Dining Guide-Gastropubs

For a relaxed businesslunch or dinner date out in the Old City, head to the Crown & Goose. Their gastropub ambiance is echoed in the pub’s authentic London cuisine. To get your meal started, tryThe Goose Boardsmall plate which includes a selection of regional cheeses and meats, preserves, nuts, mustard, and bread; or theDeviled Eggs, which are made with pastrami cured salmon, olives, pickles, and pimento cheese. For something more substantial, order the definitiveCrown & Goose Fish & Chips, paired with a Boddington’s Pub Ale. If you are torn over which main dish to choose, go for theBraised Pork Shank, served over Shelton Farms grits, winter freens, and kimchee. Their Sunday brunch is not to be missed; enjoy it in their beer garden as the weather warms.

If you’re a beer enthusiast and have been wanting to try an up-and-coming restaurant in town, look no further. Balter beers are brewed on location by co-founder Will Rutemeyer, with an extensive beer selection ranging from the richBear Blendcoffee oatmeal porter to the hop bombFirebelly IPA. Their beers pair incredibly well. To get things started, try the citrusyMaypoppale ale with theirFried Green Tomatoes, made with pimento cheese, tomato jelly, and sprouts. If you’re in the mood for a solid burger, get a crisp4th and Pilswith theBalter Burger, which comes with two 4 oz. patties, Sweetwater Valley Farm’s buttermilk cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, house pickle, and some black pepper mayonnaise. Feeling like you want to be active before you indulge?Bike to Balterfor $4 Balter drafts

Originating in Downtown Clarksville, TN, Blackhorse expanded to Knoxville in Western Hills. Tucked in between Bearden and Sequoyah Hills,Blackhorse Pubstrives to create a genuine pub atmosphere while serving gourmet pizzas, steaks, pasta, salad, and sandwiches—and they don’t have “brewery” in the title for no reason. Blackhorse’s handcrafted ales are brewed on site. If you’re headed to Blackhorse, try thePub Club, featuring toasted wheat berry bread with ham, smoked turkey, cheddar and Monterey jack cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and honey mustard. Be sure to pair this with theBarnstormer Red Ale, a smooth traditional red ale made with Hallertau hops. Pairing equally well with the Barnstormer is theBlackhorse Combospecialty pizza, a traditional pie loaded with meat and veggies. And if you’re in the mood for something slightly sweet, get a pint of theirVanilla Cream Ale, an area favorite.

If you long to be immersed in Scottish culture but don’t want to sit on a plane for 12 hours, go to Boyd’s Jig and Reel in the Old City. Known for its live Scottish music and extensive whiskey selection, it’s the best spot for authentic tunes and grub. Not sure about which whiskey is best for you? Try theirHighlander Scotch Flight, which includes samples of Dalmore 12yr, Glenmorangie 10yr, Oban 14 yr, and Old Pulteney 12 yr. Dig into theSteak and Ale Pie: a grouping of beef, vegetables and traditional Scottish ale, topped with crispy puff pastry and baked to a golden-brown perfection. And for goodness sakes, don’t miss the traditionalScotch Egg, a boiled egg wrapped in sausage and fried up. Join Jig and Reel on Wednesdays at 7p.m. for the “Tennessee Shines” radio show, hosted by WDVX.