Recent restaurant openings offer everything from whiskey to fried Oreos
One wouldn’t think the past year was the ideal time to open a new restaurant, but that didn’t keep these six new enterprises from opening around town. With varied menus and atmospheres ranging from video game center to romantic wine bar, there’s much to explore among them. 
Bit Burger
Bit Burger, in Windsor Square Shopping Center in West Knoxville, specializes in craft burgers, unique appetizers, sandwiches and milkshakes. Enjoy the 80s and 90s nostalgia in the dining room while digging into cheese curds, hot honey chicken or pierogi and sausage, or tackle one of their big burgers, like the Mega Man, with Havarti cheese, thick-cut applewood bacon, caramelized onions, and the house white BBQ sauce on brioche; or the Cabbage Patch, two seasoned patties, Havarti cheese, roasted Brussels sprouts, crispy shoestring onions, and ranch sauce on brioche. Have room for dessert? Try fried Oreos or Cotton Candy Cheesecake!
West Knoxville: 151 N Seven Oaks Dr.
(865) 770-0290
facebook.com/bitburgerknox
Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus
Gypsy Circus Cider Company’s Barrelhouse is the region’s largest cidery taproom with 40 taps of Gypsy Circus’s products and local craft beers. You might sip The Raindancer, a semi-dry, fresh-pressed cider with champagne characteristics, or The Queen of Swords, a semi-sweet, full-bodied cider with a rich apple aroma. The Barrelhouse also features a production facility for its barrel-aged wild yeast ciders. The Bohemian restaurant, also part of the property, serves a menu of tasty snacks and bar food, some infused with its ciders. Try some pork sliders or a Bang Bang shrimp bowl, or share some cider bread and cheese dip with friends. A variety of tacos and nachos are also available.
Old North: 621 Lamar St.
gypsycircuscider.com/barrelhouse-by-gypsy-circus-knoxville
35 North
Combine the culinary variety available at a food truck park with a bar well stocked with bourbons and whiskies, craft beers and wine, throw in an indoor-outdoor courtyard and a large wood-burning fireplace, and you have 35 North, recently opened in Farragut. At least three food trucks are scheduled per day and more than 250 spaces across three rooms, two outdoor areas and a stadium-seating picnic area allow visitors to spread out and relax. It is open seven days a week, opening at 11 a.m. Food trucks currently on the schedule include Penne For Your Thoughts, Big Kahuna Wings, Taste N See BBQ. Wood Oven Eats and Pizza Amoire.
Farragut: 11321 Kingston Pike
(865) 671-3535
the35north.com
Q Korean Steakhouse
At Q Korean Steakhouse off of North Peters Road, the customer has the choice of being the chef. Fresh marinated and unseasoned meat are grilled at the table. Options include everything from pork belly to beef short ribs to shrimp or squid. Can’t decide? Choose one of the combos that allow you to sample a little bit of everything. Side dishes include spicy rice cakes, kimchi and soup. Beverages include soft drinks and beer.
West Knoxville: 8851 Town and Country Cir.
(865) 474-1486
koreansteakhouse.com
The Appalachian
Executive Chef David Rule brings a modern approach to traditional Appalachian ingredients and dishes with an emphasis on smoky flavors. Previously with Blackberry Farm, Dancing Bear Lodge and partner at the Walnut Kitchen, his menu features starters such as Blue Crab Spoon Fritters and Beer Battered Okra and mains that include White Cheshire Pork Tenderloin with Cornmeal Pudding, House Sausage and Peach Chutney; and Rainbow Trout with Crowder Pea Succotash, Crispy Onions and Herbs.
Sevierville: 133 Bruce St.
(865) 505-0245
theappalachianrestaurant.com
Diamondjack Wine Bar
Maryville native Micah Talley and his wife Rachel opened Diamondjack in 2020 after he spent time working in such culinary destinations as Blackberry Farm, McCrady’s Tavern and J.C. Holdway. They share the desire to celebrate life’s greatest moments, and at Diamondjack, that means with a wide selection of wines, as well as beer and nonalcoholic options; munchies that include Cast Iron Brie with Honey, Chili Flake and Bread; meals like Seared Flat Iron with Yuka Fries, Creme Fraiche, Herbs and Pecorina; and for dessert, Luxardo Cherry Tart with Creme Fraiche and Mint. Make it a double!
Maryville: 298 Highland Ave.
(865) 977-0323
diamondjackwinebar.com