Any visit to Knoxville should include lots of Good Eats, maybe starting with, historic Market Square, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and bars. Then work your way out. There are so many tasty spots we couldn’t get to on this visit. NOTE: there are a number of parking garages nearby that are free after 6pm.
We didn’t have time to go back to Not Watson’s this time, but loved it when I went previously. See lots of food photos on their Facebook Page. I’ve never forgotten the owner’s story about how the name came to be:
“Growing up…my mom loved Watson’s Department Store…I mean loved it! It seemed as if every Saturday of my youth, was spent rummaging through the bargain-filled caverns of Watson’s Department Store on Market Square. We would all pile in the car and wait for the question…”Where are we headed?” We knew it was coming, and, as if we had any choice in the matter, our answer was invariably “Not Watson’s!” Then we’d all have a good laugh, and head straight downtown!” – Not Watson’s
We totally lucked out with beautiful weather during our stay in Knoxville and took advantage of outdoor dining as often as possible, including at The French Market. Parking is easy, depending on day and time, at metered parking along the street in front of the restaurant.
Good seafood inland in Knoxville, TN? I admit to being a little wary, but Chesapeak’s was recommended to us by a friend who’s a local and has been many times. So now, I say the answer is absolutely! Here’s their sourcing statement: “We source and cut the freshest seafood available daily from the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Coasts.”
The four of us really enjoyed our meals and each couple shared a dessert. We both chose the Bread Pudding. It was made with donuts and topped with Lemon Sabayon Sauce.
Five Thirty Lounge on the Hyatt Place Downtown Knoxville Rooftop
Love this Knoxville rooftop bar! It has a relaxed, but elevated adult vibe. To get to the rooftop, enter the front of the Hyatt Place hotel and continue towards the back until you see an elevator alcove on the left. Take it up to Five Thirty Lounge.
It’s been a while since we’ve been to Five Thirty, so we were surprised at the price increase over our last visit. Our bill included two Cocktails at $14 each, plus 9.25% Sales Tax of $2.59, AND a 15% LBD (Liquor By the Drink) tax of $4.20. So our Bill totalled $34.79 before tip and $40.79 with a $6 tip! Everything’s “gone up” to some extent or another, and Tennessee has no Income Tax. We figured the state has to fund itself somehow, and this must be a big earner. Maybe I’ll get a beer next time?
It’s still worth a visit. The view and ambiance are excellent.
First Watch (Bearden Hill/West of Downtown)
Two of us had some shopping to do in the Bearden Hill area, west of downtown Knoxville. We decided to start our day off with the most important meal, at least it used to be, at this First Watch. Neither of us had been to any of their multiple locations, including Biltmore Village south of downtown Asheville.
Both of us liked it so much, we had breakfast here twice on this trip!
Our local friends, Jamey and Heather, took us to one of their favorite spots, Savelli’s. It ranks up there with many small local neighborhood restaurants in US and European cities I love. Inside it’s down right tiny inside, but feels intimate and private rather than crowded. Amazing what some ceiling to floor drapes will do when they’re used as space dividers.
Chef Savelli serves up classic Italian comfort food in generous portions. Her traditional sauce/gravy is very good. It’s a BYOW (bring your own wine) restaurant. If you’re looking for excellent homestyle Italian, go here!
“We specialize in traditional Italian fare, gas brick oven hand-tossed New York style pizza, sub sandwiches, and our very popular coastal seafood favorites such as Maryland-style crab cakes and Grouper Piccata.” – Chef Liz Savelli
We stayed at a sweet 2BR 2BA AirBnB in South Knoxville, across the river from downtown. It was super easy to get into the heart of downtown from the AirBnB, taking about 9 minutes. This area is also known as “Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness”.
There were two great spots to grab a bite within a one block walk. One of them was visible across a parking lot from the BnB.
71 South has only been open a few months as of this article. It’s definitely off the beaten path for non-mountain bikers, but not so for the biking crowd. It’s located on the edge of the Baker Creek Preserve, a MTB’ers (mountain bikers) heaven. Multiple trails, some specifically downhill built.
“Baker Creek Preserve acts as the gateway to Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. With 5 multi-use trails and 3 purpose built bicycle specific downhill trails the park has a trail for everyone!” – Appalachian Mountain Bike Club
Kinda sad – kinda great, 71 South is in an almost century old church that was no longer being used. The vibe is open, fresh, and friendly. We stopped in for appetizers and drinks. It was one of those times that I didn’t pause to take food/drink pics.
They offer daily specials at pretty good prices and a menu that’s not huge, but has quite a variety of diet-specific options.
Housed in another church building that’s attached to 71 South is Crafty Bastard Brewery. I admit to flinching just a teensy bit at the name, seeing it’s in what was once a religeous building. Could be wrong, but it looked like there were both tanks and a taproom on site. Don’t think this location is on their website yet?
Whether you’re chillin’ at the fire pit, dining inside or out on the patio or under the big tent in back, SoKno is a cool spot. It felt a little like it had “party town” potential even though we were there for lunch during the week. Business lunches were happening at other tables, so it was quiet when we were there.
It’s been called “industrial chic with an urban neo-garage feel” by Dennis Perkins in his 2017 Knoxville Mercury article. It still has that feel six years later. Good food. Good portions. Good staff.
