Southern cuisine overlaps a lot with soul food, but often leans more into hearty brunch, Lowcountry influences, coastal touches, as well as “meat‑and‑three”‑style lunch/dinner places. This article from Delish further describes the difference between the two. On top of that, a “Meat‑and‑three” typically means pick one meat and three sides/vegetables — simple, comforting, often lunch‑oriented, often inexpensive, often traditional.
Here's a few places in Knoxville that represent these three styles, from polished to more down‑home:
Trying to differentiate soul food from Southern food shouldn't be complicated. While not all Southern food is considered soul food, all soul food is definitely Southern.
Location & Vibe:
Jackie’s Dream is at 1008 E Woodland Ave, Knoxville TN 37917(**MOVING in 2026 to Covenant Health Park**)
It’s a soul food spot with warmth, family‑oriented feel, friendly service. The atmosphere is casual, inviting. Visitors always talk about leaving feeling like they’ve had more than a meal, but a connection.
Menu Highlights:
Fried chicken - they also do Knoxville hot chicken (Jackie's answer to Nashville hot), with heat levels of "hot" "hot as hell" and "crazy hot."
Sides - expect classics like mashed potatoes and gravy, collard greens, and Aunt Maimie's candied yams.
Daily specials - check the menu to find everything from ribs to fried fish.
What Makes It Special:
Jackie’s Dream is beloved because of the authenticity and heart put into the cooking. Nearly everything is made from scratch: peeling, chopping, cooking fresh, with minimal reliance on canned or processed foods. The owner, Jackie Griffin, is known for her passion for community, consistent service, and building the place around “feeling like home.”
Recent Updates / Future Moves:
Good to know: Jackie’s Dream is expanding. They’re opening a new location inside Covenant Health Park (the downtown stadium) in early 2026. The menu will expand there, and for the first time it will include alcohol.
SOUTHERN - Southern Grit Kitchen & Bar
Location & Vibe: 126 S Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37902
Located in the Old City, Southern Grit is part of Knoxville’s phenomenal downtown food scene. The vibe is modern but with deep Southern roots — think exposed brick, local art, rustic-modern furniture, and a menu that bridges tradition with creativity. It feels upscale without being stuffy — perfect for brunch, casual date night, or a comfort-food fix.
Menu Highlights:
Southern Grit balances classic Southern staples with chef-driven updates with big flavors, seasonal ingredients, and a nod to Lowcountry and Appalachian cooking.
Signature dishes - fried green tomatoes, country fried chicken, chicken pot pie, jambalaya pasta, and more.
Brunchy pick - chicken & waffles (crispy brined chicken, sweet cornbread waffle, hot honey for a kick).
What Makes It Special:
Southern Grit stands out for elevating comfort food — blending deep South flavors with the finesse of modern southern cooking. While many soul food spots feel like someone’s grandma’s kitchen (in the best way), Southern Grit is more like a creative cousin who trained at culinary school but never forgot where they came from.
MEAT & THREE - The Lunch House
Location & Vibe: 3816 Holston Dr, Knoxville, TN 37914
The Lunch House is a family‑owned diner in East Knoxville known for its friendly, down‑to‑earth atmosphere. Expect simple décor, comfortable seating, and a homey feel - and probably lots of regulars rubbing elbows. Reviews often highlight how “not fancy, but friendly and real good food” captures its spirit.
Menu Highlights:
The menu leans into classic home cooked fare that blends southern, soul, and a heapin' helpin' of comfort.
Daily Specials - check that menu! At time of this writing, meats rotate between steak & gravy, fried chicken livers, meatloaf, fried chicken, turkey & dressing, catfish, and more.
Sides - you'll have a heckuva time trying to pick - these rotate too with the daily special!
Other options - handhelds, soups, and salads round out your choices.
What Makes It Special:
This place shines in its consistency, where menu items are cooked with care. Pricing and portions can't be beat and you'll feel like part of the community with a visit here.It's called The Lunch House for a reason; hours are typically M-F, 10AM-3PM.
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.
