
Ruby Sunshine
A vibrant brunch haven in Market Square, bringing the soulful flavors of New Orleans to Knoxville with creative dishes and award-winning cocktails.

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

Ruby Sunshine

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant brunch haven in Market Square, bringing the soulful flavors of New Orleans to Knoxville with creative dishes and award-winning cocktails.
"Ruby Sunshine offers one of those mornings that sticks with you in the best way."
Beat the Wait
Visit during off-peak hours or call ahead to shorten wait times, especially on weekends.
Try Signature Dishes
Don't miss the owner's recommendations: Peacemaker Benedicts and White Chocolate Bread Pudding Pancakes.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American (Southern), Brunch
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(865) 830-3020
Address
37 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

New Orleans-Inspired Brunch
Experience authentic Creole flavors with dishes like White Chocolate Bread Pudding Pancakes and Three Little Pigs Omelette. Bringing NOLA to Knoxville!

Award-Winning Cocktails
Sip on creative cocktails, including unique Bloody Mary variations like the bacon-infused option. Perfect for starting your day!

Lively Atmosphere & Outdoor Seating
Enjoy a sunny, upbeat vibe in this Market Square gem. Outdoor seating offers a great spot for people-watching.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beat the Wait
Visit during off-peak hours or call ahead to shorten wait times, especially on weekends.
Try Signature Dishes
Don't miss the owner's recommendations: Peacemaker Benedicts and White Chocolate Bread Pudding Pancakes.
Dietary Options
Ruby Sunshine offers gluten-free options, so inquire if you have specific dietary needs.
Egg Price Fluctuation
Be aware of potential extra charges due to current egg prices affecting menu costs.
Tips
from all over the internet
Beat the Wait
Visit during off-peak hours or call ahead to shorten wait times, especially on weekends.
Try Signature Dishes
Don't miss the owner's recommendations: Peacemaker Benedicts and White Chocolate Bread Pudding Pancakes.
Dietary Options
Ruby Sunshine offers gluten-free options, so inquire if you have specific dietary needs.
Egg Price Fluctuation
Be aware of potential extra charges due to current egg prices affecting menu costs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ruby Sunshine is a highly-rated brunch spot known for its New Orleans-inspired cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. Diners praise the creative dishes, generous portions, and attentive service, particularly highlighting options like the Bananas Foster French Toast and award-winning Bloody Marys. Some guests note that while the food is flavorful, minor improvements in seasoning could enhance it further, and occasional issues with food temperature or current egg pricing have been mentioned.
"A solid five-star breakfast spot right on Market Square! Ruby Sunshine is cute, vibrant, and packed with delicious options from start to finish. I kicked things off with a morning mocktail — refreshing and perfectly cooling. The food was spot on: my Eggs Benedict came with braised pork and hollandaise on a buttery brioche bun that was cooked to perfection. Every bite was flavorful and satisfying. Great service, fun atmosphere, and a place I’d gladly return to!"
J Goose
"Ruby Sunshine is a lively and inviting restaurant in downtown Knoxville, offering sunny views and a warm, upbeat atmosphere. During my visit, I tried the Boozy Iced Coffee, White Chocolate Bread Pudding Pancakes, and the Three Little Pigs Omelette with cheddar grits. The dishes were enjoyable, though a bit more seasoning and richness could have enhanced the flavors. The drink was pleasant, though it reminded me of a Starbucks bottled coffee from a convenience store, which is not a bad thing! That said, everything was well-prepared and satisfying.
One thing to keep in mind is that they have an additional charge due to the current egg situation in the U.S., so costs may be slightly higher than expected. Overall, Ruby Sunshine offers a welcoming atmosphere and a solid selection of breakfast and brunch options. If you’re looking for a cheerful spot with a great ambiance, it’s worth checking out!"
Jordan Long
"Ordered to go and walked in to pick up. Got a basic greeting instructing me to find the pick up area by the bar. My drinks were sitting there (hot and iced coffees), but the food wasn’t ready yet. Food was placed in to go area about 10 minutes after my arrival. When I checked my order I noticed that the food wasn’t hot-surprising since I was there when the order came out. I will say the food had good flavor. The cook on my poached eggs were inconsistent. Loved the flavor of the food and might would try again on a dine in order. Very disappointed in lukewarm food. For $52 I would expect great food and friendly service."
Shannon Witherspoon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Highly recommended dishes include the White Chocolate Bread Pudding Pancakes, Peacemaker Benedicts, and Bananas Foster French Toast. The award-winning Bloody Marys are also a crowd favorite.
They do not typically take reservations, but you can call ahead when you are on your way to potentially shorten your wait time.
Ruby Sunshine offers a lively, upbeat, and sunny atmosphere, making it a cheerful spot for brunch. Outdoor seating is also available.
Yes, Ruby Sunshine offers gluten-free options, making it a suitable choice for those with dietary restrictions.
They offer award-winning Bloody Marys with unique infusions and mimosa flights with several flavor options.
Due to current egg prices, there may be additional charges on menu items affected by egg costs.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
8 brunch spots to try in Knoxville | Lifestyle
In contrast to Tupelo Honey, Ruby Sunshine has an all-day brunch menu but is also located in Market Square. Some of their specials include the bananas foster french toast, biscuits and gravy, and the trifecta, which calls for “Taste of Ruby featuring our signature Benedicts: Eggs Cochon, Chicken St. Charles and Bayou Shrimp" from the menu. This restaurant brings New Orleans flavors to Knoxville. Along with the appetizing food, there are several alcoholic drinks to taste.
Brunch Spots in
Ruby Sunshine hails from New Orleans, and you can consume their Creole-influenced brunch dishes all day, everyday!. Their morning drinks don’t fall short either, with three different award-winning Bloody Mary’s, including one infused with bacon. The recommended plates from the owner are the Peacemaker (a mix and match of two of their famous Benedicts) and White Chocolate Bread Pudding Pancakes.
9 Perfect Spots for the Best Brunch in Knoxville, Tennessee
An extension of the renowned Ruby Slipper Cafe franchise in New Orleans, Ruby Sunshine quickly made a name for itself as one of the best brunch spots in Knoxville. Keeping true to its NOLA roots, the restaurant is well-known for its punchy cocktails and warm hospitality. The all-day brunch menu focuses on a variety of pancakes and “Bennies,” the Ruby brand’s take on eggs benedicts.
Top [10 Places] for an Amazing Brunch in Knoxville
If you approached the restaurant with the red stiletto on the front, you’re in the right place. For a hearty brunch any day of the week, look no further than Ruby Sunshine!. The bright brown building at the end of Market Square has the best buttery pancakes are absolutely perfect and one of my favorite items for brunch in Knoxville.
Pour-fect Brunch: Best Spots for Mimosas in Knoxville!
RUBY SUNSHINE: BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE. Ruby Sunshine is actually brunchin’ it up everyday (not just weekends, my heart 🥲) with a handful of mimosa options, including another mimosa flight 👀 Your options are blueberry lavender, watermelon pomegranate, pineapple peach bellini, and blue orange, helloooooo!
The Best Restaurants in Knoxville | Knoxville Must-Do List
Every part of this breakfast joint is a little ray of sunshine!. Breakfast has always been one of my favorite meals to go out for, but this spot sets the bar extraordinarily high. The menu is filled with delicious options for the whole family that satisfies every sweet or savory lover.
Ultimate Brunch Spots in Knoxville
My 18-month-old son and I had his very first French Toast here, and choosing the French Toast Bites with bacon was a great decision!. Our server, Prescott, was absolutely amazing. It's not often you get quality, attentive service in a restaurant anymore, but she was an absolute joy!
Top 5 Gluten-Free American Spots to Enjoy in Market Square, Knoxville
With a charming vibe and quick seating, this spot offers a diverse menu and fun outdoor seating perfect for people-watching. I tried Ruby Sunshine because of their mimosa flights, but stayed for the enticing food!. I enjoyed a peach Bellini and my partner had the egg Benedict’s.
The 16 best things we ate and drank at Knoxville restaurants in 2022
Switching gears to breakfast dishes, Ruby Sunshine has some great offerings for your first meal of the day. A favorite meal of ours is the French toast bites. These Brioche-based bites are fried and tossed in cinnamon sugar and served with cream cheese icing and praline sauce.
Worth the Morning Drive: 4 of the Best Brunch Places in Alcoa and Knoxville, TN
Ruby Sunshine is an all-day breakfast restaurant featuring unique New Orleans-inspired eats. Here you’ll find “eye-opening cocktails,” pancakes, bennies, omelets, and more. Ruby Sunshine boasts that they keep the spirit of brunch alive throughout the day, and customers agree.
Best Breakfast and Brunch Places in Wears Valley
Ruby Sunshine is bringing the flavor of New Orleans to Gatlinburg with their all-day brunch and quality cocktails. Start your day with some NOLA inspired dishes like their Bayou Shrimp Eggs Benedict, Seasonal Beignets, and Grilled Fish ‘St.
Knoxville's Best Pancakes [Updated 2025]
With their light and fluffy stacks that practically melted in my mouth, I couldn't help but fall in love. The unique flavors like banana Foster and sweet potato were irresistible. Don't miss out on this pancake haven!
Highest-rated Breakfast Restaurants in Knoxville, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (73 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 37 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902- Read more on Tripadvisor
Best Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains and Nearby Cities
Well, a place that you did remember the name was Ruby Sunshine, which is a breakfast joint, Southern cuisine and Brittanie. And I did take your recommendation and go there. We thought it was really, really good.
Best Breakfast in Knoxville, TN (2024) — 20 Top Places!
37 Market SquareKnoxville, TN 37902(865) 830-3020 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Ruby Sunshine is a comfortable restaurant serving re-imagined, scratch-made New Orleans daytime staples.
Top 12 Breakfast Restaurants in Knoxville, Tennessee
There’s a lot of dishes to choose from at Ruby Sunshine, and you’ll want to save room to try all of them!. Image courtesy of Instagram. 37 Market Square | Knoxville | rubysunshine.com
Where to Eat and Drink Around Market Square
37 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902A New Orleans-based brunch chain known for its decadent benedicts, breakfast tacos, and signature drinks like spiked cold brew.
Travel Guide: Knoxville, Tennessee
Ruby Sunshine in Market Square has a great brunch, and there’s a long line of diners waiting at the door as evidence.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit