The service here was good for a super casual, friendly, fast paced experience. Our server was on top of everything, which honestly made me hopeful about the rest of the meal. Unfortunately, the food didn't come close to matching the service. The presentation was plain and unappetizing -- just overcooked meat plopped on a plate with zero garnishing or presentation value. The Caesar salad was wilted and sad. The potato skins were overcooked and overloaded with hardened cheese. Yuck! The BBQ pork was dry and had a weird, straw-like texture. The ribs were tiny and drowning in sauce, and the brisket was mostly fat. It all felt lazy and overdone at the same time. The kitchen really needs a major upgrade. The beer and complementary bread were good, though. Ok place for a drink, but I wouldn't come back for the food. Overall, the service was good. read more

First, I am generous at 4 stars, as the location is absolutely beautiful on the river and there are lots of parking spaces in a lengthy parking lot, although it is a long way to walk for some of the spaces. You go inside and are quickly seated but then discover that their music coming over the speakers is so loud that people are hollering to be able to speak with one another at adjoining tables. They frankly need to turn the music down to a lower roar. This place is known for its barbecue and other good food so I selected the steak and shrimp special. The shrimp was grilled and fairly good size with an absolutely great grilled taste. The steak was supposedi to be a 7 oz but after the first two slices and bites of it the chewing became just that--chewy due to the tough sinew. After we ordered, and got our wine (see that foolishness below), I went to the closest bathroom, outside of the open kitchen entranceway. It was unclean and unkempt. Dave was our waiter. Server? Not so much. We ordered a $32 bottle of Kendall Jackson Vintners Reserve Chardonnay, a favorite for us. He brought the wine in a stone wine chiller, and placed it and the two glasses on the table, gestured at the wine, informing us that it was a screw top and turned around and walked away without opening the bottle serving a sample or pouring any wine for us. I don't know who trained him but they certainly need to have a discussion with him on serving wine. read more

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Ate at the on the river location today, the food and service, especially the service, was excellent. Today I even took time to talk to the Manager after my experience. I told him how good my Server Nathan was, also how friendly and nice the outside Bartender Chelsea was. I ate at the Loudon location before and it was awful, bad food and bad service. Too many times I write bad reviews, it is refreshing when I finally get to write a glowing review. Nathan and Chelsea, thanks for a great experience today. read more

Food 4/5 - I absolutely love Calhoun's: the food, ambiance, and views of the river. Our food was fresh and delicious. My personal favorite has always been the Oriental Chicken Salad. Service / Ambiance 4/5 - A must visit Knoxville restaurant. I absolutely love the view of the river. The service was attentive and nice. We also got our food fairly quickly. read more

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First time dinning here. Food was excellent (burnt brisket ends with bacon & BBQ sandwich) and our server Tiffany went above and beyond. She got us out early for an event we had and was very attentive and friendly. Would definitely stop here again next time we're in town! read more

Party of 4 arrived at 1pm, didn't seem busy inside but the parking lot was full! Ordered food and it took forever to get it. 2 orders of ribs, pork sandwich, chicken bowl. The server was friendly and we sat in the sunroom overlooking the river. Place was clean inside but the food was just ok. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great riverfront location with wonderful views.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Calhoun's has a pretty comprehensive menu, and the brisket was surprisingly good! Brisket can be hit or miss, especially if you're not at a strictly BBQ joint. Service was good too. read more

Food was a let down... The bacon wrap brisket was great, but the brisket alone is on the dry side. The baby back ribs and the chicken was dry and bland. I like the spinach maria. The chicken BbQ sandwich was bare... The service was a let down too... server no smile. We were thirsty... wouldn't refill your drinks and it was a tuesday night... not too busy. Also, our server didn't smile at all the entire time. The plus for me is location and the view, music and ambience. read more

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Normally I wouldn't do a review for To-Go orders but I really felt the need to do one for this place as a *WARNING* - if you order from here be sure to call it in or download their app. I placed my order thru Google/Doordash and almost had a bad experience due to their systems not completing my order with the restaurant. If it weren't for their GM coming to check on us right as we pulled in, we would've never known. That service alone is amazing! Now onto to the food... * Calhoun's Trio- Ribs were amazing, Tenders were just okay for me & the pulled pork was great. My only negative was that they didn't give us any extra bbq sauce. Is that not a thing here in TN? * Smoked Sausage and Cheese Plate- this was actually so good! I love everything about this plate * Sides: Mac n cheese, Spinach Maria, Baked beans & brisket chili- everything was good, except the baked beans wasn't what I expected. It's not the typical brown sugar beans, it was sweet & had meat in it-- not bad, just not what we expected. * Banana Pudding- a MUST get. This was a mix of not your mama's pudding w/ macadamia nuts. So good! The place sits right on the river and has amazing views! We might try to go back there again to dine-in. Over all the good is great and the service was above and beyond! read more

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I got house salad and added chicken tenders and they were delicious. Service was fast. Nice river view. read more

Calhoun's - view - Barbeque Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Pretty standard chain restaurant that's huge inside and offers decent food. Our party had burgers, ribs, and some apps to share. Everything was fine, nothing great, but the view of the bridge was good. The mixed drinks were a bit inconsistent and weren't the best. No one got a 2nd. Our server was lovely and super friendly. We had good service overall. It was fun to try once. read more

We have been going to Calhoun's on the River for 28years-always bring out of town guests here. Today we went to sit on the patio and have some cocktails and order to-go food. I always get Tito's and lemonade(they fresh squeeze their juices). Today-I was charged $20 for a double TITO's and lemondade!!! WTH? I had 2 and didn't know the cost. They used to be $12-13!!! I can go downtown and have 4 for that price. TITO's..not TOP SHELF!! This is such a rip off. I can drink at the Knoxville Airport cheaper than this. This is crazy insane price and I'm so furious at the owner/management for such a HUGE price gouge. Our server was fabulous-so this has nothing to do with service. We aren't in CHICAGO, NEW YORK or LA....c'mon--you can do better than this...no wonder it wasn't busy today on a beautiful weekend. You should be ashamed of this markup. DO BETTER. read more

Horrible! Just horrible Dry meats Terrible sangria Ice cold hard as a rock potato and sides Skip this place at all costs It was perhaps the worst meal I've ever had read more

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Calhouns is a go to spot, especially on game days. The food is always amazing. I highly recommend the ribs or the barbecue. Highly recommend sitting outside if you have the chance: the view of the river can't be beat. A lot of the favorites items typically run out quick so would recommend the earlier dinner if possible! read more

Do not visit this restaurant. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There were two mice in the women's restroom.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I spoke to both the assistant and general manager who both dismissed the situation. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The general manager stated that they have pest control out three times a week.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They were both dismissive about the fact that there were mice in the establishment and it was out of their control. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I am one disgusted that I ate in a place with mice and even more frustrated that there was zero accountability by the managers.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our server was very nice and apologetic. read more

Calhoun's has a sophisticated system for to-go orders that includes a proprietary app, designated parking, and a "check-in/checkout" feature. This location is in a particularly nice spot, with views of the river, bluffs, and sits in the shadow of downtown's larger buildings. The food is excellent through the entire Copper Cellar brand of restaurants but the service varies by time of day and weekends. This location is incredibly popular during football season for its dockside patio and proximity to the stadium, as well as s hub for the "Vol Navy." read more

The service was exceptional ! Loved the view and the great food. We will definitely be back

Our food and service was excellent. We got seated right away at 9:40 on a Friday night. House salads were fresh, crisp, and cold, with homemade bacon bits, croutons, and freshly grated cheese. Ribs and table bbq sauce were delish and the perfect tenderness. Tangy, sweet sauce was yummy and unique. Family got wings which they both seemed to enjoy. We would definitely eat here again! read more

Delicious food and friendly staff. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Very cool surroundings and setting the place is in[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Large restaurant[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Calhoun's on the River is solid. Our group of 3 sat indoors in the extended part overlooking the Tennessee River. Our server Jazmin was helpful making recommendations and checked on us often. On Friday and Saturday, they serve 12 oz and 16 oz prime rib with a side. Husband and I shared the 16 oz prime rib ($35) and side of cinnamon sugar apples; we give it a 3.5/5. Our friend ordered the bone-in wings with fries. Also solid. We enjoyed the atmosphere and our meal. We went for a walk on the dock and boardwalk afterwards. Definitely will return. read more

Calhoun's - Medium rare Hickory Smoked Prime Rib Dinners (16oz) for $35 - Barbeque Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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The only restaurant open on Christmas so it's a life saver. Unfortunately the outdoor sitting is closed with the perfect weather Very antique interior. Staff are nice Beef brisket sandwiches really good and big portion. Right amount of fat and lean meat. Not too dry. Good amount of smoky flavor Catfish is a bit too oily. But the meat is very tender Spinach side is too cheesy and oily. Not recommended read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Nothing special about this place at all.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The view of the river isn't even that interesting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Very overrated.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Took awhile for the food to come out also. read more

We stopped by The Tennessee River Neyland Drive location that we eat at regularly on Monday Jan 19th for lunch due to an email we received for an eight dollar burger Monday special. We arrived at lunch time and our waitress told us they don't honor that special. We let her see the email and when clicking the find location box it listed all locations. She went to ask her manager and came back and said it wasn't available at this location but after showing her the email she agreed it did list all locations but she checked again and we were still denied the special so we left. We eat here all the time and it makes zero marketing sense that one location would do this to regular clients. Maybe it's time to seek out other alternatives. Sorry to ask for so much! read more

waited two and a half hours got told ten minutes twice i had to wait an hour after both and they sat multiple parties before us

We called the restaurant yesterday, Friday night, and asked if there was a wait for two people. The woman on the phone said no. We asked if there was a way to call ahead, to which she said no because they only did first come first served. Ten minutes later (right at 10 pm), we arrived at the restaurant, and the hostess said she would clear a table for us, but then came back to tell us they were at full capacity and couldn't seat us. We asked if she could put us on the waiting list, and she said no, saying that by the time they would seat us, they would already be closed. We arrived an hour before the restaurant closed, and they refused to serve us. read more

This is your typical chain restaurant very similar to a Texas Roadhouse quality meal if you're into that kind of thing. Couldn't really see the river since it was nightfall. read more

OMG!!! Service was amazing. The food don't even get me started on the food. Their food is sooooo good and their portions are huge!

Absolutely horrible. We went, as a party of 4, had a long wait time which was to be expected. Our waitress was super kind and helpful but the what really damaged the service was the timing. Our food came out at completely different times. Half our table got their plates and then we had to wait 5 minutes for ours. Then, we didn't get all of our sides. We started eating and then our sides came out. I get it. It was a Friday and busy BUT I expected more. And expected the base minimum. We ordered Brisket it was DRY as hell. Prime rib was just a slab of meat between 2 pieces of sub bread which I guess it okay. Just overall to disappointing for the price and hassle. read more

Ambiance is fantastic! Great views of the river and located in a trendy part of town near the University. This review is for 2 visits that were years apart. 4 stars is being generous. Appetizers are pretty fun here; fried green tomatoes, fried pickles, soft pretzels with beer cheese, potato skins, etc. We've tried them all and they are all done well and are delicious. I'd say the fried pickles are my favorite of the bunch. The biscuits that they bring out before dinner are AH-MAZE-ING! Very yummy and satisfying. The Calhoun's Trio (pork, chicken tenders, and ribs) and the Rib Eye and Prime Rib steak dinners have all been appreciate and enjoyed. The salmon, however, was dry and very lack-luster, disappointing. I get it, it's a steak place (mainly) so maybe things other than meat are not as cared for. Last time I had the shrimp and was disappointed, so I tried the salmon on my most recent visit. What resurrected my salmon meal was the fantastic Mac N Cheese, it was super sticky and just how I like it. So very scrumptious and satisfying. So, the service from the staff is very attentive and friendly, never any disappointment with that. We had drinks refilled and plates removed all within a comfortable time frame. Prices are as to be expected as well, average about $25-ish per person. On our last visit, I was pretty disappointed because we were there for a very special occasion and made reservations long in advance for our party of 10. Specific and special instructions to have a table with a view of the river. Once we arrived, they took us out to the table that was only for 6 people, that wasn't going to work.... so they put us inside tucked in a corner with no view at all and barely any elbow room. Disappointing but I guess these things happen.... this was an event that really deserved amazing seating though. Would we go back? Yep, probably. The views are fantastic and the food is fairly decent. Service, wonderful. Thank you and CHEERS! read more

We were seated pretty quickly & the staff was very friendly & welcoming. We ordered pretty quickly & the food came out in a timely manner. My husband & I both ordered a steak - his BBQ & mine with a Worcester butter - both were delicious! The steak was so tender & flavorful! The baked potato was even delicious! We asked for a salad to share, I think they charged us for two, but I think that was because of a miscommunication. The biscuits were divine! We would definitely eat here again! read more

I always like to throw out the disclaimer that I don't like barbecue much. This is why I get other food when I go to a barbecue place. I got fish and chips and some spinach artichoke dip. The spinach and cheese dip was fine but man. Those chips. Help me. They were covered in grease and half of them were kind of rubbery and gross. Please don't even bother serving those to people! Fortunately our server brought us some new chips (he said they were "from the inside"... so ask for chips from the inside if yours are bobo when you are sitting outside). The new ones were actually crispy and crunchy like a chip should be. My fish and chips were good, I feel like it's hard to mess up fish and chips. Personally I would probably give them a 3 since one of our friends with us got nachos and the chips were the same sad "outside" chips instead of crispy, crunchy "inside" chips but my husband is a big fan so taking that and the service/ambiance into account (live band playing right by us, awesome view of the river), I bumped them up to a 3.5, this rounding up to the 4 stars as you can see here. read more

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Atmoshere is what youd expect from a BBQ house, they have a decent selection of draft beers. The ribs were dry, baked beans are smoked not my taste but to each his own. The chicken tenders were crispy on the outside tender inside. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. If you are looking for good BBQ this is not where I'd go. But some of their other entrees are good. read more

I rarely start with ambiance, but this was an amazing spot on the river. We ate outside next to the riverside and it was beautiful. Service was spotty but, the staff were extremely friendly. Our waiter didn't come back to the table during our visit to check on us. Food was good and the helpings were enormous. I had the breaded fried chicken wings with the house signature sweet and spicy sauce. I would have enjoyed a buffalo sauce more, but they were good. Wife had the chicken fingers which were perfectly battered and tasty. We will go back when we are back in Knoxville. read more

I have been to a few different Calhouns in the past few months. The BBQ is alright to be honest. I will say the service has always been great at all the locations. The best thing is the banana pudding and the blue Cheese dressing is incredible. read more

The food took genuinely forever to come out and our server never came to check on us. Took 30 min to get a beer. Bug in our salad. Tried to talk to the manager about the issues and they were so incredibly rude and unhelpful. Also parking is impossible so don't even try. Will never be returning. read more

Love the "Burger Monday" as we go usually on Monday and its great value. FALINE, THE GREETER HOST, We love so helpful and fun to be greeted by her Excellent bean, broccoli fresh. Great hamburger portion Love this restaurant because of staff like Faline, Mckenzie, and others read more

Calhoun's - Chicken sandwich lettuce onions baked beans - Barbeque Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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Great burger Quick, courteous servers Whether at a table (inside or outside) or sitting at the bar the staff is constantly checking on you/your table Family/friend atmosphere on the Tenneessee River read more

Mediocre food, unkempt dining room, cheerful but incompetent service. Visited this location with a party of 5. The floor of the restaurant was disgusting - crayons and various food (pieces of carrots, French fries, etc) that had clearly been stepped on several times. All of these items were still on the floor when we left, creating a fall hazard. Drinks came fairly quickly as did our appetizer, but we had to ask twice for plates. The plates were delivered 15 minutes after we received the appetizer, and cold fried green tomatoes just don't taste good. Had to ask the waitress for the list of specials. Three us got our main dishes, but the other two weren't delivered until 10-15 minutes later. Made for a disjointed uncomfortable meal. My brisket was meh - three slices that were somewhat dry, and half of one slice was over 50% pure fat rendering it inedible. Pretty setting, but the unclean restaurant and mediocre food was depressing. I will not return. read more

Great food, loved the draft IPAs, awesome location and atmosphere. Daniela was our server and she was AMAZING! We were also impressed with LA so friendly! We will 1000% be back again. Thanks for the wonderful service and the awesome time. Great memories made with my man!!! read more

So the people that first greeted us upon entering were irritatingly rude. But after getting seated we met our waitress and she was amazing, I'm not sure that I remember her name and I do not want to get it wrong but she definitely saved the experience! But besides that the food was pretty good nothing crazy out of the ordinary, I enjoyed it. The atmosphere was decent, only thing is we waited about 20 minutes to get seated just for the entire restaurant to be empty. read more