Downtown Knoxville is a residential district in Knoxville, Tennessee. Knoxville is referred to as the Cradle of Country Music because of its eminent part in cultivating the careers of several major musical figures. The area is surrounded by historic locale and exquisite cuisines. In this article, we’ll help you plan your perfect guide for tasting the culinary art of downtown Knoxville restaurants.
1. Top 10 Downtown Knoxville Restaurants
1.1. Potchke
Potchke is one of the most renowned restaurants in Knoxville, serving American, Polish, and European courses. It operates on Gay Street, offering dine-in, takeaway, and delivery options. If you ask the locals about a great place to eat, Potchke is the name everyone would recommend.
The flavors of this place are curated from scratch by exceptionally trained Chefs. The energetic ambiance and unique atmosphere make Potchke appear cozy to the customers. Dozens of varieties on the menu originate from the Jewish deli. A warm welcome by the staff and an impressive service accentuate the overall experience of visiting Potchke.
The avo tartine is a must-try dish at Potchke. It is a combination of crisped toast with local veggies on top of creamy avocado. Other than Avo tartine, Lox bialy, cheese blintz, and matzo ball soup are the popular tastes of this restaurant. It also offers gluten-free and vegan cuisines.
Potchke is one of the finest in Downtown Knoxville restaurants. If you’re looking to have breakfast or dinner in a bright environment along with a rich taste, Potchke is your place.
1.2. Stock and Barrel
Stock and Barrel is the place to experience a traditional American burger. It is situated just around the corner at Market Square. Stock and Barrel is an elegant restaurant serving different types of burgers and a broad assortment of bourbons.
The restaurant is packed during its operating hours. The customers might have to take their place in the waiting queues sometimes. Orders at the Stock and Barrel are quick, and the staff is receptive.
The farmhouse burger and mother clucker are the most popular dishes at Stock and Barrel. A plethora of burgers with a vast selection of bourbons and an inviting bar make this place. Stock and Barrel is your option in Downtown Knoxville restaurants if you’re looking for burger options at an affordable price range.
1.3. Emilia
Emilia is a contemporary Italian restaurant serving seasonal flavors. This restaurant is located in the historic streets of Market Square, making it easily accessible to tourists. Emilia-Romanga region of Italy inspires the Italian cuisine paired with wine at Emilia.
Emilia is prominent in Downtown Knoxville restaurants because of its in-house cooked kinds of pasta. This restaurant exhibits an urban vibe with its brick-walled space. Emilia offers a range of vegan dishes of pasta with vegan desserts as well. It provides a classic experience to the customers through tastes and ambiance.
Artichoke fritti, fusilli carbonara, and grilled romaine caesar salad stand out as the must-try dishes at Emilia. Emilia is the perfect place for those looking to have a luxurious dinner served with glasses of vinous wine.
1.4. Jackie’s Dream
Jackie’s Dream is the finest place to taste soul food and bare-bones eatery in Downtown Knoxville restaurants. The restaurant is situated on East Woodland Avenue. This place is named after the owner, Jackie Griffin. Her dream of expressing the culinary secrets of her grandmothers, mother, and uncle to the world became reality through her restaurant, Jackie’s dream.
The owner portrays the energy and atmosphere of her restaurant. She is there to ensure a great customer experience. The staff is known for their homemade soul and traditional American food cooked with fresh ingredients. Jackie’s Dream never fails to satisfy customers with their friendly behavior and mouth-watering tastes.
Collard greens with mac and cheese and Knox hot chicken are the specialty of Jackie’s dream. If you want to taste authentic American soul food in Downtown Knoxville, Jackie’s Dream is the place you should visit.
1.5. Kaizen
Kaizen is the most famous Asian cuisine restaurant on Central Street in Downtown Knoxville. Japanese izakayas inspired the theme of Kaizen. The menu of this restaurant is ever-changing with continuous refinements.
Kaizen offers a fun and chill vibe to the visitors. Though the specialty of this restaurant lies in Japanese food, they deliver other Asian tastes to their customers as well. Kaizen does not certify itself as a traditional but as an always improving food service. Steamed buns and draft beers are the hot-selling products of this restaurant. A small place filled with gatherings expresses the atmosphere of this Asian restaurant.
Szechuan and Thai cuisines are a must-try at Kaizen. Gyoza and spring rolls are the chef’s specialty. Other than a covered patio, they also house a pub. Kaizen offers the best Asian cuisine in Downtown Knoxville restaurants at attractive prices.
1.6. Chivo Taqueria
Chivo Taqueria is a unique restaurant on Gay Street serving Mexican and Latin tastes to visitors. It hosts a full-service restaurant along with a full-service bar. Chivo Taqueria offers the finest options of gourmet tacos and tequila.
The decor of this restaurant is a fusion of Mexican and American culture. This fusion can also be seen in the menus of tequilas and whiskeys. It is a stylish option to consider among the Downtown Knoxville restaurants. A dark and trendy vibe accentuates the taste experience of Chivo Taqueria.
Avocado bacon, barbacoa, and pork belly are the most popular dishes from this restaurant. The lavish fusions of cocktails and gourmet tacos are worth a try at Chivo Taqueria.
1.7. Yassin’s Falafel House
Yassin’s Falafel House is located on the corner of Walnut Street at Gay Street and W.Church Avenue at Market Square. This restaurant is famous for its homemade Mediterranean and Middle Eastern tastes. Yassin’s Falafel House was named the ‘Nicest Place in America’ by Reader’s Digest.
Yassin’s Falafel House is known for making its falafels and hummus from fresh ingredients. The homemade style of food attracts food lovers to this restaurant. The Greek cuisine served by this restaurant is well-praised by the customers. The welcoming nature of the staff to all diversities suggests why Yassin’s Falafel House was awarded as the nicest.
A vast range of homemade falafel, pitas, and hummus are the hot-selling dishes of this restaurant. Falafels served at this restaurant are the best among Downtown Knoxville restaurants. Yassin’s Falafel House is the place for you if you’re looking to taste Mediterranean food along with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
1.8. Tomato Head
Tomato Head is also located around the corner of Market Square. This place offers flavors of local cuisine and American pizzas. The key attraction of Tomato Head is the menu serving assorted pizzas, salads, and sandwiches, along with vegan options.
This restaurant is a place to experience classic pizzas. Tomato Head exhibits local artists to perform musicals, performance acts, and poetry readings monthly. The atmosphere of this place is elegant and essential. Other than pizzas, Tomato Head also offers a great selection of wine and crafted beers.
The Kepner melt sandwich, blue corn chips, and Greek salad are the most popular dishes at this restaurant. Tomato Head allows the customers to build their pizza as well. This place could be considered if you want to have a cheesy pizza around Downtown Knoxville.
1.9. Schulz Bräu Brewing Company
Schulz Bräu Brewing Company is situated at Bernard Avenue in Downtown Knoxville. This place is renowned for its outside beer garden.
Schulz Bräu Brewing Company offers a taste of German-style beer. The place offers an electric ambiance with a unique experience. There is a massive brewery allowing the customers to experience German dishes made from scratch. Schulz Bräu Brewing Company witnesses live music and events daily making. The outside beer garden attracts a lot of visitors with a wide selection of homemade beers. Schulz Bräu Brewing Company is considered the best place in Downtown Knoxville to take a sip of elegant beer.
Schulz Bräu Brewing Company provides a rich taste of beer and German dishes among Downtown Knoxville restaurants. If you’re looking to taste an extravagant range of beers, then Schulz Bräu Brewing Company is worth your visit.
1.10. Lonesome Dove Knoxville
Lonesome Dove Knoxville is housed in Central Street. This restaurant offers a creative and exotic fine dining experience with American cuisine. Lonesome Dove Knoxville is themed on Western culinary food.
The decor of Lonesome Dove Knoxville gives a historic vibe and upscales the culinary adventure. The restaurant also deals in innovative, creative cocktails. The restaurant is famous for its unique wood-fired cooking and wild game options. There are also several options for the local cuisine of Knoxville at Lonesome Dove Knoxville.
Love’s proprietary wild game fitting and elk-foie gras slides with blueberry jam are the must-try dishes at Lonesome Dove Knoxville. If you’re looking to have a fine dining experience in Knoxville amidst historic architecture, then this restaurant would be a perfect fit for you.
2. Conclusion
Market Square and Gay Street house the well-known drinks and food in Downtown Knoxville. Several restaurants could satisfy the cuisine needs of an individual. Other than the above-mentioned places, there are numerous Downtown Knoxville restaurants that a person can explore.
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology
