Veggie burgers have come a long way from the freezer-bitten block of questionable ingredients. Today, you’ll find Knoxville restaurants serving everything from house-made black bean and quinoa patties to chickpea burgers, portobellos and other plant-based creations.
Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, simply veggie-curious or just really like a good burger, Knoxville has plenty of options. In fact, you might need more than one trip to try them all.
Here are 10 places to find some of the best veggie burgers in Knoxville, Tennessee:
Balter Beerworks is a scratch kitchen just north of downtown, and its Quinoa Veggie Burger is still going strong. The house-made vegetarian patty comes with chipotle mayo, house pickles, lettuce, tomato and onion. And because you’re at a brewery, pairing it with a pint seems like the responsible thing to do. Balter is an easy stop if you’re exploring downtown Knoxville and want a veggie-friendly meal paired with local craft beer.
Bistro at the Bijou – Gay Street
Aside from phenomenal food, Bistro at the Bijou is one of the most historic spots around to grab a bite. The building dates to the 1800s and has lived quite a few lives. This place has seen some things, to say the least. But we’re here to talk burgers. The Bistro’s current menu includes a Red Bean Veggie Burger, served on a kaiser roll with lettuce and tomato. You can also choose a veggie burger for “The Basic” and dress it up with additional toppings.
Located right on Gay Street next to the Bijou Theatre, it’s an especially convenient option before a show or while exploring downtown.
Corner 16 – West Knoxville
Head west for Corner 16’s Awesome Avocado Jack Burger, a plant-based burger topped with sliced avocado, Monterey Jack cheese and fire-roasted poblano sauce. Their build-your-own burger option also lets you start with a plant-based patty and make it your own. Cheese? Mushrooms? Fried green tomatoes? More sauce than seems reasonable? We’re not here to limit your creativity.
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar – Market Square
If you’re looking for a veggie burger right in the middle of the downtown action, Not Watson’s makes it easy. Their Vegetarian Black Bean Burger comes topped with pepper jack cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato, red onion and pickles. Grab a seat on Market Square and you’ve got lunch or dinner plus some of Knoxville’s best people-watching. Want to keep exploring afterward? You’re already within walking distance of Gay Street, the Old City, World’s Fair Park and plenty more.
Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille – West Knoxville
For an option in the West Knoxville/Farragut area (perhaps while shopping around Turkey Creek?) give Seasons a go. Their Black Bean Quinoa Burger combines roasted vegetables, quinoa, chickpeas and black beans with avocado, pepper jack cheese and pesto mayo. Basically, there’s enough happening here that no one is going to accuse you of ordering the boring option.
Sevier Ave Burger Co. – South Knoxville
A newer addition to the list, Sevier Ave Burger Co. opened on Sevier Avenue in the former Simpl space and fits right into the laid-back South Knoxville vibe.
All of its burgers can be made with a black bean burger, and the menu also includes a marinated portobello sandwich. Gluten-free buns are available, too.
Pick your burger, grab some fries and enjoy the patio — then take advantage of being in SoKno, where breweries, the Urban Wilderness and plenty more are nearby.
Red Bud Kitchen – South Knoxville
Veggie burgers can smash, too. Try their Fiesta Veggie: veggie & black bean patty topped with chipotle mayo, avocado, sliced tomato, red bell peppers, black bean & corn salsa, and petite greens. You'll find this spot in South Knoxville along Sevier Avenue. It’s a great option if you want a casual veggie burger with lots of other non-burger options — especially if your plans include wandering around SoKno before or after your meal.
Stock & Barrel – Market Square
Another Market Square favorite, Stock & Barrel has long given vegetarians a seat at the burger table. The Deadhead uses a black bean and quinoa patty with toppings including cheddar, garlic aioli, bourbon onions, tomato and greens. And if something else on the burger menu catches your eye, check into swapping in the veggie patty.
Stock & Barrel is also known for its bourbon selection, so we’ll leave your beverage pairing between you and your server.
Sunspot – Near the University of Tennessee
Sunspot has been a Knoxville favorite for vegetarian and vegan diners for years, and its Black Bean Burger is anything but an afterthought. The house-made burger combines quinoa, beets and portobello mushrooms and comes topped with chipotle mayo, arugula, guacamole, cucumber and tomato. Located on Cumberland Avenue near the University of Tennessee campus, it’s a convenient stop before or after exploring UT — and the menu has plenty of additional vegetarian and plant-based choices if someone in your group decides a burger isn’t calling their name.
The Tomato Head – Market Square
You really can’t talk vegetarian food in Knoxville without mentioning The Tomato Head. A longtime local favorite, its house-made Veggie Burger keeps things refreshingly straightforward with lettuce, tomato, ketchup and red onion. The Market Square location also puts you squarely in the heart of downtown Knoxville, so consider this an easy lunch stop in the middle of a day of exploring!
Where Can You Find Veggie Burgers in Knoxville?
Veggie burgers aren’t limited to one part of town. You can find them in Downtown Knoxville and Market Square, the Old City, South Knoxville, near the University of Tennessee and throughout West Knoxville.
Downtown is particularly easy for visitors: several options on this list are within walking distance of one another, along with hotels, attractions, shops and entertainment.
Looking for more meat-free meals? Explore Visit Knoxville’s vegetarian and vegan dining guide for even more plant-based options around town.
Veggie Burger FAQs
Where can I get a veggie burger in Downtown Knoxville?
Downtown Knoxville has several options, including Bistro at the Bijou on Gay Street, Not Watson’s and Stock & Barrel on Market Square, Balter Beerworks just north of downtown and SmashCity in the Old City.
Are there vegan burgers in Knoxville?
Yes. Several Knoxville restaurants offer vegan or plant-based burger options, but toppings, sauces, cheese and buns can affect whether the finished burger is vegan. Ask your server about current vegan preparations when ordering.
Where can I find vegetarian restaurants in Knoxville?
Vegetarian and vegan options can be found throughout Knoxville, including downtown, near UT, South Knoxville and West Knoxville. Browse more vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Knoxville to keep exploring.
What are some good veggie burger options near downtown Knoxville?
If you’re staying downtown, Market Square, Gay Street and the Old City give you several options within a relatively compact area. Check out more Downtown Knoxville dining while planning your visit. Whether yours is black bean, chickpea, quinoa or something completely different, Knoxville makes it easy to skip the meat without skipping the burger. Now the hard part: deciding which one to try first!
Author
Visit Knoxville
Visit Knoxville is the official Convention and Visitors Bureau for Knoxville and Knox County. It’s our priority and privilege to promote Knoxville as a nature-loving-adventure-seeking-artsy-kinda-town! If you're seeing this, that means a VK team member, past or present, or maybe even an intern, wrote this post.
