Nothing will warm you up quite like a platter of golden, crispy fried chicken and its best friend, beer. No wonder restaurants specialize in fried chicken across America! Fried chicken is traditionally a lunch option, but this is one versatile tradition; it can add flavor to breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Five Knoxville restaurants dress up this timeless meal with brand-new sides, sauces, and seasonings.
Balter Beerworks
Spicy or sweet? At this service-station-turned-trendy-microbrewery, there are fried chicken options for every palate. Brighten up brunch with time-honored chicken and waffles, or stay warm at lunch with Hot Chicken Sliders. Pair these anytime dishes with the microbrewery’s own Firebelly IPA for perfectly-balanced flavors.
100 S. Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 999-5015
balterbeerworks.com
Monday – Thursday 11 am-11 pm
Friday 11 am-12 am
Saturday 10 am-12 am
Sunday 10 am-10 pm
Tupelo Honey
Here’s a decadent brunch that’s worth the indulgence. At Tupelo Honey, juicy, lightly-breaded chicken pairs deliciously with fluffy buttermilk biscuits. This all-day Southern restaurant, one of Market Square’s quintessential restaurants, has a honey-battered take on fried chicken that takes comfort food to the next level.
1 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 522-0004
tupelohoneycafe.com
Monday – Friday 11 am-10 pm
Saturday 8 am-10 pm
Sunday 8 am-9 pm
Myrtle’s Chicken + Beer
Hot damn! The Frank and Maple’s Hot Damn Fried Chicken Sandwich packs one sweet punch. It’s just one option on a menu with a serious single focus: southern-style chicken with just as southern sides, such as tomato pie and black-eyed pea salad. With “wet heat” and “dry heat” rubs available to heighten the experience to your individual palate, Myrtle’s truly does have a fried chicken offering for just about anyone.
13 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 507-2667
myrtleschickenandbeer.com
Monday – Thursday 11 am-10 pm
Friday 11 am-11 pm
Saturday 8 am-11 pm
Sunday 8 am-9 pm
Not Watson’s
Years ago, this new kitchen + bar was Watson’s Department Store. Now that it’s Not, it offers all kinds of southern-style goodness. Their entrees elevate classics to a new level with unique flavor combinations. Check out their Not Yo’ Mama’s Chicken & Waffles, which pairs fried chicken with chilled spiced watermelon, a savory cheddar-cheese waffle, and bourbon maple syrup. Or freshen things up with the Asian Chicken Salad, featuring fried teriyaki chicken, cabbage and spinach, various fresh veggies, and a sesame-peanut vinaigrette.
15 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 766-4848
notwatsons.com
Monday – Thursday 11 am-10 pm
Friday and Saturday 11 am-11 pm
Sunday 11 am-9 pm
Jackie’s Dream Cafe
Yes, Jackie is a real person. She pursued her dream of a soul food restaurant for years, perfecting her recipes and working long hours in the food industry. Once it opened in 2015, the restaurant was an immediate hit. After a move to North Knoxville in November 2018 – and a successful GoFundMe for new furniture and equipment – Jackie’s Dream Cafe came back stronger than ever. The restaurant’s Traditional Hot Chicken, a filling Nashville-style entrée, delivers comfort and authenticity.
1008 E. Woodland Avenue, Knoxville, 37917
(865) 219-5789
jackiesdreamcafe.com
Monday Closed
Tuesday – Saturday 11 am-8 pm
Sunday 12 pm-6 pm