Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through via I-40, you’ll be happy to know that Knoxville is home to some of the state’s best breakfast spots. From classic Southern comfort food to lighter fare, Knoxville offers a nice variety for fueling you up in the morning.
The Plaid Apron
A relaxed cafe serving up American favorites, The Plaid Apron on Kenesaw Avenue is a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Breakfast favorites include griddle cakes with fresh peaches, stone-cut oatmeal, house granola, and eggs Benedict with hollandaise. You can also opt to build your own breakfast sandwich, adding your choice of fresh meat, market vegetables, egg, and cheese.
If you’re in town for Saturday brunch, be sure to order The Plaid Apron’s chicken biscuit, sourdough French toast, or The Special, which consists of a buttermilk pancake filled with sausage.
The French Market Creperie
For those mornings when you’re feeling a bit more continental, head to The French Market Creperie on South Gay Street. Boasting authentic French crepes and European gifts, this locally owned and operated creperie offers a little something for everyone. Whether you’re craving sweet or savoring, you can order from a nice selection of crepes filled with the likes of salted caramel, maple syrup, and butter, bacon or sausage, eggs and cheese, cinnamon and sugar, or fruit.
The French Market also serves LavAzza, the bestselling coffee in Europe. From lattes and cappuccino to espresso and drip coffee, this classy cafe will have you feeling like you’re dining in Paris.
Nick & J’s Cafe
Sometimes you want a classic European-style breakfast, and other times nothing but Southern-style biscuits and sausage gravy will do. When you have a hankering for the latter, you can’t beat Nick & J’s Cafe on Lovell Road. A cozy family diner, Nick & J’s serves up homemade biscuits and gravy like nobody else in town, plus buttermilk pancakes, home fries, omelets, and other Southern favorites.
If you want a little something of everything, try Crystal’s Breakfast Bowl, one of the house specials. This delectable breakfast features city ham, home fries, two eggs, cheese, mushrooms, green peppers, tomatoes, and onions, all at a price that will fill you up without breaking the bank.
Olibea
Nestled in the Old City, Olibea celebrates Knoxville’s vibrancy by bringing local farmers, vendors, and residents together with approachable gourmet food. Working with simple, fresh, and local ingredients, Olibea offers house-smoked pork belly, local sourdough, mashed potatoes, duck eggs, bacon gravy, and vegetarian options.
You also can’t beat Olibea’s featured dishes. The restaurant’s squash bowl, for instance, features duck egg, beets, and sorghum grain. Their spin on a breakfast burrito features Mancha manteles chicken, cheese, potato, coloradito, and bacon. The Olibea chicken biscuit, as simple as that may sound, is unlike any you’ve ever tasted, boasting whipped sorghum, pickle-brined fried chicken, gravy, and chow.
With so many great options for breakfast in Knoxville, there’s always something new and exciting to try. Have you been to any of these breakfast spots lately? What did you think?
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