Knoxville Restaurant Guide

 A memory came up on my phone a few days ago. It was a post from four years ago when I started my blog. Did I really do this four years ago? 

I started my blog four years ago because I love sharing my style and beauty tips. I didn't really have a plan or a goal of becoming this "big time" blogger but I definitely wanted to pursue this path.  However, my senior year of college project ended up taking a backseat while my career goals took center stage (as they should), but that hasn't changed the fact that I love sharing. I not only love sharing my everyday outfits, but my thoughts, my experiences, random Amazon purchases, and food. So basically everything that makes up Kasey Fundeburg's life. Maybe I'm more of a lifestyle blogger? Hmm. 

For my first post in what feels like forever, I'm sharing my favorite Knoxville, TN restaurants. There's a place for every occasion and craving on this list and I hope it helps when you're trying to decide where you want to eat the next time you go out :) 

The most important meal of the day: Breakfast/Brunch  

I'm starting this off with a classic downtown breakfast spot, Pete's. If you're wanting a simple breakfast with a hot cup of coffee and friendly service, this is the place. It's always good, always cheap and everyone in your group will find something they like. I love ordering the sausage, egg and cheese or an omelette. 

Next up, OliBea. Located in the Old City, it's a small local spot with an interesting menu that incorporates ingredients from local farmers. They offer multiple specials throughout the week, but two meals I absolutely love of theirs is the pancakes, which have a hint of lemon in them, and the chicken biscuit. Bring an appetite when you come here! 

If you want to start you breakfast or brunch off with something sweet, maybe a massive cinnamon roll, then head to Scrambled Jakes in Rocky Hill. The food is delicious, drinks and coffee are always good and service is usually pretty quick. The portions are pretty big so sharing wouldn't be a bad option either. I do think some of their prices are a little high, but at the end of the day the food is worth it. Pro Tip: they don't take reservations but you can put your name on a waiting list and I HIGHLY recommend doing that. 

If you want a quick to-go breakfast downtown then Matt Robb's Biscuits and Brew is a great option. The biscuits are seriously so good and there are many options. If you're wanting something sweet or maybe in the mood for savory, he has it. 

Another downtown spot is The French Market. It's another place where everyone can find something they like. It's also a really cute spot so it's great for pictures for the gram ;) 

When I'm in the mood for fresh juice and avocado toast (how L.A. of me lol) I always go to First Watch. I love this place! It is always good and the atmosphere is warm and cozy. Download their app so you can put yourself on the waiting list before you even leave the house. Trust me, there is always a wait. 

When it comes to brunch, pretty much every place downtown has a menu. Market Square has a ton of options so if there's a long wait somewhere, there's a good chance you'll be able to get in somewhere else. If you want a place that is specifically brunch, Ruby Sunshine sells it until 2 p.m. everyday of the week!

Lunch & Dinner 

Oh where to begin! Downtown has so many great options for food so I'm just going to list the ones that I think are worth trying if you haven't. 

-Nama Sushi. Half price nights are Monday and Thursday but only dine in! 

-Downtown Grill and Brewery. This is a great spot if you have multiple people in your party that you want to please! 

-Maple Hall has good food and drinks if you're looking for a place that is open a little later than most restaurants. 

-Tupelo Honey. They'll always be a favorite of mine and have great brunch too! 

-Cafe 4. Truffle fries, need I say more? 

-Tomato Head. I actually love their poppyseed chicken sandwich the most! 

Crab cakes with mashed potatoes, okra and Fancy Pants cocktail

-Southern Grit. It's located in the old city. It's southern food, but the atmosphere is way more sophisticated than a typical southern place. I absolutely love the crab cakes and the chicken and waffles!

-Fin Two. Delicious ramen bowls and good sushi. If you don't want to pay Nama prices, this is a good option to do instead. 

-Cru Bistro. They have great happy hours and weekly specials! I love their wedge salad. 

-Pour Taproom. It's definitely not a "restaurant" but they have a grilled cheese sandwich that is almost unmatched. 

-Boyd's Jig and Reel. This is another bar but if you haven't had one of their macaroni pies at 1 a.m. after a night out, you ain't living. 

-Balter Beerworks. This is probably my favorite place in Knoxville. Right on the outskirts of downtown, they have great beer and cocktails, a cool atmosphere and great food. I love their burgers and fish tacos! This is a must-go-to place! 

-Chivo. The brisket burrito is heaven sent and the margs are tasty. 

-Sweet P's BBQ. I could survive on their mac 'n cheese and banana pudding. 

-Calhouns on the River is always a great option if you're wanting a burger or wings. 

So as far as downtown goes, those are my spots. Now moving on to outside of downtown... 

SoKno Taco

-Sokno Taco will forever be my favorite place to grab Mexican and margs. I have loved this place since the day they opened. I typically get the quesadillas and they are bomb every time. I also love that their flavored margaritas don't taste too much like syrup. 

-Louis Italian. This is a North Knoxville staple. Their pasta and bread fill my carb loving heart. I always get the baked spaghetti and I'm never disappointed. It will typically last me two meals! 

-Central Flats and Taps. Their flatbreads and salads are all good and pretty light, unlike regular pizza. They also have a big patio in the back so it's a nice place to chill, drink a beer and enjoy good company.  

-Hard Knox Pizza. Wood-fired pizza that never disappoints.The Do-It Pruitt is my favorite!

Abridged Burgers, Fried Green BLT and Dolly Pop sour beer

-Abridged Beer Company. This is a newer brewpub in West Knoxville and they have the best burgers in town. They also have a ton of really great sour beers! 

-Sergeant Pepperonis. Better pizza for a crowd especially after a football game!

-Moe Beez wings. Best wings in Knoxville! The honey-gold wings are FIRE. 

-Poke Works. Their Poke Bowls are so good. I don't care how expensive they are. 

-Taste of Thai is my favorite Thai restaurant in Knoxville. I love getting the spring rolls and chicken pad thai. This is another meal that can be turned into two if your heart so desires! 

-Chicken Salad Chick is a go-to lunch spot for me. I kind of hate where you turn in to get there but besides that, it's good and the cookies are deadly. 

-Lakeside Tavern. Great date night or birthday celebration spot right on the lake. Hence the name...

-Dead End. You can't not love Dead End BBQ if you live in Knoxville. It's all-around good BBQ and really hits the spot. 

-The Plaid Apron. This is a very unique spot in Sequoyah Hills. If you're not a picky eater, try this place!

-Soccer Taco. It's good, it's cheap, and they have multiple locations. 

Protein Power Bowl

Nekter- Best smoothies and bowls IMO. I always get the Protein Power bowl and it feels me up! They also have an app so you can order ahead. 

-Surin of Thailand. This is another go-to sushi spot. When I'm wanting some good sushi and a small bill at the end, this is where I go.

-Aubrey's. This is one of my favorite restaurants in Knoxville. They have an all-around great menu and drink special throughout the week. I love the steak salad!

-Gavino's. This is another good Italian restaurant with a few locations. I usually get the Spaghetti Bolognese.

-Parkside Grill. It's kind of like your typical American steakhouse. Great for a special occasion! 

There are obviously a lot of places in Knoxville I've never been, but I'm working on trying out some new places to add to my list. With that being said, any of these restaurants are sure to fill your stomachs and leave you satisfied!