I finally got to try this place. A dying breed-- a real nice diner full of regulars, and regular people in for a hearty and tasty meal at a very decent price. I want to go back and try breakfast items and some of the non-traditional items (Greek and mid-east influence). I could not resist trying the country-fried steak meal. Came with EXCELLENT crisp fries and solid fried okra. I debated 4 or 5 stars. Only went with 4 for minor issues (no beer, ha ha). For an old-school diner, the food seems VERY GOOD! read more

Colonel's Cafe - Oops couldn't wait until I had a few bites. Country-fried steak, fries and fried okra. Delicious. - American Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

This is a Mom & Pop cafe! We ordered two To-Go Farmer's Platters. One with grits and one with potatoes both with biscuits. They were both great! Loved the griddle toasted biscuits! The pick-up was fast and easy. I can't wait to go back and dine in. It is a typical diner vibe. read more

Awesome place to Eat with a Greek flair. Portions are great and prices are awesome highly recommend! read more

Awesome hometown breakfast, open all morning! Love their specialty country fried potatoes! read more

This is a no nonsense, retro-style diner. It is NOT a greasy spoon. We were approached as soon as we sat down and were attended to in acceptable intervals. We split scrambled eggs with cream cheese, chives, & capers. It included chopped potatoes & toast. We added a side of grits and had coffee to drink. It was enough for the two of us. Everything was prepared well. It did not arrive piping hot but acceptable. I considered it a good value. read more

Excellent place. No BS, specials on the whiteboard, simple menu, fantastic service, prices and food. Consistently great and everything they serve is delicious every time. Try the fried bologna sandwich. It will change your life for the better. read more

This was a nice place to eat. We did enjoy it. The service was good. It's all older people who serve and it has safe feel. The owner is Greek, I assume orthodox catholic since there were pictures on the wall and little identifying marks for that here and there. I suppose they are also superstitious given the pennies in a bag of water taped to the overhang of the roof in the front. For those who are health conscience: although the food tasted good and the Mediterranean salad was refreshing and healthy, the food was very low quality. We ate breakfast there, they had eggs, I suspect them to be from a carton, the bread definitely was bought from a store, they had no real butter, only margarine, the syrup for pancakes was table syrup most likely loaded with corn syrup, the pancakes were from a box. Of course it all tasted good, because store bought food was perfected in taste with msg and many other additives. However the cook is probably very good. The eggs were cooked perfectly, the toast was toasted perfectly, the pancakes were cooked perfectly, the omelettes and Greek salad were perfect. So if you don't care about health this is a great little whole in the wall. read more

This is a hidden gem and I'm so glad we found it, randomly, while looking for a quick breakfast spot. The location is pretty small, with an even smaller parking lot - I would recommend carpooling if you're planning on meeting up for breakfast. Although the service area is quite small, the tables turned really quickly so nobody seemed to be waiting for very long. Our server was super friendly and the food comes out very fast; all wins. Don't skip the biscuit - it was incredible, definitely homemade and well-worth it. The food, overall, is very good. Tastes like most diners, but you can tell they are focused on keeping the quality and freshness along with the speed. If I get back to Knoxville, this would be a go-to spot. read more

Colonel's Cafe - Corned beef hash - American Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

See all

Had to leave......SO DIRTY Even the waitress had filthy sweatshirt on. :/. Alot of add ons too No gloves worn when handling food. Chef wiped counter with his hand and then picked up toast. What??? We tried...just couldnt! People in Knoxville need to be more particular!!! read more

Colonel's Cafe - Prices added - American Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Food here is amazing. I love this place I could eat her everyday for breakfast or lunch. Highly recommend.

The phone order was easy to place and she let me know what specials were on the board when asked. Food was cooked as asked and ready at the time indicated. It's a small place with a lot of heart. The food was yummy. Capers in the potatoes were different, but good. The pancakes were super fluffy and the kids ate them for breakfast and lunch! Good portions. read more

Colonel's Cafe - Grilled chicken and eggs - American Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

See all

When you sit down and quickly realize that you're the only strangers in the entire restaurant, that's a good sign (unless you also hear banjos playing). In one of the few buildings in the Bearden Shopping District that hasn't undergone an upscale renovation, Colonel's Cafe is an un-ironic 80's time warp that lives up to all your childhood memories of easygoing meals at the local diner, and I can't believe I've never tried this neighborhood hole in the wall before. The plates are mismatched, the kitchen aged and cramped, and you'll find not a single trace of anything pretentious or trendy in the decor, the staff, or the menu. The floors and tables are clean, and you cannot beat the vibe--well loved and broken in like a favorite pair of jeans. The portions are good, and the menu is comfortingly familiar diner fare but with an unexpected Mediterranean twist (Capers atop expertly fried potatoes? Absolutely!). The pancakes are huge and as fluffy as you'll feel after eating two. Do mind the time and arrive early because the parking lot is small, and the regulars arrive in droves during peak breakfast and lunch hours. We might have been the only patrons in the place this morning who weren't regulars, but I promise we will be soon! read more

See all

The southern eggs with cream cheese and chives were amazing!! Would definitely order again.

We eat here several times a month. Food is always good. Great for breakfast or lunch.

Absolutely amazing! Incredible flavors. Everything was perfection. Fried okra was spot on.

The pastrami sandwich was INCREDIBLE! Also the best biscuits and gravy I think I've ever had read more

Colonel's Cafe - Pastrami sandwich was INCREDIBLE. Also best biscuits and gravy I think I've ever had - American Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Food was good but wouldn't say great. Not sure how my bill was $62 before tip. Not the friendliest staff. I will likely not return.

Nothing fancy. Just good food. I love to eat breakfast there. I recommend this place read more

LOVE this little local gem! THE favorite breakfast place in Knoxville - out of the way, unassuming and always delicious. Bacon is perfectly crisp, eggs are spot on, pancakes are plate size and the gravy for biscuits and gravy is the best in Knoxville. My personal favorite lately is the Mediterranean Breakfast (hold the fresh garlic in the eggs) because there is plenty in the homemade hummus. Gotta try the ENORMOUS Turkey Club with extra crispy French fries for lunch. Can't usually make it thru a whole club so I have lunch for the next day. As always, the owner, Nina, and her amazing staff make everyone feel welcome. read more

Colonel's Cafe - Turkey Club with extra crispy fries - American Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

See all

Food is too mediocre for rudeness. Food is not great, not terrible (not the best of endorsements, but is what it is) but usually a quick in and out. The service however, is less than mediocre. So if throwing on a scale, mediocre food combined with over all unfriendly service - no need to ever eat here. My family and I (as well as friends) won't be any longer - that's for certain. read more

I hesitate to post this review because I don't want the Colonel to run out of tables. I don't want to wait in line next time I go there for lunch or breakfast. There's no chance I won't be back and very soon. Wow! What a breakfast! Wow, what a down-to-Earth atmosphere, wait staff, and cook team. (I met the cook team as I cut through the storage area to reach the bathroom--it's cozy and delightful.) I'm definitely a recruit for the Colonel's army of customers. I took my son and his girlfriend there for a lazy Saturday morning breakfast (9:30am) and the place was packed, all locals and all sorts: college couples, extended families, single dudes fresh off a morning jog. The secret's out, Colonel--please add more room because I will be back and this is just another well-deserved five-star review that s bound to bring more like me to your door. read more

Colonel's Cafe - Philly Cheesesteak Omelet - American Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

See all

If you're an 80's (or older kid), think Mel's Diner. Even the cook rings the bell when an "order is up"! This place is a small, well-hidden diner for those not native to the area. But it fills up fast with Big Orange on the weekend. We ordered the 2eggs with bacon and toast special and chocolate chip pancakes. Both we're very good and came out hot and fresh. All items appear to be made to order. The atmosphere is local, close to your neighbor, but very friendly. Staff were on top of everything and always kept our coffee flowing. A great find if you're in the area or on your way back home from the mountains. read more

Wonderful food! The breakfast potatoes are a must!! Wonderful service , great atmosphere and delicious food!

Awesome place to try different spin on breakfast service was great really enjoyed atmosphere

Cute little diner that we found on a whim. Parking lot is tiny so plan to work to find a space. When you walk in they find you an open spot if there are any. We went around 9:30/10am and it was busy but we got sat right away at a little two top. Ordered right away and came out within 15 minutes if not less. I ordered the pork tenderloin souvlaki and very good, I asked for a side of Tazaki sauce and it added some salt in general but the potatoes were cooked well, the pita was perfect grilled and the pork was very tender. My husband ordered a grilled cheese and bowl of chili and said it was very good, only thing he would change is asking for cheddar vs American cheese. Definitely going to try something different next time, but every dish we saw looked great! We love little local diners and will definitely be back. read more

See all

Stopped by after kids soccer game for late breakfast. The crew was skeptical from the outside but after feast of chocolate chip pancakes, French toast, and omelettes there were smiles all around. Fast and friendly service and charming vibe. 5 stars for food and service, slight ding for the coffee , it was fine , commercial grade standard issue. read more

Great place for breakfast, hidden near campus. Feels very mom and pops and is small, so I wouldn't bring more than a party of 6 here. If you wanted to get seated fast that is. The staff are always friendly and willing to move around tables to accommodate large parties. I usually just get a regular ole breakfast with some over medium eggs with sausage and bacon. Which they cook to my preferences, but the hash browns could use flavor. My friends would all recommend their pancakes. Sometimes it is hard to get the staffs attention with how busy and small the place is, but besides that I love coming here. read more

We went to Colonels café for lunch on Sunday and I realized quickly, so do a lot of people from Knoxville! The seating is limited and you definitely come out smelling like a diner but the overall experience is always really positive. That positivity is due to a friendly staff who work really efficiently in tight quarters. I haven't had anything that has overwhelmed me with flavor or presentation but that doesn't stop this restaurant from being a café that is deserving to be visited. read more

Colonel's Cafe - Double meat cheeseburger - American Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

See all

A hidden gem tucked away off of the hustle and bust Al of Kingston Pike! Great omelettes!! Breakfast with a Greek flair! Quick and kind service! read more

This little hole in the wall is a hidden gem. My husband got the breakfast burrito & I got the corned beef hash with potatoes and 2 over easy eggs. The restaurant is kind of run down, but the service was quick, employees were welcoming, food was good and it was cheap. It's giving hometown diner. I would come back! If you're looking for a quick, traditional American breakfast that isn't gonna hurt your wallet, this is the spot. read more

Staff is so friendly and welcoming, more seating than I expected, i think the menu has been scaled down, it's different from older Yelp reviews. Nothing really stood out to me. Got the special, cajun egg scramble, it was very tasty. Biscuits and gravy very good, coffee eh. read more

Colonel's Cafe - cajun scramble - American Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

See all

The food here is always delicious. And if you're in a small group, it is the perfect place to have breakfast. It's not a trendy place, it's just good cooking. The only reason I reduced it by a star is because anytime I've gone there with more than six people. The staff seems quite aggravated. I don't know why it's a problem, but I suppose moving the tables around gets them frustrated. read more

The food here was fantastic. There isn't a kids menu but my sons split the chocolate chip pancakes and had leftovers. Really cool little diner. read more

First impression was not great. There was 2 of us and we sat a large table and we were asked to move to a smaller table to make room for "possible" larger crowd. It sorta set the tone. But we moved on and ordered. I got corn beef hash with eggs over medium and my friend got the healthy omelette. The place is small and appears to be locally owned. Has the feel of a "mom and pop" place, with the bell in the window "pick up" announced. No one is very talkative and mostly a older crowd. The omelette was very good. Corn beef over cooked and very salty. They are open from 8am-2pm, daily. read more

See all

Awesome ppl and experience food was delicious love the options on the menu fun friendly environment

Excellent but crowded breakfast place. Homemade biscuits and corned beef hash. We'll definitely return.

excellent food and service! I've had the fish of the day for breakfast twice. Grouper done the Greek way. Greek breakfast is good too. You won't be disappointed with cod quality, flavor, or price here. read more

I keep not wanting to review this place because it's so delicious and we always worry that we won't be able to get a seat or a table but the crew at Colonel's café are amazing from the cooks behind the scene behind the counter to the ladies and gentleman waiting tables always a great experience. Food is amazing we've not had anything we didn't like and we've been there every other weekend for sure. Highly recommend the breakfast burrito had an omelette last time. Crew knows food! read more

See all

This is another place that I've had bookmarked for a long time but only recently tried. I only wish I had tried it sooner! We came for an early lunch on a weekday. There was plenty of seating at the in between breakfast and lunch time. The service was fast and friendly. I had a modified Greek salad (no cheese), hummus, pita, and colonels potatoes. Everything was incredibly fresh and flavorful. The hummus was unusual and very different from local favorites like Yassin's and Holy Land. It wasn't my favorite but I still enjoyed it. Their pita bread is some of the best in town. But the potatoes are incredible! I would go back just for them. read more

Great little diner that has great food and wonderful service by Nick! Unfortunately we ate our food before I could think of taking a picture. My husband and I split the Western Omelette (with cheddar cheese instead of the American that's on the menu). Delicious and just the right amount of food for us. We also split a pancake and it was huge and fluffy. Our friend got the Popeye omelette, which was delicious she said. Her husband just ordered biscuits and gravy. He asked for a sample of the gravy before he ordered and Nick had no problem bringing it to him. He said it was delicious. The coffee wasn't the best we've ever had but the food definitely made up for it. read more