Last updated: 2025-04-07
From Market Square to Gay Street, Knoxville’s brunch scene offers more than just the standard Southern fare. Local favorites like Oliver Royale and The Plaid Apron serve up creative twists on classic breakfast dishes, while Scrambled Jake’s brings homestyle comfort to the Rocky Hill neighborhood.
Downtown hotspots like Tupelo Honey and Cafe 4 blend East Tennessee traditions with modern culinary flair. Meanwhile, Balter Beerworks pairs house-brewed craft beers with weekend brunch plates that keep locals coming back to the Old City.
Explore Rocky Top’s best brunch spots below!
Featured Brunch Spots in Knoxville
- Oliver Royale
- The Plaid Apron
- Tupelo Honey
- Babalu
- Cafe 4
- Scrambled Jake's Breakfast Company
- The Tomato Head
- Balter Beerworks
- Frothy Monkey
Babalu
What to Expect
Latin-inspired tapas brunch in historic downtown venue
Description
Babalu delivers a vibrant Latin-inspired brunch experience in downtown Knoxville's historic J.C. Penney building. Their weekend brunch menu showcases creative tapas-style dishes like Huevos Rancheros and Chorizo Benedict, complemented by hand-crafted cocktails. The restaurant offers a bohemian-styled atmosphere with an eccentric interior, perfect for sharing small plates and enjoying Latin-influenced morning flavors.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: Babalu
Balter Beerworks
What to Expect
Craft brewery with scratch-made brunch in rehabilitated downtown service station
Description
Knoxville's scratch kitchen brewpub transforms an old service station into a vibrant brunch destination. Specializing in house-brewed craft beers and from-scratch cuisine, Balter offers a uniquely urban dining experience. Weekend brunch highlights locally sourced ingredients and creative takes on classic dishes, complemented by their award-winning beer selection. The industrial-chic space celebrates local history while delivering contemporary culinary innovations.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: Balter Beerworks
Cafe 4
What to Expect
Urban Southern culinary innovation in downtown Knoxville
Description
Downtown Knoxville's Café 4 delivers elevated Southern cuisine with urban sophistication. Nestled in Market Square, this restaurant pioneers local culinary innovation with meticulously crafted dishes highlighting regional ingredients. Their menu celebrates Southern hospitality through carefully prepared plates that blend traditional flavors with contemporary techniques, offering a distinctive dining experience that captures Knoxville's evolving food culture.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: Cafe 4
Frothy Monkey
What to Expect
In-house coffee roasting and multi-location neighborhood cafe concept
Description
Frothy Monkey is a neighborhood all-day cafe in Knoxville offering an expansive brunch menu with specialty coffee roasted in-house. Their menu features hearty dishes like loaded breakfast sandwiches, artisan pastries, and creative egg preparations. The cafe provides a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere with multiple Tennessee locations and a commitment to fresh, locally-inspired cuisine.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: Frothy Monkey
Oliver Royale
What to Expect
Historic downtown location in renovated 1876 building
Description
Downtown Knoxville's chef-driven brunch destination nestled in an historic 1876 building at Market Square. Oliver Royale offers weekend brunch Friday through Sunday, featuring locally sourced ingredients from regional farms. Specializing in creative culinary interpretations that blend regional traditions with innovative techniques, their menu highlights fresh, sustainable cuisine in a sophisticated downtown setting.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: Oliver Royale
Scrambled Jake's Breakfast Company
What to Expect
Locally-sourced Southern breakfast specialties
Description
Scrambled Jake's Breakfast Company delivers classic Southern-style brunch in Knoxville with hearty egg-centric offerings. Their signature Scrambler Plates showcase locally-sourced ingredients and creative breakfast combinations. Known for generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere, this breakfast spot specializes in customizable omelets, fluffy pancakes, and innovative egg dishes that celebrate Tennessee's culinary traditions.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: Scrambled Jake's Breakfast Company
The Plaid Apron
What to Expect
Farm-to-table neighborhood brunch spot with locally sourced ingredients
Description
A community-focused Knoxville brunch destination nestled in Sequoyah Hills, The Plaid Apron delivers farm-to-table comfort food with locally sourced ingredients. Specializing in creative breakfast dishes like loaded sausage pancakes and offering gluten-free options, this husband-and-wife-owned spot provides an intimate dining experience with both indoor and patio seating.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: The Plaid Apron
The Tomato Head
What to Expect
Wood-fired pizza and locally-sourced weekend brunch menu
Description
The Tomato Head offers a vibrant brunch experience in downtown Knoxville, featuring locally-sourced ingredients and creative comfort food. Weekend brunch highlights include signature wood-fired pizzas, creative egg dishes, and fresh seasonal specials. Their Market Square location provides a lively urban dining atmosphere with a commitment to fresh, handmade cuisine that celebrates local flavors and sustainable cooking practices.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: The Tomato Head
Tupelo Honey
What to Expect
Elevated Southern brunch with scratch-made comfort cuisine
Description
Southern-inspired brunch destination featuring elevated comfort cuisine in a warm, inviting setting. Signature dish: Sweet Potato Pancakes topped with whipped butter and candied pecans, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to reimagined Southern classics. Bright, airy dining room with rustic wood accents creates a welcoming atmosphere perfect for leisurely weekend brunches. Known for generous portions and scratch-made Southern comfort food that celebrates regional culinary traditions.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: Tupelo Honey
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