
Pete's Restaurant & Coffee Shop
A classic Knoxville diner serving hearty American comfort food, beloved for its award-winning breakfasts and friendly, efficient service.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Pete's Restaurant & Coffee Shop

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A classic Knoxville diner serving hearty American comfort food, beloved for its award-winning breakfasts and friendly, efficient service.
"Enjoy a taste of true Southern hospitality with generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere at Pete's."
Arrive Early on Weekends
High popularity means tables fill fast. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid longer waits.
Don't Miss Pete's Country Breakfast
A recommended signature dish featuring grits, a biscuit with gravy, and other breakfast favorites.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American Diner
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(865) 523-2860
Address
540 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Award-Winning Breakfast
Consistently recognized as Knoxville's best breakfast, Pete's serves hearty, classic American comfort food that satisfies.

Classic Diner Atmosphere
Experience a genuine, welcoming diner feel with friendly staff and a cozy, local vibe that makes you feel right at home.

Generous Portions, Great Value
Enjoy ample servings of delicious, well-executed comfort food at reasonable prices, offering excellent value for money.
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Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early on Weekends
High popularity means tables fill fast. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid longer waits.
Don't Miss Pete's Country Breakfast
A recommended signature dish featuring grits, a biscuit with gravy, and other breakfast favorites.
Consider Side Substitutions
If home fries aren't your favorite, consider substituting them for another side option.
Be Patient During Peak Times
Expect slightly slower service during holidays or peak lunch rushes, but food quality remains excellent.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early on Weekends
High popularity means tables fill fast. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid longer waits.
Don't Miss Pete's Country Breakfast
A recommended signature dish featuring grits, a biscuit with gravy, and other breakfast favorites.
Consider Side Substitutions
If home fries aren't your favorite, consider substituting them for another side option.
Be Patient During Peak Times
Expect slightly slower service during holidays or peak lunch rushes, but food quality remains excellent.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pete's Restaurant & Coffee Shop is a beloved Knoxville institution praised for its classic American comfort food, generous portions, and friendly, fast service. Many highlight the breakfast offerings and the welcoming diner atmosphere. While most reviews are glowing, a few mention inconsistency in food quality or service under new ownership, and some find it doesn't always live up to the considerable hype.
"Pete’s Breakfast and Lunch is a Knoxville gem that delivers on all fronts. The service is top-notch—friendly, fast, and attentive without being overbearing. The food? Fantastic. Whether you’re in for breakfast or lunch, expect classic, well-executed comfort food that hits the spot. Prices are reasonable, making it an easy choice for a go-to meal.
PRO TIP: Order Pete’s Country Breakfast—you won’t regret it."
Josh Edwards
"Used to come here 1-2x per week when Pete owned it, I will never EVER come back. Food was disgusting and the new owner is about as rude as they come. Also nearly everyone that came in (we arrived at 11:30) wanted to order breakfast including us but they stop serving it at 11am. My sandwich was NASTY (see photo) and soggy. 2nd photo is my (up charge) side salad, lmao. Gross and very sad as I loved this place!"
Nate Schmidt
"Great breakfast location, with a fun local feel, friendly service, and the food was fantastic. I had the veggie omelet with rye toast. Nice Job.."
John Schaefer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant serves breakfast from 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM and lunch until closing. Weekend hours may vary.
No, breakfast is served until 11 AM. Lunch is available after that.
The restaurant does not typically take reservations. Arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends.
While the menu is classic diner fare, some omelette fillings and sides may accommodate vegetarian diets. Vegan options are limited.
Yes, Pete's Coffee Shop offers the option to order over the phone for pick-up.
This popular dish includes eggs, choice of meat, home fries, and a biscuit with gravy, often recommended by locals.
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Featured in these publications
Top Brunch Spots In Knoxville TN
Nothing says brunch like a restaurant that serves breakfast all day, and Pete’s Coffee Shop delivers this service in a comfortable and homely setting. Having won Metro Pulse’s “Best Breakfast” seven years in a row, the establishment is always full, so arrive early on the weekends to find a table. Mounds of delicious pancakes, french toast, bacon and eggs are available here, and the diner-style interior gives the place an All-American feel, providing an authentic and exciting experience whilst travelling in the South.
Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip: 5-Day Knoxville Loop
Grab a tasty breakfast at Pete’s Coffee Shop in Knoxville, then head over to the Sunsphere for a selfie in front of the city’s golden-crowned monument. Get a feel for the people and culture of East Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains at the East Tennessee History Center downtown, then hit the road, following US-441 south toward the mountain towns (and tourist meccas) of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Have lunch and check into a hotel in Gatlinburg, then backtrack to Pigeon Forge and spend the rest of the day at Dollywood.
19 Best Restaurants in Knoxville, Tennessee to Try Today
Nothing screams American living more than a quintessential diner, and Pete’s Coffee Shop is exactly that – the definition of US culture. Reviewers note that food here is often served within five minutes of ordering, making this an ideal place for lunch breaks or a quick bite to eat before attending an evening event. You can trust that Pete’s Coffee Shop is high-quality, having won multiple awards for selling the best breakfast in Knoxville.
The 15 Things You Shouldn't Miss in Knoxville, Tennessee
Wake up early to go to Pete’s Coffee Shop, a local favorite diner that’s been around since the mid-80s. If you heed your alarm, you get a big, pleather booth to yourself and the attention of the waitresses, who will keep you company and tell you everything you need to order. (Always ask, but know that Pete’s country breakfast, with grits instead of toast and a biscuit with gravy—pictured above—is a solid way to go.)
Knoxville area diners recommended by The Grub Scout
This breakfast and lunch stop is a must for downtown diners. It’s rare to walk along Union Avenue and not see close to a full house of patrons looking out through giant picture windows onto the street from their slightly subterranean booths and tables. I paid my first official visit back in ’06, and Pete’s certainly lived up to its reputation for serving a well-prepared lineup of morning and midday meals.
The 4 Best Diners Around Knoxville, TN
This diner lives up to its reputation of serving a scrumptious lineup of morning and midday meals. Local favorites include Pete’s Breakfast featuring eggs, bacon or sausage, and home fries, plus your choice of toast. The house special Breakfast Bowl is piled high with scrambled eggs, sausage, diced ham, cheddar cheese, home fries, plus a biscuit drenched in sausage gravy.
26 Fun Things To Do In Knoxville Tennessee For 2022
If you love a classic American style diner serving up eggs, pancakes and omelettes consider Pete’s. This place is a bit of an institution for breakfast in Knoxville and we love that it’s a family owned. We even got to chat with Pete who was super friendly and took a particular interest in us as Aussies – turns out he watches a bit of Aussie TV and documentaries.
Ultimate Brunch Spots in Knoxville
Stopped by Pete's Coffee Shop for brunch while in Knoxville and was absolutely impressed with the experience. Was bracing for a long wait but was pleasantly surprised to be done with breakfast and heading out the door in just 16 minutes. The server was incredible, always wearing a smile and making the dining experience feel so welcoming.
Top 12 Breakfast Restaurants in Knoxville, Tennessee
If you're in the mood for good old-fashioned American food, head to Pete's Coffee Shop. This diner-style restaurant serves up classic dishes and blue plate specials to hungry patrons, all at affordable prices. Each dish is prepared by the owner himself, who prides himself in quick service and quality ingredients.
Best Burgers in
What’s a quaint neighborhood diner without a stellar burger selection?!. Well don’t worry, Pete’s has ten options to choose from – but we can never say no to homemade pimento cheese!. These savory 100% fresh, lean ground chuck, hand-pattied miracles are served with mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and French fries.
Highest-rated Breakfast Restaurants in Knoxville, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (430 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Cafe- Price: $- Address: 540 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902-2113- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-rated seafood restaurants in Knoxville by diners
20 Best Restaurants in Knoxville, TN 2023
Pete’s coffee shop opened in 1986 and is the number one choice of many Knoxville residents. Food Network rated it as the #1 diner in the whole Tennessee state, which says a lot about the place. Pete’s coffee shop is a family-operated business located in downtown Knoxville.
20 Best Restaurants in Knoxville, TN for 2024 (Top Eats!)
540 Union AveKnoxville, TN 37902(865) 523-2860 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Established in 1986, this restaurant is a mainstay in Knoxville and is just the place to be for a taste of delicious home-cooked comfort food served in charming environs.
41 Date Ideas in Knoxville, TN: Romantic Things To Do in Knoxville
Going to Pete's Coffee Shop for breakfast is another one of the most romantic things to do in Knoxville. This is a diner that you can find in the city center. You can have all kinds of classic breakfast dishes at this place, and each dish is delicious.
Knoxville Restaurants
Another new find is Pete’s Coffee Shop & Restaurant, which is a fun diner that has been around for over 30 years. I loved the atmosphere and the great food. It is in a great location downtown, so skip breakfast at your hotel and head over early.
Knoxville's Best Pancakes [Updated 2025]
Pete's Coffee Shop in Knoxville is a hidden gem that serves up on-point pancake perfection. The fluffy stacks are melt-in-your-mouth delicious, leaving you craving for more. The attentive service and charming atmosphere complete the experience.
Featured Trail Town: Knoxville, TN
Pete’s Restaurant: Pete’s Restaurant is a family-owned, family-operated diner in downtown Knoxville. We pride ourselves on serving the best breakfast and lunch in Knoxville. Customer satisfaction is our #1 priority.
4 Unbeatable Breakfast Restaurants in Knoxville, TN
Pete’s Restaurant has won numerous awards, including several Best of Knoxville honors. The family-owned-and-operated restaurant serves breakfast until 11 a.m. on weekdays and all day Saturday.
Brunch in Knoxville, TN: Our guide to the best brunch restaurants in the city
| Taste is not compromised by fast service at this local favorite. Find time to savor classic diner favorites like fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, or a juicy burger.
Best open cafes Knoxville
Pete's Restaurant & Coffee Shop is most popular around 10 AM on Saturdays. Visitors usually stay up to 1 hour here. It's most quiet on Mondays.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit