Knoxville's Ye Olde Steak House named among 'most legendary' by Southern Living

Devarrick Turner, Knoxville News Sentinel
·2 min read

Knoxville has great burgers, but what about steak? According to Southern Living magazine, Ye Olde Steak House on Chapman Highway is one of the best steak houses not only in Tennessee, but in all the South.

Ye Olde Steak House recently was named by the lifestyle magazine as one of the 30 "most legendary" steak houses in the South.

“Flame-grilled steaks are the name of the game at this Smoky Mountain favorite," Southern Living declared. "Bunt King opened Ye Olde Steakhouse in 1968 and today the local favorite and legendary eatery is run by his three children.

“Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the Woodshed Potatoes," the magazine added. "They’re the perfect spud companion to a juicy steak.”

King followed his dream of opening a restaurant and turned a log building that was once an antique store into a premier steakhouse in Knoxville, the restaurant's website states. Not much of the “cozy, rustic atmosphere” has changed since opening in 1968.

More: Knoxville restaurants and bars are racking up spots on national 'best of' lists

A Knoxville landmark with celebrity status

Ye Olde Steak House has been named on other lists and won awards throughout its 55-year history, including Cityview magazine’s "Best Steaks" winner in 2021. The restaurant was featured on Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food” and has been visited by several celebrities.

“We have hosted more celebrities than I can count, including Adam Richman from ‘Man v. Food,’ Toby Keith, Todd Blackledge from ‘Taste of the Town,' Dolly Parton, Peyton Manning, Carmen Electra, Heath Shuler, and college coaches and players,” Executive Assistant Ashley Colburn told Knox News.

One celebrity who hasn’t visited (yet) is Guy Fieri, the chef and TV personality known for highlighting popular local restaurants across the country, including in Knoxville.

“We still haven’t met Guy!” Colburn said. “I am a huge fan of his shows and his passion for sharing his love for great food and we will be so honored to host him.”

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: Ye Olde Steak House named to Southern Living's 'most legendary' list