71 South

The Vault was our second stop on our cocktail hop night, and I'm so glad we found it!…read more First off, the interior is chef's kiss. The dark, glamorous aesthetic is stunning--perfect for date night or for impressing out-of-town guests. I loved the gold accents, layered textures, and thoughtful lighting. Everything worked together beautifully. We chose to sit at the bar to watch the mixologists work their magic. They were incredibly helpful in guiding us toward drinks that matched our preferences. I absolutely loved my cocktail--even if I can't recall the name--because it delivered the spicy kick they promised. We also ordered several shareable plates, all of which were delicious. We tried the Carnitas Tamales (shredded pork, ancho mole, fresh corn, masa, cilantro, yuzu arbequina oil), the Vegetable Empanadas (house-made pastry, wilted kale, roasted sweet potato, Oaxaca and cotija cheese, black bean purée, and adobo & chile-lime aioli), and a salad. I'd happily order any of them again. I did find myself wishing for a bit more heat, but I've learned that's hard to come by in Tennessee. At least the staff gave us a heads-up that the spice level is toned down. I'm already looking forward to coming back and exploring more of the menu. The vibe is fantastic--and while they have a nice outdoor space, the interior is so eye-catching I'm not sure I'd want to sit anywhere else.

Cool atmosphere it's an underground speakeasy type of deal and had a cool list of cocktails…read more My cocktail was pretty good I wouldn't get it again but I liked it and the banana and gin was fun and new. Tapas were good the carrots were by far the best roasted perfectly and the sauce was so flavorful. The crab dip was good but typical same with mushroom truffle pizza. The empanadas were good but a little dry I was glad they had sauce. Would go again and get the carrots and new items!

A bottle vault.

Tables in the vault

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Crispy Brussel sprouts. Delicious

Peter Kern Library

4.2(249 reviews)

•$$$

Trying to find good things to say about this place isn't very hard. This was my first time in…read moreKnoxville and my first Speakeasy. The PKL is located inside The Oliver Hotel. It appears you can enter either from the interior door opposite The Oliver Royale Restaurant or from the outside. I never saw the exterior entrance but have heard there's no sign, just a red light above a door. I am not sure how the whole password thing works or where to get it.... I just know the person I was with had it. We sat at the bar and the ambiance is really intimate. I have read now after being home that I guess they hide drink recipes in some of the books? I am not sure if that is true or not. If you can get a seat at the bar, it's so fun. Trey was great, as were the ladies! Trey puts on a little show with each drink he crafts. The drinks are ridiculously good. I would not be able to choose a favorite. I have no clue what the bill damage was, but I can say that between the both of us, we had every drink on the menu. Now I need to find reasons to go back to Knoxville just to go to the Peter Kern Library!

Cute little hidden library bar with great drinks…read more The only issue we had were some rambunctious neighbors in a booth nearby, but staff was really good at keeping the peace. We got: -Ines (my fav) -Lumiere -Maimie Mannering (very booze forward) -Harry Morgan (the banana didn't really come through, but I could see where they were going with it!)

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Holly Golightly

Fly By Night

4.4(19 reviews)

1.4 mi

Oh how I love you Fly by Night! This 70s themed bar brings back nostalgic memories of things my…read moregrandmother used to have in her house when I was a kid. Located in the growing South Knoxville neighborhood off Sevier Ave, if I had one suggestion for a bar to check out this one would definitely be it! The service here is always great, and the bartenders are really a master of their craft. I haven't tried any of the food but I'm dying to try the Fried Bologna Sandwich they have on their menu. They have indoor and outdoor seating where the outdoor is dog friendly. The do Karaoke on Sundays, and a disco night on Thursdays. They always have something fun planned so check their Facebook/instagram pages for updated events. If you are in the area, go check them out. I'm sure it will take you down memory lane too. I'm a fan and I'm sure you will be too! Cheers and Enjoy!

Fly is a hidden gem for sure. The aesthetic and vibes are super chill and cool. The bartenders are…read morevery knowledgeable and funny. Most importantly! the cocktails they serve are unique, tasty, and well priced. I like how they have live music/ events often and they got a solid cheese board. Will be back very soon!!

Inside

Bar

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The "boob-tube" is on! We those 70s dramas!

Tern Club

4.5(70 reviews)

2.4 mi

We were looking for a tiki bar in Knoxville, and this is what came up. It feels like it has some of…read morethe trappings of some of the metropolis tiki bars I've been to but in a smaller scale (that likely didn't require hundreds of thousands of dollars in building renovations). Drinks are heavily poured and true to their tiki origins, service is friendly, and the place feels really relaxing. PROS: -Good selection of drinks! Tiki drinks tend to be approachable to most people with their juice-forward design. They're also just pretty. Most of the drinks here run on the sweeter side, but there were a few drinks that looked like they'd run spirit-forward. I can't confirm as we didn't order them, but it gives people in your party some options. -Drinks are well-poured. If you're driving yourself, even one full cocktail is probably going to be pushing it. Definitely don't order some of their "Limit of...." cocktails in that case. But it's nice to get my money's worth. They taste very approachable, but they're heavily poured. -Every drink was nice to look at. They do a great job with garnishing; it was neat to watch as the server tends to garnish the drinks while the bartender makes the drink itself. We didn't receive any drinks in tiki mugs, but I also didn't see if they had tiki mugs either. -It's really nice to see that they attribute their recipes to where/when/who originally made the recipe. Most tiki drink recipes are "classic" recipes at this point, but it's really cool to see that they specifically listed out the 1930's bar that made the original drink recipe. -A good mocktail selection! While most of the mocktails kinda felt like "mixed juice concoctions", the fact that they had a whole page, had them reasonably priced, and still garnished them as if they were full cocktails was a nice surprise. As a DD, it felt like I was still having a great time and part of the social experience. -They have outdoor seating in front (I think?) and in back of the restaurant. It was too hot for that, but quite a few people were happily seated out there. That seems helpful as the restaurant itself doesn't have a ton of space. Expanding outdoors lets them seat a whole lot more people. -An extremely inebriated individual popped in, and while the bar turned them down for drinks, they handed them some water and let them use the restroom. They were extremely polite to someone who wasn't a "customer", and that was really nice to see. -Two individual unisex bathrooms. One of them has cute bird sounds that play while you're in there, and that was a really surprising touch. Both have free information and supplies for things adults may be doing after visiting here. CONS: -I wouldn't say this bar gives me "tiki bar" decor. They definitely serve tiki-style drinks, but the decor feels more "I love plants and leaves" than tiki. I still liked it...it's just not what I'm used to compared to most tiki bars. -Parking is a gigantic pain in the butt. We circled the area for a good 15 minutes to try to find a spot that wasn't in an extremely expensive parking lot. We ended up finding a street spot, but those max out at 2 hours. Plan at least a drink's price just to park to get into Tern Club. (Not the location's fault, but definitely be aware before you agree to meet up here.)

Okay, this place is quirky and it might not be for everybody but I thought it was fantastic. This…read moreis a modern take on the tiki bar. Lots of bamboo and tiki drinks think all sorts of different kinds of rum zombies, my ties, etc. Staff is very knowledgeable about what they're pouring. The only caveat I would give is that they make their drinks very strong and if you're not careful you're going to get a big buzz from these babies. While the cocktails might seem a little pricey, you're getting a lot for your money nice heavy pores of alcohol House made mixers and shrubs, knowledgeable staff and a really great atmosphere. When there's nice weather they have a small patio so you can sit outside and people watch which is great on the 100 block of gay Street you're always with you some interesting stuff there and you can watch the sunset and enjoy your drink. Like I said, this isn't for everybody but you should at least try it once

The Pluto

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Five Thirty Lounge

3.6(71 reviews)

•$$$

Great service at the bar. The bartender, JC, is absolutely amazing. Friendly, interactive,…read moreknowledgeable ! And makes the best damn old fashion you'll eve have in your life! Highly recommend

We were extremely disappointed by our experience…read more We came to celebrate my birthday. It was a nice day, so we opted to sit outside. The bartender was awesome, but once we received our drinks and sat outside, we were ignored by the waitresses. They walked past several times to serve others, but never asked if we needed anything. We asked for a sever but were told by the manager, they were short staffed and we had to order drinks and food at the bar. However, a group a young White men sat next to us and a waitress took their food and drink order within a few minutes. We were the only Black group on the rooftop. The waitresses took everyone's order but ours. We had to ask for a menu, napkins, and water. After spending hundreds on drinks and food, we expected better. It's clear we weren't welcomed or valued. We this lounge will never get another dime from us.

View at sunset

Beautiful Roof top lounge!

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So pretty!

Monkey’s Bar

4.7(6 reviews)

2.6 mi

The drinks were tasty, and they had a great combo deal. We had plenty of room for our large party…read moreto sit together and chat. Service was quick.

I love Monkey's bar!! It's the perfect meet in the middle between fancy cocktail bar and relaxed…read moreenvironment! Bartenders are so friendly and even let me sample a pre batched cocktail to ensure I'd like it! Will definitely be back!

Monkey likes the pizza!

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Alice In Appalachia

4.5(51 reviews)

2.3 mi

Saw photos and reviews of this on Google and had to check it out! The shop is really cute and super…read moreunique compared to anything I've ever seen before, they have every single Alice in Wonderland trinket and accessory that you can think of along with clothing, a photo op wall, gifts, and other stuff. Most of the items are a bit pricey, but it's definitely worth a visit.

If you love Alice in Wonderland or Disney, I think you'll like this place. A fun shop to go in and…read morebrowse around! Everything they sell is Alice and Wonderland themed or similar. Clothing, house decorations, signs, hats, trinkets, and more.

Very Merry Unbirthday

The moon hatter

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Prix Fixe Brunch Tower - all the best parts of brunch!

The Kennedy

4.5(293 reviews)

Kennedy in Knoxville is a whole VIBE! I was on my way out so I did stop in as soon as they opened…read moreat 11am. The food was an easy 10/10, dishes fairly priced and worth it. The service was 10/10, and the ambiance? Absolutely to die for! And I have to mention the blueberry margarita -- easily one of the best I've ever had! Great food, great drinks, beautiful atmosphere... Kennedy definitely did not disappoint! Definitely will visit again when back in Knoxville.

First, the all black walls with gold trim decor in a historic building, likely over 125 years old…read morewas the ultimate marriage of elegant, romantic, solid historic, sexy gourmet restaurant, and sports bar all combined. Intimate private tables overlook the restaurant and bar from 2 balconies with a darkened room only lit with candlelight on cozy tabletops for two right behind the elegant bar. They actually subtly incorporate about 4 large TVs on each side of the bar which satisfies the local. Univ of Tennessee fans while not ruining the elegant date night atmosphere! Service was also stellar with our tall waiter Carson all in black, doing an attentive but not overbearing first class service. We were on way driving from Knoxville back to Bham, so we did not get to use one of their elegant gold champagne/wine buckets on a stand. However, we all enjoyed the food, which I rate A all the way! Shared delish truffle fries, thinly hand cut wit fresh parm and a truffle dip, only $8! Our other entrees ranged from $27 to $22 for hot honey pepperoni pizza to my salad named The Goat. The Kennedy has a good selection from burgers to steak or market fish from $17-$55. My fried seasoned goat cheese balls on the salad was delish but could have used a little more spinach as it was my entree. The pizza was generous and very wonderfully spicy! The star dish recommended by Carson was hubby's rigatoni with blackened chicken. The restaurant has a very elegant bar at the back artistic photos of Knoxville arranged in matching dark frames with white mats adding character to the black with gold walls. Great place to take a date or company!

We could see the intimate tables in balcony overlooking the bar. See how the TVs are not intrusive to the elegant old world decor

Bacon wrapped dates

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Interior

The Drawing Room

4.4(21 reviews)

2.3 mi

The Drawing Room is a very classy lounge inside the Tennessean Hotel in downtown Knoxville. It is a…read moreplace to relax, chill, and contemplate the day. Once you settle in, you feel like this space could be anywhere. You could be in Knoxville just as easily as Nashville, New York, or Washington, DC. It carries that cosmopolitan type of feel. I highly recommend a visit just to unwind and relax. Don't walk here, run here.

We really wanted to love The Drawing Room, especially given its reputation and price point, but…read moreunfortunately this was one of the most disappointing dining experiences we've had in a long time. The evening started with a small issue that was handled perfectly well: I ordered a glass of sparkling wine, and our server came back to let me know they were out. She offered me a taste of another option, I liked it, and happily ordered that instead. No problem at all. Unfortunately, things went downhill from there. We ordered the arancili appp, which took a very long time to arrive. There were three pieces for the three of us, which was fine, but they were dry and just not particularly good. For dinner, my daughter and I shared the tenderloin and my husband ordered the burger. Our entrées arrived approximately an hour and a half after we ordered them. The tenderloin was cold. The asparagus was cold. The potatoes were cold. My husband's burger itself was actually good, but his fries were also cold. We had also ordered a side of truffle fries, which didn't arrive until roughly 20 minutes after the rest of our meal. Ironically, the flavor of the truffle fries was excellent--but again, they seemed like they had been sitting for far too long. That was the frustrating part of the entire experience: there were clearly some good flavors coming out of the kitchen, but the timing and execution were so poor that we couldn't enjoy them. I honestly couldn't tell whether the problem was the kitchen, staffing, service timing, or communication between the kitchen and dining room. The entire meal took about two hours, despite being a very straightforward dinner for three people. There was also a strange issue with the atmosphere. We were seated along the windows, and once the sun went down, our section became incredibly dark. There appeared to be lighting in the center of the dining room, but virtually none over the tables around the perimeter. We were essentially eating in the dark by the end of dinner. I actually felt bad for our server because it seemed like some of these issues were outside of her control, which made deciding on a gratuity uncomfortable. She was pleasant, but something operationally was clearly not working. For a restaurant at this price point, the experience simply wasn't acceptable. We spent nearly $200 for three people and waited close to two hours for food that was largely served cold. The most disappointing thing is that I think there may be genuinely good food here. Some of the flavors showed real promise. But an expensive restaurant has to be able to get the food from the kitchen to the table hot and in a reasonable amount of time. Unfortunately, based on this experience, I would not return.

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Fiori

3.6(53 reviews)

2.5 mi

We've been to Fiori several times, but apparently I only checked in and never left a review…read more We have had a good time every visit, but this time we had some issues. I arrived at the exact time of my reservation, 7:30 PM, on October 30. The restaurant was very festive, with the staff decked out in Halloween costumes, which were comic book/super hero themed. The host immediately went to show me to a table, and then stopped, turned around and told me our table was still dirty and that I should wait at the bar while they cleaned it. Two people from my party arrived as soon as I sat down at the bar, and we proceeded to peruse the special Halloween cocktail menu, while waiting for our table. The bartenders were in an extremely jovial mood and were a hoot. It took my Hubby about 15 minutes to find parking, so by the time he arrived, he was very surprised we had not been seated. But, he ordered a cocktail and we all settled down at the bar. We were having a great time, but at some point, we decided to host must forgotten about us, so we checked in with her two or three times and she told us every time that our table will still being cleaned/wiped down. So, we ended up being set 30ish or so minutes after our actual reservation. Honestly, we were enjoying cocktails and conversation, so although I felt that was odd, none of us were upset. Our appetizers took a minute (mozzarella, and pesto rolls, oysters Rockefeller)... also no big deal because we weren't in any hurry. My husband and I split the pork loin medallions with a green beans. So so yummy. The medallions were very tender and perfectly seasoned. The green beans were not particularly hot, but they were quite tasty. We shared a bottle of wine, a Pinot Grigio. Our server was dressed like Poison Ivy. She was very sweet, not overly attentive, but fine. If you're wondering what the issue was for us, it was the music. The hard rock choice, while not my choice of dining music, was someone's choice. I can handle it, although not a particular fan. I get that it was Friday night before Halloween and the bar area was super festive with a raucous crowd, but the music was so incredibly loud that the four of us had to shout at each other to be heard. And I'm not exaggerating. We went up to the host to request that it be turned down a little, and we were told that if they turned it down in the dining area, you wouldn't be able to hear it at all in the bar. It was pretty miserable & honestly, at that point in the evening, we may have been the only guests over the age of 35, so I don't know that it was a problem for the other patrons. We did end up rushing through our meal, so that we could go somewhere else to have more cocktails & be able to talk before going to the Rocky Horror Picture Show later. I would definitely request a patio seat, if we come back in the future, as supposed to being subjected to the overly-loud music in the dining room, or perhaps go during a weeknight and I hope for the best. Our experience on 10/30 was about 3- star, but we've had a great time every other visit, so I couldn't give it less than a 4. However, our previous experiences were spot on - 5 star. We've recommended Fiori to many friends and family & even purchased some gift cards to give away at Christmas. I am crossing my fingers that they have a better time than we did at our last visit.

I love the decorations & the cute theme is present throughout the whole restaurant. The drink menu…read moreis expansive and the drinks were good. The food is okay. I was disappointed that my food was warm, not hot when served. My sister got a lobster roll "extra stuffed," which did not appear to be extra-stuffed. I got the chicken carbonara and believe that I got a large portion for the price point. The service was a bit on the slower side, but I did not see as many waiters as I thought I would have for a Saturday evening. My expectations were high due to the price point and formality, and I was a bit let down. The vibes in here were fun. I think that if it was better staffed and the seafood portions were priced accordingly, we would have had a better experience and thought we got a better deal for the price.

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Heather B.

Elite 26

133

145

377

2 years ago

A Hidden Gem in Knoxville - 71 South is a Must-Visit! If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Knoxville, 71 South is the place to be! Nestled in a beautifully restored 100-year-old church, this restaurant effortlessly blends historic charm with a modern, inviting atmosphere. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with warm hospitality and an ambiance that feels both cozy and elevated. Now, let's talk about the food--because it is phenomenal! Their brunch menu is absolutely top-tier, featuring churro French toast that melts in your mouth, perfectly crispy chicken and waffles, and the 71 Hash that is packed with flavor. If you're a fan of cocktails, you must try their mimosa flight--each one is refreshingly delicious and pairs perfectly with any dish. Today we tried the Call from Cali and Waffle Royale along with a Bloody Mary! Beyond brunch, their lunch and dinner options are equally impressive. The grilled chicken sandwich is one of the best in town, and their fried green tomatoes are the perfect Southern staple done right. They also do Nashville hot chicken justice with the perfect balance of spice and crunch. Service is another highlight--friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure every guest has a memorable experience, and it truly makes a difference. Whether you're looking for a laid-back brunch, a special date night spot, or a fun place to enjoy cocktails with friends, 71 South delivers on all fronts. The combination of incredible food, unique atmosphere, and outstanding service makes this one of Knoxville's best dining destinations. Highly recommend! read more

Julie L.

2 years ago

I don't remember eating here, I don't know why I gave it one star. But it would not let me take one star away, so, just wanted to let you know that's why I got one star. read more

Emily G.

3 years ago

Casual dining, good food and cocktails, cool restaurant in old church. Close to South Knox biking trails. Lots of vegan and gluten free options. read more

Tatum A.

2 months ago

i absolutely love this family and the food here!! they are absolutely amazinggggg!!! i got the wings and they are so good!!

Hailey K.

2 months ago

The best food ever, such a pretty place and kind family. I would love to come here someday it's looks so pretty!

B. J. L.

3 years ago

Awesome atmosphere, awesome service and awesome food!!!!! Can't wait to go back again!!!

Daniel B.

3 years ago

All around great. Very cool spot with a cool vibe. Highly recommend for all pallets.

71 South - breakfast_brunch - Updated November 2026

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Point B

4.1

(164 reviews)

We visited Point B on a Friday night and it while we had reservations at 7 they were able to…read moreaccommodate us early at 6. We took a table in the bar area where one side is booth seating and the other a standard chair. The smaller tables could make it challenging for the different boards they serve but we managed just fine. We split the uncle Koli's happy hour portion of nachos and they were exemplary - layers of cheese and meat and fresh avocado drizzled with a unique barbecue sauce and sour cream were absolutely delicious. For mains we split a taco board and wedge salad. The portions are generous and our taco board had some really tasty steak that was well seasoned and cooked to order. They nailed the perfect medium rare and all the accoutrements were very fresh and rounded out the board nicely. 10/10 presentation. The wedge salad was a unique twist in using romaine lettuce instead of typical iceberg and again it was all very fresh and quite delicious. We finished our meal with a shared bourbon banana pudding and the only criticism was they favored presentation over palate in having the Nilla wafers floating on top so they were very crunchy rather than submerged in the amazing mix of pudding and whipped cream. I can't fault them though, look at the pictures attached - beautiful plating all the way around. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the star of our visit - Allie was our server in the bar evening and she managed to keep our drinks filled, answered questions and did everything with a remarkable attitude and friendly disposition. We'll definitely be back and if you're in the mood for farm to table grub in Knoxville don't miss Point B!

First dinner in Knoxville and Point B did not disappoint! Had reservations for 10 and the…read morerestaurant was gorgeous, and was glad we didn't have to drive all the way to downtown to find such a cute spot! Shoutout to our server Brandon who took extremely good care of us and even remembered each of our names after checking our ID's for drinks. For apps we started with the crab rangoon dip and guacamole. The crab dip didn't have a lot of crab but it was cheesy, warm, and paired perfectly with the wonton chips. The guacamole was good, but the chips could've used some salt. Entree wise the shrimp and grits was great, but it was the smallest amount of grits I've ever gotten in a dish. The shrimps were cooked perfectly though. In general the entrees looked smaller than other restaurants but felt it was the perfect size to not be overly full. We ordered all three desserts and they were all yummy in their own way. I love banana pudding, this one had a kick of bourbon. The panna cotta wasn't too heavy on the coconut flavor and was creamy. The beignets were warm and so good as well! If I were in the area I would definitely be back for brunch!

The Plaid Apron

4.0

(228 reviews)

The Plaid Apron is such a cute little spot in a charming area! We discovered it while looking for a…read morehealthy breakfast / brunch option, and I'm so glad we found it. I ordered a Tartine dish topped with a poached egg (sourdough was chef's kiss) and my husband ordered the Patty Melt. Everything tasted incredibly fresh and delicious ~ you can tell they put care into creating their menu, and the prices were very reasonable. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, and the service was good, too. I would definitely return next time I'm in Knoxville!

Finally was able to give this venue a try at long last! Solid 4.5 out of 5 for a morning breakfast…read morevisit. The venue was nice inside and very clean. The staff were also helpful to bring out everything very timely and checked in often. The coffee was ON POINT! The food has some highs and lows, with the eggs and bacon being the standouts. The bread of the cinnamon roll and toast had gotten a bit stiff but was still really good. We will do our best to try and come back when we can! Definitely come and give it a go!

Cazzy's Corner Grill

4.1

(241 reviews)

We were craving a relaxed patio night and something new on Northshore, and Cazzy's Corner Grill was…read moreexactly that kind of spot We sat outside with friends, perfect easy-going atmosphere, friendly staff, and everything came out tasting so fresh and flavorful. The chicken piccata was bright and buttery with just the right amount of lemon, and the chimichurri pork tenderloin had so much flavor. We all shared the feta dip (which was honestly a table favorite), and even the pork chop was cooked perfectly and super juicy. It just felt like one of those slow, happy dinner nights where you get to actually sit, talk, and enjoy every bite. And of course we ended with chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream -- the perfect sweet finish

Cazzy's has a nice neighborhood vibe that is also upscale. The outdoor patio is a perfect place to…read moreenjoy your meal in the warmer months. Service is always friendly and attentive. The lunch menu has several hidden gems and you really can't go wrong. The blacked chicken sandwich has whipped feta, tomato jam and bacon. Such a flavor bomb! Highly recommend!!!

The Black Dog Brewhouse

4.7

(24 reviews)

Stopped by on my way through Knoxville for a quick bite. This place did not disappoint!!…read moreFood was great and the staff, very friendly. Awesome decor , neat atmosphere !!

We've ordered takeout twice now and both times food was great. Order was ready when it was promised…read moreand th staff were all friendly and helpful. We didn't eat inside but the interior was spacious and clean as well as the back patio area.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

4.0

(243 reviews)

The restaurant is really nice, the service is great and the food is wonderful. I had the best…read moreMoscow Mule I've ever had. I ordered their filet mignon and it was wonderful.

Firebirds is not unlike a Pontiac Firebird: very pretty but unreliable. As the other reviews also…read moreshow, ambiance and service is great. But that's where the positives end for me. Now, the bread was fresh and warm which was a good thing. My Caesar salad was filled with brown and wilting lettuce, so the server returned it, but I'm shocked they would let that go out even at lunch. The hot honey chicken sandwich tasted fine, the chicken was extremely thin but at least they had two small chicken patties on there. The bacon had a nice sweetness with the honey and crisp to it. Overall the flavor was fine but didn't stand out compared to similar offerings from average chain restaurants. The cheeseburger was the definition of average. Barely seasoned patty and that's about all I remember. I could not taste the cider in the highly touted "cider slaw", and was hardly a cut above KFC slaw. Firebirds burned me out charging steakhouse prices for mid-tier chain quality. I have to hope it was just a bad day for them but will be hard pressed to return.

J C Holdway

4.4

(280 reviews)

•$$$

Wow. Has to be one of the best places I've ever eaten at. In town for parent's weekend with the son…read moreand chose JC because it had nice reviews. Honestly did not know what to expect. Took our son and two of his dorm mates. All freshmen used to cafeteria food. One said as we sat down, "the food here smells great." Ambiance gets nice scores. Service is top notch. And the food was nothing short of outstanding. We decided to go with the chef special plan. A fixed menu that everyone at the table has to go with to do. Not sure that was going to work with three college guys. But they each picked something that likely stretched what they were used to. Standouts were the starter ribs and oysters. Everyone liked their second choices so no clear winner there as all finished in first place. My wife loved her trout nd I got a taste and had to agree it was terrific. They boys - no shock here - all went for the steak. I did too and can report it was perfectly cooked and wonderfully savory. The peanut butter chocolate dessert was rated the best but I also enjoyed my blue cheese cheesecake. When I say service was impeccable, it was not only due to our waitress who was attentive, informing and fun. But every time dishes were cleared a group of servers appeared like magic and cleared dishes like a well rehearsed ballet. Really enjoyed the experience if you cannot tell by now. Highly recommended.

Exemplary service, beautiful setting and wonderful food done in innovative ways, with delicious…read moreflavor. We were very well treated, and surprised with a birthday treat and candle at the end of our meal. Tomahawk steak, potato puree with herb butter, colorful green beans, beet salad, and dessert of chocolate banana trifle meant we took some leftovers home too. There's a thoughtful selection of wine and we had a glass of a fine Cabernet with our steak.

The Marlowe

4.3

(19 reviews)

This restaurant was fantastic - the decorations, the service, the food, the cocktail menu - all…read more10/10. My wife and I spent an evening at the Marlowe and they were very accommodating as our reservation had fallen out of the system (probably due to my own user error) but as I mentioned they found a table for us and made sure we didn't miss our chance to partake in their phenomenal menu. I had the fall fashion which is their take on an old fashioned and it was terrific and the Rye whiskey played nicely with the amaretto. My wife had some sort of Sicilian wine cocktail that was advertised as brighter and better mimosa and they nailed the description. It was an elevated mimosa that was light, refreshing and bubbly. We started with the wedge salad and potato croquettes. The salad was as phenomenal, the bacon adding the right smoky and savory flavor and the dressings paired well with the fresh crisp lettuce. I was slightly disappointed we didn't have heirloom tomatoes as they were advertised and instead used grape / cherry tomatoes (the menu listing mentioned heirloom and I'm a tomato snob). The Gorgonzola wasn't overpowering and paired really well with the balsamic. The potato croquettes needed a little more seasoning or salt and were somewhat bland but the presentation was terrific and they were cooked perfectly. It might have been the bacon aioli but it just needed a little more zip. For mains my wife went with the Bouillabaisse and asked if she could add a bit of the house made fettuccine to which the chef was very accommodating in making the addition. With wonderful seasoning and an abundant amount of shrimp, scallop, salmon and mussels she couldn't finish her serving. This dish was fragrant and cooked to perfection. I had the filet and it was also amazing. Cooked a perfect medium rare and held amazing flavor. It was a solid and good sized filet that was definitely the star the show. The asparagus was grilled perfectly and seasoned wonderfully. The confit beet was amazing and held terrific flavoring and lended to the beautiful presentation and plating. We really wanted to try the crème brûlée as it looked amazing but we didn't save any room. The service was beyond terrific and Anthony took great care of us from start to finish. We watched the Chef oversee the kitchen and he didn't let a single plate pass through that kitchen without his terrific attention to detail. Overall this restaurant stood out heads and shoulders above other restaurants of similar type and it immediately jumps to the top of the list for fine dining in the Knoxville area. I can't wait to recommend this place to friends and family and this is the first time I wish I could give six stars!

My wife and I recently visited Knoxville, Tennessee. They had made reservations at Marlowe. Period…read more Service, food, and ambiance were all three excellent. I highly recommend this place. Especially for special occasions.

The Drawing Room

4.4

(21 reviews)

Oliver Royale

4.1

(354 reviews)

This was my first time at Oliver Royale in Market Square, Knoxville, TN, and I pray to God it will…read morenot be my last. When you are in Knoxville, you need to stop here. I want to preface my statements by saying that I love octopus, but I especially love octopus on my plate. Their octopus appetizer is to die for. The redfish was superb and could rival any New Orleans recipe--and I'm a New Orleans native. The swordfish with jerk seasoning will make you feel like you've been transported straight to Jamaica. Do me a favor and run here, not walk. You can thank me later.

I stopped by Oliver Royale on a Monday evening around 6:30-7 p.m. without a reservation and was…read moreable to get a table outside pretty easily. Their patio faces Market Square, which made it such a nice spot to enjoy the summer weather and people-watch while having dinner. The inside has a completely different feel--intimate, low lighting, and definitely the kind of atmosphere I'd pick for a date night or a nicer dinner. My server was also really attentive and helpful with answering any questions I had about the menu. I ordered the Fettuccine Bolognese, and it was SO good. The meat was incredibly tender, the sauce was flavorful, and I loved the fluffy swirls of ricotta throughout. The pasta itself was cooked perfectly too. My only note is that the portion was on the smaller side, so next time I'd definitely start with an appetizer. Between the food, attentive service, patio, and location right on Market Square, Oliver Royale is such a great option for a night out in Knoxville. I'd absolutely come back and try more of the menu!

Ale’ Rae’s Gastro Pub and Coffee Bar

4.3

(88 reviews)