Guy Fieri has only visited one Knoxville restaurant. He should try these local faves next

Devarrick Turner, Knoxville News Sentinel
·4 min read
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Guy Fieri, the Food Network star and mayor of Flavortown, recently cruised through Knoxville to catch up with the owners of Pizza Palace, a visit viewers got to see in a June episode of “Guy’s All-American Road Trip.”

The longtime Knoxville pizza parlor first came onto Fieri’s radar 16 years ago, when it was featured on the first season of his show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” The show takes the celebrity restaurateur across the country to sample foods at local hole-in-the-wall eateries, classic diners and food trucks.

Multiple restaurants in Nashville, Memphis and other Tennessee cities have been highlighted throughout the show’s 37-season run. But Knoxville’s food scene hasn’t gotten any “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” appreciation since 2007.

Knoxville definitely has plenty of other places that would be perfect for Guy Fieri's next visit. Any favorite spots you'd add to the list for Fieri?

East Tennessee restaurants Guy Fieri has visited

Pizza Palace

  • Pizza Palace was featured on the second episode of the first season of "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" in 2007. It has been a Knoxville landmark for over 60 years and is known for made-from-scratch pizzas and its homemade spaghetti and meat sauce.

  • "This is truly a diamond in the rough and you'd be foolish to pass it up when you're in the Knoxville area," the "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" review stated. "It's incredible that these guys have been able to maintain and take pride in their original recipes, tradition and service to this very day. To visit and dine here, you truly experience a piece of history your grandparents enjoyed.”

  • Location: 3132 E. Magnolia Ave.

Downtown Flavortown

Guy Fieri's Downtown Flavortown in Pigeon Forge has a tiki bar and an arcade.
Guy Fieri's Downtown Flavortown in Pigeon Forge has a tiki bar and an arcade.

  • Guy Fieri made an appearance last year at the grand opening of his own Flavortown restaurant in Pigeon Forge.

  • The 43,000-square-foot entertainment center is in the Mountain Mile Mall and features a menu by Fieri, bowling, an arcade center and a tiki bar.

  • Location: 2655 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge

Knoxville restaurants that should be on 'Diners, Drive-ins and Dives'

Burger Boys

Andre Bryant, owner of Burger Boys, peeks out of the service window of the restaurant's patio on Chapman Highway in South Knoxville, Tenn. on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. The two-person operation serves up an assortment of fresh, homemade burgers and foods like wings, gizzards and French fries.
Andre Bryant, owner of Burger Boys, peeks out of the service window of the restaurant's patio on Chapman Highway in South Knoxville, Tenn. on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. The two-person operation serves up an assortment of fresh, homemade burgers and foods like wings, gizzards and French fries.

  • If Fieri ever visits Knoxville again, he needs to stop by Burger Boys on Chapman Highway and chat with owner and grill master Andre Bryant over a juicy burger. Bryant handcrafts every order, ensuring customers get the best. Fieri can try the Kobe Burger, Lil Dom Burger or the Vol Burger, which can be topped with whatever he wants.

  • Location: 2400 Chapman Highway

Inskip Grill

Justin Wiseman, owner of Inskip Grill at The Shakery in Fountain City.
Justin Wiseman, owner of Inskip Grill at The Shakery in Fountain City.

  • Inskip Grill originally opened in 1967 serving Southern dishes but was revamped in 2018 under new owners. Now, the spot is known for its wide selection of giant burgers and sandwiches. The milkshakes alone might be enough to bring Fieri to town.

  • Location: 4877 N. Broadway St.

Litton’s Market and Restaurant

A cheeseburger served at Litton's Market and Restaurant.
A cheeseburger served at Litton's Market and Restaurant.

  • The Litton's cheeseburger, paired with a slice of strawberry cake, was one of Knox News’ favorite meals of 2022. The restaurant, bakery and market has been a Knoxville favorite for decades and offers casual dining options and gourmet cakes and pies.

  • Location: 2803 Essary Drive

The Original Freezo

  • It’s almost too easy to imagine Fieri walking up to this spot in Old North Knoxville and ordering a bowl of chili with tamales, a dish Knoxvillians call a Full House. The Orginal Freezo has been a Knoxville staple since 1942. Its classic menu includes burgers, hot dogs and swirled soft-serve ice cream.

  • Location: 1305 N. Central St.

The Original Louis’ Restaurant and Drive-in

  • Family owned and operated, Louis’ has served Italian dishes in Knoxville for nearly 70 years. Fieri would delight in the made-from-scratch spaghetti sauce and salad dressings, and hand-breaded onion rings. Knox News would recommend the baked spaghetti with meatballs, pepperonis and mushrooms.

  • Location: 4661 Old Broadway

Steamboat Sandwiches

Inside the Steamboat Sandwiches shop in Knoxville on Friday, April 6, 2018.
Inside the Steamboat Sandwiches shop in Knoxville on Friday, April 6, 2018.

  • Originally established in 1989, Steamboat reopened in 2018 to specialize in made-to-order sandwiches including the signature Steamboat (with ham and salami), chicken bacon ranch and chipotle turkey club selections. But what really might make Fieri’s stop memorable is the gallery of photos showing off Knoxville’s rich history.

  • Location: 2423 N. Central St.

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. Twitter @dturner1208.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Guy Fieri's 'Diners, Drive-ins and Dives' should try these Knoxville spots