
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar
A retro haunt in Knoxville offering classic bar food with a modern twist and an impressive selection of craft beers and cocktails.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A retro haunt in Knoxville offering classic bar food with a modern twist and an impressive selection of craft beers and cocktails.
"Great vibes and good food, with unique starters that are a must-try!"
Try the 'Secret' Pork Shank
The 'secret' pork shank is a must-try, described as 2 pounds of glorious, fall-off-the-bone meat.
Don't Skip Appetizers
Appetizers like fried okra and fried green tomatoes are so good, they could be a meal.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American, Bar
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Unique Appetizers
Must-try unique starters like Philly egg rolls and alligator po' boys offer adventurous flavors.

Southern Comfort Food
Indulge in elevated Southern classics like fried green tomatoes with pimiento cheese and chicken and waffles.

Vibrant Market Square Vibe
Enjoy delicious food and drinks with a lively atmosphere, especially when dining on the patio.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Try the 'Secret' Pork Shank
The 'secret' pork shank is a must-try, described as 2 pounds of glorious, fall-off-the-bone meat.
Don't Skip Appetizers
Appetizers like fried okra and fried green tomatoes are so good, they could be a meal.
Local Beer Selection
Enjoy a good selection of local drafts and an impressive range of beers on tap.
Potent Signature Cocktails
Their signature cocktails are delicious but potent, so sip them slowly.
Tips
from all over the internet
Try the 'Secret' Pork Shank
The 'secret' pork shank is a must-try, described as 2 pounds of glorious, fall-off-the-bone meat.
Don't Skip Appetizers
Appetizers like fried okra and fried green tomatoes are so good, they could be a meal.
Local Beer Selection
Enjoy a good selection of local drafts and an impressive range of beers on tap.
Potent Signature Cocktails
Their signature cocktails are delicious but potent, so sip them slowly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar is praised for its inviting ambiance, attentive service, and unique, flavorful dishes like fried green tomatoes and Philly egg rolls. While many diners rave about the food quality and diverse drink options, some have encountered issues with service speed and burger preparation.
"During my recent visit to Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar in Knoxville, I had the opportunity to try their Fried Green Tomatoes, Alligator Po’ Boy, and a classic Mimosa. The Fried Green Tomatoes were topped with house-made pimiento cheese, tomato jam, and country ham, creating a delightful blend of Southern flavors.  The Alligator Po’ Boy featured tender fried alligator with fresh spring greens, tomato, dill pickles, and a spicy remoulade, offering a unique twist on the traditional sandwich.  The Mimosa was refreshing and complemented the meal perfectly. The restaurant’s ambiance was inviting, and the staff provided attentive service, making for an enjoyable dining experience. Highly recommended"
niki gh
"Good vibes and good food. I wasn’t crazy about the burger but it wasn’t bad or anything. Honestly I don’t think I really wanted a burger and ordered one anyway like a dummy. But the Philly egg rolls and scallop appetizer was amazing. The flank steak salad was also pretty good. Worth checking some more items out for sure. Waitress was super nice ."
Pierce Colman
"Great first experience, sat a bar high top and ordered a beer at the bar....good selection of local drafts for every taste. Ordered the wings app with 2 flavors, lemon pepper & garlic along with chipotle. Both had excellent flavor and we ordered extra crispy.....they were spot on. Side order of fries and a Caesar salad topped it off and was certainly enough for us both. Service was great with friendly people all around. We will be back."
Bruce Turk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Highly recommended dishes include the Philly egg rolls, Alligator Po' Boy, and the fried green tomatoes. The 'secret' pork shank is also a standout item.
Yes, Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar offers vegetarian options, including a vegetarian portobello sandwich. They are also attentive to dietary needs like gluten sensitivity.
The restaurant features a retro haunt with vintage decor, creating an inviting and chill vibe. It's great for casual dining and experiencing the Market Square atmosphere.
Yes, Not Watson's boasts an impressive selection of local drafts, good whiskey, and signature cocktails. They have a surprisingly stocked bar.
Not Watson's is recommended as a great family restaurant, offering a wide array of dishes that appeal to both children and adults.
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Featured in these publications
Knoxville's Best Family Restaurants [Updated 2025]
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar in Knoxville definitely stands out as a top contender for the title of "best family restaurant." With its playful yet professional atmosphere, this establishment offers a wide array of delicious dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. From their mouthwatering burgers to their delectable desserts, Not Watson's truly knows how to satisfy the whole family's taste buds. So, if you're looking for a delightful dining experience that caters to both children and adults alike, make sure to check out Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar in Knoxville.
16 Best Restaurants in Knoxville, TN
One can never go wrong by ordering a burger and fries, especially when visiting Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar. The retro-inspired restaurant serves classic bar food with a modern twist, which all pairs perfectly with one of its craft cocktails or beers. Beer-loving customers adore Not Watson’s as it has an impressive selection of brews on tap, and the laid-back atmosphere makes it easy to spend hours hanging out.
The Best Restaurants in Knoxville Tennessee
Market Square is a Knoxville institution, and Not Watson’s is the place you’ll stop for lunch and accidentally stay through dinner. Their burger is good enough to make you forget every other burger you’ve ever loved. For something lighter, the house salad is shockingly satisfying, and by "lighter," I mean it’s loaded with cheese and candied pecans, so don’t worry.
Dog Friendly American Restaurants near SS Sultana Memorial, Knoxville, TN, US
Not Watson's Kitchen and Bar is a hip, downtown bar with farm to table dishes and several dog-friendly seats outside. Their menu includes several vegetarian options like the Vegetarian Portobella Sandwich as well as classics like grilled salmon, ribeye, and short ribs. They offer an extensive selection of beer, wine, vodka, scotch, and more.
19 Best Restaurants in Knoxville, Tennessee to Try Today
If classic pub food is more your vibe, look no further than Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar. This retro haunt gets rave reviews from guests, who identify tasty food, super friendly staff and memorable décor. The pub grub here includes smokey bleu wings, tuna poke, buffalo chicken sandwiches, braised beef short ribs and onion rings.
Top 5 Gluten-Free American Spots to Enjoy in Market Square, Knoxville
This spot offers a chill atmosphere with solid food and a chill vibe, perfect for those seeking a reliable meal amidst varying service experiences. Great vibe, and better food!. Kitchen staff was knowledgeable about gluten sensitivity and came out to correct our order out of extra caution to avoid a food that had gluten in it!
15 Best Restaurants in Knoxville, TN | Blog
Located steps from Market Square, Not Watson’s offers burgers, sandwiches, and a range of appetizers that suit casual dinners or late-night bites. With TVs at the bar and a diverse crowd, it bridges the gap between sports bar and modern casual dining. It’s a convenient option for those visiting the downtown area.
Places To Eat
Just so you’ll know…at Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar, we source the absolute best ingredients for all of our offerings, whether it’s food, beer, wine or cocktails. We provide all organic & farm to table products whenever possible…especially if they taste better!. We buy local whenever and wherever it makes sense.
A Knoxville Coffee, Food, And Bar Guide
Not Watson’s — Open daily for lunch from 11am, serving upscale diner food with a focus on proteins and lots of salads. They’ve got a surprisingly stocked bar here, with heaps of good whiskey (expected), beer (sounds about right) and tequila (less expected). 15 Market Square, Knoxville, TN — Official website
Highest-rated Restaurants in Knoxville, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (522 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Bar- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 15 Market Sq, Knoxville, TN 37902-1405- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like: Homes for sale in Knoxville at every price point
Best Burgers in
You’ve got some VERY tasty options at Not Waton's, and this misshapen, super-juicy burger is the reason napkins were invented. Grass-fed Angus Beef Patties smothered in grilled mac 'n' cheese chili, comes on a hand-made artisan bun from ACE Baking Company. Served with a side of fresh-cut fries.
Knoxville TN Restaurants You Will Want To Eat At | TRAVELHOST
Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar serves up down-home Americana cooking with a side dish of Southern hospitality. You really can’t go wrong with the chicken and biscuits, Philly cheesesteak, or the creole pasta. If you’re not sure what to order, ask one of the waiters for their recommendation.
20 Best Restaurants in Knoxville, TN for 2024 (Top Eats!)
15 Market SqKnoxville, TN 37902(865) 766-4848 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Located in downtown Knoxville, this is one of the most popular restaurants to try for its incredible bar food served meticulously with creative flair.
Moving to Knoxville? Here Are 20 Things to Know
Sample the Fried Green Tomatoes and flights of whiskey at Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar in Market Square. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with unique ice cream flavors like Mango DoleWhip or Ice Lemon Cookie at Cruze Farm Ice Cream.
Good Eats - Some Off the Beaten Path - in Knoxville, TN
Growing up…my mom loved Watson’s Department Store…I mean loved it!. It seemed as if every Saturday of my youth, was spent rummaging through the bargain-filled caverns of Watson’s Department Store on Market Square.
Knoxville Food Guide: Where to Eat in Knoxville, Tennessee
15 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902https://notwatsons.com/. We loved visiting Not Watson’s in Market Square for their Tuesday beer special!. $3 beers all day – can’t beat that!
Where to Eat and Drink Around Market Square
15 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902Known for American comfort food, their brunch menu includes chicken biscuits, mimosas, and stuffed French toast in a lively, casual setting.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit