Whether you like yours doused in gravy, stacked sky-high with fried chicken, or simply served with a slick of local jam, we’ve got 14 biscuit spots in Knoxville that make the case for skipping your usual toast.
Not-so-hidden gems
Matt Robbs Biscuits, 800 Market St.
Get there early or get ready to wait, because this one-man operation has become wildly popular — and for good reason. These made-fresh-daily delights are prepped for daily specials or a build-your-own set-up, with online commenters raving about various iterations of its garlic cheddar biscuit with bacon, egg, jam, cream cheese, etc.
Maple Street Biscuit Co., Multiple locations
Maple Street isn’t just a chain — it’s a biscuit brigade. Signature creations like the Squawking Goat (fried chicken, goat cheese medallion, pepper jelly) and the Five & Dime (fried chicken, bacon, cheddar, egg, spicy sausage or shiitake gravy) put your basic BEC to shame.
Nick & J’s Cafe, 1526 Lovell Rd.
This family-run biz specializes in rave-worthy burgers and buttermilk biscuits best topped with classic country gravy.
Pete’s Restaurant & Coffee Shop, 540 Union Ave.
You know them, you love them. This downtown Knox staple has been slinging classic diner eats since 1986, meaning you can’t go wrong with one of its most popular items: the smothered, buttery Southern Breakfast.
From sandwich assembly to straight into our mouths at Matt Robbs Biscuits.
Photos by Olga Berman
Brunch heros
The Flying Biscuit Cafe, 11683 Parkside Dr.
New to the scene, but making a strong entrance. With biscuit trays perfect for tailgates and brunch-y platters aplenty, Flying Biscuit is out to prove it belongs in the local biscuit hall of fame.
Rami’s Cafe, 3553 N. Broadway St.
Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you — Rami’s serves up a mean biscuits and gravy combo.
Gourmet’s Market & Cafe, 5107 Kingston Pike
Say it with us: Spicy. Nerdhead. Biscuit. This legendary $4 pick-me-up features a spicy cheddar biscuit slathered with tomato jam and butter. A little sweet, a little heat — a lot of flavor.
Southern hospitality, served warm
Myrtle’s Chicken + Beer, 13 Market Sq.
Recently reopened and already back to biscuit business, Myrtle’s cheddar drop biscuits are ideal companions for a plate of fried chicken and a pint of local brew.
Southern Grit, 126 S. Central St.
This Old City gem dishes out Lowcountry love with biscuit sandwiches layered with items like fried chicken, bacon, pimento cheese, and pepper jelly.
Emma’s Southern Kitchen, 3701 Sutherland Ave.
Gravy biscuits are just the starters at this mouthwatering spot with entrees ranging from big garden salads to a burger menu paying homage to its former iteration.
Just like grandma used to make
Amber Restaurant, 6715 Maynardville Pike
Family-run for nearly 50 years, Amber dishes out all-day breakfast with a healthy side of nostalgia.
Colonel’s Cafe, 4809 Newcom Ave.
This North Knox diner is the kind of place where the coffee’s strong, the booths are cozy, and biscuits meld with a Mediterranean take on classic diner fare.
Instagram-worthy plates
Farmacy, 5018 Kingston Pike
Known for its wellness-focused eats and aesthetic interiors, Farmacy doesn’t mess around when it comes to brunch. Their “handspanked biscuits” may raise eyebrows, but they’ll win over your taste buds.
Ruby Sunshine, 37 Market Sq.
Biscuits may not be the main event here — that award goes to the beignets and boozy brunch drinks — but don’t sleep on the buttery base of their breakfast sandwiches.
