
From Date Night to Game Day: Knoxville Dining Made Easy
Connecting Knox brings the best restaurants in the Knoxville area straight to your fingertips. Forget scrolling through endless blogs or Yelp reviews — the CK App makes it simple to find exactly what you’re craving.
Looking for authentic Italian, a local favorite, or something new? Just select your cuisine type, and five top-rated restaurants in that category will pop up. Browse their profiles, see what catches your eye, and pick your next meal with ease!

This week, we’re highlighting three popular “atmospheres”:
Date Night: Find the perfect spot for a romantic evening.
Game Day Favorites: Watch the Vols with great food and a lively crowd.
Delicious Desserts: Satisfy your cravings any time of the day!
No matter the flavor, occasion, or craving, Connecting Knox helps you discover Knoxville’s best restaurants — fast, fun, and local!
Game Day Favorites
Fall in Knoxville means one thing — football season! Whether the Vols kick off at noon or under the lights, Knoxville is packed with great spots to cheer, snack, and soak in the orange-and-white spirit. No tickets? No problem. These local favorites are where the good times (and touchdowns) happen all season long.
Local Smokey
One of Knoxville’s newest hangouts, Local Smokey is quickly becoming a fan favorite. With a lively crowd, great food, and plenty of screens, it’s the perfect place to cheer on the Vols and kick back with friends.
Orange Hat Brewing
Hardin Valley knows how to tailgate! Each Saturday during football season, Orange Hat Brewing goes all out with live music, yard games, food trucks, and big screens. Whether you’re watching every play or just there for the atmosphere, this is the place to be.
Old City Sports Bar
A Knoxville classic and go-to for sports fans year-round. From football to basketball and everything in between, OCSB delivers great vibes, cold drinks, and wall-to-wall coverage of every game.
Yee-Haw Brewing
Want the ultimate game day experience? Head to Yee-Haw in the Old City. With indoor and outdoor bars, a massive jumbotron, and a crowd full of Vol fans, it’s impossible not to catch the game day spirit here.
Walk-On’s Bistreaux
TVs on TVs on TVs! Across from West Town Mall, Walk-On’s has wall-to-wall screens, delicious bites, and plenty of space to celebrate every touchdown. It’s the perfect spot for watching all the games at once!
Delicious Desserts
Got a sweet tooth? Knoxville has no shortage of spots to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re after cookies the size of your hand, a classic soda fountain sundae, or something totally unique, these local favorites are sure to hit the spot.
Myrtle’s Bakehouse
Craving a cookie? Myrtle’s got COOKIES! Located inside Kern’s Food Hall, Myrtle’s Bakehouse serves up fresh, nearly half-pound cookies that are soft, gooey, and downright irresistible. What more could you ask for?
The Sugar Queen Creamery
Homemade ice cream, cakes, pretzels — oh my! The Sugar Queen Creamery is your one-stop shop for all things sweet. From creamy classics to indulgent creations, it’s the perfect spot to satisfy any craving
Knox Dough
Cookie dough lovers, rejoice! Knox Dough takes dessert to a whole new level with edible cookie dough, rolled ice cream, pizza cones, milkshakes, and bubble waffles. It’s dessert heaven for kids and kids at heart.
The Phoenix Pharmacy & Fountain
Step back in time at this old-fashioned soda fountain serving some of the biggest and most creative sundaes in Knoxville. The Phoenix Pharmacy & Fountain is a must-visit for anyone who believes dessert should always be an experience.
Marble City Sweets
From cookies and cupcakes to brownies and custom cakes, Marble City Sweets has something for every sweet tooth. It’s the ultimate stop for anyone who loves a little sugar and a lot of charm.

Date Night
When it comes to date night, why not mix things up and surprise your partner with something new? Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner, a touch of adventure, or a local favorite you haven’t tried yet, the Connecting Knox App has endless ideas to make your next night out one to remember.
Here are a few Knoxville favorites to spark your inspiration:
Ye Olde Steakhouse
A true Knoxville classic. If you’re in the mood for a perfectly cooked steak and that warm, authentic atmosphere only a hometown favorite can offer — Ye Olde Steakhouse is the place.
Altruda’s
Located in West Knoxville, Altruda’s is a locally owned gem serving up authentic Italian cuisine and romantic, old-world vibes. Perfect for candlelight conversations and comfort food that feels like home.
Lonesome Dove
Elevate your date night at Lonesome Dove. Head to Lonesome Dove in the Old City for a creative twist on modern American cuisine, inventive cocktails, and a stylish, intimate setting.
A Dopo
Pizza and date night can absolutely go hand in hand. A Dopo offers wood-fired perfection in a cozy, modern space — perfect for sharing slices.
KoPita
For something a little different, KoPita brings bold Mediterranean flavors, craft cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere that makes every dinner feel like a celebration.
Whether it’s game day, a Wednesday date night, or a Sunday sweet treat, Connecting Knox helps you find exactly what you’re craving! 🍔🍦🏈
📲 Available now on the App Store & Google Play!