Brunch in Downtown Knoxville
Nothing wakes us up on the weekends quite like brunch does. The conversations over coffee, laughs over chicken and waffles, mingling over mimosas, and let’s not forget egg benedicts (but seriously, how could we?!). Something about the perfect combination of breakfast and lunch, savory and sweet, makes all our dining dreams come true!
Here’s a list of can’t-miss brunch spots in Downtown Knoxville.
Tupelo Honey
Tupelo Honey was voted a top 100 Best Brunch Restaurants in America by OpenTable, and for good reason. With southern spirit infused in every bite, Tupelo Honey delivers quality, delicious brunch 7 days a week. Yes, you read that right! You don’t have to wait for the weekend for this brunch, and that’s a game changer.
OliBea
We think OliBea’s motto is “put an egg on it,” and we’re glad it is! They were voted #1 on Travel Channel’s 11 Knoxville Restaurants You Can't Miss, and they live up to that with every local, seasonal breakfast and brunch meal they serve in the Old City. The bright and airy atmosphere is just what you need during brunch time!
Ruby Sunshine
Ruby Sunshine hails from New Orleans, and you can consume their Creole-influenced brunch dishes all day, everyday! Their morning drinks don’t fall short either, with three different award-winning Bloody Mary’s, including one infused with bacon. The recommended plates from the owner are the Peacemaker (a mix and match of two of their famous Benedicts) and White Chocolate Bread Pudding Pancakes.
Café 4
For a good ‘ole comfort food meal, with a modern twist, Café 4 serves up brunch that will leave your belly full and you, well, happy! Their hash bowls are served over a bed of crispy potatoes with your choice of poached or fried eggs and a homemade biscuit. We’re partial to the Chicken & Waffles and the Brunch Benedict Burger, but what really brings us around the table more than anything are the big-batch mimosa punch bowls!
Balter Beerworks
Balter Beerworks knows how to brunch! Every meal includes a spread of starters on their brunch bar, including southern cold salads, fruit, muffins and brownies. But save room for shining stars, like the shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles, or one of their many vegetarian options, like quinoa veggie benedict. Their unique drink is the Baltering Mary, made with their coffee oatmeal porter.
The Tomato Head
One word to describe The Tomato Head’s brunch: diverse. We all know they serve up amazing fresh breads, soups, salads, and pizza, but they’re brunch takes the menu to the next level! From huevos rancheros to biscuits and gravy, they cover a range of delicious brunch favorites for every palate. Insider tip: we recommend starting with the monkey bread.
Oliver Royale
If you don’t start with the Biscuits & Jam for the table, you’re not doing it right at Oliver Royale (to be honest, you can start with the cinnamon rolls or the assorted pastries, all homemade, and be just fine too)! Oliver Royale, located in Market Square, is innovative, creative, and trend setting, and it shows in all of their yummy brunch options. If you had a rough weekend, the Hangover Helper chicken sandwich will be waiting for you.
Bistro at The Bijou
If you want a true farm-to-table brunch, look no further than the intimate restaurant right on bustling Gay Street, Bistro at the Bijou. Always fresh and seasonal (they change their menu 3 times a year), they serve up meals for your dietary needs, offering health-conscious, vegetarian and vegan, gluten-free, and comfort food meals. And did we mention? All delicious. Open for brunch on Saturdays.
Babalu
Babalu's Latin-inspired food and hand-crafted cocktails turn up the heat for brunch. We're talking Churro Pancakes, Spanish Shrimp & Grits, Arroz Con Huevo, and more, paired with a variety of sangrias or a grilled peach bellini! Brunch tastes better in the lively, bohemian-styled atmosphere that captures the spirit of downtown and the energy of Knoxville itself.
Chesapeake's
Straight from the sea to your table with no in-betweens. That’s what Chesapeake's is all about. Mix that with weekend brunch, and you're looking at Crab Cake Benedict, Salmon & Eggs, fresh oysters and more to make your weekend a little more luxurious.
Frothy Monkey
Frothy Monkey’s Downtown Knoxville location is the perfect stop for coffee and brunch while enjoying all that Gay Street has to offer. It's an all-day cafe, so you can enjoy breakfast and brunch options until 5pm, when they switch over to dinner. Every single day! Check out the Loaded Biscuits & Chorizo Gravy or the Country Ham & Pimento Cheese Biscuit. Their coffees are out of this world too.
Not Watson's
You’ve got some very tasty options at Not Waton's for lunch and dinner. Brunch is no exception – and at great prices to boot! For a Southern brunch, try the Pimento Cheese & Bacon Omelette served with tater tots and homemade tomato jam. On the sweet side, try the waffle with fresh strawberries, whip cream, and bourbon maple syrup. Plus a great view of Market Square!
Harvest
Don't miss Harvest's Jazz Brunch on Saturdays! It's a wonderful treat to hear live music, along with a great plate of food. One of the unique aspects of Harvest is a rotating menu that changes with the harvest seasons and utilizes local farmers. You can taste the quality of ingredients with every bite.
Southern Grit
If you're craving biscuits for brunch, run to Southern Grit. They've got nine different biscuit sandwiches, plus fried biscuit donuts that'll keep you happy and full all day. To drink, order up a Mimosa Bottle; flavors include orange, pineapple, grapefruit, and cranberry. And of course, start with their famous fried green tomatoes!
Tavern at Maker Exchange
Wanna brunch with a nice view of World's Fair Park? The Tavern can make that happen. Housed in the beautiful Maker Exchange, the Tavern overlooks the large park, and their weekend brunch is awesome. Lots of Southern options to satisfy everyone, like Deviled Eggs, Shrimp & Grits, Creamed Collards and more!
The French Market
The French Market has three brunch essentials covered: omelettes, delicious coffee, and great cocktails too. Plus the star of the show: crêpes! Whenever you get a craving for crêpes (which for us is pretty much weekly), this authentic crêperie is here for you. Top any crepe with an egg, or go sweet with Nutella and banana. Their croissants and sandwiches are great too. Order up mimosas, and you're set!
Downtown Grill & Brewery
Certainly not least is Downtown Grill & Brewery, a fan-favorite among locals. Biscuits and gravy, homestyle potatoes, brunch burgers, breakfast burritos, Bloody Marys. Need we say more? Perfect spot on Gay Street to have brunch with friends!