If you're a food lover looking to explore Knoxville, Tennessee, you're in for a treat. The city has a great mix of southern comfort food, craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and international cuisine. This guide will take you on a culinary journey through Knoxville, with a focus on its famous BBQ, craft beer scene, farm-to-table restaurants, and international eateries.
One of the things Knoxville is most famous for is its traditional southern-style BBQ. The city is home to numerous BBQ joints, each with its own unique spin on this classic dish. But how did Knoxville's BBQ culture start?
BBQ has been a part of Knoxville's food scene for over 100 years. According to historians, the tradition started with African American slaves who cooked meat on the plantation. The meat was usually tough cuts like pork shoulder or beef brisket, which required a long cooking time to become tender. The slaves would slow-cook the meat over a pit, using wood as the heat source. This process not only made the meat tender but also infused it with a smoky flavor.
As the tradition evolved, different regions in the southern states developed their own unique style of BBQ. In Tennessee, for example, the meat is typically served with a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce. Memphis, on the other hand, is known for its dry-rubbed ribs.
If you're in the mood for some authentic BBQ, be sure to check out some of Knoxville's top joints. Archers BBQ and Dead End BBQ are well-known for their classic BBQ dishes, while Sweet P's BBQ and Calhoun's BBQ offer a more modern twist on the traditional recipe.
Archers BBQ is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving up delicious BBQ since 1988. Their menu features all the classic BBQ dishes, including pulled pork, ribs, and brisket. The restaurant also has a great selection of sides, like mac and cheese and collard greens.
Dead End BBQ is another popular spot for BBQ lovers. Their menu features a variety of smoked meats, including chicken, pork, and beef. They also have a great selection of sides, like baked beans and potato salad. And if you're in the mood for something sweet, be sure to try their banana pudding.
Sweet P's BBQ is a local favorite that offers a more modern take on traditional BBQ. Their menu features dishes like BBQ tacos and BBQ nachos, as well as classic dishes like pulled pork and ribs. They also have a great selection of craft beers to wash it all down.
Calhoun's BBQ is a Knoxville institution that has been serving up delicious BBQ since 1983. Their menu features all the classic dishes, as well as some unique twists, like the BBQ baked potato. They also have a great selection of desserts, like the banana pudding and the chocolate pecan pie.
And for those seeking a unique experience, try The French Market Creperie, a food truck that serves delicious BBQ-inspired crepes. Their BBQ crepe features pulled pork, cheddar cheese, and BBQ sauce, all wrapped up in a warm crepe.
Of course, no BBQ experience is complete without trying some of the signature dishes. Make sure to try the pulled pork, which is slow-cooked to perfection, and the ribs, which are coated in a tangy BBQ sauce. For something different, try the BBQ nachos or the BBQ sandwich, which is often served with coleslaw and pickles.
Another signature dish to try is the brisket, which is a tough cut of meat that requires a long cooking time to become tender. The brisket is typically seasoned with a dry rub and smoked over a pit for several hours. When done correctly, the brisket is tender and juicy, with a smoky flavor that is hard to resist.
And don't forget about the sides! BBQ joints in Knoxville typically offer a variety of sides to accompany the meat. Some popular options include mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad.
So next time you're in Knoxville, be sure to check out the city's BBQ scene. With so many great options to choose from, you're sure to find a favorite.
While Knoxville is known for its BBQ, it's also home to a thriving craft beer scene. There are several breweries in the city that offer unique flavors, local ingredients, and great ambiance.
Over the last decade, Knoxville has become a hub for craft breweries. The brewing community here is strong, with each brewery offering something different. What sets Knoxville's craft beers apart is the use of local ingredients, which often give the beer a distinct flavor.
If you're a craft beer enthusiast, you can't miss going to the breweries in Knoxville. Some of the top breweries include Alliance Brewing Company, Crafty Bastard Brewery, and Pretentious Beer Co. Each brewery has its own unique beer flavors, and you'll surely find one that will pique your interest. Don't forget to try some of the seasonal flavors, which are often brewed with local fruits and herbs.
If you're looking for something truly unique, try some of Knoxville's unusual beer flavors. For example, Crafty Bastard's Peanut Butter Milk Stout combines the flavors of chocolate and peanut butter for a rich, creamy taste. Alliance Brewing Company's Sonia's Vengeance is a sour ale with a fruity undertone, while Pretentious Beer Co's styles are inspired by the art deco movement.
For those who love farm-fresh ingredients, Knoxville has several restaurants that source food from local farmers. These restaurants offer a unique dining experience that is both delicious and sustainable.
One of the main reasons farm-to-table restaurants are becoming more popular is that they support local farms and promote sustainable agriculture. By using locally sourced ingredients, these restaurants ensure that the food is fresh, healthy, and environmentally friendly. Additionally, supporting local farms helps to strengthen the local economy and creates a sense of community.
Locally sourced ingredients also provide a unique flavor profile that cannot be replicated by using mass-produced ingredients that have traveled long distances. The taste of the food is often richer and more complex, as the ingredients are allowed to fully ripen before being harvested and used in the restaurant's dishes.
One of the best farm-to-table restaurants in Knoxville is Knox Mason, which serves delicious southern-style dishes using locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant's chef, Matt Gallaher, is committed to using ingredients that are in season and supporting local farmers. The menu changes regularly to reflect the availability of fresh, local ingredients.
Another great option for farm-to-table dining in Knoxville is Emilia, which features Italian-inspired cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients. The restaurant's chef, Matt Bolus, sources ingredients from local farms and creates dishes that are both delicious and visually stunning.
The Plaid Apron is another popular farm-to-table restaurant in Knoxville. The restaurant has its own farm, where it grows many of the ingredients used in its dishes. The menu changes regularly to reflect the seasons, and the restaurant's commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients is evident in every dish.
One of the benefits of farm-to-table restaurants is that they often feature seasonal ingredients, which means the menu changes regularly. Be sure to try the dishes that feature the local produce and fruits that are in season, such as spring asparagus, summer tomatoes, and fall squash.
In the spring, look out for dishes featuring fresh peas, strawberries, and ramps. In the summer, try dishes featuring heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn, and watermelon. And in the fall, enjoy dishes featuring butternut squash, apples, and pears.
Overall, farm-to-table restaurants in Knoxville offer a unique dining experience that is both delicious and sustainable. By supporting local farms and using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, these restaurants are helping to create a more vibrant and sustainable food system.
Looking for something different? Knoxville also has a great selection of international restaurants that serve everything from Mexican to Japanese cuisine. The city is a melting pot of cultures, and this is reflected in its food scene. From traditional dishes to fusion cuisine, there is something for everyone in Knoxville.
One of the great things about Knoxville is its diverse food offerings. Whether you're looking for Thai, Indian, or Mexican, you'll find it here. A great way to explore different international cuisines is to try a food tour, which will take you to some of the best eateries in the city. You can taste the flavors of the world without ever leaving Knoxville.
Food tours are a great way to learn about the history and culture of the city. You can discover hidden gems that you might not have found on your own. Some food tours even offer behind-the-scenes access to kitchens and chefs, giving you a unique perspective on the food you're eating.
Some of the most popular ethnic restaurants in Knoxville include Chivo Taqueria, which serves delicious Mexican tacos and margaritas, and Sitar Indian Cuisine, which features a wide selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. If you're in the mood for something spicy, you can't go wrong with the Vindaloo curry.
If you're a fan of sushi, Nama Sushi Bar is a must-visit. Their sushi rolls are expertly crafted and feature unique flavor combinations. The Volcano Roll, for example, is a spicy tuna roll topped with baked scallops and crab meat.
For a taste of the Mediterranean, head to Kefi. This Greek restaurant serves classic dishes like moussaka and spanakopita, as well as grilled meats and seafood. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.
For those who want to try something truly unique, Knoxville also has several restaurants that feature fusion cuisine. The Kitchen 919, for example, blends southern and French flavors to create a unique dining experience. The menu changes frequently, but you can expect dishes like duck confit with sweet potato puree and braised collard greens.
If you're in the mood for something spicy, try SoKno Taco Cantina, which blends Mexican and Korean flavors for a delicious twist on classic dishes. The Korean BBQ taco is a customer favorite, featuring marinated beef, kimchi, and a spicy aioli sauce.
Whether you're a foodie or just looking for something new to try, Knoxville's international food scene has something for everyone. From traditional dishes to fusion cuisine, you can explore the flavors of the world without ever leaving the city.
In conclusion, Knoxville is a food lover's paradise. With its famous southern-style BBQ, thriving craft beer scene, farm-to-table restaurants, and diverse international cuisine, there's something for everyone. So, grab your appetite and get ready to explore everything Knoxville has to offer!
