Local, fresh and seasonal are the name of Simpl’s game. One of the best restaurants in Knoxville for a casual, wholesome and delicious meal, Simpl serves up a rotating list of weekly specials, proven favorites and killer cocktails. Their menu has a little bit of everything, from healthful small plates to loaded fries and even shrimp grits. If you’re in the mood for a classic burger, Simpl’s version is one of the best around, and you don’t have to be a veggie lover to go crazy for the straightforward yet fabulous Grilled Veggie Plate.  

Occupying over 15,000 square feet in Knoxville’s historic Regas Square, Marble City Market is an innovative culinary marketplace and food hall. Marble City Market features local food concepts from all around the world, an indoor/outdoor bar and sprawling outdoor dining area, making it the perfect place to please everyone in your group. The unique concepts include pretty much any type of food you can imagine, from barbecue to fresh seafood, craft pizzas to Korean fusion.  

Cozy up with a cold one at Schulz Brewing Company, known throughout Knoxville not only for their bold beers but also for their tap room in a literal castle (or, at least, the replica of one). Catch up with friends in the great hall or sit back at one of their patio tables in the biergarten, with benches and chairs imported directly from Germany. 

Schulz Brau has as many as 32 beers on tap at any given time, along with wine, bourbon, and even mulled wine come winter. Pair your drink of choice with authentic German pub food from Schulz’s Schnitzel Kitchen.

Food worth eating won’t come out of a can, at least if you ask The Tomato Head. They pride themselves on serving up always fresh food, with many ingredients sourced from farms right here in Tennessee. With two unique locations in Knoxville, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to get your fill of oven-baked pizza, fresh bread, and more. 

Dig into garlic sticks or hummus plates to start, followed by a sandwich, salad with housemade dressing, or imaginative pizzas like lamb sausage and sundried tomato. The Tomato Head also delivers so you can sink your teeth into a slice right here in your hotel room.

Cool off with a cup or cone of fresh-churned ice cream made from Cruze Farm’s own dairy farm. Though ice cream may be their sweetest selection, Cruze Farm also crafts churned buttermilk, whole milk, light milk, chocolate milk, coffee milk, and seasonal flavored milks, all packaged in classic glass bottles. 

Satisfy your sweet tooth at either of their two Knoxville locations where cones are swirled with traditional flavors like sweet cream, chocolate, cookies and cream, and even dairy free flavors like Raspberry Dole Whip—all topped with sprinkles and a cherry. 

Expect nothing short of delicious at the Downtown Dive, Sweet P’s flagship location. Though they’ll soon open up a second Knoxville eatery, the Downtown Dive is a must-visit for its brick walls, rustic tables, and its reputation as the birthplace of some of the best barbeque in Knoxville. 

Fill up on plates piled high with smoked sausages, pulled pork, and racks of ribs, accompanied by beans and greens, creamy coleslaw, and more. Don’t forget to check out their daily specials for unique combinations like the meatloaf or andouille sausage plates.