Knoxville is more than the land of national restaurant chains. Actually, it’s a breeding ground for chefs to set up shop and try out new recipes. Recently, our Scruffy City has seen its culinary scene expanding. From new breakfast spots to coffee shops and beer gardens, here’s your guide to what’s new in town.
Brenz Pizza
On the strip, a new alternative to Mellow Mushroom has claimed its turf next to Chipotle. This is only one of three locations for the company. They provide big pizza for a small price, fitting perfectly into that tight college budget, while being perfectly nestled within walking distance from campus.
Photo by Bailey Culpepper
Address: 1705 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916
Hours: 11 am-10 pm Sunday-Thursday, 11 am-12 am Friday-Saturday
FLOW: A Brew Parlor
This new spot on Main Street offers beer and coffee, separately and together. Concoctions include a latte with chocolate stout for after work or just straight, black coffee to get you going in the morning.
The parlor also pairs with local food trucks to offer food such as chili and crepes with the drinks. Even better, Thursdays are bring your own vinyl nights, making it a great hang out away from campus or Market Square.
Photo by Hannah Cather
Address: 603 W Main St., Knoxville, TN 37902
Hours: 7 am-9 pm Monday-Friday, 9 am-9 pm Saturday, 9 am-6 pm Sunday
Fresh to Order
Right next to UT at the University Commons is Fresh to Order, a regional chain seeking to make fresh food a fast food staple. Serving tuna burgers, fried calamari and out-of-this-world icebox pie, students are already flocking there for quick, cheap and healthy meals.
Photo by Hannah Cather
Address: 2421 University Commons Way, Knoxville, TN 37996
Hours: 11 am-9pm Monday-Sunday
OliBea
The mind behind the Crowne & Goose’s culinary excellence has opened an all local, fresh, organic breakfast place with a Mexican twist. Here, Chef Jeffrey DeAlejandro adds scrambled eggs to pork tostadas and tortas. However, he hasn’t abandoned Southern staples like chicken and biscuits.
Photo by Hannah Cather
Address: 119 S Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Hours: 7 am-1 pm Monday-Saturday
Twisted Taco
Right on campus, Twisted Taco has opened its doors in Fred Brown Hall. It’s a step up from the other Mexican options on campus but still includes the same staples like customizable burritos and nachos. Yet, it packs a bigger punch with its range of taco options like buffalo chicken, steak and blue cheese and gyro. Plus, their salsa is easily the best on campus.
Photo by Hannah Cather
Address: 1817 Andy Holt Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916
Hours: 11 am-8 pm Monday-Saturday
Luckily, none of these restaurants are too far from campus, so psyche your tastebuds up and try something new.
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