I asked the receptionist at my , if she were to go for lunch near here, where would she go? She had a couple of vague selections. When I asked about sandwiches, she perked up and said oh! The soup kitchen!! It was only miles away, so we went. There were no prices overly advertised on the board. We weren't too worried about it, so we just went with it. The option I chose was tamale, with chili and cheese. (I skipped the chips I'm not able to eat them) and my spouse I had chicken and dumpling soup with a grilled ham and cheese. first of all, I never would've thought to pair a tamale with chili and cheese! Second of all, I am a huge fan of HOT food. It seems like whenever I go out to eat, the food is always lukewarm at best. This food was hot! I was so thrilled!! The tamale was wonderful, the chili was definitely not a can! Wonderful! Hubby enjoyed the chicken and dumpling. He thought the sandwich was OK. Would definitely recommend! $$ read more

What a great local spot. We had 30 of us from a gathering eat here. I had: Vegetable soup. A hearty vegetable soup with potatoes, peas, beans, corn and a bunch of nummyness! Delicious soup! Salad: iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, red onions and peppers. Very fresh and nice. Brown bread: ask for bread, get about 1/2 a loaf. Homemade delicious warm brown bread. A real treat. Not the fanciest place in town but great food! read more

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Stopped off at this little off-the-wall place called the soup kitchen the food looks good. The soup is good. I'm laying and Lena helped me as well too and the ambience is like a little old suit. Kitchen looks really cute. Something that I would definitely recommend a very local type place if people would hear also amazing too, and I have to try the carrot cake. The carrot cake was really good. I would recommend that it's warmed up though but all read more

The Soup Kitchen - Linda and Lana - Soup Near Me - Oak Ridge, Tennessee

What a quaint local spot! Many people recommended this to my family as a must-try mom and pop stop. In a small building near the hospital, there is menu signage outside as well as an outdoor pickup window. Inside, you will find a fast moving, cafeteria-esque line where you can order your soup, dessert, breads, sandwiches, and a drink cup (self-serve soda and tea around the corner). The decor is country cozy with lots of knick knacks and antiques displayed as well as lots of Oak Ridge-specific historical signage. The soups are homemade and hot and the breads huge and so dang soft! We didn't try the desserts but better believe that's on the list for next time. My husband ordered the fiesta chicken, I tried the red skin potato, and we split a cheese bread. We moved down the order line and everything was stacked on our trays, which we were handed upon payment at the end of the line. Hubby liked his soup and I liked the consistency of mine. Both just really needed some salt and seasonings. The cheese bread was amazing. Looking forward to trying some of the other breads, along with a sandwich and some of the chili with fritos and cheese (heck yes!). I ordered a sick friend veggie soup and a white roll, which was well-packaged and she really enjoyed the taste of all. read more

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We went on a rainy day needing comfort food. The environment was nostalgic. The soup was exactly what we needed. Service was friendly. Would definitely go back for a low key lunch or dinner. read more

As my prior reviews have noted, this is one of the oldest restaurants in Oak Ridge. An institution in itself. That said, the quality of the soup and service has declined in recent times. It's okay. But, the quality could be much better. Still, I think everyone should check out Soup Kitchen (at least once) if you're in Oak Ridge because it's so quirky. read more

The Soup Kitchen - Soup Near Me - Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Delicious soup, so charming and quaint! Absolutely loved the chili and cheese bread, and wanted to try most of the soups on the menu. Quick service, so clean. loved the old photos of oak ridge and testament to its history. read more

I think this will be my new lunch location in Oak Ridge! There were plenty of customers ordering to-go meals and dining in...the employees kept the lining moving and made the process easy to order. I was expecting my food to take a while considering the meals ahead of me, but it was fast and super hot! The food was delicious and my husband loved his Reuben sandwich. read more

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I absolutely can't wait to go back. Went to the Soup Kitchen on a super cold wintery day and it was what I needed. Hot soup, and plenty of options when it comes to bread. Service was fast and friendly, and there are several seating areas. Highly recommend! read more

Great soup selection. Service was simple and efficient. A little tight for larger groups.

Best soup in town! I hadn't been to the Soup kitchen since before the pandemic. I forgot how good it is. If you want a variety of great soup choices, a cool vintage environment , great breads, and desserts, PLEASE visit the Soup Kitchen. It's like a little museum. read more

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Cozy little kitchen, with about a dozen soups and sandwiches. Price for a full sammie and bowl of soup with drink and chips, is about $9. I had cajun red beans, with lots of beans, rice, and meats. My sammie was a Reuben which was a bit different than the normal, but on great bread with a delicious kraut and sauce. My wife had potato cheddar, with nice size chunks of potato. She also got a philly which she really liked. Drinks were coca cola products, tea, coffee, water, milk. We didnt try their fresh breads which looked fabulous. My wife got a slice of cake with nuts on top. Only negative thing I will mention is that a near by customer who waited too long for their sandwich till their soup was cold. She reminded staff several times and settled for a sammie different from what she ordered just to eat. Also parking seems limited. Food is tasty...stop by. read more

The Soup Kitchen - Reuben and cajun red beans - Soup Near Me - Oak Ridge, Tennessee

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Outstanding staff and incredible food! I highly recommend this place. They make their soup fresh every day and provide a variety of soups and sandwiches. I have had many different items from their menu in the past. I have never been disappointed. read more

Went with a group - they knew we were coming. Terrible service, they actually shut off sandwiches to the latter part of our group! Kind of like a certain Seinfeld episode - No sandwiches for you!! Soup was ok, not great - my bowl was dirty. Sandwiches- who knows, I wasn't lucky enough to get one! May be fine for individuals or very small groups but was terrible for us! read more

I just had the Ruben sandwich and it was absolutely amazing! I'm in town for some training and it was very cold where I was and I really wanted some chicken noodle soup. I had the soup and the sandwich delivered thru DoorDash. It was packed well and the food was great. My go to from here on out!! Awesome read more

I have tried to go here on a few Saturday's when I'm off work and school and it's closed when online says open, either update you're website or the workers need to show up to work read more

The Soup Kitchen - Soup Near Me - Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Went on Friday night at 6:15, July 2 and they were closed. Only open until 6 PM in the summer. Does nobody check this?

No matter what day it is, they will have a great soup you! Wednesdays are my favorite in Oak Ridge, Snow Crabmmmmmm1

Passed this place a few times while in town, but this trip on restricted menu was a great time to check it out. I mainly had the vegetable soup or chili but tried shrimp & rice, chicken noodle, Mexican fiesta, Italian. Their fresh breads were good. Kept returning for their soup but even more so their desserts which tasted fresh, home made and irresistible. Banana pudding, lemon cake, mandarin orange cake, peanut butter pie, chocolate pie - not a bad one in the bunch. Varieties change every day, closed Sundays. I did not try the salads but the tuna salad was good. Will definitely return upon future trips. Reasonably fast service most times. Prices reasonable. Seasonal hours, check before you go. read more

I went there this Saturday and the one young girl with glasses and a bit shorter was beyond rude to myself and my friends.

Very good-great selection of soups with tasty sandwiches. Fresh breads and good desserts. Remodeled from a vintage Manhattan era grocery store-not fancy but has a good vibe. read more

The soup here is very yummy! Every soup we have tried has been very good and I'm sure when winter hits it will be a great lunch spot for me. Only complaint is it's a little overpriced for what it is. I got a bowl of soup, roll, and a soda for $10. read more

Stopped here for lunch for the first time a couple weeks ago. My husband and I just wanted a light lunch and thought soup would be the ticket. My husband had chicken noodle and said it had absolutely no flavor. He said he felt he had to almost empty the salt shaker in it to make it taste like something. I had the hearty vegetable, and it was very hearty but also needed some salt and it was only lukewarm. I really like my soup hot. We did enjoy the homemade bread. The cafeteria style of ordering and getting our food was okay but they could really use an upgrade of their trays and soup bowls as they really cheapened the entire experience for us. read more

Great lunch after a bad morning. The bread is wonderful and the staff is awesome. The soup is very flavorful and filling. read more

The Soup Kitchen - Soup Near Me - Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Very old Oak Ridge restaurant that has good food. The soup kitchen is very cheap with its old style, the restaurant has much of oak Ridge history in its walls. read more

I asked this lady where a good place to eat was and she told me to go to the Soup Kitchen. Then I punched her. Then I realized that the Soup Kitchen is not a homeless shelter. Then I said sorry. Then I kicked her. Then I ate at the Soup Kitchen. This place is known for their homemade soup. Think of the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld, except instead of a grumpy Arab man it's run by a bunch of sweet southern ladies. Obviously, The Soup Kitchen is known for it's soup, which changes every day, and today they had about 7-8 different kinds listed. I had the chili with fritos and cheese with some brown bread and it was delicious. They also have salads and sandwiches but soup is their specialty. This place is good old home cooking at it's best. It's cafeteria style, so don't worry if you see a line, it'll go fast. Especially if you headbutt your way to the front. read more

Always amazing food and great service! My wife and I have been going to the soup kitchen for 7.5 years on lunch dates! They never disappoint! read more

For me, The Soup Kitchen is an "old reliable" establishment in Oak Ridge. The "old" part comes from that fact that it's been operating in the same location for about three decades, in a Manhattan Project-era building in historic Jackson Square, decorated with ever-changing displays of 20th-century American collectibles and furnished with tables and chairs in a homey style that recalls one's grandmother's house. The "reliable" part comes from the predictability and quality of the food offerings and the service. When you arrive at the Soup Kitchen, you often have to stand in line (particularly during the lunch hour) to get to the serving area. After picking up a serving tray and utensils, the standard procedure is to choose between chili and seven kinds of soup -- all served from large pots, pick up a personal-sized loaf of fresh-baked bread and possibly a dessert, order a drink (most people choose soft drinks, iced tea, or good old water, but beer is available), and pay for the meal. The line always moves real fast. There's also a nice array of prepared salads and sandwiches, but most customers choose soup or chili. The 7 soups offered on any one day are a small fraction of the SK's huge collection of soup recipes. The selection changes daily (also during the day -- when one pot runs out, they'll bring out a pot of a different kind of soup made fresh that morning). There are a few soups that are reliably served on a particular day of the week (for example, Wednesday is snow crab day), but there usually is at least one soup to appeal to everyone';s appetite (if you don't want a Mexican-style soup, chances are that Gratin Savoyard or potato-cheddar or a goulash-style soup will appeal). The bread selection (about 3 styles each day) also varies -- I usually choose their sweet-tasting wheat bread when they have it, and other members of my family have been partial to their cheese bread and their corn bread. Once you have filled your tray and paid, it's time to find a seat. Just as the line always moves quickly, I don't think I've ever had a problem finding a place to sit even at the lunchtime peak period, although when a large group is eating lunch together it does help to have someone stake out a large table while the rest of you are getting your food. When all is said and done, The Soup Kitchen offers a very satisfying eating experience in a comfortable atmosphere. I find that it's equally good as a place to eat alone, eat with family or close friends, or meet a group for conversation. read more

One of my favorite places to go. The soup is changing everyday so you know it's fresh. The prices are good . They have bread of several different sorts as well. I recommend the honey butter it's completely delicious. You must go back time and time again to get all of their flavors. They have to go and inside seating. There's more than one location but they've kept the same goodness going there as well. read more

This place was an excellent find. Traveling for work I came across the soup kitchen at lunchtime. Wow, was it good. I've been back two other times and they did not disappoint. Highly recommend! read more

I have been here several times and their soups and chili's are fantastic. Their corn breads are also just as good. Be prepared for a line around lunch time suring the week. It's worth it though. read more

This is a great place to get a warm, inexpensive dinner. They close early on weekdays (7:30 p.m.) and are closed on Sundays, so I had to plan my dinner time accordingly. The effort was worth it! I had the hearty vegetable soup with cornbread, which was less than $7. The soup was warm and filling. There wasn't anything spectacular or amazing about the soup, but that was part of the charm. The soup was comforting and delicious. I only gave 4 stars because the cornbread was rather dry. This wasn't a problem with the soup. But eating the cornbread without soup or butter isn't any easy feat. I will definitely go back to try other soup and bread options! read more

SO GOOD! Stopped by and got a bowl of chili, and I already can't wait to go back and try another soup.

I am such a sucker for non-traditional restaurants. A bit of an Achilles's heal of mine and this shoe sure did fit. Came by with family in town and got to try 5 or 6 soups and 4 kinds of bread (sharing is caring). The soups, though not exceptionally fantastic this night, were hearty and satisfying coupled with some delicious bread choices. My main dig though was the unfortunate case that several of the soups were on the tepid side. So other than making sure your soups are hot, Curry on the good work. I'll be souper excited to see what else I can slurp in the future. read more

Good soup, good sandwiches, reasonable prices. Soups change daily. Check out their website at -- http://thesoupkitchen.com/oak-ridge/daily-menu -- for the daily offering. Have yet to try it, but I was told you could make requests for your favorite. Just let them know a couple of days in advance... read more

The Soup Kitchen - Under the awning... It's just a little water - Soup Near Me - Oak Ridge, Tennessee

The people are very nice. But, this place is disgusting. The kitchen looks disgusting. My asthma got activated by the dust in the dining area. And the outside of my grilled cheese sandwich tasted like tuna. But, very, very nice people. read more

I have been eating at the Soup Kitchen for years and Never been disappointed! The quality of the many soups, breads and sandwiches is exceptional! I love this place! Certainly one of the best places for lunch or early dinner in Oak Ridge. read more

Every time my lunch group eats here, we asks ourselves "why don't we come here more often?". At this point it's a running joke. Anyway, Tuesdays are best - that's when they serve the Cajun Red Bean soup which very well may be the pinnacle of soups. Also, don't be afraid if you see the line coming out the door - it moves quick. read more

This has been a favorite of my family for as long as I can remember. Whenever we come down from Ohio we come here. The food is delicious. The service is amazing. Wish we had something half as good where I live. read more

I dropped in to get soup for my sister who was sick. It was 30 minutes before they opened and they were slammed preparing to go orders. They were great to allow me to get my order to go also even before opening for business. They were so kind, customer friendly, and generous and I appreciated their understanding. Just like East Tennessee is known for! Love the soup, bread and desserts! Always a favorite. read more