Foodie’s Guide to Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

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The Bistro at the Bijou is nestled in one of the oldest buildings in Knoxville, a site that has had the distinct honour of hosting five American Presidents throughout its previous life as a frontier hotel and tavern. The 19th century painting known as ‘Miss Lil’ behind the bar is another relic of the past. The Bistro now serves up a wide variety of delicious dishes for theatregoers and those visiting just for the food and ambiance. The menu features sandwiches and comfort food as well as steak and seafood, serving from brunch through dinner.

Those craving fresh seafood and an ultra-modern setting should head down Gay Street to Shuck Raw Bar & Ale. With specials featuring fish tacos, hand-selected oysters, and raw tuna this trendy restaurant will satisfy seafood lovers of all tastes. The menu also features po’ boys, a classic Southern sandwich consisting of grouper, shrimp, crab or oysters accompanied by homemade tartar sauce, romaine lettuce, and tomato on a hoagie bun. The exquisite food is well complimented by an extensive drinks menu, featuring wine, specialty cocktails and a variety of ales and lagers.

For the best burger in town, Knoxvillians frequent Stock & Barrel. Working to promote local sustainability in addition to serving excellent burgers, Stock & Barrel is committed to a farm-to-table concept, sourcing all of its beef from Mitchell Family Farms in Blaine, Tennessee; and bread, cheese and bacon from other local producers. The menu also boasts a few other gems of local cuisine with a gourmet twist, notably fried green tomatoes with goat’s cheese in a balsamic reduction and a white cheddar pimiento cheese dip. Stock & Barrel’s tag line is ‘Burgers and Bourbon’, and the bourbon selection does indeed live up to this moniker.

Bistro by the Tracks blends continental dishes with a Southern flair to provide a fine dining experience in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. With this concept in mind, Chef Chester Miller has created unique dishes, such as his shrimp bisque, consisting of butter-poached shrimp and scallion in tomato cream, accompanied by crispy grits and cornmeal-crusted catfish, served with crayfish, red beans & rice, and remoulade. Bistro by the Tracks has also received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence; patrons will be sure to find the perfect wine to compliment Miller’s exceptional dishes. The bistro is open for lunch and dinner.

Diners with an adventurous spirit should travel a short distance from Knoxville to Pigeon Forge, for a unique cultural experience known as the Dixie Stampede. Highlights of this family-friendly spectacle include horse-riding stunts, Bluegrass and country music and a theme of North and South rivalry based on the history of the American Civil War. A four-course meal is served during the dinner show, on a fixed menu that also has a vegetarian option. The Dixie Stampede is a fun, light-hearted experience that also gives an insight into Southern culture and history.

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner (as well as featuring a gluten-free menu) Café 4 has something for everyone. The menu is crafted with an abundance of local ingredients and encompasses a wide variety of dishes: fried chicken and waffles to the Café 4 strawberry salad to steak roquefort and a mac n cheese bar. The cafe also boasts a bakery with many confectionery delights. Voted one of the top romantic restaurants in America by Gourmet.com, Café 4’s intimate ambiance is charming. The cafe features live music in The Square Room and is located in Market Square.

The French Market is Knoxville’s premier crêperie. Located in the heart of downtown on Gay Street, The French Market crafts savoury and sweet crêpes using batter imported directly from France with a wide variety of fillings to choose from. Open primarily for breakfast and lunch, but also dinner on Thursday through Saturday, The French Market also serves baguettes, croissants, soups and salads in a cosy, friendly atmosphere.

Archers is the best place for BBQ in Knoxville. This Memphis-style BBQ consists of dry rubbed and hickory smoked pork, chicken, sliced beef and baby back ribs marinated in sauces created by founder Archer Bagley, a Memphis native. These delicious, high-quality meats are served with classic Southern sides: collard greens, BBQ beans, potato salad, and coleslaw. For authentic comfort food in true East Tennessee style, go no further than Archers, located on Kingston Pike.