Taoist and other Rocky Top'ers.......

[redsfann]

I will be spending a few days in Knoxville in the middle of May. Having never been there before, could those of you that are familiar with the town recommend some restaurants/bars/clubs that 10 guys and 5 wives could get a meal or drink at?

We range in age from 32 to 50, so frat-boy type watering holes aren't our speed any more--
and nope, Larry Eustacy isn't coming on this trip with us...LOL

Always like to check out the local places rather than eat the same old crap at the national chains.

Place with the best pizza?
A good steakhouse?
Are there ethnic places in Knoxville--such as Thai or other Asian restaurants?
How about a brewpub or microbrewery in town? If not, whats the best place for us to find microbrews?

Thanks in advance for your replys............

 

[taoist]

I don't live in Knoxville (actually Nashville), but I know of one place you shouldn't miss.... You've got to go to Calhoun's, especially if you like barbque!!!


...also, if you're looking for a steakhouse, you've got to go to Regas (best steakhouse in Knoxville) and if you like seafood, try Atlantis (I think that's the name)....

...I'll call my buddy that went to school up there and get a few suggestions from him...and post them later.

...no matter where you go, you're sure to find plenty of good ole southern hospitality.... Enjoy your stay, my friend.

 

[taoist]

...just talked to my buddy and he reiterated that you better not miss out on Calhoun's on the river....

...he also added a few others.... You might want to check out Copper Cellar (it is on the strip, but the prices keep out most of the riff raff...not overly expensive, but above the college student's normal budgets....)


...for seafood, he said to check out Chesapeak (sp?).... he said that the same guy owns Calhoun's, Chesapeak and Copper Celler and you wouldn't go wrong at any of those places....


...he also added another steakhouse, but I still maintain that Regas is the best in Knoxville...but he said The Butcher Block (or Butcher Shop, he forgets the name) was also a great steakhouse....


...and lastly, if you're out in West Knoxville, you might want to check out Grady's.... I've never been there, but he said it was a nice place....


...once again, enjoy your stay and come back soon now, ya hear?

 

[DR STRANGELOVE]

pick up the phone you lazy bastard!!!




what about strip clubs?

 

[Nole]

Hello redsfann, I live here in K-ville. I agree with taoit's buddy on a couple of restaurants. Calhoun's on the River no doubt is a must. Great atmosphere. If the weather's nice, hang out on the deck. If you don't get the ribs, you're a goof!. The smoked prime rib is not that tasty. The Copper Cellar I frequent is on Kingston Pike. Wasn't aware of the one on the strip. I'm sure the food quality is equal. I've been to 2 Christmas banquets at Regas so I'm not familiar with the menu but have heard the steaks are tasty. The Butcher Shop is also located on K-Pike if I'm not mistaken. I ate there once I believe but alcohol was involved so I can't give a fair write-up. I do go to Grady's alot. Nice atmosphere, great steaks! Nice bar if you have to wait. One more over here in W. Knoxville. The Italian Market and Grille. Yum-yum. Really recommend that place at least one of your nights.
There are 2 fairly new oriental restaurants, both on K-pike. Wasabi's and P.F. Chang's. My kids enjoy Wasabi's because it's hibachi and they like the show. It's very nice and clean. Good size portions. The other 2 hibachi restaurants are Miyabi's and Kanpai. Both tasty but I favor Wasabi's due to the cleanliness. P. F. Chang's is supposed to be very nice. Everyone at work has been there but me but I've heard great things.
Sports bar? I favor Bailey's in West K-ville. Plenty of pool, good drinks and decent food. I watch the NFL there. Another one is Rick's Place(haven't been there). Rookies Sports Bar if you're desperate(you won't be).
Pizza. I tell ya, there's a place called, "The Pizza Kitchen" right down the road that's pretty good. Problem is, it's not near anything. It's on Northshore Drive. With 2 small boys, I mostly have mine delivered. Not much help there.
You mentioned, "national chains". There's plenty of that for sure. I agree with you, while visiting another town, find the local hang-outs.
I know absolutely nothing about micro-brew watering holes, sorry.
Chesapeake's is supposed to be top-notch as well. Not exactly sure where it is located. Have heard great things.
Knoxville has a million restaurants that's for sure. If you like, e-mail Jack and ask for my e-mail address and I'll give you my number at work. In case you're lost or just need directions to these fine establishments.
Where are you staying? In West Knoxville or downtown?
Take care and drive careful.

nole

 

[taoist]

redsfann,

...called my cousin who has lived in K-town all of her life and she gave me some other restaurants for your consideration....

...she said that L & N restaurant was great.... I think that she said that it had burned down, but that they had re-opened it in an old train station....maybe someone else could help on this one....


...and as for microbreweries.... try Foundry, which is downtown I think.... or if you're in west knoxville, try Hops....


...she also mentioned the Riverside Tavern, which would be located near the river if I had to guess.... LOL


...hope that your visit is an enjoyable one, buddy.


edit: ...per my step-father, who spends plenty of time in Knoxville in the fall (along with plenty of $$$), the absolutely best restaurant in Knoxville is atop the Hyatt Regency.... I don't know the name and would venture a guess that it ain't cheap, but depending upon the circumstances and the budget, you might want to check it out.... personally, i've never been there.... :shrug:

 

[redsfann]

Taoist and Nole--

Wow! What can I say? Much more than I expected--but seeing as this is Madjack's I shouldn't be suprised........

We are only in Knoxville 3 nights, then its on to Great Smokey Mountains N.P. for me and my wife for a week of backpacking and camping, so we won't be able to visit all these fine establishments you two have mentioned.

We are staying near campus-- please tell me school is in session until at least the 16th of May........

Will make sure we get to Calhoun's as a group one of the nights and I'm sure it won't take much to get a couple of the gang to head over to the Foundry for some brew, either.


Thanks again, guys.........

 

[djv]

Redsfann it looks like for Pizza you will have to come back here.
Hey whats up with the IW ST, BB Coach. Sounds like he digs the younger chicks and a few beers with the younger crowd. Is he in trouble.

 

[redsfann]

djv--

Will probably being seeing you and your lovely bride for pizza this summer sometime-- the family is getting together in Duluth in either July or August-- will let you know--its my turn to buy, right??


Taoist and Nole--


Are these places you mentioned for dinner all casual or semi-casual places? We can do the jacket and tie thing if necessary, but I'm going to be on vacation so would rather not have to dress up if I don't need to-- slacks and a polo shirt is about as nice as I want to dress-- shorts and a polo shirt would be perfect. Thanks again, fellas!

 

[taoist]

...other than the restaurant atop the Hyatt, you should be fine with casual attire. I'd go with the slacks at night, but if you go to Calhoun's during lunch and it's a nice day, shorts on the deck and ribs in the mouth make for a great afternoon.... Enjoy your stay, redsfann.


p.s. Nole, if you know of any of these restaurants that require more formal attire, please post....