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    Calhoun's

    3.3 (198 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM

    Calhoun's Photos

    Business Info

    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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    Scott M.

    Set directly on the water, this spot delivers barbecue with a point of view--bold, unapologetic, and rooted in comfort done right. The setting does half the work for you, but the food more than holds its own. The fried green tomatoes were the clear opener: crisp, well-seasoned, and properly balanced between tang and crunch--no excess grease, no filler. Exactly how the dish should be executed. The half smoked chicken followed, tender and deeply flavored, carrying a clean smoke that enhanced rather than overwhelmed. The okra was cooked with restraint, avoiding the common pitfalls of sogginess, while the fries arrived hot, golden, and assertively seasoned. This is relaxed waterfront dining with confidence--barbecue that knows what it's doing and doesn't feel the need to overexplain itself. A place worth trying

    Brisket, beans and a porter
    Doreen E.

    It's a quiet Thursday in the off season. I sat at the patio bar and was served by Landon. He gave great recommendations and I had a great meal. The beef brisket was tender and melted in my mouth and went perfectly with the beans. I even had some snickers cheesecake. I also loved the Smoky Mountain Brewing Porter, I should have grabbed a six pack on my way out!

    Biscuit and corn muffin
    John D.

    Very scenic view right on the lake. Wish the weather would have permitted a better view The food was recommended by waiter. Had a house salad with a local vinaigrette it was delicious.the biscuits and muffins were delivered to table. Biscuits were perfect. The muffins a little dense for my taste. Main course was pork chops and baked beans the pork chop was nice and juicy grilled very well. The baked beans are the 2 nd best I have ever had only in LA can you find better beans. Will go back for a better view and will try prime rib.

    Turtles swimming by
    Vikki R.

    Reviews at Calhoun's looked like this was a good place to try. They were very much understaffed. Our waiter was also the bartender for the time we were there. We had the bbq ribs. They were just ok for me. Plenty of ribs in the half rack. They were just a bit dry. The mashed potatoes were waxy and over whipped. The coleslaw is pretty good. So they do one dish right! It was fun watching the ducks, geese, fish and turtles swimming around. Looking at all the docked boats, meh. I'd rather look at the river. I guess when you are in a prime location your food doesn't have to be great.

    Special meatloaf plate
    Lenora S.

    Loved our first experience with this local chain. Clean, friendly and food was on point. BBQ was our main mission, but the menu had so many options, we wanted to try them all. Husband started with the Brown Bear ale. Loved it. He usually drinks Shiner Boch as a reference. I DDd. Asked for my usual club soda and lime but was pleasantly surprised at the moch-tails offered. Server recommended the Berry Colada. (Tastes like a Strawberry milkshake). Loved it. Will be trying others on that list in the future. Appetizer. bacon wrapped Burnt brisket ends. Another new favorite. Tasty, rendered, fall apart on your fork. You also get to sample the coleslaw if you were on the fence about it as a side. Going to wrap this up. Husband enjoyed fresh broccoli and house marinated pork chop. I was more into my sides than the smoked meatloaf, but that was more a me thing. Couldn't decide if it went better with some extra tomato sauce or BBQ. SPINACH Maria, cinnamon apples and mash were well seasoned. Ended the night by Taking home a 6pack. Decked out for the holidays.

    Front entrance.
    John W.

    Always LOVE the lakeside dining experience here at Calhoun's. The decor with all the windows and outdoor sitting areas where you may enjoy the riverside views and dining makes one of the best dining atmospheres you may experience anywhere. The staff is always friendly and helpful about making suggestions from the wide variety of options on the menu. The food is delicious and my favorite like today is the BBQ chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries. I've eaten at a lot of restaurants throughout eastern Tennessee. The sweet potato fries with cinnamon sauce is the best here. I live in Athens but stop by Calhoun's about once a month for lunch while work keeps me on the road in east Tennessee. I highly recommend Calhoun's for great tasting food, high quality service and a wonderful and relaxing atmosphere.

    Flo V.

    Lenoir City, TN. What a great find !!! Wish we had more stars.... This place is a 10+ !!! We're traveling outside the Knoxville area and stopped in for Lunch. Very pleased !! Walking in, it's decor is Waterfront, right next to the Marina... so fish are hanging in strategic places. Very welcoming. They do have outside seating, but we chose to sit at the bar. Kaylee M. was our Bartender. What a delightful lady. Smokey Mountain Brewery is their beer. Decided on the Cherokee Red. it was delicious soooo..... I ordered a 6 pack to go home!! Kaylee found out this was our first time in... she asked if we wanted bread. Corn, biscuits or garlic roll. Mmmmm,..... let see. . Kaylee brought us one of each, so we could have a taste of all of them. All were very good, but we LOVED the fresh made biscuits. So much so... we ordered 6 to go home. We ordered the Trio Platter to share. And, it was plenty enough. Kaylee said it was a great choice to sample all their meat. It was a tray full of pulled pork, 1/4 rack of smoked ribs & crispy chicken tenders with a side of coleslaw and baked apples. The ribs were tender with a good smoke ring / the chicken tenders were moist and had a nice crunch / the pulled pork was tender with great flavor. The coleslaw was one of the best we've had and the baked apples were full of cinnamon!! Everything was over the top delicious. Cody, the Manager stopped by.... What a nice, friendly guy. We enjoyed talking with him as well. Highly recommended and ask for Kaylee M. She was the best !!

    Lunch with a view
    Dave B.

    Calhoun was a great spot for lunch right on the water. We pulled up the boat, grabbed a great lunch, then back to fishing. I had the pastrami sandwich which was very good. Our server was friendly and attentive.

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    3 months ago

    Tasty great food. Wonderful views. Service helpful and attentive. Very good salmon with the loaded baked potato.

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    2 months ago

    Fried Green Tomatoes were delicious, as everything else! Service was excellent! Dined outside in the patio! Dockside view, peaceful!

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    Emily H.

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    3 months ago

    We went there for lunch and cocktails on the patio. Horrible service. We won't be back.

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Calhoun's

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    The indoor restaurant.
    The indoor restaurant.
    This is not naan, remember-Amritsari kulcha platter, order it!
    This is not naan, remember-Amritsari kulcha platter, order it!
    Mango Lassi, yum!!

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    Mango Lassi, yum!!

    Calhoun's - bbq - Updated July 2026

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