Looking for things to do and places to go in Knoxville? Enjoy our Neighborhood Guide series where we share a part of town and cover food and drinks, nature and outdoors, arts and culture, attractions, and more!
Compelling and Cosmopolitan - West Knoxville
West Knoxville is a large section of the city well known for its shopping options, anchored by West Town Mall. At first glance it’s classic suburbia – slightly removed from a downtown area, stretches of various thoroughfares (like Northshore, Cedar Bluff, Lovell, and of course Kingston Pike) and families with 2.5 kids and a dog. But take a longer look and you’ll see just how sophisticated and seasoned this area is!
The shopping is what draws many, with both big box stores and local boutiques. To highlight the latter, Bradley’s Gift & Home carries their in-house brand Knox Chocolate, Val’s Boutique offers trendy gals gameday orange attire and other fashions, and Wm. Henry features fine gentlemen’s clothing. Smart Toys & Books is a hit with the kids, the Painted Tree is a warehouse-sized umbrella of local makers and mini-shops, not to be confused with The Painted Perch, featuring home décor vendors and antiques. Did you know Jewelry Television (JTV®) is based in Knoxville? Skip the tube and go straight to the source with their Gem Store – you’re sure to find the perfect piece to take – or wear – home!
Past the purchasing, visitors will find a myriad of food options. International delicacies reign supreme here – travel the globe within a few miles span. Pero’s Bar & Grill marries Greek and Italian, Sitar for local favorite Indian lunch buffet, Pho 99 or Bida Saigon for a taste of Vietnam, Sticky Rice Café stands out for traditional Laotian cuisine, Yassin’s Falafel House has a second location off Cedar Bluff, Q Korean Steakhouse offers an intimate grill-your-own experience, and Asia Kitchen showcases Asian cuisine next to Sunrise Supermarket. Mexican can be found inside the mall at Loco Burro, fan favorite Chez Guevara, Catalaya Cantina (get the birria), and more. Hey Bear Café is a boba tea bar turned food truck park, and you’ll often find eats from across the map.
Comfort food and classic American fare isn’t lost in the mix! For a friendly diner, try Sami’s Café in Franklin Square or Nick & J’s Café off Lovell headed towards Hardin Valley. Another hot morning spot is Scrambled Jakes in Rocky Hill with their gigantic cinnamon rolls and fresh mimosas. Coffee seekers have no shortage of choice with K Brew by the mall and down Ebenezer, Honeybee Coffee’s in-mall and west location off Lovell (the latter also brews beer!), and the Empty Cup off Cedar Bluff. Speaking of comfort, you’ll find the best soup and sandwich combo served on freshly baked bread at the Old Mill Bread Company. You’ll find the original Calhoun’s at Kingston Pike and Pellissippi Parkway. Double Dogs and Parkside Grill add more comfortable options for sit-down dining.
For another touch of sophistication, you’ll find fine dining across West Knoxville. From seafood to charcuterie to steak, look to Chesapeake’s on Parkside Drive, Connor’s in Turkey Creek, Sullivan’s in Rocky Hill, and Point B down Ebenezer. Northshore Brasserie offers an elegant menu of French and Belgian dishes, and Finn’s Restaurant and Tavern puts an Irish twist on meals served in the historic Baker Peters House.
No matter the neighborhood, Knoxville’s beer scene shines. Tennessee Tap House carries local, statewide, and regional options to refresh. Ale Trail superstars Crafty Bastard Brewery and Abridged Beer Co. both have second locations in this part of town. And you’ve heard of a speakeasy, but what about a “geek-easy”? Head to Space Bar for a cyber-punk intergalactic cocktail spot and avoid Darth Vader near the disco ball. If retro video games are more your jam, enjoy the “barcade” that is Token Game Tavern.
Did this description surprise you? This town will do that, and West Knoxville is no exception!
Hank’s Pick
Hey dogs, head to Hey Bear! Bring your little humans with you to hang out on the playground and relax at the picnic tables outside - there might even be live music!
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.
