If you're willing to drive a little farther, there are many unique restaurants to explore. In fact, I've been told that Knoxville has one of the largest per capita restaurant rates in the country and that it is a test market for the restaurant business. True or urban myth? Who knows? Here are some of the Insider's favorites.
Calhoun's
400 Neyland Dr
Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 673-3399
Website
There are several locations, but my favorite is the one near UT on the Tennessee River. Get a table overlooking the river, watch the Riverboat ply the waters nearby and enjoy some of the best BBQ in the area. The ribs are award winners and I like the Steak Calhoun. If you get a salad try the cheddar cheese dressing - excellent! Better loosen a few notches on the belt right now!
Atmosphere: ****
Price: $$
Cardin's Drive In
8529 Asheville Hwy
Knoxville, TN
Phone: (865) 933-3251
On the way to Knoxville and want something quick to eat? Try stepping back into time at an old fashion drive-in restaurant. An extensive menu and good ice cream treats. It's an institution - been here forever! Roll down your window and enjoy!
Kyle Carver's Orchard and Apple House Restaurant
3462 Cosby Hwy
Cosby, TN 37722
Phone: (423) 487-2419
My family has been going to the Carver orchard for many years to get baskets of apples and local apple cherry cider. They have a great variety (fujis, macintosh, gala, delicious, winesap, and many others) along with homemade jams, cider, and must-have a hot, fresh, fried apple pie while you're there. They also sell fresh veggies, squash , pumpkins in season. Now they've opened a little restaurant on the grounds. All the meals come with apple fritters and cider. The pork BBQ is quite good as is the chicken pot pie and chicken and dumplings.
Atmosphere: ***
Price: $
Litton's
2803 Essary Dr
Knoxville, TN 37918
Phone: (865) 687-8788
The best burgers. Period. Excellent platters of various kinds. Cool, old market, laid back atmosphere! All the food here is very good! American, traditional fare. Only one drawback: they don't take reservations. You get there and put your name on the board and wait until your name is called. Is it worth the wait? You bet! Awesome desserts! Don't miss the strawberry shortcake. Shortcake is only served in season and for a short time.
Atmosphere: ***
Price: $$
Naples
5500 Kingston Pke
Knoxville, TN 37919
Phone: (865) 584-5033
Great Italian food in a non-franchise atmosphere. Reminds me of Martini's in "It's a Wonderful Life!". A special room-for-two is available for that special occasion!
Atmosphere: ***
Price: $$
Roman's Pizza
179 North Seven Oaks Dr
Knoxville, TN 37922
Phone: (865) 539-1784
This place is the place to get the kind of pizza you get in the northeast. The best NY style pizza around. I think these guys are actually from NY. It's like the local pizza places that were on every corner back home. Calzone, Stromboli, sandwiches are also quite good. The cannoli looks good too!
Puleo's Grille
7224 Region Ln.
Knoxville, TN 37914
I-40 @ Exit 398
Phone: (865) 673-9101
Website
Great food. Here's how they describe it: "a taste of fresh steaks and seafood with a flair of authentic Italian cuisine and a hint of Tennessee and Southern cooking." A very comfortable dining venue with creative menu items. This is a small local chain destined for bigger things! They don't take reservations, but you can call 30 minutes ahead and reduce your wait. Just remember: it's not a reservation. Get it? Me neither, but it seems to work out pretty well. Try the pork chops or the lasagna. The side sweet potato dish is great - it's almost like a dessert!
Atmosphere: ****
Price: $$
