5 Great Hole-in-the-Wall Joints in Knoxville
We’ll take you on a delicious journey through 5 great hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville, each offering its own unique flavors and charm. These eateries are not your typical dining spots, but they are one of the great hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville, waiting to be explored. If you’re on the lookout for some hidden culinary gems, look no further than Knoxville, TN.
From the mouthwatering barbecue at The Drawing Room to the vibrant ambiance of Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar, and the cozy atmosphere of Southern Grit, these restaurants offer a variety of dining experiences. BABALU tantalizes taste buds with its creative menu, while The Brass Pearl brings the flavors of the South to your plate.
But here’s the exciting part – this is just the beginning. Knoxville, TN, is teeming with a great deal more of these hidden treasures. So, while we introduce you to these 5 great hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville, remember that there are plenty more out there, waiting for you to discover their delicious offerings. Knoxville is a city brimming with culinary surprises, and it’s time to embark on your own culinary adventure to uncover even more of these one-of-a-kind gems.
A lot of great options are in these posts!
5 Amazing Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants in Knoxville
1) The Drawing Room
Address >> 531 Henley St.
The Drawing Room is one of the great hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville, TN. This popular family-owned and operated restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. They provide excellent services, including dine-in, takeaway, and no-contact delivery, ensuring that customers have various options to enjoy their delicious food.
The Drawing Room is famous for its mouthwatering barbecue dishes. Their signature food is the “Smokey Mountain BBQ Platter,” a generous serving of tender, slow-smoked pulled pork, slathered in their secret barbecue sauce. It’s served with a side of creamy coleslaw and perfectly crispy fries, making it a must-try for barbecue enthusiasts.
Here are 3 of their Main Menu Items:
1. Pulled Pork Sandwich: One of the standout items on The Drawing Room’s menu is the Pulled Pork Sandwich. Tender pulled pork is piled high on a soft bun and topped with their delectable barbecue sauce. It’s a flavorful and satisfying choice for those looking for a classic barbecue sandwich.
2. St. Louis Ribs: If you’re a fan of ribs, you can’t go wrong with the St. Louis Ribs at this hole-in-the-wall joint. These ribs are cooked to perfection, falling off the bone with each bite. They’re generously coated in The Drawing Room’s special rub and served with a side of barbecue beans and garlic bread.
3. BBQ Chicken Plate: For those who prefer chicken, the BBQ Chicken Plate is a fantastic option. You’ll get a juicy, grilled chicken breast smothered in their signature barbecue sauce. This dish is served with a heaping helping of their famous macaroni and cheese and a side of coleslaw.
Whether you’re dining in, getting your food to go, or having it delivered to your doorstep, The Drawing Room ensures that you’ll have a great meal in the comfort of their charming establishment. They are one of the great hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville.
The Drawing Room is undoubtedly one of the great hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville, TN, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere along with exceptional barbecue dishes. Their signature Smokey Mountain BBQ Platter and menu items like the Pulled Pork Sandwich, St. Louis Ribs, and BBQ Chicken Plate are sure to satisfy your cravings. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this popular gem in Knoxville, where you can enjoy a fantastic meal with friends and family. They rank high among the popular hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville for good reasons.
2) Southern Grit
Address >> 126 S Central St.
Southern Grit is one of the great hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville, TN, offering a cozy and inviting dining experience. This popular, family-owned and operated restaurant has become a staple in the local food scene. They provide a range of services, including dine-in, takeaway, and no-contact delivery, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their delicious Southern cuisine.
At Southern Grit, their signature dish is the “Southern Grit Platter.” This mouthwatering platter features a hearty serving of crispy fried chicken, served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and smothered in rich, savory gravy. It’s a true taste of Southern comfort food that keeps customers coming back for more.
Here are 3 of their Main Menu Items:
1. Fried Catfish Basket: One of the standout items on the menu is the Fried Catfish Basket. You’ll receive a generous portion of golden-brown, crispy catfish fillets, accompanied by a side of seasoned fries and tangy tartar sauce. It’s a favorite among seafood lovers.
2. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich: For those who crave barbecue, the BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich is a must-try. Tender, slow-cooked pulled pork is piled high on a soft bun and slathered with Southern Grit’s special barbecue sauce. It’s served with a side of coleslaw, creating a perfect blend of flavors.
3. Southern Fried Okra: A popular side dish at Southern Grit is the Southern Fried Okra. These bite-sized okra pieces are breaded and fried to crispy perfection. They make for a delightful and crunchy accompaniment to any meal on the menu.
Whether you choose to dine in and soak in the cozy ambiance or opt for the convenience of takeaway or no-contact delivery, Southern Grit ensures a great dining experience. They are absolutely one of the great hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville.
Southern Grit truly lives up to its reputation as one of the great hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville, TN. As a family-owned and operated establishment, they bring a personal touch to their Southern cuisine. The signature Southern Grit Platter and menu items like the Fried Catfish Basket, BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, and Southern Fried Okra are sure to satisfy your cravings for delicious Southern comfort food. Don’t miss the chance to experience the warmth and flavor of Southern Grit when you’re in Knoxville. They stand out among the top hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville.
3) Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar
Address >> 15 Market Square
Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar is one of the great hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville, TN, offering a unique and welcoming dining experience. This popular restaurant, known for its distinctive name, is not just another run-of-the-mill place to eat. It’s a family-owned and operated establishment that prides itself on its friendly atmosphere and diverse menu. Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar offers a great deal of services, including dine-in, takeaway, and no-contact delivery, making it a convenient choice for food lovers.
The restaurant’s signature dish is the “Southern Fusion Burger.” This delectable burger is a mouthwatering blend of flavors, featuring a juicy beef patty topped with crispy fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, and a drizzle of tangy BBQ sauce. It’s a true representation of Southern comfort food with a creative twist.
Here are 3 of their Main Menu Items:
1. Shrimp and Grits: Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar serves up a classic Southern favorite with their Shrimp and Grits. Plump shrimp are cooked to perfection and served atop a creamy bed of stone-ground grits. The dish is finished with a flavorful sauce that adds a delightful kick to every bite.
2. Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is a must-try. A crispy chicken breast is smothered in fiery hot sauce and topped with pickles, all sandwiched between a soft bun. It’s a spicy and savory delight that packs a punch.
3. BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos: If you’re a fan of tacos, the BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos won’t disappoint. These soft tortillas are filled with tender pulled pork, slaw, and a drizzle of barbecue sauce. It’s a delightful combination of flavors that brings the taste of the South to your plate.
Whether you choose to dine in and soak up the welcoming ambiance or prefer the convenience of takeaway or no-contact delivery, Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar offers a diverse menu to satisfy your cravings. They are another of the great hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville.
Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar lives up to its reputation as one of the great hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville, TN. As a family-owned and operated establishment, it adds a personal touch to its creative Southern cuisine. The Southern Fusion Burger and menu items like Shrimp and Grits, Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, and BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos showcase the restaurant’s commitment to delivering flavorful and unique dishes. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the charm and taste of Not Watson’s when you’re in Knoxville. They deserve to be ranked high among the best hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville.
4) BABALU
Address >> 412 S Gay St.
BABALU is one of the great hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville, TN, offering a delightful and unique dining experience. This popular restaurant is known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious food. While it may not be family-owned and operated, BABALU provides excellent services, including dine-in, takeaway, and no-contact delivery, ensuring a great deal of options for its customers.
At BABALU, their signature dish is the “Tableside Guacamole.” This mouthwatering appetizer is prepared right at your table, combining fresh avocados with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a hint of lime juice. It’s a deliciously creamy and zesty start to your meal.
Here are 3 of their Main Menu Items:
1. Tacos Al Pastor: One of the standout items on the menu is the Tacos Al Pastor. These tacos feature tender, marinated pork that’s grilled to perfection, then topped with pineapple, cilantro, and onions. They’re bursting with flavor and a favorite among taco enthusiasts.
2. Cuban Sandwich: For those who crave a taste of the Caribbean, the Cuban Sandwich is a must-try. It’s a hearty sandwich filled with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed between crispy Cuban bread. It’s a delicious combination of savory and tangy flavors.
3. Shrimp and Grits: BABALU offers a Southern favorite with their Shrimp and Grits. Plump shrimp are sautéed with a flavorful sauce and served on a bed of creamy stone-ground grits. The dish is garnished with crispy bacon and scallions, creating a perfect blend of textures and tastes.
Whether you choose to dine in and soak up the lively ambiance or prefer the convenience of takeaway or no-contact delivery, BABALU ensures that you’ll have a memorable dining experience. They are obviously one of the great hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville.
BABALU is indeed one of the great hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville, TN, known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse menu. While it may not be family-owned and operated, it offers a wide range of options, including the famous Tableside Guacamole and menu items like Tacos Al Pastor, Cuban Sandwich, and Shrimp and Grits. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the unique flavors of BABALU when you’re in Knoxville. They have earned the rank of being one of the favorite hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville.
5) The Brass Pearl
Address >> 24 Market Square
The Brass Pearl is one of the great hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville, TN, offering a unique and cozy dining experience. This popular restaurant is known for its warm and welcoming ambiance. While it may not be family-owned and operated, The Brass Pearl provides excellent services, including dine-in, takeaway, and no-contact delivery, ensuring a great deal of options for its customers.
At The Brass Pearl, their signature dish is the “Seafood Gumbo.” This flavorful and hearty gumbo is a seafood lover’s dream, featuring a rich broth filled with shrimp, crab, and tender pieces of fish. It’s seasoned to perfection and served with a side of steamed rice, making it a true Southern classic.
Here are 3 of their Main Menu Items:
1. Po’ Boy Sandwich: One of the standout items on the menu is the Po’ Boy Sandwich. This sandwich is a delicious combination of crispy fried shrimp or oysters, lettuce, tomato, and tangy remoulade sauce, all served on a fresh French baguette. It’s a taste of New Orleans right in Knoxville.
2. Jambalaya: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, the Jambalaya is a must-try. This dish is a flavorful medley of smoked sausage, chicken, and shrimp cooked with rice, tomatoes, and a blend of Cajun spices. It’s a hearty and satisfying option for those looking for a taste of Louisiana.
3. Crawfish Étouffée: The Brass Pearl also offers Crawfish Étouffée, a Creole classic. This dish features tender crawfish tails smothered in a savory, roux-based sauce, served over a bed of fluffy white rice. It’s a comforting and delicious choice for anyone craving authentic Southern flavors.
Whether you choose to dine in and enjoy the cozy atmosphere or prefer the convenience of takeaway or no-contact delivery, The Brass Pearl ensures that you’ll have a memorable dining experience. They are considered one of the great hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville.
The Brass Pearl is undoubtedly one of the great hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville, TN, known for its inviting ambiance and mouthwatering Southern cuisine. While it may not be family-owned and operated, it offers a diverse menu with a signature Seafood Gumbo and menu items like Po’ Boy Sandwich, Jambalaya, and Crawfish Étouffée. Don’t miss the chance to experience the warmth and flavors of The Brass Pearl when you’re in Knoxville. They deserve to be ranked among the leading hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville.
We’ve taken you on a delectable journey through 5 great hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville, each offering its own unique charm and flavors. From the cozy ambiance of Southern Grit to the vibrant creativity of BABALU, and the mouthwatering dishes at The Drawing Room, Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar, and The Brass Pearl, these restaurants are truly one of the great hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville.
But it’s essential to remember that Knoxville, TN, has so much more to offer in terms of hidden culinary treasures. This article has barely scratched the surface of what this city has to offer in terms of delicious, undiscovered, great hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville.
There are countless more great hole-in-the-wall joints in Knoxville waiting to be explored, each with its own culinary wonders and surprises. So, while we’ve given you a taste of what Knoxville has to offer, we encourage you to venture out and discover even more hidden gems.
Whether you’re a local looking for new dining experiences or a visitor eager to savor the city’s culinary delights, Knoxville has a great deal more to offer than meets the eye. So, get ready to embark on your own foodie adventure and uncover the many one-of-a-kind hole-in-the-wall joints that Knoxville has in store for you. Happy eating!
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