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    Calhoun's

    3.5 (201 reviews)
    ModerateBarbeque, American
    Open • 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Calhoun's Photos

    CALHOUN'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Calhoun's

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    Ribs not very good
    Terri M.

    I came here with a group of people and the service was outstanding! The service was a five star. The food... Definitely left a lot to desire. I got the ribs and they were not very flavorful, not very good at all. I asked for barbecue sauce but it's like vinegar Based barbecue sauce, was not sweet so I took them home and I ended up just giving them to my dog.

    Yucky lettuce

    The salads at Calhoun's have always been good. Then they changed to spring mix. So I order salads with "Romain lettuce only". Lots of bad lettuce in there. And lots of spring mix hiding in there,!too. So disappointing.

    the dining area of the restaurant
    Joel C.

    Enjoyed the Brisket sandwich, tender and flavorful, and the Turkey Creek salad. They could have done a better job on the turkey but still everything else was delicious. Our server, Lexie, went above and beyond to provide excellent service, an extra plate, personable and ensured extra bbq sauce was at the table. The restaurant was very clean and nice...see pic.

    Brisket sandwich with tater tots and (a sample of) coleslaw
    Joe T.

    Just one question: Why - WHY are restaurants so stingy with coleslaw?? I had a brisket sandwich that was piled up with brisket, a mound of tater tots - and the slaw was about two tablespoons in a condiment cup. What's up with that?? Isn't that the cheapest thing on the plate? Okay - enough ranting. All that food was really good. Golden, crispy tots and cool, creamy slaw (did I mention we need a bigger serving?). The brisket is great - just enough smoke (not overpowering), tender and juicy (lots of fat in there). A very good representation of what smoked brisket ought to be. Oh - and it's a good thing the sauce comes in a cup on the side. (A) you don't need it - the meat is good on its own, and (B) it's pretty oily - there's a bit of an oil slick in the cup when you open it. I would certainly go back, and maybe ask for two or three servings of slaw :)

    Oriental Chicken Salad
    Allie M.

    Food 4/5 - We stopped here for lunch on Thanksgiving and had a good experience. The Oriental Chicken Salad is my absolute favorite thing so when I'm back visiting we have to stop here for this salad. The burger was made to order and good. Service / Ambiance 4/5 - It was busy that day in the restaurant but we got a table right away. Our server was very helpful and kind. Our food came within timely manner and we were pleased with both our meals.

    Ribs
    Steve A.

    The ribs were good but not great, fries were cold. The broccoli was a good choice. The bartender Barry was great and friendly to talk with.

    Southern Fried Catfish and steamed broccoli
    Amelia B.

    If you like beer, you will probably enjoy Calhoun's more than those of us who couldn't care less about a pilsner or a pale ale. The beer is apparently good. Moving on. The decor is an odd mix of quasi-Tuscan with flashes of retro diner and metallic accents here and there, and you'll always find pallets of brewery supplies on the floor between the vestibule and the seating. It's a confusing melange of styles that fails to create an identity or "experience" for diners. The food is reliably good but nothing exceptional. The summer lemonade (a featured cocktail of whiskey, lemonade, and Sprite) was refreshing--tart and sweet but overpriced at $9 for such a lightweight cocktail. Overall, paying $15 and up for entrees you can get anywhere will keep me from being a regular. The only menu item worth repeating regularly would be the Turkey Creek salad, although it is typically over-loaded with cranberries and candied pecans. Pick some of them out, and you've got a delicious salad that can stand on its own even if you skip the vinaigrette. Ultimately, Calhoun's is about the comfort of consistency; it's the guy you can call for a date and know he's never too busy for you but also never going to sweep you off your feet. It's your old reliable, and let's admit it...that counts for something.

    Pork plate with mashed potatoes  Hickory Smoked BBQ Pork Plate*
    Katherine G.

    Delicious!!! The pork absolutely melted in my mouth, the bread basket was phenomenal, great service!

    A beautiful dining area with lots of natural light.

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    1 year ago

    We ordered to go, and the food was beyond on point! Still tasty in the hotel room! Must be even more amazing if dining in!

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    11 months ago

    Pay attention to the help you hire bc the Kingston pike location is the worst for inconsistent service or food quality!

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    6 years ago

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    1 year ago

    One of my fav Knoxville stops is Calhouns on the river. Bread is great, white chili yummy and food is good. Wait staff is always friendly.

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    Ask the Community - Calhoun's

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    Calhoun's - bbq - Updated October 2026

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