My son is a lover of the ribs, the pork ribs, and he's never had Calhoun's, which advertises the Best Ribs in Town(TM) so naturally we hit it at 11:30am on a Sunday, hoping to beat the crowds. We make it in, get a booth quickly, and get our order in. . .he's going full rack of ribs and I'm taking it easy (I *think* with a "Southern Salad"). . .six hours later. . .I'm STILL full. That Southern Salad ought to be advertised beside the ribs, full stop. I LOVED it. . .onion rings and chicken tenders, eggs, cheese, tomatoes, all the salad requirements for a traditional salad most places in the South, but this one? WHAM BAM! So good. (And the boy loved his ribs. . .almost finished them!) read more

Calhouns is always consistent and I was really impressed with their carry out service the other night. My friends and I placed an order for pickup and they were very prompt with our order. It arrived right on time and everything came out perfectly. They looked busy, so I was pleasantly surprised that we didn't have to wait. I highly recommend ordering Calhouns for carry out if you're still not comfortable with dining in! read more

Calhoun's - Kick-Back burger - Barbeque Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Tradition!! Best place to hear a Vols game if your vibe is sipping cocktails and looking at the River. Brings back a thousand great memories for those who attended UT. read more

B U R N T - E N D S You MUST try the burnt ends. The burnt ends are the best thing on the menu. Do yourself a HUGE favor. Steak tips wrapped in bacon. They're technically an appetizer, but you could probably eat 2 and call it a light meal. They bring you an awesome plate of cornbread muffins and biscuits to your plate for free. I'm on a diet so I didn't eat any, but my brothers loved them. I would normally be all over them. Love complimentary bread at any establishment. I ordered the pulled pork BBQ plate with broccoli and Cole slaw. The BBQ was decent. I've certainly had more flavorful. I would highly recommend a double portion of sauce or vinegar as they were a little dry. Great BBQ can be eaten with salt and pepper only. This was not that. The green beans were decent. I had Ruby Tuesday's today and realized that the broccoli at Tuesday's was far more flavorful. It wasn't bad, but wasn't exceptional. Slaw was ok. I felt my portion was a little small. Didn't jump off the plate at me. Overall, it was a good experience. My family liked it much more than me, so you might agree with them. Not my favorite place, but worth a return trip. Don't forget the burnt ends! read more

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I'm disappointed with my experience at this location. I called over an hour before they closed to place a pick up order and they told me they weren't able to do it because they had just taken their last order. I feel this is unacceptable for a restaurant to say they close at 10 and stop taking orders over an hour before closing. read more

In town for the week and decided to give this place a try. We don't have Calhoun's back home. The service was great and the place was clean. I ordered the BBQ pulled pork sandwich. It was good and the homemade BBQ sauce was great. I would come back and may stop back in before I leave town. read more

Ribs were very very dry. Good slaw. Excellent breads Came for the ribs for once when wait staff ask we told her as we ate the perfectly grilled shrimp $10.00 add on the manager prepared another slab of ribs. Really liked the atmosphere very comfortable and you could actually visit lots of choices of micro brews just had my regular ML. Second batch of ribs were much better. Thank you to Calhouns staff for satisfyingly serving our Texas barbecue hunger. Buying the sauce read more

Calhoun's - Barbecue ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

We went to the original Calhoun's recently for burger Monday. The burgers used to be good, not so much anymore. Instead of a thick, juicy burger like they used to be, now it's just a flat probably frozen patty. Like something you would get at any cheap burger joint. My wife and I have eaten there for years, but no longer go there for our burger fix. Really disappointed in this change in quality for Calhoun'. read more

The service was great, staff was friendly, and food was pretty good. The only complaints I have are there's only 1 bbq flavor and the Mac and cheese wasn't good. Love the smoker smell that fills the restaurant, makes you crave the food more. read more

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I have been trying to get any to any their restaurants for 5 years. Finally got there. Bartending was great bourbon drink assume! Order 1/2 slab,spinach side, cheese cake to go. long day needed to chill at hotel. Bartending great! Spinach great! Cheesecake basic with toppings added. RIBS Worst I ever had tasted! Seemed like old frozen ribs. Dry! No smoke! No FAVOR! BBQ ok but processed! I should have taken them back but I have work to do. And leave before they open. Very disappointed read more

Great space on the Tennessee River with boat docking. Outside seating space is so nice...and ribs were Friendly and attentive staff! No reservations so plan ahead.. read more

This was my first time visiting Knoxville and I heard great things about Calhoun's. Unfortunately my wife and I's dinner was a major disappointment. To start I ordered 6 smoked wings. And this picture shows how small they were. The wings are $12 for THIS? Not only were they tiny, but they were hard and over cooked and don't come with a side. The Mac and cheese we ordered was a very small portion and was bland. The sweet tea wasn't sweet. The only thing that saved this from being a 1 star was my wife's catfish was good. I connected with the manager and he mentioned they get a LOT of complaints about the size of the smoked wings. My question is WHY NOT CHANGE IT? Thankfully the manager took care of my bill and only charged us for the fish. Maybe this was just a bad night at a bad location, but I wouldn't suggest eating here. read more

Calhoun's - Smoked Wings - Barbeque Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Jackie our server was amazing she made our experience so great, if it was a problem it was met with understanding and explanation. The food was fairly delicious for some I personally had the grilled lemon chicken which was actually good with the mash Mac and spinach dish. That spinach dish was amazing it was almost like a hot cheesy crusted dip not your average spinach side. It gave a nice rodeo vibe and everyone was very pleasant. Thanks again Ms.Jackie for your service and giving my sister on her big day and the family the best experience possible. read more

I've visited many times and love the atmosphere and food. Today however I requested mash potatoes with my lemon chicken. When my meal was brought, I was told it was coming. Then that the mash potatoes looked bad so I was offered something else or to wait 10 minutes while it was being made. I decided to wait. When it finally came, it was cold. When I told the server, he said ok and nothing else. I did get the bill where it shows I was charged. I'm not really concerned that the food was under cooked and can understand things happening. What would have been nice would've been the server acknowledging it, whether any discount. Had been applied or not. I hope this isn't a trend going forwards... Thanks read more

Calhoun's - Barbeque Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Had a cheeseburger. It was delish. Yelp insists that I add more words so mumble mumble mumble and yada yada yada too. read more

I went there tonight with my family and had the best server but it didn't start there the hostess was friendly and kind and we got to the table the server was outstanding and accommodating my daughter's request for apple juice the only complaint is that the table they said is that was really for two people not for so it was kind of cramped but other than that I would definitely recommend Calhoun's on Kingston Pike read more

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Calhoun's Restaurant has amazing food with huge portions. My two sons' really enjoy Calhoun's restaurant burgers and fries. But what I really enjoy about dinning at Calhoun's is their signature desserts. The chef's at Calhoun's really puts their heart into making sure every dish is fresh and amazing. read more

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Always excellent catering experiences when ordering from Calhoun's. The family feed packs are an excellent value, with very large portions and delicious food. The pulled pork and chicken are always a hit. I was surprised how many people liked the broccoli. Also, they always give you a TON of barbecue sauce, so our office fridge has like 10 bottles in it. Locally, Calhoun's is the best way to feed a large crowd on a budget and actually be proud of what you are serving. read more

Wow. Been here 10 minutes plus and just now had someone acknowledge us. But we still haven't gotten service. Oh wait. Finally. We are literally surrounded by empty tables. Ridiculous. read more

Not impressed with this place. The service was ok, however, I had the smallest wings of my life. They were the smoked wings.

today my mother-in-law took me and my fiancé out for lunch. We met a nice server name. Hannah she was very professional and down to earth her service excellent and she was very friendly. Everything came out on time and was tasty and clean! read more

Finally venturing out into my sales region for an over night and arrived in Knoxville. Hit the fitness center and then hit Yelp to see what was close by and had Dine In, as we're living in a brave new world! Calhoun's was 1.3 miles and reviews looked decent. Not crowded at all, tables spread out and server was very friendly. Got a taster of their Thunder Road micro brew and it was very good, not too heavy but had some flavor. Had to get the pulled pork plate for some of the Tennessee bbq sauce, and wasn't disappointed! Nice size serving, not too much. The slaw was ok, had better but the spinach Maria was very good. Didn't want fries, tots or onion rings, although they looked good, and was a very good meal, quick service and a nice atmosphere. I know I'll be back! read more

Calhoun's I'm Brayden is the worst. Slow service, food isn't that great, flat coke and it's dirty. have to wait to pay. Try Bravo instead.

Very average. $12 for Fried pickles??? Highest in the country. Salad with shrimp average. Pulled pork was ok. Cole slaw was the side of a quarter. Tots good. $50 for that??? Not again. Server JD was awesome. Very friendly and fast. That was a $25 meal at best. Bathroom smelled like an open grave. Just moved here and heard about this place, not a very good effort. We will not be back. Cook was cooking on grill while eating a sandwich, gross. read more

Just an update. I went here yesterday basically because there was no people there and I did not want to be around people. I got the Asian chicken salad which I have gotten for years. It started out good, but I have watched it get smaller and smaller and more and more tired and more expensive as the years go on. Well I got it anyway. It had a tiny dried up chicken breast That just about choked you And a few little toppings. This was $12. Which I have no problem with if it is good. What I'm comparing it to is the Asian chicken salad at the Belair grill in Halls. It is delicious and absolutely smothered with teriyaki chicken and grilled pineapple and toppings all for 999. There is absolutely no comparison. Come on Calhouns. You can do much better. You really should be embarrassed because the quality of your food has gone down so very much. read more

The sweet tea was great. We had ribs,baked potatoes and spinach maria.we were both in need of the facility in the worst way by the time we arrived home.It was an expensive and very bad experience for us both.Not at all what I remembered from past visits.One star is too many! read more

Been here a couple of times and have never had a bad experience ever. Their prime rib is the best I've ever had period! It's hickory smoked which makes it WOW! The service was the best we've had in a long time, the drinks were great too, and the appetizer (bacon wrapped burnt ends) is a must! The place was very clean, the seating was quick, the atmosphere was nice too. read more

Calhoun's - Calhoun's logo. - Barbeque Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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Service at Calhoun's was great. Our server Andrew gave us the low down on his personal favorites and even brought us a few beer samples to try. Food was good too. First time I tried fried green tomatoes and I love it! Thanks Andrew! We'll stop by again if we're in Knoxville! read more

Ordered the family pack of pork for 10 people. Did not come with buns as part of the offering and no BBQ sauce. You must purchase sauce separately. Save money and purchase Buddys BBQ. You get what you pay for with Buddys BBQ. read more

Great service always! We just moved to the Knoxville area. Have tried 3 different locations and each location was excellent service. The fried pickles are the best here! read more

I hated my waiter. Such an arrogant guy, however I have become quite the regular because of the host at the front, Maya. She goes out of her way to make sure my time at Calhouns is pleasant. Food is always good but my salad had a weird dressing my last visit. read more

This place is good but I feel like service is better at some of their other locations. Food comes out fairly fast but not all together and I feel like the lemon chicken was dry but had a good flavor. Also, the liquor seems watered down at this location and the one in Maryville. I can't say for sure that it is but I know it tastes different than the bottle we have at home. I did enjoy dinner but maybe they were having an off day. read more

Calhouns is such a Knoxville staple and I love going here when I visit my parents! Everything is always delicious, I love the grilled shrimp and rice dish, and my husband loved the boneless wings. The service is always friendly and efficient. I would recommend Calhouns for anyone visiting from out of town! read more

Becca, our server, was friendly and professional. Our $50.00 lunch was pretty good. The sid s were delicious, but the brisket was a bit dry as were the pork chops. Atmosphere was airy and tables spaced appropriately. read more

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Calhoun is the perfect place to stop when you're in the summer on the boat. It is one of my favorite places to go in the summer. I definitely recommend the pretzels and beer cheese dip it is one of the appetizers but I normally get it as a meal because it is so good. read more

Yum yum yum!! The bacon wrapped brisket appetizer is excellent! The turkey creek salad is good. But not as good as their special salad from Saturday, May 4th. I've been thinking about that salad for days and wanted another. Sad it wasn't available. The blueberries and chicken were just perfect. My husband oriental salad is delish too. Funny how Calhoun's is not a place I think of for salads, but it needs to be. Thanks for the healthy alternatives!! read more

Food is pretty good, Burgers are really good. Ribs are good but I have to dispute their claim of best ribs in America. Sorry guys you don't even have the best ribs in TN. Work on it. Pulled pork sandwhich is probably better than the ribs. If you want a beer and some good food, this is a good option. They were close enough to 4-stars that I went ahead and gave them 4. Banana Pudding... come do a proper banana pudding. Not impressed your alteration of this desert offering. read more

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I went for dinner a couple of months ago. The Filet was great, but they seated me in the bar. It was so loud, you couldn't hear yourself think. terrible atmosphere. I decided last night to try them again. The hostess attempted to seat me in the bar again. I had to call out to her 3 times because she couldn't hear me above the noise, I told her I thought it was too loud and asked to be seated in the regular dining area. She said no, they were short staffed and I would have to eat in the bar. I said no thanks and went down the street to another restaurant. I seriously doubt that I will go back. read more

Very average. And that's probably giving this place more credit than it deserves. Old facility with no character. Bland food. Not fresh. Average service. Nothing about this place would lead me back to visit again. Go elsewhere. read more

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We stopped to have lunch Sunday afternoon around 1 pm. We were seated right away but waited almost 10 minutes before being greeted by our server. When greeted, we immediately ordered our food as well since we had sat there for a very long time. My wife ordered ribs and I had teriyaki chicken and baked potato. First off, the ribs were very over cooked and super dry. Tough meat with no sauce to dip. My chicken was cooked well and had good flavor but the potato appeared to be reheated from the the day before because it was dry and tough as well. Our server was not very attentive and when told about the food quality, her response was "our ribs are 50/50 and sometimes they are overcooked". Not what a customer wanted to hear. No mention to the manager or nothing to help the situation. I wasn't looking for anything but I just wanted to let her know. We paid and full and will not be entertaining another Calhoun's anytime soon. I'm truly sad about that since we've enjoyed it several times before. read more