Knoxville, TN: Where to Eat, Sleep & Tailgate
Planning a trip to Knoxville for a University of Tennessee football game? We've got your game weekend covered with tips on where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate! Image: Facebook / Tennessee Football
Welcome to Knoxville, home of the University of Tennessee Volunteers! If you’re heading to town to catch a game a University of Tennessee football game, here’s what you need to know about where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate. First, a few key facts:
- SEC Team: University of Tennessee Volunteers
- Coach: Josh Heupel
- Stadium: Neyland Stadium
- 2025 Schedule: utsports.com
- Fun Fact: Despite popular belief, “Rocky Top” is not UT’s official fight song. It is actually “Down the Field.”
WHERE TO STAY
While Knoxville plays host to a number of well-appointed, familiar hotels downtown like Hilton, Hyatt Place, and Hampton Inn that are convenient to the stadium, the six options below are a true celebration of the city.
Cumberland House
1109 White Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916 • (865) 971-4663
Situated on campus, only about a 15-minute walk from the stadium, Cumberland House is an excellent home base for games. They’re dog-friendly, too!
Graduate Knoxville
1706 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916 • (865) 437-5500
The Graduate Knoxville is a boutique hotel filled with Big Orange pride from top to bottom. Be sure to stop by Saloon 16, the hotel’s own Vol-centric watering hole that is in partnership with none other than Peyton Manning himself.
Hotel Cleo
428 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 • (865) 390-2536
The latest addition to Knoxville’s growing hotel scene is Hotel Cleo, a French-inspired boutique hotel located right in the middle of the action on historic Gay Street. The hotel even boasts a stunning brasserie and bar on the hotel’s ground floor.
The Oliver Hotel
407 Union Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902 • (865) 521-0050
While it may not be the closest hotel to Neyland Stadium, The Oliver Hotel is still pretty darn close, and it’s situated in Market Square, so you have easy access to Knoxville’s best boutiques, entertainment, and restaurants — including the hotel’s own dining space, The Oliver Royale. (SB Tip: Behind the hotel lobby, you’ll find a hidden speakeasy-style bar, Peter Kern Library.)
THE TENNESSEAN Hotel
531 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 • (865) 232-1800
THE TENNESSEAN Hotel sits in the heart of downtown, with a central location to the university, Market Square, and the Old City. The four-star hotel offers 82 guest rooms and luxurious amenities — including a luxury football weekend experience. Their game-weekend offerings include a VIP check-in experience (complete with bubbles and hors d’oeuvres), a pre-game mimosa bar and brunch offerings in their on-site restaurant, and complimentary door-to-door stadium transportation.
Marriott Knoxville Downtown
525 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN 379021 • (865) 522-2800
As THE TENNESSEAN’s sister property located right next door, the downtown Marriott offers the same prime location and shares many of its amenities including a large common area decked out in local art and cozy seating, plus a bar, restaurant, and coffee shop.
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WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
If you’re looking for a bite to eat ahead of the game or perhaps items to pick up for your tailgate, here are some of your best bets located near campus. The area surrounding the stadium is bursting at the seams with delicious new spots to try, but these are a few local favorites.
Chivo
314 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 • (865) 444-3161
Chivo is known for its creative takes on Mexican street corn, tacos, and house-made chips and salsa. Its margaritas and extensive tequila list earned it a reputation as one of the best spots in town for a flavorful fiesta.
The Kennedy
430 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 • (865) 444-1607
New to the downtown dining scene since last season, The Kennedy offers up a relaxed experience in an upscale atmosphere with creative craft cocktails and a menu of everything from pizza and burgers to pasta and prime rib.
Stock & Barrel
35 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902 • (865) 766-2075
Known for “burgers, bourbon, and beer,” Stock & Barrel is popular among visitors and students alike. If that doesn’t capture your interest, perhaps the homemade shakes will.
The Tomato Head
12 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902 • (865) 637-4067
7240 Kingston Pike #172, Knoxville, TN 37919 • (865) 584-1075
With two locations near UT — one in Market Square, the other in a convenient shopping area a few minutes’ drive from campus — The Tomato Head is a great option for dine-in or take-out. They offer up killer pizza, calzones, salads, sandwiches, and weekend brunch. (If you’re looking for a healthier option, Tomato Head is a good bet!)
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
1 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902 • (865) 522-0004
For any meal of the day, Tupelo Honey on Market Square is a solid choice. If you make it in time for brunch, don’t miss the biscuits!
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LOCAL BARS
If you’re in the market for a pre- or post-game drink, here are a few hotspots to check out — equally well-suited to celebrating or drowning your sorrows.
Cool Beans Bar & Grill
1817 Lake Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916 • (865) 522-6417
In addition to ice-cold drinks, Cool Beans Bar & Grill offers games of pool, beer pong, and darts. Plus, the local hotspot hosts all-day happy hour from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. every day.
Five Thirty Lounge
530 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 • (865) 544-9977
Perched atop the Hyatt Place, Five Thirty Lounge offers craft cocktails in a cozy setting. Plus, with 15-foot glass windows, you won’t find better views of downtown Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains. Snag reservations if you can to avoid a wait.
LiterBoard
1848 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916
Located in The Fort , LiterBoard is a lively hangout known for its unbeatable combo of beer, burgers, karaoke, and live music. Stop by if you’re looking for a laid-back yet entertaining setting.
Preservation Pub
28 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902 • (865) 524-2224
Preservation Pub is a three-story bar located on downtown’s historic Market Square, offering over 300 beers and regular live performances. Be sure to take full advantage of the rooftop garden deck, too.
The Half Barrel
1829 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916 • (865) 595-4848
The Half Barrel offers everything from craft beer to bourbon, and it’s one of the few remaining watering holes still open following the recent overhaul of the famous Cumberland “strip” — the main drag leading into campus.
The Vault
531 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 • (865) 544-8564
Descend into this underground bar and be transported to old Hollywood. The Vault is an upscale cocktail bar that specializes in hand-crafted libations and small bites. You can even build your own martini!
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WHERE TO TAILGATE
Casual
Casual tailgating takes place on top of parking garages — or in the parking lots — surrounding the stadium. Look for “the Fort” to find a spot for your tent. This is the nickname for the Fort Sanders neighborhood that’s technically off-campus, but very close by.
Tailgating Tennessee
If you want to purchase a package and have someone else set up for you, Tailgate Tennessee is the way to go. They set up in Circle Park and the McClung Museum areas.
The Vol Navy
This tailgating tradition is unique to UT football. During home games, the VOL Navy parks boats on the Tennessee River near the stadium, but you don’t have to have a boat to participate in the festivities! Popular local restaurant Calhoun’s on the River stays packed during the season.
Tailgating tips:
- Be sure to learn the lyrics to “Rocky Top.” If it’s playing all day on the loudspeaker, you want to be able to join in.
- As far as parking goes, there is no on-campus parking on game days, so opt to Uber or Lyft. And if you’re up for a bit of a walk, great — it’s fun to carried away in the sea of orange.
Go Vols!
Click HERE for the complete SEC City Guide!
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