10 Best Knoxville Dining Experiences.

#101
#101
JZVOL said:
Pretty solid but I would go with M&M BBQ.
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Many say that, and M&M is great, but for some reason I prefer Dead End.

Really there are only about three places in East TN I will eat BBQ, the two mentioned and Bread of Heaven in Alcoa.
 
#103
#103
Heebs said:
I wanted to try Big Ed's when I was up at Oak Ridge, but I couldn't justify spending $26 on a large pizza and some sodas.
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You're better off. IMO one of the most overrated restaurants in East Tennessee. I grew up in OR and the only people that went there were old and gray or people from Knoxville that heard about how great it is. They have s****y pizza at way too high a price. Just because there are pictures on the wall of famous people doesn't make it a great place to eat people. Not to mention all the hipsters walking around with Big Ed's t-shirts like they know what it is.

It is a crime nobody is talking about Litton's. Hands down the best burger in Knoxville. Top that off with some onion rings and a piece of Key Lime pie and it has got to be in any Knoxvillian's top 10.
 
#104
#104
hatvol96 said:
1. Nama(Gay Street Location). Big city quality sushi at Knoxville prices. Good call. For East TN, this is the best sushi place you can get. Gotta go on half priced Mondays but you have to call ahead.
2. Savelli's. Quaint, cozy restaurant with magnificent Italian fare.
Pretty overrated in my opinion. The food is average but the atmosphere is great. Wouldn't recommend it unless you were on a date.
3. Chandler's. Simply the best soul food restaurant in the state of Tennessee. Pretty much great all the way around. I'm sure some folks in Memphis would have words over this statement though.
4. The Bistro at the Bijou. Underrated and overlooked gem with the best special board in Knoxville. Really underrated. Saturday brunch is awesome and you can get bombed on 3$ mimosas and bloody marys. What more could you want.
5. Ye Olde Steakhouse. Every bit as good as the hype. All around solid restaurant.
6. Bayou Bay. Authentic cajun cusine served by the nicest staff in Knoxville.
Staff is super nice, but food is a little overrated. Anybody can fry food and throw Tony Chachere's on it and call it Cajun. The best thing they have is the bread pudding.
7. Patrick Sullivan's. The best prime rib in Knoxville. Only ingested a liquid diet here. Back Room BBQ connected to it is pretty decent though and you can play horseshoes.
8. Harby's Pizza. The best pie in town. Have to say they make a pretty solid pizza. And you can go to lost and found records next door and get some cheap music while you wait. Win win.
9. Pete's Coffee Shop. The only place to have breakfast downtown. I once witnessed my friend eat THREE blue plate specials here on pot roast day. THREE. Just think about that. Awesome breakfast too.
10. Copper Cellar(Either Location). Always consistent and classy.
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Good list but there are a few omissions
 
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#106
#106
VolinMichigan said:
You're better off. IMO one of the most overrated restaurants in East Tennessee. I grew up in OR and the only people that went there were old and gray or people from Knoxville that heard about how great it is. They have s****y pizza at way too high a price. Just because there are pictures on the wall of famous people doesn't make it a great place to eat people. Not to mention all the hipsters walking around with Big Ed's t-shirts like they know what it is.

It is a crime nobody is talking about Litton's. Hands down the best burger in Knoxville. Top that off with some onion rings and a piece of Key Lime pie and it has got to be in any Knoxvillian's top 10.
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I agree with you on Big Ed's and think Litton's is just as overrated.
 
#107
#107
that's fair. I've never had anything but a burger at Litton's so their other food may very well be overrated. I stand by their burgers though.
 
#109
#109
ate at Ye Old Steakhouse last night and it was HORRIBLE... i dont know if they were just overwhelmed with ppl or what but we were very disappointed.. waited outside in the cold for an hour and a half bc they lost our reservation (even though one person from our group called multiple times throughout the week to double check).. everyone that ordered filets was not pleased, several sent them back.. I went ahead and ate my welldone (not even close to med-rare) filet.. was hoping the Mannings would walk in and make up for the bad steaks but that didnt happen either (there are several things signed by the 3 Mannings there)
 
#110
#110
I've never had a problem there. But, things happen sometimes. Did you address your issues with whomever was in charge that night or one of the owners. I would think they would appreciate it.
 
#111
#111
yeah they didnt charge us for the ones that were sent back.. like I said, maybe they were just overwhelmed or understaffed?.. service was good even though they were waiting on a thousand ppl.. I was just hoping to get a Ruth's Chris type filet, and ended up with an Applebee's
 
#112
#112
OK. They're good people. Family stuff for over 40 years. But, I know I've had some bad experiences in some places where others haven't.
 
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#113
#113
I don't think you can beat Regas for "dining" in Knoxville. When in town, it is always high on my list. The Chop House in Ftn City is the best one of those in town, too. There is a difference in dining and eating.

For eating, the old Sam and Andy's on Cumberland (long since gone) was a staple of college students, fans, and visitors for decades. They actually had 3 restaurants in one building ... the Roman Room (atmosphere for BEER), the Tennesseean (more for almost dining), and the Deli (around back for pure sandwiches). It was outstanding. I've carried many hoagies wrapped in foil out of there or just sat and enjoyed a sandwich with a beer. Andy was always full of cheer and when a relative (his nephew??), George sort of took over, nothing changed. It remained wonderful.

I saw some comments on Calhoun's but don't think the river location is one of their better choices. Bearden or Mabry Hood are better for both food and service.

GO BIG ORANGE!!
 
#114
#114
kiddiedoc said:
A couple of my favorites to add:

RouXBarb near Northshore and KP -- I know some people have issues with the Chef/owner, but it's a great meal.

Seasons in Farragut -- the ex-chef at Fox Den offers some nice and fairly eclectic fare (for Knoxville). Reasonably priced.

Haven't been to Echo yet (newer venture for the Seasons guys), but I hear good things.

Chez Liberty

Steak: can't go wrong with Ruth's Chris. Ye Olde is a standby (and much more affordable). Flemings is very good, as well.

Nama is the king of Knoxville sushi.

Little Bangkok and Stir Fry Cafe are good if you are in that mood.

For Italian: learn to cook. I can top anything K-town has to offer. If you refuse, go Savelli's.

Pizza: Honestly, I like Mellow Mushroom. Pizza Kitchen is OK, but (to me) only because they offer gluten-free pizza and beer (my wife has celiac disease). We hit Brixx occasionally because the kids like it. Little Joe's is nasty.

One gripe on Knoxville dining: why can we not get a decent lakefront establishment??? I recently ate at the "new" Willy's off Choto and had (yet another) horrendous experience. We waited 1.5 hours for overcooked and overseasoned food and terrible service. Every time that place reopens, I give it another chance. Every time, I refuse to return until they get it together. It is just crazy that Knoxville doesn't have a decent place to eat that is "boatable."
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Mellow Mushroom Calzones are top notch.
 
#116
#116
Lexvol said:
You'd have to add a stick of butter to the Boyardee. Otherwise spot on.
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I never had a problem with Carrabas, but I haven't been there but a few times. Had the same dish each time. Can't comment on anything but it.
 
#118
#118
d4ster3 said:
ate at Ye Old Steakhouse last night and it was HORRIBLE... i dont know if they were just overwhelmed with ppl or what but we were very disappointed.. waited outside in the cold for an hour and a half bc they lost our reservation (even though one person from our group called multiple times throughout the week to double check).. everyone that ordered filets was not pleased, several sent them back.. I went ahead and ate my welldone (not even close to med-rare) filet.. was hoping the Mannings would walk in and make up for the bad steaks but that didnt happen either (there are several things signed by the 3 Mannings there)
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I've never been a fan of deep fried steaks.
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#119
#119
hatvol96 said:
1. Nama(Gay Street Location). Big city quality sushi at Knoxville prices.
2. Savelli's. Quaint, cozy restaurant with magnificent Italian fare.
3. Chandler's. Simply the best soul food restaurant in the state of Tennessee.
4. The Bistro at the Bijou. Underrated and overlooked gem with the best special board in Knoxville.
5. Ye Olde Steakhouse. Every bit as good as the hype.
6. Bayou Bay. Authentic cajun cusine served by the nicest staff in Knoxville.
7. Patrick Sullivan's. The best prime rib in Knoxville.
8. Harby's Pizza. The best pie in town.
9. Pete's Coffee Shop. The only place to have breakfast downtown.
10. Copper Cellar(Either Location). Always consistent and classy.
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Is Regas still open? If they are, any Regas provides excellent food.
 
#120
#120
Ye Olde Steakhouse is a must.
So is Chesapeakes on Henley St.(great seafood)
Also,please try ( if,you are a pizza purist) - The Pizza Palace on Magnolia- be prepared to take it to go.!!!! U wont be sorry.!!!!!
 
#121
#121
bamacheats said:
Italy is the favorite destination for the wife and I. We stay away from tourists and off the beaten path to have a true Italian experience. Savelli's and, especially, Naples is nowhere remotely close to authentic fare. Carrabas, while making some obvious concessions, offers a closer take on the real thing.
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Carrabas - are u kidding - KFC must be cheeseburgers!!!!!:no:QUOTE]
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#122
#122
d4ster3 said:
yeah they didnt charge us for the ones that were sent back.. like I said, maybe they were just overwhelmed or understaffed?.. service was good even though they were waiting on a thousand ppl.. I was just hoping to get a Ruth's Chris type filet, and ended up with an Applebee's
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Whinner- ever eaten there before- ITS a great place-give it a chance!....:no:
 
#123
#123
OrangeByBirth said:
I don't think you can beat Regas for "dining" in Knoxville. When in town, it is always high on my list. The Chop House in Ftn City is the best one of those in town, too. There is a difference in dining and eating.

For eating, the old Sam and Andy's on Cumberland (long since gone) was a staple of college students, fans, and visitors for decades. They actually had 3 restaurants in one building ... the Roman Room (atmosphere for BEER), the Tennesseean (more for almost dining), and the Deli (around back for pure sandwiches). It was outstanding. I've carried many hoagies wrapped in foil out of there or just sat and enjoyed a sandwich with a beer. Andy was always full of cheer and when a relative (his nephew??), George sort of took over, nothing changed. It remained wonderful.

I saw some comments on Calhoun's but don't think the river location is one of their better choices. Bearden or Mabry Hood are better for both food and service.

GO BIG ORANGE!!
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Really can't beat Regas--in all cats-!!!-
 
#125
#125
jfcspaniels said:
bamacheats said:
Italy is the favorite destination for the wife and I. We stay away from tourists and off the beaten path to have a true Italian experience. Savelli's and, especially, Naples is nowhere remotely close to authentic fare. Carrabas, while making some obvious concessions, offers a closer take on the real thing.
Posted via VolNation Mobile[/

Carrabas - are u kidding - KFC must be cheeseburgers!!!!!:no:QUOTE]
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Your taste in restaurants is just as impressive as your use of the quote function.
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