Knoxville area rivers offer lakeside scenery unrivaled by any in the surrounding counties. Such locations make for beautiful dining backdrops that accentuate an afternoon or evening of dining al fresco, whether eating fresh fish and enjoying a glass of wine, or noshing on barbecue and drinking a few beers. Surrounded by mountains and featuring with a gorgeous waterfront, Knoxville has a selection of restaurants with lakeside views perfectly paired with delicious eats.
Lakeside Tavern
Previously a winner of Cityview’s “Best of the Best,” Lakeside Tavern offers a gorgeous patio view of the water year round. Don’t let the rustic stone and wood decor and cozy fireplace fool you, the menu features elegant items such as Scallops Pomodori and Mediterranean Pasta.
10911 Concord Park Drive; 865-671-2980
Monday–Thursday 11am–9:00pm
Friday–Saturday 11am–10:00pm
Sunday 10:30am–9pm
lakeside-tavern.com
Sweet P’s Soul House
Maryville Pike hosts the original location of Sweet P’s Soul House, the success of which inspired Sweet P’s Dive in downtown Knoxville. Known for having some of the best barbeque in the area, the Soul House also brings guests a taste of local music with their Songwriters in the Soul series. In addition to the barbecue on their menu, there are daily specials that range from nachos and quesadillas to smoked andouille sausage and burgers.
3725 Maryville Pike; 865-247-7748
Closed Monday
Tuesday – Thursday 11am–8pm
Friday–Saturday 11am–9pm
Sunday 12am–7pm
sweetpbbq.com
Calhoun’s at the Marina
This location of the Calhoun’s franchise is unlike its sister restaurants. Calhoun’s at the Marina, located in Lenoir City, features dockside dining just above Fort Loudon Dam. There is indoor and outdoor seating with nightly entertainment. The menu has items familiar to the patrons of other Calhoun’s locations—such as chicken wings, barbeque, and their specialty prime rib. In addition, the lakefront location has a specific Tiki Hut menu for expediting service during the busy season.
4550 City Park Drive, Lenoir City; 865-988-9838
Winter Hours (January–March)
Monday 4–9pm
Tuesday 4–9pm
Wednesday 11am–2pm, 4–9pm
Thursday 4pm–9pm
Friday 11am–2pm, 4–10pm
Saturday 11am–10pm
Sunday 10:30am–9pm
Calhouns.com/menus-and-locations/lenoir-city/
The Blue Heron Restaurant at Tellico Village Yacht Club
The Blue Heron Restaurant at Tellico Village Yacht ClubThe Blue Heron Restaurant is located in a private lakefront community but is open to the public; the restaurant also hosts private events. In business for 30 years, the club and restaurant is surrounded by beautiful lake and mountain views. It offers an elegant yet affordable dining experience. The kitchen offers fresh seafood plates such as pan-seared salmon and a catch of the day, as well as rich entrees like veal osso buco and filet mignon.
100 Sequoyah Road, Loudon; 865-458-4363
Closed Sundays and Mondays
Tuesday–Saturday, Bar opens at 4 pm, Dinner 5–9 pm
TellicoVillageYachtClub.com
Lakehouse Grill
Lakehouse GrillTucked away on the side of Tellico lake at Sequoyah Landing, the Lakehouse Grill is a popular spot amongst boaters, especially in the summertime. Patrons can hop off for a quick bite of fish tacos, pork nachos, or their signature Lakehouse Burger and wash it down with a cold one. Lakehouse Grill offers the perfect lunch spot, with a combination of excellent pub food, a beautiful view of the lake, and a nice summer breeze. Don’t forget to get the kids a little Ben & Jerry’s to end the meal. You could do that for yourself, too.
721 US-411, Vonore; 423-884-2829
Friday 11am–9pm
Friday 11am–9pm
Friday 11am–8pm
Open weekly starting Memorial Day
SequoyahMarinaResort.com/lakehouse-grill
Facebook.com/lakeousegrill