Did you know? Calhoun’s On the River has a special menu for its outdoor dining section. | Photo by Thomas Hawk via Openverse
Big hair, neon lights — it’s time to turn the clock to the 1980s.
Many local restaurants from that decade have come and gone, but a few still stick around, quietly preserving the city’s past while welcoming a new generation of customers. Here’s where to dine in Knoxville when you’re craving nostalgia. 1980 | Bistro at the Bijou
This Gay Street staple has been serving made-from-scratch dishes for more than four decades. Psst — it’s also earned multiple nods as one of Knoxville’s best brunch spots over the years.
1982 | Petro’s Chili & Chips
Joe and Carol Schoentrup introduced Knoxville to “The Petro” during the 1982 World’s Fair, turning a simple bowl of chili and chips into a hometown icon.
1983 | Calhoun’s
Calhoun’s helped define casual group dining in Knoxville with crowd-pleasers like Tennessee barbecue, fresh-ground burgers, and homemade desserts.
Snow could be in Knoxville’s weekend forecast. The First Alert Weather Team has issued a First Alert Weather Day for Saturday, Jan. 24, citing the potential for snow and ice in the area. (WVLT)
Edu
West High School students will strike a new chord thanks to a donation from country superstar Morgan Wallen. In partnership with Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, The Morgan Wallen Foundation is providing brand-new instruments for the school’s new orchestra program, totaling $38,717 in value. (Knoxville News Sentinel)
Announced
HonorAir Knoxville will take its final flight this April, closing a mission that has flown 4,500+veterans to Washington D.C. memorials since 2007. Veterans interested in taking the flight should apply by Monday, Feb. 16. (WBIR)
Legacy
Natalie Haslam, a local philanthropist and civic leader, died last week at 94. She made history as the first woman to have a college at UT named in her honor and also served as the first female president of the Knoxville Symphony Society. (WVLT)
Open
A new urgent care clinic is now open across the street from UT’s campus. Covenant Health on Cumberland Avenue provides walk-in medical care and diagnostic services seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sports
A fierce battle for the starting position of the Vols quarterback is looming. Hear from the local experts on the Tennessee Volunteers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Health
Tweaked your ankle playing pickleball? Dealing with a knee that just won’t quit? Tennesseans can skip the ER and get fast care at TOA Orthopedic Urgent Care. Walk-in access, same-day appointments + extended hours are available to accommodate your schedule. Find the location closest to you.*
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Start your engines. Knoxville is revving up for the annual Holleroo Celebration & Street Festival on Saturday, May 9, and there’s still time for local speedsters to get involved.
Applications are now open for the Soap Box Derby, with spots available for both the adult and junior divisions. Don’t wait — registration closes on Thursday, April 1.
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I’ve been slowly cleaning out my closet and found the perfect place for gently used items: UTK’s Free Store. Knoxville locals can drop off all sorts of things — clothes, accessories, furniture, appliances — and VolCard holders can take them home for free. Donate and my little sister (a freshman Vol) will thank you.
