Market Square Knoxville restaurants offer plenty of options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks in the heart of downtown. From locally owned cafes and casual lunch spots to seafood restaurants and cocktail bars, the square is one of Knoxville’s most popular dining destinations.
Located within walking distance of Gay Street and other downtown attractions, Market Square is a convenient place to grab a meal, meet friends, or spend an evening downtown.
Breakfast and Brunch at Market Square
The Brass Pearl
24 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
The Brass Pearl specializes in seafood and oysters, but it’s also a destination for brunch. Its coastal-inspired menu features dishes such as shrimp and grits, along with brunch cocktails.
Cafe 4
4 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
Cafe 4 serves Southern-inspired comfort food in a casual downtown setting. The restaurant is known for dishes such as chicken and waffles, biscuits, and other brunch favorites. Outdoor seating overlooks Market Square.
Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar
15 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
Not Watson’s offers American comfort food with a Southern influence. Its brunch selections have included chicken biscuits, French toast, and breakfast cocktails. The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner.
Oliver Royale
5 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
Located inside The Oliver Hotel, Oliver Royale offers a more upscale dining experience with seasonal ingredients and a creative cocktail menu. It’s a convenient choice for brunch or a meal before attending a downtown event.
Ruby Sunshine
37 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
Ruby Sunshine brings New Orleans-inspired breakfast and brunch dishes to downtown Knoxville. The menu includes eggs Benedict variations, breakfast tacos, pancakes, and specialty cocktails.
The Tomato Head
12 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
A longtime Knoxville restaurant, The Tomato Head is known for its pizzas, sandwiches, and vegetarian-friendly selections. Its breakfast and brunch offerings have included creative dishes made with fresh ingredients.
Tupelo Honey
1 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
Tupelo Honey specializes in Southern-inspired dishes, including fried chicken, biscuits, and other comfort food favorites. Its location directly on Market Square makes it convenient for brunch before walking around downtown.
Coffee Shops Near Market Square
Coffee & Chocolate
327 Union Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902
Located just off Market Square, Coffee & Chocolate serves espresso drinks, coffee, pastries, and handmade chocolates. It’s a convenient stop for a morning coffee or an afternoon treat.
Mahalo Coffee Roasters
513 Union Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902
Mahalo Coffee Roasters offers specialty coffee, espresso drinks, and freshly roasted beans. Its Union Avenue location provides a casual setting for meeting friends or taking a break while downtown.
Lunch Restaurants Around Market Square
Kabuki House Sushi
32 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
Kabuki offers Japanese cuisine, including sushi rolls, teriyaki dishes, and other lunch options. Its central location makes it a convenient stop while visiting downtown.
Petro’s Chili & Chips
28 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
Petro’s is an East Tennessee favorite known for its signature combination of corn chips, chili, cheese, and toppings. It’s a quick, casual option for lunch on Market Square.
Soccer Taco
9 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
Soccer Taco serves Mexican-inspired dishes, including tacos, fajitas, nachos, and quesadillas. With televisions showing sporting events and a full bar, it’s also a popular place to watch a game.
Subway
25 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
Subway offers familiar sandwiches, wraps, and salads for those looking for a quick meal while spending time downtown.
The Lunchbox
18 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
The Lunchbox focuses on sandwiches, wraps, soups, and salads. Its straightforward menu makes it an option for a casual weekday lunch.
Tommy Trent’s Sports Bar
36 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
Tommy Trent’s offers casual bar food, including burgers, sandwiches, and wings. The sports bar atmosphere makes it a place to grab lunch while watching a game.
The Tomato Head
12 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
The Tomato Head is also a popular lunch option, with specialty pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. Its menu includes several vegetarian-friendly choices.
Dinner Restaurants Near Market Square
The Brass Pearl
24 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
The Brass Pearl offers oysters, seafood dishes, and a selection of cocktails. Its dining room and raw bar provide a different atmosphere from the square’s more casual restaurants.
Cafe 4
4 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
Cafe 4 serves Southern-inspired entrees, including comfort food favorites and seasonal selections. Its central location and outdoor seating make it a convenient dinner option before downtown entertainment.
Chesapeake’s Downtown
500 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN 37902
A short walk from Market Square, Chesapeake’s specializes in seafood, including fresh fish, oysters, and shellfish. The restaurant also offers steaks and other entrees in a more traditional dining setting.
Oliver Royale
5 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
Oliver Royale features seasonal American cuisine, with seafood, meat, and vegetable-focused dishes. Located inside The Oliver Hotel, it’s a good option for date nights and special occasions.
Stock & Barrel
35 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
Stock & Barrel is known for its specialty burgers, fries, and extensive bourbon selection. The restaurant focuses on creative burger combinations and has become a popular stop for casual dinners downtown.
Bars and Nightlife Around Market Square
Alice in Appalachia
16 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
Alice in Appalachia offers creative cocktails in a themed setting inspired by Alice in Wonderland. The bar is known for imaginative drink presentations and distinctive decor.
Knox Brew Hub
421 Union Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902
Knox Brew Hub focuses on Tennessee craft beer, featuring selections from breweries throughout the state. It’s a casual place to sample local beers near Market Square.
Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar
15 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
Along with its food menu, Not Watson’s offers cocktails, wine, and beer. The bar provides a lively setting for drinks before or after dinner.
Peter Kern Library
407 Union Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902
Located inside The Oliver Hotel, Peter Kern Library is a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge known for its literary theme and intimate atmosphere. Its specialty cocktail menu makes it a distinctive downtown nightlife destination.
Preservation Pub
28 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
Preservation Pub is a longtime downtown nightlife destination featuring live music, multiple levels, and rooftop seating. It’s a popular place to hear local bands and spend an evening on Market Square.
Scruffy City Hall
32 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
Scruffy City Hall features live entertainment, a full bar, and rooftop seating overlooking downtown. The venue hosts musicians and other performances throughout the year.
Dining Around Market Square
One of the advantages of Market Square Knoxville restaurants is the variety of dining options within a few blocks. You can have breakfast overlooking the square, stop for lunch while shopping downtown, or enjoy dinner before attending a concert or performance.
Market Square also hosts seasonal events, outdoor concerts, and the Market Square Farmers Market, giving visitors even more reasons to spend time downtown.