
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
Tupelo Honey offers innovative Southern comfort food with a creative twist, known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious, memorable dishes.

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

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tupelo Honey offers innovative Southern comfort food with a creative twist, known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious, memorable dishes.
"An incredible culinary gem serving up Southern comfort food with a modern twist!"
Make Reservations
This popular spot often has long waits, so booking ahead is highly recommended.
Don't Skip Appetizers
Fried pickles and Brussels sprouts are frequently praised as must-try starters.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Southern
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(865) 522-0004
Address
1 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chicken and Waffles
A beloved Southern classic featuring crispy fried chicken atop fluffy waffles, often with a sweet and spicy glaze.

Shrimp and Grits
Savory, flavorful shrimp served over creamy grits, a quintessential Southern dish done right.

Unique Comfort Food Twists
Innovative takes on Southern comfort food, like hot mac n cheese chicken & waffles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Make Reservations
This popular spot often has long waits, so booking ahead is highly recommended.
Don't Skip Appetizers
Fried pickles and Brussels sprouts are frequently praised as must-try starters.
Visit During Off-Peak
For shorter wait times, consider visiting during non-busy hours.
Try Creative Cocktails
The 'Mindful Martinis' are a surprisingly refreshing and popular drink choice.
Tips
from all over the internet
Make Reservations
This popular spot often has long waits, so booking ahead is highly recommended.
Don't Skip Appetizers
Fried pickles and Brussels sprouts are frequently praised as must-try starters.
Visit During Off-Peak
For shorter wait times, consider visiting during non-busy hours.
Try Creative Cocktails
The 'Mindful Martinis' are a surprisingly refreshing and popular drink choice.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar is praised for its creative and delicious takes on Southern comfort food, with highlights like chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits. Diners love the flavorful dishes, friendly service, and vibrant atmosphere, though some note that noise levels can be high and tables can be close together. Despite minor issues like occasional cold food, the overall experience is highly recommended for its comforting and innovative cuisine.
"I know this is a chain which is not my usual choice, but Tupelo Honey did not disappoint. The fried pickles were thin and crispy and ohhh so great.
The Mayo Magi was served in a cast iron skillet so it stayed warm. The flavors were perfect, texture delicious.
The rosemary crusted potatoes are a must try and the brussel sprouts were actually crispy….. and sinfully delicious.
The Mindful Martinis were a surprisingly refreshing choice, We had to have 2!!!
Location was perfect. It is right in the market district so if weather permits seatong outside allows for such a wonderful dining experience."
Denise Chernoff
"It was our first time here and the food was incredible! Flavorful and so yummy! The staff was fantastic. I can definitely see why this place has no less than an hour wait. Make sure to make a reservation ahead of time! I had the chicken and biscuits. We will definitely be back. Already planning our next girls trip"
Brianna Garcia
"Food was super good. I got the sweet and spicy chicken & waffles and it was perfect! It came with a lot of chicken that was fried to perfection and very crispy. The waffles were fluffy and delicious. Whatever spicy siracha honey was on them was the perfect blend of sweet and flavorful. It wasn't actually that spicy at all though. Service was good and the location is super cool. I will say though, the tables were a little too close together for my liking and the restaurant was loud, making conversations difficult. Would recommend!"
Will Taylor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and unique creations like the Asheville hot mac n cheese chicken & waffles are highly recommended.
Yes, this is a very popular spot and often has waits. Making a reservation in advance is highly recommended.
The restaurant offers a vibrant and cozy ambiance with natural light, although some find it can get quite loud.
Yes, Tupelo Honey offers creative cocktails, with 'Mindful Martinis' being a surprisingly refreshing and popular choice.
Fried pickles and crispy Brussels sprouts are frequently mentioned as delicious starters.
Absolutely! They offer elevated versions of Southern staples like fried chicken and biscuits, alongside innovative creations.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Best Restaurants And Diners In Knoxville, Tennessee
Located in the Market Square of Knoxville, the Tupelo Honey Café promises traditional Southern cooking with a large dose of innovation and creative energy thrown in. Independent and free-spirited in their approach, the Tupelo Honey Café take the classic Southern ingredients of catfish, fried chicken, and sweet potatoes and transform them with new flavour combinations. On the menu at the Tupelo Honey Café are dishes such as shrimp with goats’ cheese and roasted red peppers, Cajun skillet catfish served with sunshot salsa and goats’ cheese grits, and Southern chicken piccata with jumbo shrimp and lemon cherry cilantro beurre blanc and fresh asparagus.
What to Do in Knoxville, Tennessee
In 2011, two developers relaunched the space as a sleek boutique hotel with two restaurants, the Oliver Royale and the Tupelo Honey Cafe. And while the hotel’s hidden bar, the Peter Kern Library, was inspired by speakeasies, it’s one of the most talked about cocktail spots in town. Bookcases line the walls and deep leather booths provide places to sit a spell and sip cocktails named after literary characters.
The Oliver Hotel - Knoxville
And Tupelo Honey Cafe is the most casual of the three, a modern Southern comfort-food establishment that’s open from brunch on into the night.
9 Perfect Spots for the Best Brunch in Knoxville, Tennessee
The Knoxville outpost of this extremely popular chain restaurant serves elevated versions of Southern-style comfort dishes for brunch. Staples like cathead biscuits (order the ‘Biscuits for a Cause’ to add a touch of philanthropy to your brunch in Knoxville!), fried chicken, and cast iron scrambles are standouts, perfectly seasoned and cooked. Speaking of chicken, you can’t go wrong with one of the Tupelo Honey famous hot fried chicken and waffle combos stuffed with mac and cheese (yes, really).
4 Great Places to Eat in Knoxville
The only complaint we could find about Tupelo honey was that the food was too good to stop and take pictures for the review!. This popular eatery offers modern twists on the southern comfort foods we all know so well. With mouth-wateringly delicious sweet and spicy ribs and customer service that makes you feel like you’re being welcomed home, you’ll want to start searching Knoxville real estate on first taste.
5 Favorite Family Restaurants in Alcoa and Knoxville, TN
Tupelo Honey is a local chain that features southern comfort food and excellent family dining. This fantastic eatery’s menu offers a variety of traditional and signature dishes, including bone-in-fried chicken, buttermilk waffles, mac and cheese, grilled shrimp, and more. You’ll also find a great selection of craft beer and cocktails, and there are regular lunch deals and chef specials.
18 Must-Try Spots for Brunch in Knoxville, TN (2025)
Tupelo Honey is here to sweep you off your feet with its mouthwatering Southern comfort food and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Known for its scratch-made, responsibly-sourced Southern cuisine, this Knoxville gem is a must-visit if you’re searching for a great brunch spot. On the menu you’ll find dishes like the iconic Tupelo Shrimp & Grits or their dreamy Tupelo Eggs Benedict.
Market Square in Knoxville, TN
Right on the corner of Market Square is The Oliver Hotel with rooms located above The Tupelo Honey Cafe. This building dates back to 1896 when it was opened by Peter Kearn as a bakery. It was restored to become the Blake Hotel and was later purchased by Kristopher Kendrick who changed the name to The Oliver Hotel and further restored the building.
Best Breakfast Restaurants in Knoxville
Our Knoxville residential movers say Tupelo Honey and Pete's Coffee Shop Restaurant are the best breakfast places in Knoxville for pancakes. Tupelo Honey proudly serves fresh, made-from-scratch creations for our local Knoxville residents. Check out their blueberry, pecan pie, or banana pudding pancakes for a sweet sample of southern flapjacks.
The 10 Best Places to Eat in Knoxville, TN
We really wouldn’t want Southern food any other way, so Tupelo’s is a go. With fried okra, fried green tomatoes, and scrumptious biscuits to start off, you’d be surprised you have room for anything more. But you really should stretch your stomach a little here because they’ve got fried catfish and Southern-style fried chicken on the menu.
Brunch Spots in
Tupelo Honey was voted a top 100 Best Brunch Restaurant in America by OpenTable, and for good reason. With southern spirit infused in every bite, Tupelo Honey on Market Square delivers consistently delicious weekend brunch. Grab a table on the patio and order up chicken and waffles, fried green tomatoes, and their famous cathead biscuits.
19 Best Restaurants in Knoxville, Tennessee to Try Today
Being a restaurant owner in Knoxville’s riverside Market Square can be a tough gig. The area is brimming with enticing restaurants and standing out from the crowd can be a daunting task. Fortunately, Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar knows that great food will pull in the crowds and wow – do they have tasty dishes on sale here!
Dog Friendly American Restaurants near SS Sultana Memorial, Knoxville, TN, US
Tupelo Honey Cafe in Knoxville, TN, offers Southern classics with modern twists—and even has a dog menu. Bring Fido along to enjoy one of nine dog-friendly outdoor tables. The main menu features sandwiches, salads, snacks, and hearty entrees like Cauliflower Steak, Sweet Tea Roasted Chicken, and Tupelo Shrimp and Grits.
15 Best Restaurants in Knoxville, TN | Blog
With roots in Southern cooking and a commitment to scratch-made dishes, Tupelo Honey offers a polished take on comfort food. Fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and honey-dusted fried chicken are among the most ordered items. Located near Market Square, it draws both locals and tourists for lunch and dinner.
Best Dinner Places to Eat in Gatlinburg
I have to give Tupelo Honey a provisional spot, because even though I've only been for lunch and dinner, their brunch menu lists a Field of Greens bowl with crispy Brussels sprouts (which seem to be trending), black eyed peas, wilted baby kale and arugula, and roasted red pepper sauce, served over farro.
Ultimate Brunch Spots in Knoxville
She was fantastic and very helpful in sharing her favorite dishes. Also, as someone who insists on having hot food that's almost too hot to handle delivered to the table, I really appreciated the dedicated food expediter/runners. Their prompt delivery of food from the kitchen was just perfect.
Knoxville's Best Family Restaurants [Updated 2025]
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar in Knoxville is a must-visit for families seeking a delicious meal. The playful yet refined atmosphere sets the stage for a delightful dining experience. From the scrumptious fried chicken to the mouthwatering biscuits, every bite is a heavenly delight.
Highest-rated Restaurants in Knoxville, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (1,712 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Contemporary- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 1 Market Sq, Knoxville, TN 37902-1405- Read more on Tripadvisor
Places To Eat
Tupelo Honey first opened its doors in Asheville, NC in 2000. Considered one of the pioneers of Asheville’s farm-to-table movement, we’ve continued to serve fresh, scratch-made Southern fare and put new twists on old Southern dishes and cocktails.
20 Best Restaurants in Knoxville, TN 2023
Tupelo Honey is one of Knoxville’s gems, which has been on the market for over 20 years. This restaurant is the definition of Southern traditions with a modern twist. Their Executive Chef makes sure all ingredients come from responsible sources.
Best Breakfast in Knoxville, TN (2024) — 20 Top Places!
1 Market SquareKnoxville, TN 37902(865) 522-0004 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Tupelo Honey is a hip, bustling restaurant serving inventive, scratch-made Southern comfort classics, craft beer, and cocktails.
Where to find special Valentine's Day menus at Knoxville restaurants
Celebrate Valentine's Day over four, scratched made courses for $75, now until Feb. 19, 4 p.m.-close. The Rendezvous for Two special includes an appetizer, salad, two entrees, dessert, and wine bottle add-ons for $30.
Where to Eat and Drink Around Market Square
1 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902Southern-style brunch favorites like fried green tomatoes, chicken and biscuits, and sweet potato pancakes. Great mix of traditional and creative dishes.
Best Bars in Knoxville, Tennessee
Tupelo Honey is a revival of Southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains we call home. We craft brunches, lunches and suppers… Unclaimed: Claim this business
Our Favorite Things To Do In Downtown Knoxville
Some of our favorite restaurants downtown such as Tomato Head, Cafe 4, Tupelo Honey, and Stock & Barrel are all found on Market Square.
8 brunch spots to try in Knoxville | Lifestyle
Tupelo Honey offers outdoor seating for guests to enjoy a view of Market Square in downtown Knoxville, TN. Monday Mar. 21, 2022.
Knoxville Nightlife: A Guide to the City's Best Bars and Entertainment Venues
And if you're looking for a taste of the south, head to Tupelo Honey Cafe for some delicious Southern cuisine.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit