Welcome to Southern Grit
Southern Grit is a culinary gem nestled in Knoxville, TN, offering a delightful take on classic Southern cuisine. Known for its impressive array of dishes, favorites include shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and an unforgettable fried chicken that customers rave about. The restaurant features a warm atmosphere, complemented by attentive service, with patrons highlighting the exceptional staff. Signature cocktails like the ‘Just Peachy’ provide a refreshing touch. With a reputation for flavorful, expertly-crafted meals and a welcoming vibe, Southern Grit promises an unforgettable dining experience that truly embodies the essence of Southern hospitality.
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126 S Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States Hotline: +1 865-240-4275
Welcome to Southern Grit, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Knoxville, TN. Located at 126 S Central St, this restaurant is a vibrant homage to Southern cuisine, celebrated for its rich flavors and welcoming atmosphere. Known for their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Southern Grit has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Step inside, and you'll immediately feel at home. The inviting décor and warm atmosphere make it an ideal spot for gathering with friends or indulging in a comforting meal after a long day. The service is consistently praised, with attentive staff like Candy B and Nick G creating a convivial environment where every guest is treated like family. It’s no wonder customers are quick to recommend this place to others, citing the phenomenal service as a highlight of their experience.
The menu boasts an array of mouthwatering options that showcase the best of Southern food. Customer favorites include the fried green tomatoes topped with house-made pimento cheese and a drizzle of spicy honey— a perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and sweet. Then there's the extraordinary shrimp and grits, where cheese grits are enriched by a "creole gravy" that bursts with flavor, featuring fresh shrimp and andouille sausage in each delightful bite. Whether it’s the perfectly seasoned fried chicken, raved about by many, or the inventive Southern mess chicken sandwich, each dish tells the story of Southern culinary tradition wrapped in innovative flair.
And let’s not forget about the drinks! The inventive cocktails, like the 'Just Peachy' with its margarita twist, pair beautifully with any meal. As one guest mentioned, the drinks go down "like water"—a testament to their refreshing quality.
Whether you're drawn in for happy hour with friends or a family dinner, Southern Grit promises not only a meal but an experience that ignites the senses and warms the heart. With delectable food that should not be missed, impeccable service, and an atmosphere that invites you to linger longer, Southern Grit is undeniably a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Knoxville's vibrant culinary scene. Don't miss out on this hidden treasure; your taste buds will thank you!
Visited from NC and the food was impeccable. We underestimated this place! The service was phenomenal. Our server Candy B made us feel right at home! She was personable and so sweet! She even doubled as our bartender...make sure to tip her well! We'd come back just for her (if not the food). Besides that, the food was great, the atmosphere was great and the location was easy to find. Highly recommend!
Stopped in time for happy hour today, 5 draft and special price on some appetizers. Had spice dry rub grilled wings and pimento cheese fries. The wings tasted delicious and were cooked perfect with just the correct crunch. The blue cheese for the wings was great. The pimento fries were good, will probably try something else next time. Also tried the crab cakes, very good with nice flavor as well. Been here many times and have tried several items and all have been good, not a bad meal yet. Server Nick G was on top of it, always checking on us and a great personality 3-23-25: another great experience....Nick G is the ultimate server, checks on you at the appropriate times and is just a friendly person. Southern mess is a great chicken sandwich with so many flavors in one sandwich. My wife's buffalo chicken slider with side of brussel sprouts was so tasty. Good selection of drafts.
Everything tasted amazing! We got Brussel sprouts for appetizer. They hit the spot. Slightly to charred for me, but the experience made it worth it. Got the shrimp and grits for the finale, and let me telllll you!!! Ssoooooo so oh so delicous!!! Sizable portions! Got a watermelon crawl for a drink and that went down like water. Thank you!
This spot is perfect for a satisfying meal. I began with the ‘Just Peachy’ drink, which had a margarita-like twist and was absolutely outstanding. For starters, we had the fried okra and pickles—crispy and delicious, especially with the ranch. My main course was the double-stack burger with American cheese, paired with a side of creamy mac and cheese. The burger was incredibly flavorful and cooked to perfection. Our waitress was fantastic, keeping the atmosphere lively and attending to our needs with great care.
To get started I ordered some fried green tomatoes which came topped with a house-made pimento cheese and spicy honey. The green tomatoes were fried in a proper cornmeal batter. For the main course I ordered shrimp and grits. Cheese grits with a delicious "creole gravy" on top. The creole gravy was very much like an awesome gumbo but with no rice or okra. It had lots of shrimp and andouille sausage to where I was able to have one of the other in every bite. Can't decide if the food was divine or sinful but either way I consider it a top 3 meal I've purchased in my life!
Went in for a quick drink after a nearby dinner with friends. The bartender Mack(Mac?) was awesome. She was very knowledgeable and a great conversationalist. I love that they have local beers on tap. We had the peach and blueberry cobbler for dessert and it was great! I can't wait to go back for brunch to try their biscuits.
Unbelievable chicken. Best fried chicken I've ever had. I've been turned off fried chicken for years because of Supermarkets, ect.. This is NOT that. Delicious. As for atmosphere, I was just picking up & patrons at the bar all said hello. Saying I'd love the food. I did.
This restaurant truly exceeded expectations across the board! From the food to the customer service and atmosphere, everything was top-notch. It’s easily one of the best dining experiences in Knoxville, TN, and I highly recommend checking it out if you have the chance. The service was exceptional—our waitress delivered some of the best customer service my family and I have ever experienced. She was attentive, respectful, and upbeat, making us feel welcome throughout our meal. The food itself was seasoned to perfection, bursting with flavor, and clearly made with care. As for the atmosphere, it was incredibly relaxing, with comfortable music that allowed us to enjoy our meal in peace. All in all, this place is a must-try for anyone in Knoxville. Don’t miss out on this gem!