Returning to K-Town for the first time in 40 years - hoping for some local knowledge

[Volador]

what no Gus's Good TIme Deli??????????? oh the HUMANITY

and The Maltese Falcon..... Friday after class two dolla hurricane pitchers..

OK, Add Gus's and next to the Last Lap was a big bar called Bellamy's??? It was where Alabama played before they became semi-famous. Anyone remember name of that bar? And they had $1.50 Pitchers of Pabst Blue Ribbon LIGHT during happy hours in 1979.

 

[wmcovol]

I hope you have a great trip…. Including a Vols win.

 

[Adam Sandler]

If I was eating bbq in Knoxville I'd probably go to sweet p's, it's on jackson Avenue between the old sterchi building and the old city. Or (be a little easier) go to dead end bbq on Sutherland. Its towards bearden so it may be convenient on the way out. Archers is ok too, but it's out by the zoo.

Also, if I was eating bbq in east tennessee I usually wouldn't, since it's not middle or west. Not their fault they could never get it right in Knoxville.

Have you been to archers steakhouse? Think it’s called fire and smoke or something along those lines. Best pork chop I’ve had in my life.

 

[sami]

OK, Add Gus's and next to the Last Lap was a big bar called Bellamy's??? It was where Alabama played before they became semi-famous. Anyone remember name of that bar? And they had $1.50 Pitchers of Pabst Blue Ribbon LIGHT during happy hours in 1979.

I know the place, but can't think of the name. In the early '80's there was a vibrant music scene in Knoxville with a bunch of really good local bands and a few clubs where there were bands most nights. I worked at WUTK, the university radio station, and hung out a lot at a dive club on the strip called Hobo's, where bands like R.E.M., Jason & The Scorchers, Iggy Pop, and the Romantics played when they came through town, among others.

 

[SaipanVol]

Flamingos was a bar that I got to see The Red Hot Chili Peppers before they made it big. They came out with socks on there $#%@!

 

[Vol4gzus]

Ollie's Trolley.....Sam n Andys....two mainstays back in the day....it ain't what it used to be 4sure. Enjoy the return!

 

[KriegerVOL]

Have you been to archers steakhouse? Think it’s called fire and smoke or something along those lines. Best pork chop I’ve had in my life.

I have not, but might give it a try now that I've got a kiddo in school there now. Same archers folks?

 

[KriegerVOL]

Have you been to archers steakhouse? Think it’s called fire and smoke or something along those lines. Best pork chop I’ve had in my life.

I have not, but might give it a try now that I've got a kiddo in school there. Same archers folks?

 

[volmanNC]

what no Gus's Good TIme Deli??????????? oh the HUMANITY

and The Maltese Falcon..... Friday after class two dolla hurricane pitchers..

I know I lost a few brain cells in Maltese Falcon and then grabbed a steamed Deli across the hallway....

 

[CPA]

Don't miss the band marching to the stadium about 30-40 minutes after the Vol walk. It's still one of my favorite traditions. Also the new university center is very nice. The store to buy Vols stuff is huge with lots of checkout lanes. Get to the stadium early, the pregame is the best.

 

[b_gann]

I haven't been back (for various reasons due to family and life) since I was a student in the early '80's, and I'm bringing my wife to the A&M game this weekend. Needless to say I am stoked beyond belief, looking forward to soaking in the whole experience. We are in an orange section for Checker Neyland and are ready to roll.

We're staying in Cedar Bluff and don't want to do the shuttle thing, instead wanting to drive in and park downtown. I have a list of the lots, are there any that are recommended, and how early should we get there on gameday to be sure to get a spot?

Any specific restaurant recommendations in Cedar Bluff or near the Strip? We'd love to have barbecue at least one night - is Calhoun's near Neyland the place, or are there better choices? My wife fell in love reading about the Downtown Grill and Brewery.

On gameday, I want to hang out at the Vol Navy and see the Vol Walk for sure. Anything else we should check out?

Thanks for any comments or suggestions!

Like others have said
The Strip isn't anything like it was. Don't plan on going there outside of a Cool Beans hop in on game day.
Cedar Bluff - Finn's Tavern, Altruda's, Aubrey's
I personally think Downtown Grill and Brew has lost a step or two. It's not bad, but other restaurants moving into town have put a dent in the quality. I'd look into some Old City stops. Lonesome Dove, Southern Grit, Sweet P's, and Stir. I like Barley's, but it's also lost a step in my opinion.

Enjoy!

 

[Frivolous]

I am a huge fan of taking the shuttle, but if you insist on hanging out downtown, I won't try to talk you into it. You've been here, so I guess you are prepared for the long walks. If it was me, I'd hang out downtown on Friday instead.

The Downtown Grill & Brewery has gone downhill, IMO. If you like the idea of a brewpub, Balter Beerworks has much better food (but not as conveniently located). At the moment, Vida is my favorite downtown restaurant. Stock & Barrel is awesome if you want a burger. Harvest is usually excellent, and they opened a location on Gay Street pretty recently. Barley's in the Old City is good for pizza and beer. Kaizen (Old City) is very good if you want Japanese. If you don't already have a reservation, you will have a very hard time getting in anywhere downtown Friday or Saturday. A little bit north of downtown you can find some cool places like The Oak Room and Central Flats and Taps.

Calhoun's on the River is great for game day, but will be packed. As has been mentioned, there is a Calhoun's a little west of Cedar Bluff. Also one a little farther west in Turkey Creek. However, there is much better food to be found, and you can actually get Calhoun's in the stadium (on the west concourse). Archer's has my favorite bbq in town, and they have locations all over the place. In west Knoxville, I like Season's and Connor's (both in Turkey Creek). Abridged on Parkside Drive has awesome burgers and is a great place to hang out.

 

[volfan102455]

Welcome Back and enjoy! I'm assuming you do not have a parking pass. If you park in the garages down town you will be walking to the stadium. If you park on the other side, around the AG campus (most require a pass though) or near the UT building near Tyson park, you can catch the shuttle. There is also pay to park lots near the hospitals (Children's and Fort Sanders). Not sure how early those fill up though.

If you do ride the shuttle, be there well ahead of when the Vol Walk starts or you will get stuck in the traffic and miss that.

 

[Adam Sandler]

I have not, but might give it a try now that I've got a kiddo in school there now. Same archers folks?

Yeah archer owns it, same guy.

 

[Adam Sandler]

I have not, but might give it a try now that I've got a kiddo in school there. Same archers folks?

Not cheap but worth it for the right meal. Get the pork chop, won’t regret it. Tartare and heirloom lettuce salad also great for small plates.

 

[tennrich1]

Going to be an amazing weekend for you two and so excited for y’all! Sounds like you missed the 90s and, while I can only speak to the VHS version of 1985 Auburn my dad passed down to me, I think you’ll get a similar feel Saturday to that game.

Downtown Grill is a very solid choice. Make sure to walk around Market Square a little bit if you’re over there.

If you’re wanting to do Vol Navy and Vol Walk, best map that out time-wise. Vol Walk should be 1:15pm, I believe but should get there 15 early at least to see well.

Just to make sure you avoid any Gameday parking snafus, you mentioned have a list of the lots. If the list is of the UT lots, i.e. the UT parking map, then note those require passes. However, if you just park downtown and walk, there’s some lots there. Frankly, my back couldn’t handle that lol. So if you’re like me, I’d suggest looking in the Fort Sanders area for some pay-cash lots (there will be signs). But if you’re trying to get there early enough to do both Vol Walk and Vol Navy, try parking at the Ag Campus. They have a very reliable shuttle to and from!

Hope y’all have an incredible time. Don’t forget to yell your butts off lol. Go Big Orange!

I believe the Ag campus only has permit parking only. I could be mistaken as I’m always with season ticket/parking pass holders each game when we park there. But the shuttles work well…especially going to the stadium…faster walking back AFTER the game IMO.

 

[OrangeInKy]

Like others have said
The Strip isn't anything like it was. Don't plan on going there outside of a Cool Beans hop in on game day.
Cedar Bluff - Finn's Tavern, Altruda's, Aubrey's
I personally think Downtown Grill and Brew has lost a step or two. It's not bad, but other restaurants moving into town have put a dent in the quality. I'd look into some Old City stops. Lonesome Dove, Southern Grit, Sweet P's, and Stir. I like Barley's, but it's also lost a step in my opinion.

Enjoy!

I am happy to report that Cedar Bluff Arby's is still alive and kicking. I grew up around there, so I take comfort and the things that haven't changed in 40 years. I hate progress.

 

[twigsxx2]

Locust Street Garage downtown is perfect for drive in parking without a permit. Get there early before it fills up. 11am for a 330 kick should be good.

 

[AlwaysOrangeNeverBlue]

I believe the Ag campus only has permit parking only. I could be mistaken as I’m always with season ticket/parking pass holders each game when we park there. But the shuttles work well…especially going to the stadium…faster walking back AFTER the game IMO.

Interesting. I was always under the impression it was not. Just when you think you know something haha!

 

[VolCalls]

I am a huge fan of taking the shuttle, but if you insist on hanging out downtown, I won't try to talk you into it. You've been here, so I guess you are prepared for the long walks. If it was me, I'd hang out downtown on Friday instead.

The Downtown Grill & Brewery has gone downhill, IMO. If you like the idea of a brewpub, Balter Beerworks has much better food (but not as conveniently located). At the moment, Vida is my favorite downtown restaurant. Stock & Barrel is awesome if you want a burger. Harvest is usually excellent, and they opened a location on Gay Street pretty recently. Barley's in the Old City is good for pizza and beer. Kaizen (Old City) is very good if you want Japanese. If you don't already have a reservation, you will have a very hard time getting in anywhere downtown Friday or Saturday. A little bit north of downtown you can find some cool places like The Oak Room and Central Flats and Taps.

Calhoun's on the River is great for game day, but will be packed. As has been mentioned, there is a Calhoun's a little west of Cedar Bluff. Also one a little farther west in Turkey Creek. However, there is much better food to be found, and you can actually get Calhoun's in the stadium (on the west concourse). Archer's has my favorite bbq in town, and they have locations all over the place. In west Knoxville, I like Season's and Connor's (both in Turkey Creek). Abridged on Parkside Drive has awesome burgers and is a great place to hang out.

Any place downtown to get in & out of easily for a pregame meal around 12:30/1:00, or should we just hit a drive-thru on the way in?

 

[callmez]

Another vote for Archer's if you want BBQ. Sweet P's is good too, if you're downtown. Dead End just doesn't cut it IMO.

Fire-Smoke, Archer's steak house is impressive. Was there a few weeks ago and my filet was fabulous. Best steak I've had around here.

For quick food downtown, you might try the Marble City Market which contains several different small restaurants under one roof. Not as fast as 'fast food' but quite a lot of variety and all local. And there's a bar, too.

 

[1 in 102 455]

I haven't been back (for various reasons due to family and life) since I was a student in the early '80's, and I'm bringing my wife to the A&M game this weekend. Needless to say I am stoked beyond belief, looking forward to soaking in the whole experience. We are in an orange section for Checker Neyland and are ready to roll.

We're staying in Cedar Bluff and don't want to do the shuttle thing, instead wanting to drive in and park downtown. I have a list of the lots, are there any that are recommended, and how early should we get there on gameday to be sure to get a spot?

Any specific restaurant recommendations in Cedar Bluff or near the Strip? We'd love to have barbecue at least one night - is Calhoun's near Neyland the place, or are there better choices? My wife fell in love reading about the Downtown Grill and Brewery.

On gameday, I want to hang out at the Vol Navy and see the Vol Walk for sure. Anything else we should check out?

Thanks for any comments or suggestions!

Downtown Grill and Brewery is good food and has a bit for everyone. From burgers to pasta. My favorite BBQ is Sweet P’s behind market square.

Unfortunately the Strip isn’t much of what it used to be. Lot of good places no longer there.

 

[ndubvols]

I’ll second what someone above me said. Abridged hq is a great place to eat/hangout in cedar bluff area.

 

[northknoxvol]

You can park in the old city Garages and do a little Market Square then hop on a bus for decent price and they will give you a short ride over to campus. After the game the buses will be lined up where they dropped you off and you can catch a ride back to the old city. Once you get back over there traffic is no issue getting out and onto the interstate. Sweet Ps is good BBQ, but if you want to see the Vol Navy you need to go to Calhouns on the River.

 

[volfan411]

You can also park in the main street garage or the city county building for $20. Both are convenient to stadium and market square the downfall to them are they are hard to get out of after the game.