When new readers subscribe to 865today, we ask one simple question in the welcome email: What’s your favorite restaurant in the Knoxville area?
The answers roll in every week, and after sorting through recent responses, a few clear favorites rose to the top. Y’all have great taste.
Connors Steak & Seafood | 10915 Turkey Dr. | A classic for a reason, this Knoxville-born steakhouse serves up aged steaks, fresh seafood, and rich pastas. Diners rave about the lobster dip, voodoo shrimp, and the chilled seafood platter.
The Marlowe on Central | 1123 N. Central St. | This Happy Holler hotspot leans into locally sourced ingredients and East Tennessee-inspired flavors. Order the crab cakes served over jalapeno grits.
Holy Land Market | 3601 Sutherland Ave. | Perfect for a hearty lunch, this counter-serve Mediterranean spot is known for its scratch-made deli fare. Go for the Dagwood, piled high with spicy capicola, turkey, salami, cheeses, and all the fixings.
The Kennedy | 430 S. Gay St. | Chef-driven dishes and signature cocktails anchor the menu at this New American gem. The dirty martinis are a crowd favorite.
Copper Cellar | 7316 Kingston Pike | Set in an Old English-inspired space, this longtime favorite boasts more than 40 years in business and the title of “Knoxville’s original steakhouse.” Just try not to fill up on the freshly baked sourdough bread, though it’s easier said than done.
Potchke recently celebrated its first anniversary. | Photo via @potchke
Potchke Deli | 318 N. Gay St., Ste. #103 | Find delicatessen favorites like blintzes, borscht, and babka, or swing by the newly opened bagel shop for fresh, hand-rolled bagels boiled daily. It’s worth a wait, but brace yourself for a line.
Oliver Royale | 5 Market Square | Expect seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers at this downtown Knoxville spot, where the rotating menu pairs artfully plated dishes with Instagram-worthy cocktails. Ask for a seat on the patio when the weather’s nice.
The Brass Pearl | 24 Market Square, Ste. #201 | Follow the lush ferns and neon glow into this beloved oyster bar, ideal for both special occasions and casual nights out. During oyster hour, enjoy a dozen oysters + a bottle of sparkling wine for $45.
The Tomato Head | Two locations | Eclectic pizzas steal the spotlight at these longtime local favorites, but don’t skip over the sandwiches and soups. Bonus: Try the breakfast pizza on Saturdays and Sundays, available until 3 p.m.
Chesapeake’s Seafood House | Multiple locations | Seafood lovers flock here for baked oysters, grilled shrimp, crab-stuffed mushrooms, and fried calamari. Sample a little of everything with one of their appetizer platters.
