MY FAVORITE PLACES IN KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE
The one time of the year when I miss home, would definitely be during football season. There’s nothing like the feeling of being in Neyland Stadium during a game and feeling the stadium shake from the crowd. Yes, we the people (Tennessee fans) get a little crazy during football season, but don’t we all? You’d be lying if you said you didn’t, or maybe you’re just not a football fan - that’s okay too. As I reminisce on home sweet home, I figured I’d highlight a few of my favorite places in Knoxville that we have visited this year.
We recently made a trip to Knox for my birthday weekend, and little did I know - my boyfriend would be surprising me that Friday night at Xul Beer Co. Someone should’ve gotten this on video, but the memories have definitely made up for that. Everyone in my family, including my sister and best friend were behind this surprise. Everyone knew he was coming. After I was done with the initial shock, there were other people in the brewery coming up to us thinking he just got home from being deployed, or saying “I dont know what that was, but her face was amazing - good job bro” LIKE WHAT - NO! If you know me, you know I HATE surprises, but it was definitely worth it (I guess). We ended up having a great weekend, full of different surprises, celebrating my birthday, and we visited a lot of new places around town. I listed a few of my favorites below.
Of course, we’re starting off strong, but this is one of the best places I’ve visited in a while, and I’m not even exaggerating. I am also not a huge drinker, so I really did not expect their beer to taste the way it did. You can order a flight, or just a regular glass of beer, if you’re like my stepdad who will only drink the PB&J (and trust me, this tastes just like PB&J so I can’t really blame him). I think they are known for this particular one, but my favorite was the Tiny Umbrellas. It’s so refreshing, and taste like a sip of paradise. My mom brought this down to the beach this year for our annual vacation, and it was perfect. Xul also is a family friendly environment as well. They have a small arcade for games, and they ALWAYS have a food truck so you can order food while you’re there as well. This is a great place to visit during a Tennessee game if you don’t want to be on campus, but still enjoy a fun and family friendly atmosphere.
This is where I decided to have my birthday dinner throughout this weekend, and it was recommended to me by a couple of friends. It did not disappoint to say the least. Their cocktails are amazing, and there’s so many to choose from. STIR crafts quality cocktails by using premium liquors, house syrups, and fresh ingredients to ensure the best flavor. Each cocktail is different by pouring the drink you choose over artisanal ice that their ice chefs freeze, cut and shape BY HAND. There are only few places dedicated to this craft. We ordered the “Wild Moon Child” and I was honestly amazed by this small feature. I think it made the whole experience better, but I am also a weird ice lover - so there’s that. Their food was also delicious, and my parents have been back a few times with their friends as well. They also serve raw oysters, if you’re into that kind of thing. We ended up getting the small tuna bites for an appetizer, and that was like a bang bang shrimp teaser. I could’ve ordered like 5 of those. For our entrees, I ordered the grilled salmon, and it was delicious. Probably the best salmon I have had in a while. The Wild Moon Child got to me though, and I cant remember what everyone else ordered, so let’s move on.
After dinner, we decided to go hangout on the rooftop of the Hyatt Place. Their rooftop bar is (obviously) called the Five Thirty Lounge. It was quiet when we went, and it was a nice relaxing spot to unwind. I would love to go back here and have a date night or something - it’s a perfect spot for that. I would definitely say it’s more on the high-end of things especially in a small town like Knoxville, but it was worth it for the time that we spent. Plus, it was my birthday so definitely worth it.
I had to add this on the list, because this is easily one of my favorite places to visit. I LOVE SUSHI, and unfortunately - my boyfriend is allergic (we found that out the hard way). He’s okay, but I’m not. Luckily, he still takes me out to sushi dates and just orders hibachi. Otherwise, I think I’d die without sushi in my life. Nama has some of the best sushi in town, and if you’re a sushi lover like myself - I definitely recommend giving this place a try when you’re visiting town, if you haven’t already.
This is one of my family’s main go-to spots, and has been since I was a little girl. We love Aubrey’s, but the only downside to this place now is that they changed their house salad and I am bummed. Their house salad used to have all the toppings, including potato sticks (yes, you heard that right - potato sticks), but last time we visited they did not load the salad like a loaded baked potato. Aubrey’s is still delicious though, and we enjoy going there for a quick + easy lunch. They don’t have a lot of options, and their menu is somewhat limited, but it’s a place we visit frequently. They have some of the BEST Spinach Maria in the world to the point my mom makes the copy cat recipe for Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you plan visiting, I would recommend their chicken salad club, salmon entree, or fish & chips.
Another one of our family favorites, and the man who owns this place was great friends with my dad before he passed away. We would usually go here at least once a month, and it has never disappointed us. Of course, I would always order the Filet Mignon, but everything they have on their menu is worth trying. Their only location is in Turkey Creek, but if you live far away - trust me, it’s worth the drive. They have a great wedged salad, and other appetizers for the whole family. I have been to a few birthday parties here as well, so it’s a great place to host a special occasion.
You guessed it, we saved the best for last. Another one of my family favorites though. My dad would usually take us here for the Sunday brunch, if we woke up early enough for the 7 AM Mass (I am so glad I don’t have to do that anymore). This place made that 5 AM wake-up call worth it. They have an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet with a variety of different options, and if you knew my dad you knew that he loved a good buffet. Anywhere from Belgian waffles, prime rib carving, an omelet station, smoked salmon station, chicken tenders and so much more - they honestly have it all. The Copper Cellar Brunch has been making Sunday a little more special since 1975. Everything is always fresh, and I honestly miss going here on Sunday mornings. With everything they have to offer, it’s only $28 per person to dive deep and eat all they want to. We definitely got our money’s worth between my brother and father lol. It’s a great place for families to get full, and go home to take a nap.
If you visit Knoxville, or if you live in Knoxville and haven’t given any of these places a shot - put it on your list, and let me know what you enjoyed the most!