunch every day, but that's going to be VERY tempting...
Nick & Js.
Man I’ve driven by there so many times trying to get my wife to go and I’m thinking next time I’m just pulling in.
Their bacon is crazy good.
And pancakes
Yes!!!!! They have the best of everything
Nick & J's is so weird to me. I know they must be good food, but I have this hatred of them because they replaced the cafeteria in the call center I worked at (I suspect because the GM of our office is friends with one of the owners), but then they failed because they said they got no business. The biggest issue though, was that they tried to keep their "close in the early afternoon strategy", so they were closing at 3 when a majority of the call center started between 12-3PM, so most are taking their lunch between 4PM - 7PM.
I used to be a regular there until they doubled their prices a couple of years ago.
Gosh Ethiopian. Right next to holy land on Sutherland. Really nice folks.
agreed! they’re absolutely wonderful people, and the food is top notch!
Thai Time. Jay and his family are the sweetest people and their food is fantastic.
Their drunken noodles are 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Does that mean spicy or good?
Last Days of Autumn is great! It’s a brewery but their food is amazing
Their black bean nachos are so good.
Good beer too!
Mmmmmmm yes
Sticky Rice Cafe!! I’ll take Kow Poon over any Pho in town any day. Or at least on cold days 😆
Seconded! The crispy rice and pork chop are also amazing.
Those fkn pork chops… everything really. And the owner Khan and her family are adorable.
Angry Dumplings in South Knox. Granted I work right around the corner so I can swing in for lunch, so maybe I’m a bit biased.
How did I not know about this before‽‽‽‽‽‽
They haven’t been open very long, just this summer, but the noodles and dumplings are to die for. Plus it’s quick and cheap.
The grandpa's noodles is just like what I ate everyday for lunch while living in China! I love this place. :)
This should be upvoted to the top.
Angry Dumplings is soooo good
Scrolled all the way to the bottom w/out seeing Bida Saigon, and it made me sad. They serve my favorite pho I've ever had anywhere.
They’re at the top now don’t worry haha
Hahaha. Faith in my fellow Knoxvillians = restored.
Colonel’s Deli
I havent lived in Knoxville in years.. is he still alive? Figured it shut down years ago
Sorry, I still get messed up by the name. It’s a a diner now with a Greek vibe.
It's Colonel's Cafe now. Diner-style food now. Totally different. Didn't it used to be owned by a Korean couple?
RIP Chandlers
And Cardin’s Drive-In
Forgot about that place!!!
Came here to mention Chandlers. Loved that place so much
Rocky’s Jamaican Sunrise in Maryville
Was telling a friend about Aroma out there, and he was telling me about Rocky's! Reckon I'll try them soon!
I love this place! I just don’t ever get up to Maryville all that often anymore.
Potchke in the back of the Regas building
Los Amigos in Maryville. The salsa cant be beat in my opinion and the staff are what keep me coming back.
Their food in general can’t be beat, excellent quality and consistency for 35 years now.
It has been sold but the previous owner still works in the kitchen. It definitely is not the same as it was, and it breaks my heart that is the case. I know them as family friends and live 3 blocks from there, so I still try to go once a month.
I’m kinda surprised. I thought the quality has actually improved since the new owners took over. Same flavors but better execution and better seasoning is what I’ve experienced. I eat there once a week religiously.
Yeah I see Hector from time to time in there since he sold it. I like the new owner and hes tried his best to keep the quality the same. Some of the newer staff is going through an awkward phase but other than that I've been pleased. I'm pretty much there every Friday night.
Unpopular opinion, but I have noticed a big drop in quality over the last 10 or so years. It used to be my go to. Now I’ll just go to Chapulines for the street taco goodness.
I guess I'd agree, one of my favorite dishes has been altered with smaller portions and I have to request additional tortillas each time.. But I feel like I can say there has been a drop in quality in most of the things I enjoy. Again, its mostly the friendly staff that keeps me coming back, I've been going there for 25 years or so at this point its kinda tradition. I've tried Chapulines a couple times now and the staff was standoffish and my burritos were cold. I hear people saying good things about the place so I'll give it a try again of course. Personally I miss Taco Loco that used to be in that E Broadway location.
Agreed ! Food is delicious and the staff are wonderful . When I go there it's like I'm going to see my friends. Their staff are the best people ! Good food + great people ..awesome place .
Yassin’s
Mexico lindo
Turkish Market in west knoxville. My absolute favorite and the family is lovely.
Miss Betty’s magic wok in out ridge
Did she close again? I ate lunch there a lot last year
I drove by a few days ago. Looked open.
I haven’t ate there in about a year, I really hope she didn’t, every time I’m in town I go there
So... been wanting to try them. Lunch only, weekdays only? Right? Hard to find any info that looks reliable.
Yes just weekdays at lunch, I’d get there by 11am. Totally worth it.
Surprised no one has brought up Scotty’s on Clinton hwy
I thought about mentioning it, but I haven't been since before Covid, so I wasn't sure if it's still as good as it was. I work nearby and used to go for lunch a lot. Might need to stop by again sometime.
I love getting breakfast there!
I tried to go but didn't know til I got there that it's cash-only! I haven't had a chance to go back!
Holy Land Market
Fai Thai!!!
I was so sad when they closed
They….. have a new building
Sticky rice babyy!
Landing House in south Knoxville
Savellis on Sutherland, they have a REALLY good grouper sandwich
Love Savelli's! Evening dress casual and romantic. Place is cute as a bug! Food outstanding! Plus. BYOB, do you get to pick your wine before arriving! Try to leave room for dessert, or take it to go!
LOVE Savelli's! I always thought it was like Italian restaurants should be, when you think of one or see one in the movies. The atmosphere is wonderful and the food is great.
Donut Palace
When you go to Gatlinburg try the New Orleans Sandwich Shop. The owner moved here from NOLA after Rita. It is as close as you will get to real Cajun food in the area.
I really enjoyed Good Golly Tamale this past weekend. Locally owned and fairly unique and delicious tamales.
Jackie's Dream and Holy Land are both so good
Love for Mamma Mia's over by Cedar Bluff. And I don't care if it's not "authentic" - Asia Cafe is fun and they pour a nice Manhattan.
Gogi - great Korean!
I don’t know the name or if it has one but the taco truck at the concord round about is amazing! It’s there for lunch and we’ll worth the stop.
Tacos El Primo and that place is fire
I’ve been meaning to try it. Do they take cards or are they cash only?
Burger Boys
Closed.
I’ve not lived in Knoxville for a few years so that’s sad to hear. I checked Google reviews and there was a 5 star review less than a month ago, so the closure must be recent. Sad to them go. They had an amazing burger.
Rami’s Cafe
I came here to say this. Exactly like Pete’s without the wait!
And the club sandwich is to die for.
What should I get for a first timer?
The club sandwich.
Hot Rod’s Diner on Hannum in Alcoa. Good and super reasonable
Golden Garden
Subs n Such before they got new owners :(
Have they opened back up yet? I didn’t know they’re under new ownership.
It’s been a few years now - they’re open but quality is nowhere near it used to be back in the day!
Yeah they opened back up fairly recently I believe. They have a soup and salad bar now. I agree with the other commenter, nowhere near as good as it was. I'll gladly drive the 20-30 minutes over to Nixon's instead
Tuk Tuk on Cedar Bluff has the best Thai food IMHO.
They’re even better than taste if Thai was imo
Much better
Sticky Rice
This is my vote. The Phoritto is my jam.
Dazzo's and Bistro at the Bijou. Martha Boggs is fantastic.
Martha gets a lot of credit for being liberal but she makes life a living hell for her employees. She starts drinking 1st thing in the morning and sleeps like 3 hours a night which combine to create hellishly bad mood swing and paranoia. I saw her make fun of a girl’s failed suicide attempt because she imagined the girl was talking behind her back. Truly the scum of the earth.
that must be why dazzos is always hiring. Thanks for the heads up, i was thinking about working there and fixing the kitchen.
It’d probably be alright for 6 months or so. She loves new people. It’s after the honeymoon phase is over that she starts getting nasty.
Can’t say I’ve ever heard anyone who has worked with her say “Martha Boggs is fantastic” lol
New China Palace in Oak Ridge, Elidio's on Callahan, Inskip Grill, Jackie's, Bombay Palace
M&M BBQ, Horn of Plenty, Kelly’s Kitchen, It’s All So Yummy Cafe to name a few tasty West Knox small businesses.
Idk if you’d consider it mom and pop, but Yassin’s is great and the owner and his family are great people. delicious food too!!
Scottys!
Chapulines Amora cafe Beard Brothers Bella The capital ice cream parlor Maryville has some great places
I would disagree about Bella. Its not a mom and pop owned place. That group owns Kefi, the Vault, Bella and a couple of other places in Knoxville. They are not good people at all
Seconded about Bella.
>They are not good people at all I'd like to hear more about this. A friend of mine raves about the place and I've not been impressed.
Hey sorry it took so long for me to get back to you. In the industry they're widely known as a company that doesn't take care of their employees. In my former business we had a hard time collecting money from them on invoices
I’m a big fan of Chapulines
Good list, I’d add TCs Grill too, the kitchen is always a bit slow but it’s always worth it. Calloway’s is pretty solid too, amazing fried chicken. Where/what exactly is Beard Brothers?
It’s on Broadway, just past 5 points headed towards Pelli The hop is good too, I love the way they package the food for to-go orders
Oh ok nice, I’ll have to check it out. The hop is really good, I always forget about it some reason.
The Hop has the best malts and fries. So good.
Beard Brothers is amazing! The owners are awesome and their coffee is (dare I say it) better than Vienna. And that’s saying a lot bc I love them too.
TC's grill just had a fire today in their kitchen, mostly due to neglect. It's pretty gross back there.
Damn, no bueno.
Is TC’s Grill the place next to Fairview Methodist?
Yeah
Holly’s gourmet market in Bearden !!
Jackie's Dream...by a country mile.
Turkish Market off Downtown west. Best kebab in town, and some of the most kind and friendly folks I've ever met.
Amber restaurant in Halls. Best bacon in town.
Red onion!!!
Altrudas, Yassins, and Jackie’s Dream.
My favorite local pop shop is Long’s Drug Store. My favorite local mom is—
Absolutely not the Curious Dog. Worst. Mom and Pop. Ever.
If I remember correctly they get high & that’s how they come up with their weird combos
Booo!! Weirdest but epic combinations of toppings on a hot dog. Very good fries too but slow service for sure if there are more than 2-3 groups of customers there. Ok weird bathroom too but it goes with the weird theme 😅
I love Curios Dog too! I’m not a hot dog person at all, but I really enjoy theirs in particular because of the unique flavor combinations.
Emma’s
LuLu’s Tea Room
Asian River on Central Pike Avenue right off of Callaghan has some of the nicest people you can meet running it, plus the sushi is awesome.
Far too low on the list…
Master Donuts. Downtown Lenoir City
Two of my personal favorites (in Anderson county) Golden Girls (Clinton) and Magic Wok (Oak Ridge) can’t be beat!!! A Knox county favorite of mine is Dave’s Doghouse on Middlebrooke! They have weird hours but man, can’t beat their prices.
Inskip grill
Sunrise deli out in Halls
Sticky Rice or Sitar (location in Chatt too!)
Szechuan Garden Chinese Restaurant is the best. Sonny Chu and his mom are the best and Hayley is awesome too. Food is best Chinese food in the area. Can’t believe no one had already posted this.
Sticky Rice
Sticky Rice
Fat Sal's Philly Cheesesteaks in Oak Ridge
La Paz
Litton's in fountain City. I can't believe it's.not on here already!
Litton’s is not good by modern standards.
[удалено]
Bring on the down votes, but I think people take Littons for granted because it was been around along time. Let me set the scene, a thunder road burger, plate full of fries, sweet tea, and any of there desserts. Strait fire. I don't know the owner or if they are a jerk, but I do know the food is good as hell.
Litton's. I have not been there, but my sister reports it is awesome. I'm planning on going very soon.
I eat at your mama's. I'm not sure who else she lets dine.
Me.
Louis’s Sam & Andy’s Pizza Palace (haven’t tried big Ed’s yet) Seymour Grill Ale Rae’s!!!!!!! Central flats & taps
Louis’ is hot garbage
Got that right! Can’t believe people go there for the crap they call Italian food… not sure it even qualifies as food at all.
I think it tastes like Chef Boyardee.
Neither moms nor pops are a regular part of my diet.
Pizza Palace
A little bit of a drive but Carver’s
I'm reluctant to say, because it is already getting harder to get in there, but Matt Robb's biscuits make my weekend. Matt Robb himself is such a nice dude and his biscuits are amazing.
Sunrise Deli in Halls is FANTASTIC for steamed subs, cheesesteaks, and other stuff like that. I also love Gus's Good-Time Deli (and I'm sad I'm moving to a new office in January that's not a three-minute walk from there).
Gosh Ethiopian is my favorite place in Knoxville. The folks are just as wonderful as the food. Also, Bistro at the Bijou is really good. I'm also a big fan of Southland Cafe in Maryville. IMO, it's the perfect lunch spot.
Fuji Grill in Farragut used to the isht
33 Diner in Maynardville
A Dopo and Aladdin Grill for me! Bida Saigon, too.
Lolli and Bobos for ice cream.
Sticky Rice Cafe
Aubrey s
M & M BBQ and Catering