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    Colonel's Cafe

    4.5 (270 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

    Colonel's Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    COLONEL'S CAFE ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - Colonel's Cafe

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    Corned beef hash
    Sean C.

    This is a hidden gem and I'm so glad we found it, randomly, while looking for a quick breakfast spot. The location is pretty small, with an even smaller parking lot - I would recommend carpooling if you're planning on meeting up for breakfast. Although the service area is quite small, the tables turned really quickly so nobody seemed to be waiting for very long. Our server was super friendly and the food comes out very fast; all wins. Don't skip the biscuit - it was incredible, definitely homemade and well-worth it. The food, overall, is very good. Tastes like most diners, but you can tell they are focused on keeping the quality and freshness along with the speed. If I get back to Knoxville, this would be a go-to spot.

    Prices added

    Had to leave......SO DIRTY Even the waitress had filthy sweatshirt on. :/. Alot of add ons too No gloves worn when handling food. Chef wiped counter with his hand and then picked up toast. What??? We tried...just couldnt! People in Knoxville need to be more particular!!!

    Grilled chicken and eggs

    The phone order was easy to place and she let me know what specials were on the board when asked. Food was cooked as asked and ready at the time indicated. It's a small place with a lot of heart. The food was yummy. Capers in the potatoes were different, but good. The pancakes were super fluffy and the kids ate them for breakfast and lunch! Good portions.

    Garden Omelet with Fried Potatoes and Whole Wheat Toast
    Amelia B.

    When you sit down and quickly realize that you're the only strangers in the entire restaurant, that's a good sign (unless you also hear banjos playing). In one of the few buildings in the Bearden Shopping District that hasn't undergone an upscale renovation, Colonel's Cafe is an un-ironic 80's time warp that lives up to all your childhood memories of easygoing meals at the local diner, and I can't believe I've never tried this neighborhood hole in the wall before. The plates are mismatched, the kitchen aged and cramped, and you'll find not a single trace of anything pretentious or trendy in the decor, the staff, or the menu. The floors and tables are clean, and you cannot beat the vibe--well loved and broken in like a favorite pair of jeans. The portions are good, and the menu is comfortingly familiar diner fare but with an unexpected Mediterranean twist (Capers atop expertly fried potatoes? Absolutely!). The pancakes are huge and as fluffy as you'll feel after eating two. Do mind the time and arrive early because the parking lot is small, and the regulars arrive in droves during peak breakfast and lunch hours. We might have been the only patrons in the place this morning who weren't regulars, but I promise we will be soon!

    Pastrami sandwich was INCREDIBLE. Also best biscuits and gravy I think I've ever had

    The pastrami sandwich was INCREDIBLE! Also the best biscuits and gravy I think I've ever had

    Turkey Club with extra crispy fries
    Donielle S.

    LOVE this little local gem! THE favorite breakfast place in Knoxville - out of the way, unassuming and always delicious. Bacon is perfectly crisp, eggs are spot on, pancakes are plate size and the gravy for biscuits and gravy is the best in Knoxville. My personal favorite lately is the Mediterranean Breakfast (hold the fresh garlic in the eggs) because there is plenty in the homemade hummus. Gotta try the ENORMOUS Turkey Club with extra crispy French fries for lunch. Can't usually make it thru a whole club so I have lunch for the next day. As always, the owner, Nina, and her amazing staff make everyone feel welcome.

    Philly Cheesesteak Omelet

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    10 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    4 months ago

    Food here is amazing. I love this place I could eat her everyday for breakfast or lunch. Highly recommend.

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    1 year ago

    The southern eggs with cream cheese and chives were amazing!! Would definitely order again.

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    1 year ago

    We eat here several times a month. Food is always good. Great for breakfast or lunch.

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    1 year ago

    Absolutely amazing! Incredible flavors. Everything was perfection. Fried okra was spot on.

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    1 year ago

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    7 months ago

    Food was good but wouldn't say great. Not sure how my bill was $62 before tip. Not the friendliest staff. I will likely not return.

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Wonderful food! The breakfast potatoes are a must!! Wonderful service , great atmosphere and delicious food!

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    1 year ago

    Awesome place to try different spin on breakfast service was great really enjoyed atmosphere

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    2 years ago

    Awesome ppl and experience food was delicious love the options on the menu fun friendly environment

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

    Excellent but crowded breakfast place. Homemade biscuits and corned beef hash. We'll definitely return.

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    Ask the Community - Colonel's Cafe

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    Colonel's Cafe - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

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