Trying a new restaurant can be exciting for adults, but for picky kids, it can be a real challenge to find something they like. We've created a great list of Knoxville restaurants sure to please the pickiest eaters and the more adventurous ones, too! These kid approved meals are so delish, you can forget about complaints and leftovers!
Anaba Japanese Cuisine, an authentic Japanese restaurant in the Knoxville area with a traditional Izakaya atmosphere, offers many dishes from the from the regular and kid's menu sure to pass the test for choosey children. Anaba has two Knoxville locations. The downtown Gay Street location features an anime mural in the dining area, perfect for your tween and teen, and if you find yourself in west Knoxville, visit them at their Northshore Drive address.
Meals for the picky eater: a two fer!
Kid's bowl - chicken teriyaki served on a bowl of white rice.
Kid's Panko fried chicken - three pieces of panko breaded chicken served with sweet potato fries.
For the adventurous eater:
Su-Udon (Soba for the anime fans) - a basic udon (thin buckwheat noodles) with dashi soup (stock broth), served hot or cold. Topped with green onion wakame (seaweed), a crabstick and tempura flakes; all of which can be served on the side, so children have the freedom to build their own bowl. The udon and dashi soup can also be separated to allowing kids the fun of dipping of the noodles in broth with chopsticks.
Dessert:
Machha Ice Cream - a green tea ice cream popular in Japan. Who doesn't love ice cream?
Last Days of Autumn is a local brewery in East Knoxville. Their taproom is known for serving up unique beers and BBQ, and the brewery is very family friendly! Their menu boasts many weekly favorites and daily specials kids of all ages will enjoy. Not limited to the selections below, they also have a low country boil, shrimp po' boys, and birria tacos. They also have board games, Star Wars Battleship, Connect Four, to keep kids busy while parents sip a beer flight and listen to a local musician.
Meals for the picky eater:
Pretzels with beer cheese - three soft and chewy, salted Bavarian pretzels with smooth Wisconsin beer cheese.
For the adventurous eater:
Smoked Chicken Nachos - corn tortillas pile high with smoked chicken, beer cheese, black beans, pico de gallo, sour cream, house-made guacamole and jalapenos. Although chicken is a favorite among kids, steak and black beans are other variations available. This entree serves up a mountain of nachos two to three children can share!
Dessert:
Traditional, down-home banana pudding with layers of vanilla wafers, pudding and bananas.
South Coast Pizza offers fantasic pizza, wings and salads in the heart of SoKno on Sevier Ave. This local joint offers family friendly indoor and outdoor seating options. It's perfectly located across the street from Redbud Kitchen (our number five on the list) and Hi-Wire Brewing which offers indoor games for a kids-against-adults showdown in soccer pool, table tennis, shuffleboard and foosball.
Meals for the picky eater:
Cheese pizza - a timeless classic and kid favorite for the win!
For the adventurous eater:
Deli pizza - oil and garlic base, mozzarella, dill pickle, salami, pepperoni, tomato and oregano.
Dessert:
Ice cream, chocolate chunk cookies and cinnamon sticks.
Bit Burger in West Knoxville is a themed restaurant that specializes in craft burgers, unique appetizers, sandwiches, and milkshakes! Kids and parents alike will love their totally rad dining room that pays tribute to awesome 80's and 90's pop culture nostalgia with music, memorabilia, collectibles and video games! What's more, you can walk next door to Token Game Tavern; an arcade and tabletop lounge dedicated to pinball, board games, video game consoles, D&D, comic books and cosplay parties.
Meals for the picky eater:
8-Bit Burger - two 4oz patties, Cheddar, Havarti cheese, lettuce, sliced red onion, tomato, house made pickles, and a signature burger sauce on a brioche bun. Served with a choice of French fries, tater tots or sweet potato waffle fries.
For the adventurous eater:
The Mega Man - two patties, Havarti cheese, thick-cut Applewood bacon, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato and house-made ranch sauce.
Dessert:
Vanilla shake with caramel and sea salt, pretzels, a peanut butter rim, chocolate and whipped cream!
Redbud Kitchen is an American restaurant serving fresh, vibrant food straight from the market. In addition to their great menu, this SoKno neighborhood restaurant is located across the street from our 4th recommendation, South Coast Pizza, and Suttree Landing Park; a great park with a waterfront playspace for kids.
Meals for the picky eater: a two fer!
Grilled cheese and tomato bisque - served with potato chips or fresh fruit.
Kitchen macaroni & Cheese - served with a side of fresh fruit.
For the adventurous eater:
Groove turkey - lean smoked turkey, basil pesto, garlic-herb mayo, ripe tomato and petite greens on toasted ciabatta.
Dessert:
Strawberry cake - topped with strawberry cream cheese icing, whipped cream and a fresh strawberry.
This post was written by spring 2022 Marketing Intern (and mom of sometimes picky kids) Taylor Hastings.
Author
Kristen Combs
Kristen Combs is the Director of Communications & Social Strategies for Visit Knoxville. With an extensive knowledge of Knoxville as a tourist destination, Kristen is also the author of 100 Things to Do in Knoxville Before You Die, published by Reedy Press and available in the Visitors Center Gift Shop. Find Kristen on Instagram at @100thingsknoxville.
