25 Best Southern Restaurants in Knoxville

1

Cafe 4

Cafe 4 Southern • $$
4 Market Square, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Fried Chicken and Waffles
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Warm Pimento Cheese Dip
Market Square Breakfast
White Chicken Flatbread
Parmesan Truffle Fries
Truffle Parmesan Fries
Fried Chicken & Waffles
Strawberry Field Salad

“Sydney was the best ever! She was very knowledgeable and helped us navigate every step of the way through the menu and options. I will be coming back to see her I suggest you do as well. However only problem we had was out of her control. The establishment charged for mixers in 2 step cocktails (ex. Tito’s and starry) I’ve never seen a place do that even at 5 star establishments. Fix this and get coke instead of Pepsi and you will be the best place in town.

Vegetarian options: Veggie linguini on point“

4.9 Superb1052 Reviews
Farmacy Southern • $
5018 Kingston Pike, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

Chicken and Waffles and in the Bowl Is Black and Blue Fries
Nashville Hot Chicken
Strawberry Cream Cake
Biscuits and Gravy
Small House Salad
Brussels Sprouts
Lunch Hot Chicken
Shrimp and Grits
Salmon Sandwich
Farmacy Burger

“Great staff and great food!“

4.4 Superb252 Reviews
J.C. Holdway American • $$$
501 Union Ave, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

Hearth Roasted Shrimp Grits Andouille Sausage Preserved Tomatoes & Shellfish Emulsion
Slow Cooked Farm Egg Potato Gnocchi Chicken Confit & Hen of the Woods Mushrooms
Lemon Tart Blueberries Lime & Crème Fraiche Ice Cream
Valrhona Chocolate Cake Salted Caramel Coffee Ice Cream
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Smoked Onion Jam
Chicken Wings with Alabama White Sauce
Scallion Hushpuppies & BBQ Onion Aioli
Scallion Hushpuppies & Tartar Sauce
Chicken Wings with White Sauce
Oysters on the Half Shell

“So listen, if you're looking for one of the best dining experiences in the city, then why haven't you gone yet?! If amazing service, food, ambiance, and beverages are all relevant to your interests, then quit messing around and grab a freaking table! Wife and I love coming here for certain occasions, great way to celebrate, and we're always blown away by our dining experience. Always greeted by the awesome team upon entry and Adam, the GM, always comes to welcome us back! We've always had phenomenal service and last night was no different. Stephen was an absolute rockstar, I had him pick my cocktail based on flavor profiles and he and the bartender absolutely nailed it! We love doing multiple small plates, mixing in an entrée periodically, and it's always an incredible experience! Pro tip, wear a red dress and a red sequins jacket for date night = best seat in the house. Looking forward to the next occasion, cheers.“

4.9 Superb145 Reviews
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken Southern • $
3101 Sutherland Ave, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

Fried Chicken Baked Beans Coleslaw
Fried Green Tomatoes
Gus's Fried Chicken
Fried Pickle Spears
Sweet Tea Goodness
Sweet Potato Pie
Chocolate Chess
Seasoned Fries
Chicken Dinner
Honey Mustard

“Today was my first visit & now I'm a fan! Food was fresh and delicious. Our server was great. If you haven't had this place, run..go today!“

4.5 Superb201 Reviews
Jackie's Dream Southern • $
1008 E Woodland Ave, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

Tilapia or Catfish Served with Fried Potatoes & Onions Slaw and Hushpuppies
Fried Chicken Wings Collard Greens Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy and Mac and Cheese
Legs & Thighs Green and Mac & Cheese
Nanny Mary's Fried Green Tomatoes
Nashville Hot Chicken
Chicken Tenders
Banana Pudding
Honey Bun Cake
Fried Catfish

“This is simply the best restaurant in Knoxville. Not only is the food absolutely delicious, the servings are large and the food is hot or cold, depending on what it is. The wonderful slaw is always chilled. In addition, the servers are friendly and efficient, although possibly overworked. What a great experience!“

4.5 Superb179 Reviews
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar Southern • $$
1 Market Square, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

Fried Green Tomatoes with Goat Cheese Grits
Asheville Hot with Mac-N-Cheese Waffles
Chicken and Waffles with Siracha Honey
Tupelo's Famous Bone-In Fried Chicken
Sriracha Honey Fried Chicken & Waffles
Salt & Pepper Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Benedict
Famous Fried Green Tomatoes
Farmhouse Breakfast Platter
Tupelo's Shrimp & Grits GF

“Great atmosphere and delicious food!!“

4.3 Superb349 Reviews
Myrtle's Chicken and Beer Southern • $
13 Market Square, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

Dark Meat Tomato Pie and Mac and Cheese
Buttermilk Cheddar Drop Biscuits
Myrtle's Fried Chicken Sandwich
Big Daddy's Rotisserie Chicken
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
Fried Pimento Cheese Fritters
Chicken Fried Steak Benedict
Rib & Chicken Tenders Combo
Nashville Hot Chicken Salad
Signature Chicken Pot Pie

“Showed up on a Saturday at 5 PM and was quickly seated. 30 minutes later, there was a big line. Fantastic food. We were intrigued by the Tomato Pie. After our first bite, we knew why it is so popular. Such a great item. Chicken Pot Pie and Fried Chicken were outstanding. Without a doubt, 5 stars.“

4.3 Superb215 Reviews
Sullivan's Fine Food Southern • $
7545 S Northshore Dr, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

Triple Chocolate Pound Cake & Ice Cream
Grilled Chicken & Goat Cheese Flatbread
Meatloaf Green Beans Mashed Potatoes
Fried Corn on the Cob
Fried Green Tomatoes
Spinach Con Queso
Northshore Salad
Rocky Top Burger
Strawberry Cake
Chicken Tenders

“We went to Sullivan’s for dinner last night with friends and had a great experience! We split the Chimi Rollers and Spinach Con Queso for appetizers and they were both delicious! The chicken Marsala was awesome and such a generous portion that I will be able to enjoy it again today! Everyone else enjoyed their meals as well. Other than spending time with our friends, the highlight was definitely our server Ashton! The restaurant was very crowded and there was a party going on in the back. As busy as she was, she remained upbeat and personable and made us feel like we were her only customers. We will definitely be back!“

4.6 Superb49 Reviews
Corner16 Southern • $
9637 Kroger Park Dr, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Club with Pimento Cheese
Wedge Salad and Grilled Chicken
Seared Ahi Tuna Salad
Bacon Wrapped Brisket
Grilled Chicken blt
Fried Green Tomatoes
Rocky Top Hot Brown
California Chicken
Brisket Burnt Ends
Meatloaf Sandwich

“Great food, service, and a happy clean atmosphere!“

4.1 Good124 Reviews
Horn of Plenty Market Southern • $
9132 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

Meatloaf Mashed Potato Platter
Chicken Fried Chicken
Fried Catfish Platter
Fried Green Tomatoes
Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken & Dumplings
Cowboy Baked Beans
Maple Pecan Pie
Pulled Chicken
Banana Pudding

“Great food, fun place. I will be back.“

4 Good85 Reviews
Gus's World Famous fried Chicken - Lovell Rd Chicken • $
126 Lovell Rd, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

2 Piece White Chicken Dinner with Mac N Cheese and Greens
2 Piece Chicken Dinner with Mac N Cheese and Greens
Chicken Strips with Baked Beans and Mac and Cheese
4 Tenders Fries Mac & Cheese
Chocolate Chess Pie Slice
Pecan Pie and Chess Pie
Sweet Potato Pie Slice
Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried Chicken Thigh
2 Piece Dark Plate

“Today was my first visit & now I'm a fan! Food was fresh and delicious. Our server was great. If you haven't had this place, run..go today!“

4.4 Superb249 Reviews
Ola's Southern Cuisine 2 Soul Food • $
7220 Chapman Hwy #109, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

Southern Fried Lobster Tail with Cornbread
Was the Red Velvet Waffle Didn
OMG Fried Chicken Wing Meal
Martini Shrimp & Grits
Angel Eggs with Shrimp
OMG Fried Chicken Meal
Fried Catfish & Grits
Fried Chicken Wings
Chicken and Waffles
PBJ Lamb Chop Meal

“I've got this place as one of my FAVS. The food is absolutely delicious, the atmosphere is a vibe and the history on how this place came about is beautiful. I appreciate the owners for taking the time out to allow the public to experience a piece of their history also through great food!“

4.5 Superb99 Reviews
Corner16 American • $
1640 Bob Kirby Rd, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

Fried Green Tomatoes Appetizer
Bacon Wrapped Burnt Ends
Chicken Tender Platter
Chicken Salad Sandwich
Chicken & Dumplings
Brisket Burnt Ends
Chicken and Waffles
Rocky Top Hot Brown
Sweet Potato Fries
Smothered Chicken

“We ate here twice while we were in town, and we loved it! The servers, Amber and Daniel, were fantastic-nice, attentive and great personalities. We will definitely be back there!“

4.3 Superb183 Reviews
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store American • $
5001 Central Ave Pike, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

Meatloaf Dine in: Yes Outdoor seating: No Takeout: Yes Delivery: No Curbside pickup: Yes
The Cracker Barrel's Country Boy Breakfast
Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake
Grandma's Sampler Pancake Breakfast
Grandpa's Country Fried Breakfast
Foil Wraps Chicken and Dumplins
Momma's French Toast Breakfast
Maple Bacon Grilled Chicken
The Barrel Cheeseburger
Two Buttermilk Pancakes

“Our waitress was very nice. Our order was 💯. Prices are reasonable and food quantity and quality is top notch! So delicious 😋“

4.1 Good351 Reviews
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen American • $
8390 Kingston Pike, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

Cheddar's Legendary Monster Cookie
Grilled Chicken Pecan Salad
Cheddar's Coconut Shrimp
Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
Honey Butter Croissants
Grilled Chicken Alfredo
Ribs & Chicken Tenders
Cheddar's Trio Sampler
Hot Fudge Cake Sundae
Monte Cristo Sandwich

“We love to come to Cheddars for lunch! Generally, we all three get salmon with the bourbon glaze. It is so good! The rolls are out of sight! The atmosphere is so nice and conducive to our monthly time of getting caught up with each other. It is also my granddaughters’ most recommended place to eat! The attentive service, delicious food, and wonderful atmosphere makes it a winner!“

4.1 Good238 Reviews
Buddy's Bar-B-Q Barbecue • $
5806 Kingston Pike, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

Hawg Back w Chili & Cheese
Hawgback Pork Fries
Pulled Pork Dinner
Jr Hot Fudge Cake
Corn on the Cob
Pulled Chicken
Pork Sandwich
Beef Brisket
Hush Puppies
Half Chicken

“You can pretty much depend on a delicious meal with quick service at a good value when you come in @ usual meal times. Tonight the mac & cheese was not hot enough but not cold either.

Parking: Excellent

Wheelchair accessibility: Ample room for wheelchairs“

4.2 Good64 Reviews
Maple Street Biscuit Company Breakfast • $
9314 Kingston Pike #112, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

Bam Waffle with Asiago Cheese and Bacon Baked into the Waffle
Retro Biscuit Fried Chicken
Side of Sausage Gravy
Maple Chicken Biscuit
Fried Green Tomatoes
The Squawking Goat
Biscuit and Gravy
The Five and Dime
Risky Biscuit
Sweet Grace

“We dined in very very early in the morning. I really love this place. I've got pretty high standards when it comes to gravy and biscuits. I'm from the south, and it's not easy to get a good breakfast gravy from a food chain. Their gravy and biscuits is a shittake mushroom gravy. Now, I was skeptical too, however, I took one bite of that gravy and got a WHOLE Lotta flavor. It does not taste like mushrooms. It reminded me of a good Cajun white gravy. It had a little bit of spice to it. I had chocolate chip waffles with strawberries and whip cream. Very good as well. Light and fluffy. They even have a vegetarian gravy option. There's a drip coffee station, and a lot of options for sweet to savory to traditional breakfasts. I highly recommend, I feel like there's something here for everyone.“

4 Good131 Reviews
Order Up Cafe American • $
First Horizon Plaza, 800 S Gay St Suite P-365, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

All American Cheeseburger
Cookies

“Excellent food & amazingly friendly staff“

4.5 Superb17 Reviews
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen American • $
5615 Clinton Hwy, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

Country Fried Chicken Mashed Potatoes and Gravy Dressings
Buffalo Chicken Wrapper
Honey Butter Croissants
Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
Cheddar's Trio Sampler
Cheddar's Cheese Fries
Hot Fudge Cake Sundae
Monte Cristo Sandwich
Loaded Baked Potato
Chicken Fried Steak

“Amyia was our server today and she went far and beyond for me and my sister today...Couldn't have asked for a nicer helper server...oh and the food was good to but even if it wasn't today I still wouldn't b so upset Bec our server was so nice...Companies need an Employee like her...This was at the Clinton Hwy Location“

3.9 Good272 Reviews
Chef Mo's Cafe Cafe • $
131 E Moody Ave, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

Fried Chicken

“Chef Mo provided us great food at our recent conference.“

4.2 Good16 Reviews
The Firefly/ Marble City Kitchen American • $
501 W Church Ave, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

Brisket Sandwich with Sweet Potato Fries
K-Town Classic Bacon Burger
Fried Chicken Sandwich
Steak

“Brought my whole family. Including the dog. All were treated wonderfully. Food was fantastic. Will definitely be back.“

3.8 Good68 Reviews
O'Charley's Restaurant & Bar American • $
11036 Parkside Dr, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

Authentic Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Blackened Salmon with Baked Potato
Spinach & Artichoke Dip Platter
Pecan Chicken Tender Salad
Family Size House Salad
Kids Chicken Tenders
Loaded Potato Skins
Loaded Baked Potato
Loaded Potato Soup
Louisiana Sirloin

“Come see Kelly, she’s working the bar on weekends and absolutely ROCKS IT!!“

3.8 Good74 Reviews
Riverview Cafe American • $
900 S Gay St, Knoxville
3 Average2 Reviews
Chicken Salad Chick Chicken Shop • $
8008 Kingston Pike, Knoxville

Customers` Favorites

Lemon Basil Chicken Salad
Chicken Salad Chic Combo
Original Chicken Salad
Chicken Salad Scoop
Chicken Salad blt
Cranberry Kellie
Cranberry Kelly
Broccoli Salad
Pimento Cheese
Loaded Potato

“This restaurant is the bomb diggity! The first thing I noticed was not the menu but how clean the restaurant is kept and a 100 Health Score. I have had every variety of chicken salad here and my nephew who is with me loves the place also. I eat here at least twice weekly. The employees here are very friendly and go out of their way to be helpful. If you like Chicken Salad this is the place you’ll love to come to.“

3.8 Good96 Reviews
Tussie Mussie Bar • $
1109 White Ave, Knoxville

“Service 10/10Drinks 10/10Food 9 /10Really enjoyed the Monkey Finger and Johnny Appleseed drinks. The 8:55 PM ritual was fun and the free sample was tasty. Burger and chicken sandwich were great and the side salads were well worth the upcharge. Waitress was attentive and friendly. worth the visit.“

3.5 Good10 Reviews