Diners' Choice: American restaurants in Knoxville

OpenTable

Updated 05 October 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in Knoxville? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyses more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favourites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Ghost & Grits

5.0

5 (36)

$31 to $50

American

Jefferson City

About the restaurant

Nestled in the foothills of the Smokies, Mossback Distilling Co. offers a warm and inviting experience in the heart of Jefferson City, Tennessee. Founded by Jeremy Reed and Daniel Taylor, this craft distillery has become a vibrant community hub in the Historic Mossy Creek District. Guests are invited to explore their passion for expertly crafted spirits at The Battery Tasting House and Cocktail Lounge, where every drink is made with intention and purpose. Beyond exceptional cocktails, the lounge provides a relaxing atmosphere, also serving premium locally roasted coffee. Mossback Distilling Co. is deeply committed to its community, fostering connections and contributing to the revitalization of downtown Jefferson City, making it a cherished local destination.

Top review

Ann

Dined on 28 Oct 2026

Great food- crisp cocktails…Will be going back for sure!!! Amy was wonderful and enjoyed the Whiskey and Bourbon tasting- we purchased several bottles!!! ENJOYED OUR EXPERIENCE!!!

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

4.9

4.9 (4598)

$50 and over

American

Knoxville

About the restaurant

At Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, we know that great food begins with fresh, quality sourced local ingredients. On our Modern Appalachian menu, Chef Jeff Carter and culinary team present seasonal and delicious dishes that are familiar and steeped in tradition yet enhanced with bold new dashes of flavor and component combinations that may surprise and delight you.

Dancing Bear provides a premium lodging experience. We bring the same commitment to excellence to our award-winning restaurant and full bar. Whether enjoying a romantic dinner for two or bringing the extended family together for a celebratory meal, we want your night out in Townsend to be a special experience. We offer a refined assortment of modern Appalachian cuisine — all served among elegant surroundings and calming wooded vistas.

Top review

Julie

Dined 2 days ago

The setting is lovely, the ambiance wonderful, the service just right and the food delicious!

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Shrimp and Lemon Grits

Popular dish

Appalachian Charcuterie Board

The Chop House - N. Knoxville

4.7

4.7 (621)

$30 and under

American

Knoxville

About the restaurant

The Chop House is a top casual dining restaurant in Knoxville, Tennessee, established in 1992. Known for its warm atmosphere, it's a favorite for both locals and visitors, ideal for special occasions or casual nights out. Renowned for exceptional service and delicious food, The Chop House offers a diverse menu, including perfectly cooked steaks from premium dry-aged beef, fresh grilled seafood like salmon and shrimp, and a variety of salads and pastas for lighter appetites. Don't miss their homemade desserts, such as Caramel Fudge Cake and Triple Berry Shortcake, for a sweet finish. Additionally, The Chop House features a carefully curated wine list and craft cocktails to enhance your dining experience. What sets The Chop House apart is its unwavering commitment to quality, using only the finest ingredients to ensure every meal is memorable. Come and experience the perfect blend of quality and flavor at The Chop House.

Top review

JesseGold

Dined 4 days ago

Enjoyed a lovely meal and got to spend some quality time with family. Our server took excellent care of us.

Calhoun’s Oak Ridge

4.8

4.8 (142)

$30 and under

American

Oak Ridge

About the restaurant

Located along the banks of Melton Hill lake, Calhoun’s Oak Ridge sits along the beautiful Oak Ridge greenway with every seat in the restaurant offering a view of the water. This location is accessible by boat, has a a covered outdoor dining patio as well as seating around the fire pit with a panoramic view of Melton Hill Lake. Calhoun's has become a place where friends and family gather to celebrate what’s good in their lives while they sample some of Tennessee’s best BBQ, ribs, steak, and sandwiches. So come on down and experience the best hospitality and BBQ around.

Top review

Stephanie

Dined on 18 Oct 2026

We love Calhoun’s Oak Ridge! We drive from Nashville just to eat here, that’s a 2 1/2 hour drive one way. The food is amazing and the staff is awesome. Our waiter Blaze was top notch, had drinks ready before we could even ask. Very accommodating on requests. We hope we get him every time we come. But all the staff was friendly and helpful.

The Chop House - Alcoa

4.7

4.7 (219)

$30 and under

American

Alcoa

About the restaurant

Top review

Kathy

Dined 6 days ago

Our server Forrest was amazing as well as the other staff that brought our dinner. Very attentive and the food was delicious. Always have a great meal!

STIR - Knoxville

4.7

4.7 (1119)

$31 to $50

American

Knoxville

About the restaurant

STIR is the perfect restaurant to sip a craft cocktail over a dozen oysters, enjoy a night out, or meet for lunch. Located in the heart of Old City, the restaurant is an open-air concept with a large, heated outdoor patio. We are open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

Great food starts with fresh, local ingredients. Our kitchen prepares everything from scratch, and our signature raw bar is stocked with fresh oysters and seasonal seafood. STIR is famous for craft cocktails. We freeze and carve 300-pound blocks of artisanal ice in-house, age certain cocktails in oak barrels for richer flavors, and place others on draft for crispness and carbonation. The result: categorically elevated cocktails. Our passion for fine spirits also compels us to find and share rare bottles, many of which are extremely difficult to procure. We welcome Knoxville to enjoy our unmatched cocktails, fresh seafood, and classic dishes in an atmosphere of genuine hospitality

Top review

Dennie

Dined on 28 Oct 2026

Loved the food and the vibe! Highly recommend Stir!

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Tupelo Honey - Farragut

4.5

4.5 (222)

$30 and under

American

Knoxville

About the restaurant

Tupelo Honey is a revival of Southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains we call home. We craft brunches, lunches and suppers that bring family and friends around the table and allow for conversations and cocktails to linger longer than usual.

Please arrive on time with all members in your party present. We will cancel reservations 15 minutes after the scheduled time. The combining of separate reservations will not be honored. Our patio is exposed to the elements and weather dependent. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Top review

Keith

Dined 5 days ago

Great food, varied menu, outstanding service from Mica…always enjoyable experience!

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4.4

4.4 (599)

$30 and under

American

Knoxville

About the restaurant

The classics of Copper Cellar have been refined over 40 years and offered in this West Knoxville fine-dining destination in a comfortable setting. From our steakhouse selections and premium seafood to our Award-Winning Sunday Brunch, the food is always special and delicious.
Cappuccino's side with Italian fare open Sunday - Saturday from 5pm - close. If Cappuccino's seating desired please note in special request box. If any questions, please call the restaurant.

Top review

NormanGold

Dined 2 days ago

We went with another couple that had not been there before and they were so impressed with the food and the service. Everyone's food was delivered hot and cooked exactly the way they ordered it. The steaks are always fantastic. I don't think you can find a better steak and the prices are very reasonable. We love Copper Cellar and try to go as often as we can and love introducing new people to this restaurant.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - Knoxville

4.4

4.4 (2168)

$30 and under

American

Knoxville

About the restaurant

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is your destination for bold flavors and warm hospitality. From expertly crafted wood-fired steaks and fresh seafood to signature cocktails, mocktails, and curated wines, every detail is designed to deliver an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're gathering with family, hosting a client, or toasting to a special occasion, Firebirds offers elevated cuisine at an approachable price. Join us for Happy Hour at the FIREBAR® or on the patio and let us show you what extraordinary dining feels like. Reserve your table today — we can’t wait to serve you.

Top review

Diana

Dined on 28 Oct 2026

This was our first time at the Knoxville Firebirds & we were celebrating our 31st anniversary. We had an early (4:30pm) seating and the restaurant was quiet, but given the time it’s not surprising. The hostess, Gracie, was very friendly and acknowledged our special occasion with a handwritten card. Our server Mike was new to Knoxville and was very helpful and attentive. He even brought us a dessert for our anniversary. The choices on the Early Dining menu were varied, and the grilled salmon was excellent. My husband had the grilled sirloin and said it was also very good. We would definitely go back for a special occasion or just a wonderful meal.

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Popular dish

Creme Brulee Cheesecake

Popular dish

CHEESECAKE

Balter Beerworks

4.5

4.5 (143)

$30 and under

American

Knoxville

About the restaurant

Balter Beerworks is a scratch kitchen brewpub located in downtown Knoxville. We offer a welcoming environment that celebrates craft beers and made from scratch food. Every bite and every sip at Balter is crafted daily from scratch, using the freshest ingredients available. We are constantly refreshing food and beer menus to highlight seasonal delicacies. Balter offers a place for friends and family to reconnect in a space that weaves urban aesthetics with the history of an old service station.

Top review

Becky

Dined on 18 Oct 2026

Great place to go after a Vols football game! Great burgers!!!

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