K & R Local Favorites

We’ve got a pretty cool city. 20 years ago, that wasn’t the case. Not that we were uncool perse, but we lacked any sort of “destination”. For instance, downtown wasn’t a place you wanted to go. There wasn’t much to do or see and it was sort of…well, depressing. But over the past decade or so, money has been poured into our downtown and it’s brought new businesses, restaurants, shops, etc. Suddenly our city had new life. Knoxville has quickly turned into a scruffy lil’ city full of foodie hot spots, parks, craft beer, speakeasies, donut shops, and more! In fact, when Kara & I first got married, we talked of moving to a different city, but now? Well, we can’t really see ourselves anywhere else. We are adventurous and try almost every new thing that pops up and over the years we’ve cultured a list of go-to spots that we gravitate back to. This is by no means an all-encompassing list, but a pretty good write-up of what we consider some “must-try” things in our scruffy city.

Honeybee Coffee
(South) 700 Sevier Ave & (West) 10716 Kingston Pike
With two locations and eyes always on expanding, Honeybee is a welcome addition to Knoxville. They ethically source their beans, roast them in house, and know what makes a good cuppa. The owners are also just good people. Simple as that. The space is inviting, the ambiance is chill, and they don’t care how long you hang out. In fact, stay all day and get yourself a local brew when you’re ready to switch over from caffeine.
Must Try: Dirty Chai or their signature Honey Lavender Latte
Other coffee shops we love: K Brew, Vienna, The Empty Cup

Crafty Bastard Brewery
(Downtown) 6 Emory Place & (Farragut) 138 West End Ave
They’ve only been open a few years, but their craft (pun intended) is better than anyone in town. Their flavors are big, bold, and spot on. It’s a family & pet friendly place, the vibe is super casual and there’s always a food truck parked outside the downtown location. We LOVE that their selection is ever changing. Aaron & company clearly have a blast experimenting and whipping up new and inventive stuff. Earl Grey Pale Ale? Coconut Curry IPA? Cucumber-Lime Gose? Black Cherry Dark Sour? Yeah…..
Must Try: You can’t leave without trying their now famous Hop Candy IPA, or if you’re feeling spicy go for the Tennessee Chili IPA. OR, my personal favorite, the Mayan Chocolate Chili Porter
Other breweries we love: Clinch River Brewing, Pretentious Beer Co., Schulz Brau, Alliance, Abridged

Taste of Thai
8926 Town & Country Circle
I came across this place when they were literally a hole in the wall back in 2004. Since then, they’ve expanded twice, the 2nd time saving up enough money to build a brand new building across the street. One thing that has never changed? The food. I have had nearly everything on  the menu and have never left disappointed. Is it weird to call Thai food comfort food? Because that’s what it is to me.
Must Try: Their Tom Kha soup, Rama Curry, T.O.T. Curry, Pad Thai….hell, it’s ALL delicious. You can’t make a bad choice here.
Other Thai spots we love: Little Bangkok

Sticky Rice Cafe
120 Jack Dance St
This place was started by Laotian family who immigrated to America in hopes of a better life. Their story is a very unique one and believe me when I say it shines through in their cuisine. Everything on the menu is pho-nomenal. We have yet to have a less than stellar experience and it’s quickly become one of our favorite spots in town. The food is unique (at least to Knoxville), the ingredients are fresh, the service is very friendly. I hope they stick around for a while. They are also one of the only places (if not THE only place) to get authentic bubble tea! My inner tourist is SO happy.
Must Try: Their ‘Pho-ritto’. They take the traditional ingredients found in Pho and wrap them up in a burrito, served with a cup of Pho broth for dipping. It is absolutely amazing, and completely addicting.

A Dopo Pizza (see our review here)
516 Williams Street
A Dopo is so unique (to Knoxvillians anyway) b/c of the style of pizza they make. A blistered sourdough crust, exceptional savory combinations of fresh toppings, and it’s an experience like no other. Their oven was imported from Italy and their owner, a Blackberry Farm alum, spent time in Italy making sure he knew just how to serve us all the best pizza around.
Must Try: Soppressata, hands down.  There’s a good reason it’s their most popular pizza. Also, you can’t leave without trying some of their house-made gelato. Selection changes daily. And ask about their daily salad special. Always local, always fresh.
Other pizza joints we love: Hard Knox (see our review here), Barley’s, Sergeant Pepperoni’s, Cruze Farm, Pizzeria Nora

Wild Love Bakehouse
1625 North Central
They haven’t been around very long, but boy have they made a big statement in Knoxville. In fact, they were even written up as one of the best bakeries in the country! They certainly deserve all the acclaim they’ve been getting because everything here is delicious!
Must Try: Their croissants are TO DIE FOR. And grab a slice of their olive oil cake while you’re at it. And a pear galette, and a cheddar scallion scone, and so forth and so on….
Other bakeries we love: VG’s Bakery, Magpie’s, Ham & Goody’s

Yassin’s Falafel House
(Downtown) 706 Walnut Street & (West) 159 North Peters Road
Yassin is a Syrian refugee who has been an absolutely wonderful addition to Knoxville. For me, personally, his food has replaced the hole left in my heart when Ali Baba’s closed their doors after 4 remarkable decades. His restaurant is a place where all are welcome (as evident by his 2018 “nicest place in America award”). You are warmly greeted, and the delicious smells are intoxicating. The food is nothing short of incredible. Everything on the menu packs a powerful punch of savory middle-eastern flavor. Yassin’s story is really something, and you should do yourself a favor and watch this short video about it. It’s touching, moving, and inspiring. And for us, makes it only that much more worthwhile that we are frequent patrons of his place. We are more than happy to support him and his dream. His 2nd location in West Knoxville is only a couple of miles from my work. You better believe I am a regular visitor.
Must Try: Their falafel, obviously. Actually, try the Gyro too. OH, and the chicken “sandwich” where they stuff french fries INSIDE a warm pita with chicken and tzatziki sauce. No, you didn’t misread that.
Other Middle-Eastern/Eastern joints we love: Holy Land Market, Tandur Indian Kitchen

Kaizen (see our review here)
416 West Clinch Street
I say this, and I mean it. Executive Chef Jesse Newmister & his team at Kaizen are whipping up some of the most imaginative & daring dishes in all of Knoxville. Kaizen is an “Izakaya” which is basically an after work hangout. The Japanese version of an Irish pub. This is a place where every time you go, you can try something new because they are always experimenting with new dishes. Other good news? They do take-out. Which means I can get those delicious cold noodles to go and eat them in my PJ’s on my couch. Even better news? He also opened an Asian fusion taco joint!
Must Try: Their dry-fry eggplant is a menu staple and worth every penny. And literally any of their steamed buns. Most other things on the menu change seasonally. So…go back, often.
Other Japanese joints we love: Mikata, Fuji

Cruze Farm
(East Knoxville) 2723 Asbury Rd (Downtown) 445 South Gay St. 
Look, let’s just get this out of the way. Our prejudice for Cruze Farm is on full display. Not only do they make fun, delicious soft serve you can have whipped up several ways….they have created an atmosphere of pure fun. Colleen & her girls are the epitome of branding genius. If Willy Wonka made ice cream instead, it would be just like Cruze Farm. You always know you can expect friendly, quality customer service and consistently delicious ice cream when you walk in the door. And, if you happen to meet Colleen, you’re in for a treat because she is the absolute sweetest person, who clearly loves what she does.
Must Try: Like….everything. Their flavors change every month. Some favorites always stick around or make a come-back, but it’s basically a reason to just keep going back all the time…..which, we do.
Other ice cream joints we love: The Phoenix Farmacy & Fountain (see our review here)

Good Golly Tamale
112 South Central St
Good Golly Tamale is a FUN place to eat. I don’t know why. Tamales are comforting, and it’s hard to find a genuine tamale in lil’ ol Knoxville. But they do a bang-up job. You can feel good about supporting their business since they started small selling tamales out of hot cart in Market Square. They strive to use local & non-GMO so you can feel good about what you’re chowing down on. I have been known to swing in here and grab a plate to go after a haircut.
Must Try: The Thai tamale. Their beans & their cabbage are also delicious.
Other Mexican joints we love: Soccer Taco, Chez Guevara’s, Tako Taco, Knox Burrito

Dead End BBQ (see our review here)
3621 Sutherland Ave
Nom nom nom. Seriously, these guys know how to crank out some quality ‘cue. I’ll save you the words if you want to go check out the review listed above.
Must Try: How’s about a plate of pulled pork nachos? Or their mac n’ cheese which has…wait for it…blue cheese in it. Mmmmm
Other BBQ joints we love: Archer’s, Full-Service

Matt Robb’s Biscuits & Brew
800 Market Square
Actually located inside the Howard Baker Courthouse building, it’s easy to accidentally stroll past. However, step inside and you will be greeted by Matt. The bearded one-man show whipping up the best damn biscuits you’ll find….maybe anywhere. It’s a simple menu offering a variety of ways to dress up his delectable biscuits. Egg, sausage, cheese, jam, etc. It’s a southern comfort executed to perfection. But what makes a trip to Matt’s really special, is Matt. He’s just about the friendliest fellow you’ll find around. He impressively remembers a LOT of people’s names and offers a feeling of authenticity to his craft. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention the “Brew”, since it’s part of the name. Yes, his coffee is very, very good. Especially the cold brew. Try it his way, or Nancy’s way.
Must Try: My personal favorite concoction is egg, & chipotle cream cheese on a sausage cheddar biscuit. Maybe I’ll be lucky enough to make onto his menu. But his biscuits & gravy are to die for too….
Other Breakfast Joints we love: OliBea, The Plaid Apron, Nick & J’s

We are always out and about in our little scruffy city and trying new things. Here’s a list of places not mentioned above that we can also recommend.

• Stock and Barrel
• The Burgers
• Balter Beerworks
• Emilia
• Lonesome Dove
• J.C. Holdway
• Kitchen 919
• The Walnut Kitchen
• Foothills Milling Co.
• The French Market Creperie
• Asian Hibachi & Grill
• Tomato Head
• Cafe 4
• Oliver Royale
• Jackie’s Dream
• Cardin’s Drive-In
• Knoxville Farmacy
• Status Dough
• Beaver’s Dough-Jo

And please, shout out your favorite joints! Let’s spread the foodie love!!!