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Best Southern American Restaurants in Knoxville

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12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Tupelo Honey - Knoxville restaurant
1. Tupelo Honey - Knoxville
4.7
Exceptional(2584)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Knoxville
Booked 21 times today
Tupelo Honey - Knoxville is a beacon of authentic American cuisine, deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Southern comfort food. Nestled in the vibrant Market Square, this beloved spot captures the essence of the Carolina Mountains with every scratch-made dish, from their "must-have" chicken and waffles to their "heavenly" shrimp and grits. The restaurant's warm and inviting atmosphere is complemented by a friendly and engaging staff, making every visit a delightful experience. With glowing reviews praising both the "outstanding service" and "delicious food," Tupelo Honey ensures that each meal is a memorable celebration of true American flavors.
A photo of STIR - Knoxville restaurant
2. STIR - Knoxville
4.8
Exceptional(676)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Knoxville
Booked 27 times today
STIR in Knoxville is a standout Cocktail Bar that elevates the art of mixology with exceptional craft cocktails. Located in the vibrant Old City, this open-air restaurant is renowned for its innovative approach to cocktail creation. They "freeze and carve 300-pound blocks of artisanal ice in-house," ensuring every drink is a masterpiece. Patrons rave about their cocktails, with many claiming they boast "the best Bloody Marys" they've ever tasted. The menu is a delightful pairing of fresh, local ingredients, making each visit a sensory delight. Whether you're savoring a cocktail on their heated patio or enjoying the lively atmosphere indoors, STIR promises an unforgettable experience.
A photo of Chesapeake's Downtown restaurant
3. Chesapeake's Downtown
4.8
Exceptional(1008)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Knoxville
Booked 13 times today
Chesapeake's Downtown in Knoxville is a shining beacon of authentic American cuisine, celebrated for its exceptional seafood offerings like Maryland crab cakes and live Maine lobster. The restaurant's commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients ensures a consistently delightful dining experience. Guests rave about the "amazing food and service," highlighting the delightful crab cakes and scallops that "melt in your mouth." The cozy, nautical-themed ambiance, complemented by "genuine nautical antiques," adds to the charm, making it an ideal spot for both personal and business meals. Whether you're local or visiting, Chesapeake's Downtown promises an unforgettable taste of America’s coastal culinary treasures.
A photo of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - Knoxville restaurant
4. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - Knoxville
4.7
Exceptional(1722)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Knoxville
Booked 14 times today
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill in Knoxville is a top-notch Steakhouse that promises a memorable dining experience with its “steaks that cut like butter,” as raved by satisfied guests. Located at West Town Crossings, this restaurant is celebrated for its scratch kitchen and bold flavors that enhance the quality of their hand-cut, aged steaks. The inviting atmosphere and exceptional service from attentive servers like Shawn and Carol ensure every visit is delightful. Guests frequently commend Firebirds as “absolutely one of the most amazing restaurants around,” making it a perfect spot for a romantic night out or a special celebration.
A photo of Copper Cellar (West) restaurant
5. Copper Cellar (West)
4.8
Exceptional(368)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Knoxville
Booked 5 times today
Copper Cellar (West) in Knoxville is a seafood lover's paradise that has been delighting diners for over 40 years. Known for its impeccable quality and authenticity, the seafood selections are “top notch,” with dishes like lobster tail and crab cakes receiving rave reviews. The ambiance, reminiscent of a classic era, adds to the charm, making each visit a special experience. Guests consistently praise the restaurant for its “delicious food” and “excellent service,” ensuring a memorable dining experience every time. Copper Cellar West is the perfect spot for those seeking high-quality seafood in a refined and welcoming setting.
A photo of The Marlowe restaurant
6. The Marlowe
4.9
Exceptional(1503)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Knoxville
Booked 11 times today
The Marlowe in Knoxville offers a stellar American dining experience, blending classic and contemporary flavors with finesse. As one diner raved, "the crab cakes are INSANE good," showcasing the chef's ability to elevate traditional American dishes to new heights. The restaurant’s ambiance, described as a "cozy atmosphere with exposed brick and warm wood," complements its meticulously crafted menu. The Marlowe's "exceptional service" is frequently praised, with staff adding a personal touch to every visit. With a diverse wine selection recognized by Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence, The Marlowe is truly a "must experience" destination for American cuisine aficionados.
A photo of Balter Beerworks restaurant
7. Balter Beerworks
4.7
Exceptional(60)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Knoxville
Booked 4 times today
Balter Beerworks, located in the heart of Knoxville, is a standout in the Gastro Pub scene, offering an unforgettable dining experience with its scratch-made cuisine and craft beers. This brewpub creates a welcoming environment where diners can enjoy the "excellent food and beer," as one reviewer noted. The menu is ever-evolving, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients that elevate classic pub fare to new heights. Guests rave about the "delicious carafes of Mimosas" and the "great beer selections," making it a favorite brunch spot. With its urban aesthetic and attentive service, Balter Beerworks is the perfect spot for a vibrant and satisfying meal.
A photo of Calhoun's Bearden Hill restaurant
8. Calhoun's Bearden Hill
4.1
Excellent(68)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Bearden Hill
Booked 1 time today
At Calhoun's Bearden Hill, located in the heart of West Knoxville, you'll experience Barbecue like never before. Known for some of Tennessee’s best BBQ, the restaurant offers an authentic taste that keeps locals and visitors coming back. Their smoky and tender ribs are a standout, leaving diners raving about the "delicious" and "flavorful" experience. The custom-built microbrewery adds an extra layer to your meal with handcrafted beers that perfectly complement the barbecue. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a meal with friends and family, Calhoun's offers a warm atmosphere and outstanding service that make every visit memorable.
A photo of Marble City Kitchen and The Firefly restaurant
9. Marble City Kitchen and The Firefly
4.4
Awesome(22)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Knoxville
Get an authentic taste of Southern Comfort at Marble City Kitchen, our casual and approachable downtown Knoxville restaurant in the heart of the city near Market Square. Then unwind at our Tennessee whiskey bar and beer garden, the Firefly.The bar features a partnership with George Dickel Distillery and offers the only hand-selected reserve barrel of George Dickel Whiskey in a bar in Tennessee. Crafted cocktails feature the reserve bottle and the rest of the beverage list highlights the best of Tennessee spirits and breweries. Live music and events are frequently hosted on the patio and make for a lively spot any night of the
A photo of Red Lobster - Knoxville - Merchant Drive restaurant
10. Red Lobster - Knoxville - Merchant Drive
3.8
Excellent(13)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Knoxville
Elevate your day at Red Lobster, where fun meets fancy and every meal is a celebration. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or treating yourself or your crew, Red Lobster is the perfect place to enjoy all your seafood favorites. Dive into our signature shrimp, wild caught lobster and crab, and more. Plus, a variety of fish and popular non-seafood items like our Cajun Chicken Linguini Alfredo. Looking for a showstopper? Create Your Own Ultimate Feast or select a Live Maine Lobster straight from the tank. Or explore our Daily Deals with a different special available each weekday at a price you’ll love. Toast the day with Signature Cocktails including Lobster Punch and Main Deck Margarita Flights to make any moment feel festive. You won’t want to miss our newest menu items or special promotions like Lobsterfest and Crabfest. Reserve online today. Group Dining, To Go, or Catering options. For parties of 11+, please call.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • AnitaVIP
    East Tennessee •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 3 Jan 2025
    We went to Dancing Bear last evening to celebrate my husband's 81st trip around the sun! It is our go-to spot for all special occasions and when we just want to give ourselves a treat. Also, it is always the dining venue requested by family and friends who visit us in East TN. We had fried gulf oysters for our appetizer. They were excellent as was my entree of trout with grits and my husband's brined pork chop. Their staff is welcoming and personable - attentive without hovering. We had the added treat of being seated near the fireplace which was most welcome on a bitterly cold night. We love everything about the Dancing Bear - location, ambiance, service and especially the food. Not only do we love it but so does everyone we have ever treated to a meal there.
    More info
    Dancing Bear Appalachian BistroPrice: Very Expensive• American• Knoxville
    •
    4.9
  • OpenTable Diner
    Philadelphia County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 2 Jan 2025
    Tammy, our server, was fabulous! She obviously enjoys her work, and interacting with people. We have eaten here many times, but this was our first time for Italian night. Personally, I preferred the other meals we've had here- but I won't give up Italian that quickly either (Tiramisu was great!). We enjoy the ambiance and decor, and ease of getting a reservation for a good meal in town can't be beat.
    More info
    Song & Hearth at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and SpaPrice: Expensive• Southern• Gatlinburg
    •
    4.3
  • DonVIP
    Orange County •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 1 Jan 2025
    Lulu was a great server! It was New Year’s Day so we knew it’d be busy with lots of families and groups. She was attentive, visited the table several times, and we received all our food and drinks correctly in a nice amount of time. Families may have found service a little slow. The manager came by twice and we expressed our appreciation. Both the chicken dumpling and blue crab soups were fabulous! Highly recommend. Chicken sandwich was good and we loved the plentiful homemade kettle chips. Drinks were delivered correctly and quickly and we took some drinks to the lobby to relax and enjoy the ambiance. Awesome experiences and we look forward to visiting again.
    More info
    Ember & Elm at Dollywood’s HeartSong ResortPrice: Expensive• Southern• Pigeon Forge
    •
    4.4
  • Keith
    Alabama •25 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 28 Dec 2024
    Exceptional food, exceptional service. Had a part of 7 celebrating a birthday and our server Grace was fantastic. She had good suggestions and very attentive. RT Lodge is always wonderful.
    More info
    The Restaurant at RT LodgePrice: Expensive• Southern• Maryville
    •
    4.8
  • Karina
    Caribbean •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 24 Dec 2024
    Great service. Food could have been better for the price.
    More info
    Southern Comfort - Westgate ResortPrice: Moderate• Southern• Gatlinburg
    •
    4.3

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