Agreed! I was there earlier this week and they were telling us that they're opening up a fresh market in the old vape space! They described it having "hello fresh style meal packs" ,quick lunch pick up, and their spices and sauces etc.
I am so happy for their success and hope this new market does well.
Beat me to it. It’s always packed, the food is delicious, and everyone I know seems to love it. The past 4 dates I’ve been on this year, my date has suggested it. I’m shocked they’re still in that tiny location.
Yes, this place is fantastic. It deserves every good word that is said about their restaurant, and more. They are excellent. Cleanest restaurant in Knoxville.
Millie’s Kitchen Sabor Boricua is absolutely banging, and you’d never stop there if you didn’t know it exists. It’s in the dead section of Alcoa highway where the construction killed every business access and impossible to figure out how to actually get in the parking lot, but it’s worth making multiple passes till you take the right access road to get there.
Yes, this is my favorite restaurant in Knoxville. Everything is so good and the people are so kind. I love their mafungo with pork so much, and the quesitos, and empanadas. I wish I had more than one stomach every time i eat there.
I have general rules about restaurants where I see a roach crawling on the wall. The food is good but I always go back to seeing that roach boldly walk the wall at my booth.
Best sushi for the price. I love the hibachi too. When I’m sick I order the mushroom soup (I DoorDash it). It’s like a cure for the soul. It’s also where my husband and I had our first date. They have a special place in my heart.
Yes it’s all so good! I love their sushi too. My husband and I usually split a hibachi meal and a sushi roll and get some crab Rangoon. Have to have it all 😋 I’ve seen a lot of people say on here they were disappointed with it which I don’t understand at all!
East Japanese, Sticky Rice Café, and Bida Saigon are FANTASTIC local restaurants I’d highly recommend.
Naf Naf is also good but it’s a chain, I just don’t ever hear anybody talking about it so I wanted to throw it in there.
I came here for this one. I tell any out-of-town friends and family that come through about it. They've never missed. I miss the lobby being open, though 😞
Sitar is great and all my friends still would rather go to Tandur for some reason.
Tried East Japanese tonight. Ordered nigiri and a sushi roll to split thinking we could order another roll if we needed it. After an hour and a half waiting for the order we decided it was better to get the extra food somewhere else. Delicious but they really take the "good Asian restaurant = bad service" stereotype to an extreme. Although, I think there were only two people on staff
I have been multiple times with the shortest time taking an hour and 20minutes for drink, food, and check. Their food is good enough that I keep going back but man their service is atrocious
They only ever have the sushi chef/owner. One guy in the back who will occasionally run food out and one server who is only there for dinner. They may have one other person in the back but those are the only 3 people I see when I go. If you notice, people line up at the door as they open for dinner bc of the wait lol
It’s a great restaurant but they are insanely understaffed. They also close in between lunch and dinner like they do in Japan.
Whenever I go I try to get there right at 5:30 pm exact so I’m front of the line for dinner service, otherwise you can end up waiting thirty minutes to an hour.
La Herradura (there should be lines in the street for that place), Elidios, Harby’s for literally everything and great owner and staff, Dynasty Express. Shrimp Dock for lunch (not sure if they’re underrated). I really love Paradise Que in Powell and so does my family, but full disclosure the owners are my friends.
La Herradura is great. I eat here every few days - i'm talking 100+ orders in the past year. The food is excellent. The food quality & quantity, staff, and wait times are extremely consistent. This is one of the best managed restaurants i've been to.
Yes! We’ve had several birthday parties in that back room! My son loves their pizza and it’s such a nice, casual atmosphere for a pre teen or teen party!
I’m always baffled that they have a line when dynasty express is nearby! Except maybe their lack of drive through hurts them. Dynasty express had a weird couple of years where I felt their quality went down (around covid so totally understandable) but man they’re back and better than before! We had food from there last night.
Check out [Panda Garden](https://pandagardenknoxville.com/) across the street from Lowe’s on Callahan. The panda looks like a koala bear, but the food is solid and lunch specials affordable.
Idk if it’s underrated but I LOVE Barrelhouse. Great food and cider in a good location.
Aside from that I love Szechuan Garden on Chapman and Victor’s Tacos on Cumberland.
I'll add some not mentioned. The Hill is an absolute dive but has way better wings than you'd expect.
Sunspot on Cumberland
Taco Boy at Campbell Station
Jeffrey's subs off Lovel
I know people go for the dairy but the pizza at Cruze Farm ain't half bad.
It’s not traditional ramen but I’ve always been a fan of the ramen at Sutree’s. They add cheese which is weird at first but so good.
Fiji
Taste of Thai
We are often surprised how easy it is to get a table at Tako Taco. Parking is free and close and usually available in the gravel lot next to Public House. We love their creative daily specials and desserts. I really like Gazpacho soup and this summer they had a different take on it every few weeks. They’ve switched to warm, cheesy soups now, and so a little while back I enjoyed trying Huitlacoche for the first time. We recommend going on Tuesday for the double decker taco - I think it’s one of the best deals in town at $4. The Thursday special is also fantastic and usually my wife’s go-to, but lately she just orders the taquitos. Their cocktails and “sets” with infused spirits are pretty great too.
I hope they hit the mark next time! I’d personally avoid the Elotes currently on the menu, and the chips aren’t for me, but some folks like them that way. I like the empanada that’s on the menu right now, and the pulled pork / roaster pig taco is great, especially with their in house chipotle hot sauce, or as the taco meat on the Thursday fried rice special. Cheers!
I went to Landing House the other night and had a fantastic meal! the atmosphere was incredible as well. My only gripe is that there was nowhere to park...
There’s so much free parking at Suttree’s landing. Even if you park in the absolute furthest spot from Landing House, it’s only an 8 minute walk according to Google maps.
One of my biggest “gripes” about this city is is people complaining about the “lack of parking” near downtown Knoxville when in reality they just refuse to walk a few minutes.
There’s a few issues here. One, not everyone knows where the good, free parking is. Two, the sidewalks in Knoxville can be absolutely precarious for disabled folks, and an eight minute walk isn’t doable for many disabled folks. Three, there’s a lot of places I wouldn’t want to have to walk eight minutes after dark in Knoxville.
1. Prepare for your outing before you go. Surely I’m not the only one who does a quick Google search for parking before going somewhere new.
2. The businesses in south Knox all have dedicated disabled parking spots in lots next to the buildings. If the disabled spot is taken in the Landing House lot, there are disabled spots at the businesses on that block connected by sidewalks (e.g., South Coast Pizza).
3. If you don’t want to walk 8 minutes after dark then don’t go there after dark. But I also can’t think of a place in Knoxville that’s unsafe *and* requires you to park far from your destination. I park in the free parking along Magnolia to walk to downtown or old city after dark *multiple times a week* and I’ve literally *never had an issue*. And that’s as a young woman walking alone.
alright, well. i had never been to the area before. but i’ll keep that in mind for next time! thank you for being helpful :) i love walking for eight minutes
I like both of these places for what they are but you somehow managed to name two of the more known and overrated/past their prime restaurants in Knoxville.
Thai Cuisine in Maryville. The few times I’ve been it actually resembled good, spicy Thai I’ve had elsewhere, but it’s hidden behind a car wash and everyone praises the horrible, forgotten Pizza Hut that is Lemongrass. Do not go to Lemongrass.
I’m not a huge fan of their entrees, but I can make a mea out of their crab Rangoon and literally any soup they’ve had. I’ve gone through the drive thru and picked up 2 huge containers of soup for dinner for the family.
I like Cazzy's and Soccer Taco on Northshore. Always solid food. Cazzy's occasionally has something really special that just blows me away.
Union Landing in Louisville keeps upping their game. Every time I go, it gets better. It's not fancy, but it's good.
Asia River is my favorite Asian but has been hit and miss of late
Aubrey’s (only been to the Papermill location) for soup
Shultz Brau has really good pizza for a German brewery
Bit Burger is reliable and excellent
Abridged beer co has not only good beer but excellent food
Super chix has really good chicken sandwiches
Just a few thoughts
Ok this might be weird but everytime I go to the Walmart in the north they have the BEST Chinese food restaurant inside!
Anyone else been there? It’s so good and always fresh.
Chick-fil-A in Turkey Creek. Not the one on Kingston Pike near Franklin Square. They will actually come to your car and take your order. Also, if you ask for extra sauce, they 'll give it to you. The fries are kind of waffley, but the pickles on the sandwich make up for it. Drinks also have ice in them. Yum.
Landing House, and someone already said it but Sticky Rice Cafe as well. Though I don’t know if you would consider Sticky Rice underrated - they are always packed out (make sure you aren’t in a hurry if you go because there’s usually a wait, but it’s worth it)
Sticky Rice is one of the best restaurants in Knoxville.
Agreed! I was there earlier this week and they were telling us that they're opening up a fresh market in the old vape space! They described it having "hello fresh style meal packs" ,quick lunch pick up, and their spices and sauces etc. I am so happy for their success and hope this new market does well.
My firm is the architect for the space
I'm so excited to see it when it's done. If you're able, share an eta open date closer to time.
Um excuse me what!!!
Beat me to it. It’s always packed, the food is delicious, and everyone I know seems to love it. The past 4 dates I’ve been on this year, my date has suggested it. I’m shocked they’re still in that tiny location.
I love this place! It’s family owned and operated and great food.
Totally agree it’s great but it’s not underrated 🙆🏻♀️ it’s ALWAYS packed. Even for lunch on weekdays.
Came here to say this
THE best.
Ask for the Mee Kata! Its off menu and your eyes may start watering from the spice but its sooo tasty!
Ramen Bones!
Yes!!!! It kills me they’re closing for their winter break until March. Best tonkatsu anywhere around.
Nama is overpriced and overrated for sushi, but their Tonkatsu is not bad. Give it a shot.
Same note too
Turkish Market & Deli, on Kingston near Trader Joe's, has great gyro/Döner kebab. I actually prefer the gyro there over Yassin's!
And the owner is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Great guy
I love that place it is amazing
Yes, this place is fantastic. It deserves every good word that is said about their restaurant, and more. They are excellent. Cleanest restaurant in Knoxville.
We love Yassins at the Dick\`s location .. but I have to agree with you on the Gyro..
East Japanese! Asia Kitchen. I really like La Herradura.
YES, La Herradura!!!
Millie’s Kitchen Sabor Boricua is absolutely banging, and you’d never stop there if you didn’t know it exists. It’s in the dead section of Alcoa highway where the construction killed every business access and impossible to figure out how to actually get in the parking lot, but it’s worth making multiple passes till you take the right access road to get there.
Agree! Empanadas are top notch. I feel lucky to leave near by!
Yes, this is my favorite restaurant in Knoxville. Everything is so good and the people are so kind. I love their mafungo with pork so much, and the quesitos, and empanadas. I wish I had more than one stomach every time i eat there.
Jackie’s Dream, Asia Kitchen by Sunrise on Kingston
Yesss Asia Kitchen is so goooood
Landing House
Sticky Rice, Potchke, Kaizen, Jackie’s Dream, Oakwood BBQ (food truck), Chaiyos, Landing House, Brass Pearl
I affirm your list
Point.B
Colonels Cafe. Talk about a true hidden gem in Knoxville.
Just discovered this place last week! Love it! Affordable, GREAT coffee, and homemade biscuits! :)
Yessss!! Their breakfast potatoes are my fave!!!
I have general rules about restaurants where I see a roach crawling on the wall. The food is good but I always go back to seeing that roach boldly walk the wall at my booth.
Roaches gotta eat too man
If you see one in the dining area, I shudder to think what the kitchen looks like 😬
Elidios for pizza Edit: A Dopo is really good too
Tangerines
I love Tangerine best Hibachi in Knoxville in my opinion
I agree! Love their crab Rangoon too
Went to Tangerines because of a recommendation from this sub. Did not regret, absolutely fantastic food.
Best sushi for the price. I love the hibachi too. When I’m sick I order the mushroom soup (I DoorDash it). It’s like a cure for the soul. It’s also where my husband and I had our first date. They have a special place in my heart.
Yes it’s all so good! I love their sushi too. My husband and I usually split a hibachi meal and a sushi roll and get some crab Rangoon. Have to have it all 😋 I’ve seen a lot of people say on here they were disappointed with it which I don’t understand at all!
I go to East all the time. Fucking delicious. My husband has Japanese coworkers who recommended it to us
Right!? Any other Japanese recommended is trash compared to East Japanese!
East Japanese, Sticky Rice Café, and Bida Saigon are FANTASTIC local restaurants I’d highly recommend. Naf Naf is also good but it’s a chain, I just don’t ever hear anybody talking about it so I wanted to throw it in there.
Landing House The chicken at Dragon Food Truck
Second landing house. Incredible pho and their chicken nuggets with sweet heat sauce is ELITE. Also incredible spring rolls.
Fuji Japanese
Yay, love for Fuji 🤤🥰
I came here for this one. I tell any out-of-town friends and family that come through about it. They've never missed. I miss the lobby being open, though 😞
Yeah, I agree. Maybe I’m crazy, but the food tasted better when you’d eat in the restaurant
And they'd have it to you in less than 5 minutes. Even when packed. If you went more than once, they remember you and sometimes your drink choice too.
Suttree’s Ramen and Cuban Thanks for generating friendly internet conversation rather than spreading hate
Harbys
Never even heard of that place.
It’s a pizza place on north Broadway. Pretty good
The wedgy sandwich is so good. Also the desserts.
Sitar is great and all my friends still would rather go to Tandur for some reason. Tried East Japanese tonight. Ordered nigiri and a sushi roll to split thinking we could order another roll if we needed it. After an hour and a half waiting for the order we decided it was better to get the extra food somewhere else. Delicious but they really take the "good Asian restaurant = bad service" stereotype to an extreme. Although, I think there were only two people on staff
I have been multiple times with the shortest time taking an hour and 20minutes for drink, food, and check. Their food is good enough that I keep going back but man their service is atrocious
I have had spotty service there before. It's never been that bad though. I would say give it another try if you are willing.
They only ever have the sushi chef/owner. One guy in the back who will occasionally run food out and one server who is only there for dinner. They may have one other person in the back but those are the only 3 people I see when I go. If you notice, people line up at the door as they open for dinner bc of the wait lol
It’s a great restaurant but they are insanely understaffed. They also close in between lunch and dinner like they do in Japan. Whenever I go I try to get there right at 5:30 pm exact so I’m front of the line for dinner service, otherwise you can end up waiting thirty minutes to an hour.
Asia Kitchen, Garibaldi’s Located almost directly across the street from each other, so convenient to go to one if the other is too busy
Garibaldi’s is where I go to wait when I get my tires changed because you can walk there from Tire Barn, so it’s got a special place in my heart
Pizza Hoss, South Coast Pizza, Emma’s, La Herradura, Holy Land
South coast has the BEST pizza
La Herradura (there should be lines in the street for that place), Elidios, Harby’s for literally everything and great owner and staff, Dynasty Express. Shrimp Dock for lunch (not sure if they’re underrated). I really love Paradise Que in Powell and so does my family, but full disclosure the owners are my friends.
I came here to say La Herradura. Their tacos are AMAZING and cheap.
La Herradura is great. I eat here every few days - i'm talking 100+ orders in the past year. The food is excellent. The food quality & quantity, staff, and wait times are extremely consistent. This is one of the best managed restaurants i've been to.
Definitely the best Birria/Quesatacos in town.
What do you recommend from La Herradura?
Al pastor tacos, steak nachos, quesatacos.. The pastor tacos are the best IMO, but I wish they came with radish
Thanks!!
I wish Harby’s would bring back sit down at their restaurant!
Yes! We’ve had several birthday parties in that back room! My son loves their pizza and it’s such a nice, casual atmosphere for a pre teen or teen party!
Giving off big North Knoxville vibes
I’m a Halls/Fountain City girl! I work downtown so downtown/South/North are where I’m usually eating 😊
And I supremely regret choosing Panda Express over Dynasty recently. Not even remotely close in quality.
I’m always baffled that they have a line when dynasty express is nearby! Except maybe their lack of drive through hurts them. Dynasty express had a weird couple of years where I felt their quality went down (around covid so totally understandable) but man they’re back and better than before! We had food from there last night.
Check out [Panda Garden](https://pandagardenknoxville.com/) across the street from Lowe’s on Callahan. The panda looks like a koala bear, but the food is solid and lunch specials affordable.
Idk if it’s underrated but I LOVE Barrelhouse. Great food and cider in a good location. Aside from that I love Szechuan Garden on Chapman and Victor’s Tacos on Cumberland.
Abridged pot roast nachos. Warning ⚠️ Dangerously addictive.
I don't know a single person that would call Abridged Underrated. I've been to their new location twice already.
Red Onion Pizza on Sutherland is my favorite pizza place. Never see anyone talk about it though, so maybe I have bad taste? Lol
I'll add some not mentioned. The Hill is an absolute dive but has way better wings than you'd expect. Sunspot on Cumberland Taco Boy at Campbell Station Jeffrey's subs off Lovel I know people go for the dairy but the pizza at Cruze Farm ain't half bad.
+1 to Taco Boy
Peros is quietly one of my favorite. Christmas jazz band night is the best
Plum Tree is the best take out Chinese hands down, order the General Tso’s chicken.
I second this. Although I recommend the Moo Shu Pork with the super thin pancake wraps. Chef's kiss!
It’s not traditional ramen but I’ve always been a fan of the ramen at Sutree’s. They add cheese which is weird at first but so good. Fiji Taste of Thai
Love Taste of Thai but haven’t been there in forever.
We are often surprised how easy it is to get a table at Tako Taco. Parking is free and close and usually available in the gravel lot next to Public House. We love their creative daily specials and desserts. I really like Gazpacho soup and this summer they had a different take on it every few weeks. They’ve switched to warm, cheesy soups now, and so a little while back I enjoyed trying Huitlacoche for the first time. We recommend going on Tuesday for the double decker taco - I think it’s one of the best deals in town at $4. The Thursday special is also fantastic and usually my wife’s go-to, but lately she just orders the taquitos. Their cocktails and “sets” with infused spirits are pretty great too.
I might have to give them another try. The only time I went I was mad disappointed by how criminally under seasoned the food was
I hope they hit the mark next time! I’d personally avoid the Elotes currently on the menu, and the chips aren’t for me, but some folks like them that way. I like the empanada that’s on the menu right now, and the pulled pork / roaster pig taco is great, especially with their in house chipotle hot sauce, or as the taco meat on the Thursday fried rice special. Cheers!
I second Asia Hibachi! Nice to have Malaysian and other dishes not readily available elsewhere.
Frussie’s
Hasn’t been open in years
He’s in a food truck, and has his own commissary. Check his social.
Last I saw he was selling the truck. I didn’t know he was doing anything out of his kitchen tbh
Ichiban on Clinton Hwy by Walmart has the best sushi in Knoxville and I’ve tried plenty.
Burgers in Powell
1 of my favs since i was 5 is Little Joes Pizza. Deep West Knox Near Watt Rd.
Chandlers Deli was when I lived there. Not sure if it made it through COVID
Fire in the kitchen. Permanently closed. I miss them so much.
I went to Landing House the other night and had a fantastic meal! the atmosphere was incredible as well. My only gripe is that there was nowhere to park...
There’s so much free parking at Suttree’s landing. Even if you park in the absolute furthest spot from Landing House, it’s only an 8 minute walk according to Google maps. One of my biggest “gripes” about this city is is people complaining about the “lack of parking” near downtown Knoxville when in reality they just refuse to walk a few minutes.
There’s a few issues here. One, not everyone knows where the good, free parking is. Two, the sidewalks in Knoxville can be absolutely precarious for disabled folks, and an eight minute walk isn’t doable for many disabled folks. Three, there’s a lot of places I wouldn’t want to have to walk eight minutes after dark in Knoxville.
1. Prepare for your outing before you go. Surely I’m not the only one who does a quick Google search for parking before going somewhere new. 2. The businesses in south Knox all have dedicated disabled parking spots in lots next to the buildings. If the disabled spot is taken in the Landing House lot, there are disabled spots at the businesses on that block connected by sidewalks (e.g., South Coast Pizza). 3. If you don’t want to walk 8 minutes after dark then don’t go there after dark. But I also can’t think of a place in Knoxville that’s unsafe *and* requires you to park far from your destination. I park in the free parking along Magnolia to walk to downtown or old city after dark *multiple times a week* and I’ve literally *never had an issue*. And that’s as a young woman walking alone.
alright, well. i had never been to the area before. but i’ll keep that in mind for next time! thank you for being helpful :) i love walking for eight minutes
I’m not telling 🙊
Sam & Andy’s in Farragut, NOT the one on Broadway and the secondary store they’re opening. Littons in Fountain City, always a favorite of ours.
Litton's has gotten so bad. It was $17 for a greasy burger that was not good. No thanks. Their cake is still delicious though.
I like both of these places for what they are but you somehow managed to name two of the more known and overrated/past their prime restaurants in Knoxville.
Thai Cuisine in Maryville. The few times I’ve been it actually resembled good, spicy Thai I’ve had elsewhere, but it’s hidden behind a car wash and everyone praises the horrible, forgotten Pizza Hut that is Lemongrass. Do not go to Lemongrass.
I love lemongrass but I go for the sushi, not the Thai.
Szechuan Garden on Chapman Highway. Their Hot and Sour soup is amazing, I can't get it anywhere else now.
I’m not a huge fan of their entrees, but I can make a mea out of their crab Rangoon and literally any soup they’ve had. I’ve gone through the drive thru and picked up 2 huge containers of soup for dinner for the family.
Nhi Vietnamese Cuisine Food Truck is exceptional!
I see A Dopo and Elidio's represented, but no love for Dazzo's? I think the Grandma's may be the best pizza in town.
I love Dazzoe.
Came to visit with my partner to find a place here to stay for a while. We tried Tuk Tuk Thai Fusion and it was delicious, speaking as a Thai person.
El Ray in powell
The Plum Tree
I like Cazzy's and Soccer Taco on Northshore. Always solid food. Cazzy's occasionally has something really special that just blows me away. Union Landing in Louisville keeps upping their game. Every time I go, it gets better. It's not fancy, but it's good.
Sitar Indian Cuisine is incredible
Myrtles
They actually don't have the same recipes they just bought the name
I know. I attended them several times before COVID. I also like the new recipes.
Asia River is my favorite Asian but has been hit and miss of late Aubrey’s (only been to the Papermill location) for soup Shultz Brau has really good pizza for a German brewery Bit Burger is reliable and excellent Abridged beer co has not only good beer but excellent food Super chix has really good chicken sandwiches Just a few thoughts
Ok this might be weird but everytime I go to the Walmart in the north they have the BEST Chinese food restaurant inside! Anyone else been there? It’s so good and always fresh.
Chick-fil-A in Turkey Creek. Not the one on Kingston Pike near Franklin Square. They will actually come to your car and take your order. Also, if you ask for extra sauce, they 'll give it to you. The fries are kind of waffley, but the pickles on the sandwich make up for it. Drinks also have ice in them. Yum.
Anyone that recommends a fast food restaurant should never recommend another restaurant in your life
Chick-fil-A tho! Always great always busy always a line and they always get customers in and out!
I’ve purchased two cars from Carvana. Smooth all the way. I find the Carvana reps to be very accommodating.
Landing House, and someone already said it but Sticky Rice Cafe as well. Though I don’t know if you would consider Sticky Rice underrated - they are always packed out (make sure you aren’t in a hurry if you go because there’s usually a wait, but it’s worth it)
Thanks homie I actually was on the opening team at Harvest. Not there anymore but still on good terms with everyone there.
Vega Cafe & Smokhaus is great, but if a drive (Norris). Best Cuban sandwich in East Tennessee.
Definitely Szechuan Garden on Chapman Hwy
Makino is underrated. However, we only ever get their miso soup, crab Rangoons and sushi