Diners' Choice: American restaurants in East Tennessee

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in East Tennessee? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Ghost & Grits

5.0

5 (36)

$31 to $50

American

Jefferson City

About the restaurant

Nestled in the foothills of the Smokies, Mossback Distilling Co. offers a warm and inviting experience in the heart of Jefferson City, Tennessee. Founded by Jeremy Reed and Daniel Taylor, this craft distillery has become a vibrant community hub in the Historic Mossy Creek District. Guests are invited to explore their passion for expertly crafted spirits at The Battery Tasting House and Cocktail Lounge, where every drink is made with intention and purpose. Beyond exceptional cocktails, the lounge provides a relaxing atmosphere, also serving premium locally roasted coffee. Mossback Distilling Co. is deeply committed to its community, fostering connections and contributing to the revitalization of downtown Jefferson City, making it a cherished local destination.

Top review

Ann

Dined on Oct 28, 2026

Great food- crisp cocktails…Will be going back for sure!!! Amy was wonderful and enjoyed the Whiskey and Bourbon tasting- we purchased several bottles!!! ENJOYED OUR EXPERIENCE!!!

Wilder at Windy Hill Farm and Preserve

4.9

4.9 (212)

$50 and over

American

Loudon

About the restaurant

MICHELIN Guide 2026

Set within the rolling hills of East Tennessee, Wilder at Windy Hill Farm and Preserve celebrates the flavors, traditions, and changing seasons of Appalachia.

Our name pays tribute to the Wilder Coal Camp, a small community along the Clinch River in the mountains of Virginia, once home to our founder, “Big George.” It honors the generations of families whose resilience and diverse cultural traditions helped shape the culinary heritage of Appalachia.

Led by Executive Chef Ben Warwick, our kitchen carries that spirit forward. Guided by the harvest from our garden, the rhythm of the seasons, and relationships with local farmers and producers, each menu celebrates familiar Appalachian ingredients in thoughtful and unexpected ways.

While Wilder offers a taste of Windy Hill, an overnight stay invites you to experience the farm in full, with seasonal dining and thoughtfully curated experiences included throughout your visit.

Top review

JaneGold

Dined 7 days ago

We have dined at Wilder 4 or 5 times, all excellent. But honestly, this visit was a cut above. The pace of food delivery was perfect. Staff were highly knowledgeable and if they weren’t the expert, they got the expert to come talk to us. We ate outside, which was stunning. The food was creative and delicious. We had the beef fillet and the venison and every part of each composed dish was a delightful interplay of great flavors. A real 10 out of 10. Exceptional night all around.

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Experience

Appalachian Nature Tasting Experience - Watershed

Experience

Valentine's Day at Wilder

Experience

New Year's Eve at Wilder

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

4.9

4.9 (4599)

$50 and over

American

Knoxville

About the restaurant

At Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, we know that great food begins with fresh, quality sourced local ingredients. On our Modern Appalachian menu, Chef Jeff Carter and culinary team present seasonal and delicious dishes that are familiar and steeped in tradition yet enhanced with bold new dashes of flavor and component combinations that may surprise and delight you.

Dancing Bear provides a premium lodging experience. We bring the same commitment to excellence to our award-winning restaurant and full bar. Whether enjoying a romantic dinner for two or bringing the extended family together for a celebratory meal, we want your night out in Townsend to be a special experience. We offer a refined assortment of modern Appalachian cuisine — all served among elegant surroundings and calming wooded vistas.

Top review

Julie

Dined 2 days ago

The setting is lovely, the ambiance wonderful, the service just right and the food delicious!

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Shrimp and Lemon Grits

Popular dish

Appalachian Charcuterie Board

Gourmet and Company

4.9

4.9 (854)

$31 to $50

American

Johnson City

About the restaurant

A Johnson City tradition since 1989, Gourmet and Company offers a dining experience that is unique to the region. Dinner menu selections run the gamut from traditional fine dinning classics to exciting specials including exotic meats and exceedingly fresh seafood. Lunches are casual and perfect for socializing or business. We also have an indoor lounge and outdoor patio bar that are fully stocked with a wide selection of wines, fine spirits, and craft beers.

Top review

Joseph

Dined 1 day ago

Always a culinarily exceptional and memorable experience-among the finest dining in the region! -JR

Public House - Chattanooga

4.8

4.8 (3090)

$30 and under

American

Chattanooga

About the restaurant

Several years ago, I decided that my future in the restaurant business would most likely not remain in the realm of fine dining and gourmands, but would rather lean towards the style of restaurant that I found myself frequenting most often - places that provided consistency and quality at a price that was fair for the quality of the food and experience. Public House plays to the comforts of good, solid food, while applying the principles of premium food products to a more casual setting. You will find all the fish is delivered from Foley’s in Boston, high quality steaks and a rotating selection of vegetable sides that are true to the region and season. You’ll also find a really good hamburger and fish sandwich, along with fun snacks and small plates that pair well with cocktails, beer and wine.
Welcome,
Nathan Lindley

Top review

Linda

Dined 7 days ago

Outstanding richly delicious food. I’d highly recommend for anyone seeking a reliable tasty menu where everyone can find something they’d like to eat.

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Experience

Semi-Private Dining Room - Oak Room

The Chop House - Alcoa

4.7

4.7 (219)

$30 and under

American

Alcoa

About the restaurant

The Chop House is a top casual dining restaurant in Knoxville, Tennessee, established in 1992. Known for its warm atmosphere, it's a favorite for both locals and visitors, ideal for special occasions or casual nights out. Renowned for exceptional service and delicious food, The Chop House offers a diverse menu, including perfectly cooked steaks from premium dry-aged beef, fresh grilled seafood like salmon and shrimp, and a variety of salads and pastas for lighter appetites. Don't miss their homemade desserts, such as Caramel Fudge Cake and Triple Berry Shortcake, for a sweet finish. Additionally, The Chop House features a carefully curated wine list and craft cocktails to enhance your dining experience. What sets The Chop House apart is its unwavering commitment to quality, using only the finest ingredients to ensure every meal is memorable. Come and experience the perfect blend of quality and flavor at The Chop House.

Top review

Kathy

Dined 6 days ago

Our server Forrest was amazing as well as the other staff that brought our dinner. Very attentive and the food was delicious. Always have a great meal!

STIR - Knoxville

4.7

4.7 (1119)

$31 to $50

American

Knoxville

About the restaurant

STIR is the perfect restaurant to sip a craft cocktail over a dozen oysters, enjoy a night out, or meet for lunch. Located in the heart of Old City, the restaurant is an open-air concept with a large, heated outdoor patio. We are open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

Great food starts with fresh, local ingredients. Our kitchen prepares everything from scratch, and our signature raw bar is stocked with fresh oysters and seasonal seafood. STIR is famous for craft cocktails. We freeze and carve 300-pound blocks of artisanal ice in-house, age certain cocktails in oak barrels for richer flavors, and place others on draft for crispness and carbonation. The result: categorically elevated cocktails. Our passion for fine spirits also compels us to find and share rare bottles, many of which are extremely difficult to procure. We welcome Knoxville to enjoy our unmatched cocktails, fresh seafood, and classic dishes in an atmosphere of genuine hospitality

Top review

Dennie

Dined on Oct 28, 2026

Loved the food and the vibe! Highly recommend Stir!

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4.7

4.7 (212)

$30 and under

American

Chattanooga

About the restaurant

Honey Seed specializes in hand-rolled Montreal-style bagels and woodfired pizza. We are fresh, made from scratch and local. We are open 7am to 9pm daily.
Honey Seed also has a full brunch menu, salads, paninis, pizza starting at 12pm and burgers for dinner.

Top review

Adrienne

Dined on Oct 25, 2026

Great experience. We had the double burger and a wood fired pizza. Both were great! The pizza had a crispy crust. I really enjoyed the side salad and loved the homemade vinaigrette dressing with it. I also love they serve Brunch all day. My children enjoyed having french toast, waffles, & scrambled eggs for dinner - with yummy warmed syrup. We would return here.

The Chop House - N. Knoxville

4.7

4.7 (621)

$30 and under

American

Knoxville

About the restaurant

Top review

JesseGold

Dined 4 days ago

Enjoyed a lovely meal and got to spend some quality time with family. Our server took excellent care of us.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - Chattanooga

4.7

4.7 (2360)

$30 and under

American

Chattanooga

About the restaurant

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is your destination for bold flavors and warm hospitality. From expertly crafted wood-fired steaks and fresh seafood to signature cocktails, mocktails, and curated wines, every detail is designed to deliver an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're gathering with family, hosting a client, or toasting to a special occasion, Firebirds offers elevated cuisine at an approachable price. Join us for Happy Hour at the FIREBAR® or on the patio and let us show you what extraordinary dining feels like. Reserve your table today — we can’t wait to serve you.

Top review

KrisGold

Dined on Oct 24, 2026

One of the best in Chattanooga- higher end dining places

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