Inside of Knoxville

Rosarita’s Mexican Cantina Opens as Developers Map Out New Vision for Magnolia

Angela Dennis·April 14, 2026

There are parts of the Magnolia Corridor that don’t just hold space, they hold memory. For all of us. As a little girl born in East Knoxville I spent long and hot summer days playing in...

Otsu Opens at the Mill and Mine

Knoxville Urban Guy·October 2, 2024

Otsu, the latest restaurant by Jesse Newmister and Margaret Stolfi opened in the Mill and Mine last week, bringing a new twist on Asian-fusion restaurant offering a generous menu of dumplings and other Japanese and pan-Asian...

St. Lucille’s Cajun Kitchen Opens Tomorrow!

Knoxville Urban Guy·May 17, 2024

Just about six months ago I wrote about St. Lucille’s coming to 8 Emory Place. Owned by Michael Frede and operated in conjunction with Aaron McClain, owner of the adjacent Crafty Bastard, the restaurant is now...

Stir Opens in the Old City

Knoxville Urban Guy·August 1, 2023

The fourth location of Chattanooga-based Stir celebrated its grand opening yesterday. As Heather wrote in her preview article (which gives more background), “Stir is an in-house, all-scratch-made concept that is known for its oyster bar, craft...

Favorite South Knoxville Restaurant Simpl Closes (And That’s Good News)

Knoxville Urban Guy·July 28, 2023

Simpl opened almost four years ago at 1120 Sevier Avenue. South Knoxville was just beginning to take off and the restaurant offered one of a very few elevated dining experiences. Owner and chef Kendale Ball brought...

Brass Pearl to Open in Late February at 24 Market Square

Knoxville Urban Guy·January 26, 2022

The long-anticipated oyster bar and seafood restaurant, The Brass Pearl, at 24 Market Square is nearing readiness, and an opening in late February is anticipated. Owners Niko Angelos, Bill Angelos, and Ben Austin, also owners of...

Cafe 4 Changes Ownership

Knoxville Urban Guy·December 16, 2021

HD Patel and the Ephant Group have assumed ownership of Cafe 4 from Jim and Lori Klonaris in a transaction brokered by Oliver Smith IV and Will Sims for Oliver Smith Realty and Development. The Cafe...

Marble City Market Opens Today

Knoxville Urban Guy·November 5, 2021

It’s been a long run, but the day has finally arrived for the opening of Marble City Market. Eleven different restaurants, two bays for Top Swing Suites, and a large bar bring a powerful package to...

Fai Thai Plans Opening at 522 South Gay Street

Knoxville Urban Guy·July 28, 2021

Owners of local favorite Fai Thai Food Truck (which will continue to operate) have announced they will soon open at 522 South Gay Street, as Kopita Meat will consolidate with its sister restaurant, Kopita, next door...

Board of Health Meeting: Board Codifies Restaurant and Bar Capacity

Knoxville Urban Guy·November 24, 2020

Dr. Souza chaired the meeting in the absence of Dr. Gotcher. All other members were present. As they set the agenda, Mayor Jacobs asked for permission for Randy Burleson, owner of Aubrey’s, Fieldhouse Social, Sunspot and...

Two New Businesses Planned for the Holston Building on Gay Street: Vida and The Vault

Knoxville Urban Guy·January 16, 2020

Jim and Lori Klonaris have announced the addition of two new businesses to their growing portfolio. The owners of Kefi, Cafe Four, The Square Room, The Press Room, and City Catering have purchased the bottom floor...

Broadway Market Reopens at 900 East Hill Avenue

Knoxville Urban Guy·December 17, 2019

It’s been a circuitous journey for the “little market that could.” It started at 1328 North Broadway two-and-a-half years ago. The business moved just a few doors down almost a year later to 1322 Broadway, before...

Good Golly Tamale Returns Home

Knoxville Urban Guy·October 8, 2019

There was a great deal of excitement four years ago when Good Golly Tamale announced plans to move from a cart-only operation to a permanent store-front location at 112 South Central Street in the Old City....

Eat Here Now, LLC (Babalu) Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: Knoxville Restaurant to Remain Open

Knoxville Urban Guy·August 2, 2019

I noticed reports about three weeks ago that Babalu in Lexington, Kentucky closed. Upon reading the article, I noted that it was the second restaurant in that development to close and, absent any other information, I...

Restaurants