Calhoun's on the River
American Restaurant and BBQ Joint$$$$
Knoxville
Ranked #2 for American restaurants in Knoxville
"Tennessee corn puddin' was surprisingly awesome"(3 Tips)
"Ribs, pulled pork, sides, the banana pudding is delicious."(21 Tips)
"Ale steaks r top notch here"(2 Tips)"Delicious pork sandwich, Mac and cheese, broccoli, and pretzel."(3 Tips)
90 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- ribs
- corn puddin
- Southern food
- scenic views
- good for groups
- (15 more)
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Keith TatumApril 28, 2014A great place to take the team after a tough soccer match. Nice breeze over the river and great food! We all had fun. The waitress was a little forgetful, but smokin hot so we overlooked it.
Hana SteilJuly 17, 2016The drinks are $5 everyday, the martinis are $6. If you want a great mudslide this is the place to go. It was Awesome and only $5
Upvoted Dec 1, 2024- Yes, their ribs are fabulous, but you can't go wrong with the steak Calhoun either. Also, love the 1st come 1st serve area around the bar. Works great for parties of 4 or less.
MarcJuly 21, 2020“Visit the orig location (there r 9 across E. Tenn) & dive into a slab of award-winning, hickory-smoked baby-back ribs. Also have GF options from salads to filet mignon & char-grilled shrimp skewers.”
Katie KayeJuly 7, 2016We had appetizers pre-dinner on the deck on a beautiful sunshiny day it was great. We took our grandson to the water to feed the ducks and fish. He had a wonderful time.
marc dotsonOctober 21, 2014Great location on the river.... Nice selection of their own micro brews on draft, plus bottles of everything else. Go for the ribs... Some of the best I've had!
Mitch NortonJanuary 1, 2012Calhoun's has good food, but it is the atmosphere that makes this restaurant list worthy. When the weather permits, you can sit outside overlooking the river, and on game day it is the place to be.
Hanging at calhouns on the river on a beautiful day is hard to beat! Their ribs are awesome and I love the beers they brew! Always a favorite place to go in Knoxville- David HowlandApril 1, 2017Delicious pork sandwich, Mac and cheese, broccoli, and pretzel. Beer cheese sauce was more cheesy than I like.
Mama MiaApril 5, 2019Collin was an awesome server! Our food was amazing, loved the grilled shrimp with an Sade’s teriyaki glaze. Recommend!
Ashley MorrisNovember 18, 2016Beautiful location, right on the river. Eat on the deck and enjoy a beer with your meal!
Robin Denise SearsMay 1, 2017The managment told me, they didn't need any more business. After I politely informed him that the cafe at the arena closed for the summer and that having a $5.00 burger day would boost their business.
Greg SchulzJuly 24, 2015I got the BBQ pork plate. Nice and tender, and the sauce was really good. No complaints!
Off The QuadApril 6, 2011Calhoun's proudly boasts the best ribs in America- and they're not afraid to throw some of their special BBQ seasoning in their bloody's. Definitely worth trying!
National Car RentalNovember 15, 2013We hope you're a Tennessee football fan! Be sure get to here before kickoff for a great place to watch the game.
Jacob SharpMarch 18, 2012I had the calhoun's trio and everything was amazing. Everyone was right about the ribs. Way better than the BBQ in Ohio.
Susan MarshJanuary 22, 2012Ribs are great! Not to mention the margaritas, no sweet & sour mix from a bottle here. The bartenders treated us so well!!
- Robin Denise SearsMay 3, 2017Went here on Monday for the $5.00 burger day. I was told by the manager that they dont do that.at this location. I suggested.that they may want to for the summer. He informed me he didnt need more.
Pulled Pork Sandwich with ALL the BBQ sauce, Cherokee Red Ale, and Banana Pudding. The BEST.
David KristyJanuary 20, 2015It's a nice place for lunch or dinner, but go to a hole in the wall joint if you want better barbecue.
Bruce NewtonSeptember 18, 2018Service was excellent, but barbecue was bland and tasted reheated. Nice location on the river, but had that ‘on the water’ smell in the restaurant. I don’t plan to go back.
Great view ....Mike Chase is the best proprietor in the restaurant business in Knoxville
Jessi CatesApril 30, 2012Go in the summer when the band " the shoeshakerz" are there.... they are awesome ... new and old music....
Rob HowardApril 12, 2012Talk about how good the garlic rolls are, so you get to grab the biscuit first!
Great food, incredible atmosphere & ask for "Brandon" #bestserver!
Cheyanne LMay 13, 2015I'm really not a picky eater but their pulled pork was very dry & they only offer one BBQ sauce, which I also wasn't very fond of. very disappointed in our food especially because of how much we paid.
Ben WardMarch 26, 2018Spacious and nice location by the river for the summer, ribs were decent but food was otherwise a bit bland.
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Open until 10:00 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu, Sun
- 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Fri–Sat
- 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
(865) 673-3355
View menu on https://calhouns.com/menus
Features
Reservations
Yes
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Wi-Fi
Yes
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Music
Live Music
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour
Drinks
Beer, Full Bar, Cocktails
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