
Pizza Palace
A Knoxville institution since 1961, Pizza Palace offers a classic drive-in dining experience with pizzas, pastas, and a legendary Greek salad.

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

Pizza Palace

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Knoxville institution since 1961, Pizza Palace offers a classic drive-in dining experience with pizzas, pastas, and a legendary Greek salad.
"Experience a taste of nostalgia with delicious pizza and a famous Greek salad at this iconic drive-in!"
Cash is King
This establishment is cash-only. An on-site ATM is available but charges a fee.
Beat the Rush
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid longer wait times at this popular local spot.

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

Nostalgic Drive-In Experience
Step back in time with a classic drive-in ordering system, evoking a bygone era of casual dining.

Iconic Greek Salad
A locally famous Greek salad featuring feta cheese, olives, egg, anchovies, and pepperoni with house dressing.

Generously Topped Pizzas
Classic pizzas with a variety of toppings, including Chicago-style thin crust with ham, sausage, and mushrooms.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Cash is King
This establishment is cash-only. An on-site ATM is available but charges a fee.
Beat the Rush
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid longer wait times at this popular local spot.
Car Hop Service
Order and receive your food directly from your car for a true drive-in experience.
Napkin Up!
Be sure to grab extra napkins, especially if you plan on enjoying your meal in your car.
Tips
from all over the internet
Cash is King
This establishment is cash-only. An on-site ATM is available but charges a fee.
Beat the Rush
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid longer wait times at this popular local spot.
Car Hop Service
Order and receive your food directly from your car for a true drive-in experience.
Napkin Up!
Be sure to grab extra napkins, especially if you plan on enjoying your meal in your car.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pizza Palace offers a unique drive-in experience with generally well-received pizzas and a famous Greek salad. While many praise the nostalgic atmosphere and fast service, some reviews point to inconsistencies in food quality and value, particularly with toppings and the price point.
"Recently spent some time in Knoxville, TN and found out they had a 'pizza drive-in' called Pizza Palace! I've never been to a drive-in pizza place, so had to give it a try.
The food itself is average, but the experience was really cool. Like a typical drive-in (like Sonic), you find a parking spot, check out the menu and press the button to order. Like a movie, the speakers are very old, making it very hard to hear the person taking your order, but we managed. Unlike most places, Pizza Palace only takes cash, so when they bring the order to your car, you pay at that point.
Overall service was fast and friendly. Food was hot and fresh. Again not the best pizza or wings, but experience definitely makes this place worth a visit!"
Phil Marinucci Multimedia
"Pepperoni pizza and crust was good. The onion rings needed salt but had a nice crunch. They tasted greasy and left a grease coating in my mouth. I hope they switch to a different fry oil and more flavorful coating in the future."
Mark Navas
"Tried it on a whim. Had big reservations because it looked so generic. But I was super shocked by how good it was.
⚠️ Cash Only ⚠️ Takeout Only
Then, not long after trying iy they magically appeared on YouTube DDD with Guy.
So far, I have had
Pizza: really good, lots of toppings. Sauce could use a little more tang. But really good.
Spaghetti: Al Dente, lots of sauce. Meat balls tender and well seasoned.
Lasagna: Hearty, tender, and delicious.
Veal: Tender, juicy, and well seasoned.
Salad: Just a plain water lettuce salad. There's nothing to rave about.
Staff: Everyone has been friendly and helpful."
blue bugs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Pizza Palace is a cash-only establishment. An ATM is available on-site, but it charges a fee.
The most popular items include their pizzas, especially the Chicago-style thin crust, and the locally famous Greek salad.
Pizza Palace operates as a drive-in with car hop service. There is no indoor seating.
To avoid potentially long wait times, it's recommended to visit during off-peak hours.
Yes, Pizza Palace offers takeout. The drive-in service allows for ordering and receiving food in your car.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Good Eats in Knoxville, TN????
Isn't there better local fare,something that isn't a chain----my DD is a senior at UT and says there is fantastic pizza at Pizza Palace which I believe is east of downtown. How about some local suggestions from some Knoxvillians----is Regas local???. We could use these too since we're heading that way soon!
East-Side Eats: A Dining Guide for East Knoxville
Magnolia Ave. • 865-524-4388 • visitpizzapalace.com • Tue.–Sat.: 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Sun.: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.This place is the stuff of legend. Since 1961, East Tennesseans having pulling up to munch on onion rings, Greek salad, pizza, even spaghetti while sitting in their cars watching the world go by. The place is iconic not because it got the attention of the Food Network and buffoonish host Guy Fieri, but because—like many of Knoxville’s legendary restaurants—it was founded by Greek immigrants only a few generations ago.
Best Restaurants In Knoxville, TN
Just up the street, 50-year-old Pizza Palace is an institution that's more American in its offerings than anything else. Behind a faux-wood counter, you'll find workers who've been stretching dough for more than 40 years—the same who'll also deliver a mountain of cornmeal-dusted onion rings wrapped in foil and a locally famous Greek salad to your car.
16 Best Pizza Places in Knoxville, TN (2023 Updated)
Made-from-scratch pizzas and hand-breaded onions are just a few menu items that have made Pizza Palace a landmark in Knoxville, Tennessee. Not only that, their famous Greek salad is to die for. It features feta cheese, ripe olives, egg wedges, anchovies, and pepperoni—served with Pizza Palace’s house dressing.
Italian restaurants in Knoxville with the best pizza, pasta and wine
It's built right into the name: Pizza Palace is considered Knoxville royalty. The restaurant has been featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," as well as other food-focused TV shows, and has been in operation for more than 50 years. Its marquee alone is considered a landmark in the Scruffy City.
Remembering local restaurants | The Knoxville Focus
I am thankful the Pizza Palace on Magnolia is still there and was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. And I still enjoy Sam & Andy’s in Farragut and Louis’ on Broadway. And I appreciate and enjoy our local chains such as the Chop House Restaurants, Aubrey’s, and Buddy’s BBQ.
The 15 Things You Shouldn't Miss in Knoxville, Tennessee
If you’re okay with adventuring past the city center, head to Pizza Palace Drive-In, a family-run establishment that’s been open since 1961. Whatever you do, make sure it includes a Greek salad: Owner Charlie Peroulas still makes the secret vinaigrette himself, every day.
Slice of life: Knoxville's best pizza places | Food
Though it was featured on the popular Food Network show “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” not many people know about Pizza Palace due to its location. Sitting on Magnolia Street, near Chilhowee Park, this spot seems like a carhop-mecca straight from the 1960s.
Best Pizza Places in Knoxville
Pizza Palace - East Let’s throw a drive-in to the mix with Pizza Palace in East Knoxville. This is a Knoxville staple, established in 1961 by the Peroulas brothers, a pair of Greek immigrants. Come August, they will celebrate 60 years in business!
Highest-rated Italian Restaurants in Knoxville, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (223 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Italian, American- Price: $- Address: 3132 E Magnolia Ave, Knoxville, TN 37914-4522- Read more on Tripadvisor
Highest-ranked pizza restaurants in Knoxville, TN by diners: Stacker
– Rating: 3.9/5 (202 reviews)– Price level: $– Address: 3132 East Magnolia Ave. Knoxville, Tennessee– Categories: pizza, greek, italian– Read more on Yelp
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit