Cancel

Open app

Search

J C Holdway

4.4 (266 reviews)
Open • 5:00 pm - 9:45 PM
Updated over 3 months ago

J C Holdway Photos

Business Info

J C HOLDWAY ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Trendy
Quiet
Good for groups
Outdoor seating

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - J C Holdway

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

John B.

Awesome place in downtown Knoxville. Arrive early for a place at the bar if you don't have reservations, 15 minutes before opening on a Friday night got us a table by chance. Cannot compliment all the staff enough for their warm hospitality. Shared small plates and appetizers and everything was fantastic. Would definitely come back again when I'm in town. This place deserves all the accolades that it's getting.

Caroline S.

Everything was so delectable. The setting to intimate and relaxing. The server was very kind and well informative. It was a great dinner to celebrate our anniversary. You know it's a great place when they're even busy on a Tuesday night. We will definitely come back!

Casual and warm dining room ... come as you are.
Jenny D.

Mark and I were comparing this meal to all the other wonderful meals we've had in the U.S. and we couldn't think of a better one. This restaurant is unpretentious, inventive, and filled with good people who seem to be very happy working here. They are very proud of the restaurant and the food ... and it shows. The cocktails were superb: a Bold Fashioned and a Mezcal citrus almond creation. For starters, we had the pork belly biscuits. Our salad was so simple but layered superbly with beautiful flavors at every level. For dinner, mark ordered Bolognese pasta and said it rivaled his grandmother's. I had the mushroom pasta which was flavorful and just got better with each bite. Dessert: have the PB&J. That is all. One of our best meals ever with a sommelier who really knows his wine.

Cornbread
Maureen N.

I visited for my birthday, and it was an amazing experience! The hospitality was crazy impressive. They made my day feel very special, and I was grateful for that. I ordered the brussels sprouts, gnocchi with short ribs, and cornbread. They gave me crackers with pimento cheese and sorbet on the house! That was surprising but most welcomed! The highlight of the meal was the brussels sprouts and the short ribs included with the gnocchi. The brussel sprouts was delicious and I would definitely recommend it. I was disappointed by the meager amount of short ribs that the gnocchi came with. It melted in my mouth and was very flavorful that I wish it was the main meal rather than the gnocchi. The gnocchi had a floury, raw taste that was off putting actually but the short ribs made up for it. I do not know if they make it fresh but they should alter the recipe. The cornbread was huge and served as an excellent end to my meal right before I got a watermelon sorbet. Overall, I had an amazing time at JC Holdway. I just wish my server had informed me of the special that night. Regardless, I will revisit!

Pimento Cheese, benne seed cracker & Smoked Chicken Wings, Alabama white sauce
Chaz P.

After completing a rugged three-night camping sojourn in the Great Smoky Mountains, I longed to pivot from the primitive to the refined--from firewood and starlight to fine stemware and culinary artistry. My background in fine dining and James Beard Award-winning establishments made the search deliberate, and Providence led me to JC Holdway in Knoxville--a beacon of sophistication in East Tennessee. The evening unfolded on the outdoor patio where the air lingered at a perfect 72°, kissed by a dusky sunset. The chef opened with an unexpected gift: a pimento cheese dollop crowned atop a benne seed cracker. Simple, yet elegant--an amuse-bouche that announced I was in capable hands. For the first course, I ordered the Smoked Chicken Wings glazed in Alabama white sauce. To call them wings feels unjust; these were masterworks--skin crisped to perfection, yet flesh so tender it surrendered from the bone. Quite honestly, among the best wings I've ever encountered across decades of dining. The main act was the Whole Grilled Sunburst Trout--a dazzling display of flavor and craft. Presented with cabbage, green beans, shaved carrots, basil, and a lively tomato vinaigrette, the trout was expertly deboned tableside, adding ceremony to the moment. Each bite reaffirmed my suspicion: this was the single best trout of my life, its succulence owed much to the restaurant's crown jewel--the Josper oven, a rare instrument of culinary alchemy that seals in essence while imparting an unmatched smokiness. To conclude, I savored a Buttermilk Lime Sorbet--silken, refreshing, and so well balanced that I nearly ordered another simply to prolong the experience. Later, I reflected on the story of Chef Joseph Lenn, honored as Best Chef: Southeast by the James Beard Foundation in 2013. It struck a chord with me personally, having served as Captain at Restaurant Eugene in Atlanta when Chef Linton Hopkins won that same award in 2012. Excellence at this level is never a solo act--it is a chorus of discipline, vision, and unity. The team at JC Holdway embodies this truth magnificently. In short, JC Holdway is not merely a restaurant--it is a culinary pilgrimage worth taking. I left not only satisfied, but inspired, and I cannot wait to return with my wife so she can share in this remarkable experience.

Pork belly biscuits

Stumbled in here by chance. We were so welcomed, where the other restaurants in Market Square brushed us off. They seated us in front of the kitchen where we were able to watch the kitchen staff prepare all of the meals. To top it off, our server was amazing and explained all of the dishes beautifully. We tried a several dishes and this place did not disappointed. This is a place for foodies!

Keisha C.

The restaurant itself is beautiful, but the waiters and food was even better! Best porkchop ever!

Alyssa K.

Very fun friendly upscale experience with excellent cocktails that match the excellent service. I had the orecchiette with lobster-deliciously spring fresh. Blue cheesecake was outstanding. Coming back again and again.

Ribeye steak

See all

1 month ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Chaz P.
1256
310
1538

9 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 3
Love this 3
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ian A.
1
11
0

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jane W.
57
33
0

7 months ago

Hands down the best restaurant in Knoxville and we have been to them all. Everything is amazing!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Every thing about this restaurant was great. Food was surprisingly good. Reservations is hard to - so book in advance

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 2

1 year ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 1
Photo of Joe
0
1
0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Callie H.
24
54
76

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1
Photo of Laura S.
211
23
30

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Dawn H.
78
23
27

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 2
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 3
Love this 4
Oh no 0
Photo of Ira E.
2
57
2

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of K R.
6
714
4076

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 7

Ask the Community - J C Holdway

You might also consider

Balter Beerworks

Balter Beerworks

4.3(740 reviews)
0.2 mi
•$$

Oh man, did I need this meal in my life. I was out way too late the night before, and this was…read moreeverything my heart could desire lol. We got the deviled eggs, southwestern Benedict, green tomato Benedict, and the breakfast burrito. Everything was great. I didn't have anything to drink other than water, which seems silly at a place that has beer in the title, but check out the brunch. The servers were mostly younger folks, but really attentive and professional. The vibe is clean and casual. A spot that the local college kids dig, which I wasn't mad about. I'm a kid at heart. My buddy got the ice cream cookie thing and the banana pudding taster. The ice cream cookie will make me quickly turn into the Michelin man, but damn it was good.

Speaking specifically here on Balter's brunch-- could not ask for a better experience! It was…read moreValentine's Day, so obviously packed-- we never had a lapse in attention from our waitress. Brunch gives you access to a small buffet (fresh fruit, potato salad, chicken salad, pasta salad, brownies, and cookies) that you can help yourself to while waiting for entrees. I split a mimosa carafe which was delightful, their coffee is spectacular as well. While it was packed, I could still speak at a normal volume with my partner and enjoy our valentines morning! The energy and ambiance didn't feel overly hurried and it was overall very welcoming and pleasant. I ate the quinoa benedict and LOVED it!! For two entrees, coffee, and a large mimosa carafe we split about $50.

Photos
Balter Beerworks - Inside Balter Beerworks

Inside Balter Beerworks

Balter Beerworks - Balter Burger! Sweet potato waffle fries were amazing!!!

Balter Burger! Sweet potato waffle fries were amazing!!!

Balter Beerworks - Decisions, decisions ...

See all

Decisions, decisions ...

Oliver Royale - Seasonal Dinner Dish at Oliver Royale in Knoxville, TN

Oliver Royale

4.1(340 reviews)
0.1 mi
•$$

Good food and friendly staff. Got the Mediterranean salad and the Redfin blackened dinner…read more Overall the flavors were fantastic.

My husband had eaten here previously and told me it was simply "okay," but I had been drooling over…read morethe menu and requested it for my birthday meal. The ambiance is lovely. Both upscale yet inviting. Note that it does feel a bit like European dining where the tables and fellow diners are very close to you and the tables are small and cozy. You hear all of their convos as well, for better or worse. :-) We ordered the scallop appetizer and for our meal, we both got the short rib pappardelle pasta and a side of the brussel sprouts to share. Our server was very kind but our orders took a very long time to come out, from drinks to the food itself. In fact, our brussels came out at the same time as the check. I will say that she recognized this issue without us saying anything and even removed the brussels from the bill preemptively. The food was delicious-especially the main course. The bolognese sauce was creamy and had a slight kick and the short rib was tender and tasty. Another odd thing is that we ordered the same exact dish but one plate visibly had almost twice the amount of food than the other, which is an odd choice if you know they are going to the same table. Other than the few service quirks, it was a wonderful experience and the food and drinks were delicious. We will be back at some point.

Photos
Oliver Royale - Wedding at Oliver Royale in Knoxville, TN

Wedding at Oliver Royale in Knoxville, TN

Oliver Royale - Seasonal Dessert at Oliver Royale in Knoxville, TN

Seasonal Dessert at Oliver Royale in Knoxville, TN

Oliver Royale - Seasonal Cocktail on the bar at Oliver Royale in Knoxville, TN

See all

Seasonal Cocktail on the bar at Oliver Royale in Knoxville, TN

The Humble Hog - These chicken livers were snook on the inside, crispy outside so seasoned

The Humble Hog

4.3(82 reviews)
0.2 mi

Really great food. Love the ambience and the location. Almost the entire menu is gluten free and it…read morewas so amazing, even my husband who doesn't eat gluten free loved it all. The Mac n cheese was the best I've ever had. The Brussels are glorious and the fried pickles are the best ever. Truly great food.

I was on the hunt for BBQ on a Sunday on Knoxville. It was pretty tough as several BBQ joints are…read moreclosed on a Sunday. That led me to The Humble Hog. First of all, be prepared to search for parking but I found a parking garage about a block away. I walked in and was greeted by a very friendly bartender who made a good bit of conversation with me. I appreciated that and he recommended the wings. I wish I had taken him up on the wings. More on that in a moment. I felt like pulled pork though so I went with the sandwich and Chipotle mac and cheese. The pulled pork was tender, seasoned well, and went well with all the sauces. I never had Chipotle mac and cheese as it was a little spicy but oh so creamy and cheesy! There are 4 sauces - 3 on the table that are tomato base (mild, Chipotle, and Habanero) and the Alabama white you have to request. The Alabama White was my favorite as it was very black peppery. And that is why I should have taken the bartender up on the wings because that sauce with the wings would have been amazing. The other 3 sauces were thick and rich. My sweet tea was refreshingly sweet! Very good BBQ overall though it is limited and pricey and worth a visit to downtown Knoxville.

Photos
The Humble Hog
The Humble Hog - Smoked bologna sandwich and fries!

Smoked bologna sandwich and fries!

The Humble Hog - So good, Pulled bork on Brioche  Bun center, house coleslaw and bottom is Kimchi Brussels sprouts

See all

So good, Pulled bork on Brioche Bun center, house coleslaw and bottom is Kimchi Brussels sprouts

Mimosas - Eggs Benedict

Mimosas

3.5(27 reviews)
0.8 mi

Deep fried brocollini, an appetizer was more deep fried breading than brocolli. Not my fave. The…read moreother selections were tasty! The highlight of the meal was our awesome server Sammie! 5 stars for Sammie, 4 stars for food.

Went to Mimosas in Knoxville for brunch this weekend and I'm officially obsessed. I've been here…read morefor dinner before, but brunch was a whole new experience and absolutely lived up to the hype. We were able to get seated pretty quickly but saw the line forming out the door so know that the earlier the better to get there for brunch. Use the parking garage behind it for parking. First of all -- the cheesy truffle breakfast potatoes deserve their own fan club. We heard about the woman in the kitchen who smashes the potatoes to "get her aggression out," and honestly... you can taste the love. Perfectly crispy, cheesy, and addictive. I did the $20 bottomless mimosas and loved that they kept bringing whatever juice flavors we wanted to pair with them. Plus, they use actual fresh-squeezed orange juice -- you can literally see the giant orange juicing machine behind the bar. Such a fun touch and it really makes a difference. Our server, Caden, was precious. Super friendly, attentive, and honest about the menu. Even if he hadn't personally tried something yet, he still gave thoughtful recommendations and explained what sounded best. The bacon, tomato, and avocado Benedict was INSANELY good and the portions were huge. We also tried the ricotta toast and the fig + butternut squash pairing was unexpectedly amazing. Even the sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit sandwich was incredible and apparently they make their biscuits fresh in house every day. Everything felt fresh, thoughtful, and homemade. Definitely one of the best brunch experiences I've had in Knoxville. Now I know I can have breakfast, lunch or dinner there and it's going to be good :)

Photos
Mimosas
Mimosas
Mimosas - Bottomless mimosas

See all

Bottomless mimosas

J C Holdway - newamerican - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...