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    J C Holdway

    4.4 (266 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated over 3 months ago

    J C Holdway Photos

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    J C HOLDWAY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Quiet
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - J C Holdway

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    John B.

    Awesome place in downtown Knoxville. Arrive early for a place at the bar if you don't have reservations, 15 minutes before opening on a Friday night got us a table by chance. Cannot compliment all the staff enough for their warm hospitality. Shared small plates and appetizers and everything was fantastic. Would definitely come back again when I'm in town. This place deserves all the accolades that it's getting.

    Caroline S.

    Everything was so delectable. The setting to intimate and relaxing. The server was very kind and well informative. It was a great dinner to celebrate our anniversary. You know it's a great place when they're even busy on a Tuesday night. We will definitely come back!

    Casual and warm dining room ... come as you are.
    Jenny D.

    Mark and I were comparing this meal to all the other wonderful meals we've had in the U.S. and we couldn't think of a better one. This restaurant is unpretentious, inventive, and filled with good people who seem to be very happy working here. They are very proud of the restaurant and the food ... and it shows. The cocktails were superb: a Bold Fashioned and a Mezcal citrus almond creation. For starters, we had the pork belly biscuits. Our salad was so simple but layered superbly with beautiful flavors at every level. For dinner, mark ordered Bolognese pasta and said it rivaled his grandmother's. I had the mushroom pasta which was flavorful and just got better with each bite. Dessert: have the PB&J. That is all. One of our best meals ever with a sommelier who really knows his wine.

    Cornbread
    Maureen N.

    I visited for my birthday, and it was an amazing experience! The hospitality was crazy impressive. They made my day feel very special, and I was grateful for that. I ordered the brussels sprouts, gnocchi with short ribs, and cornbread. They gave me crackers with pimento cheese and sorbet on the house! That was surprising but most welcomed! The highlight of the meal was the brussels sprouts and the short ribs included with the gnocchi. The brussel sprouts was delicious and I would definitely recommend it. I was disappointed by the meager amount of short ribs that the gnocchi came with. It melted in my mouth and was very flavorful that I wish it was the main meal rather than the gnocchi. The gnocchi had a floury, raw taste that was off putting actually but the short ribs made up for it. I do not know if they make it fresh but they should alter the recipe. The cornbread was huge and served as an excellent end to my meal right before I got a watermelon sorbet. Overall, I had an amazing time at JC Holdway. I just wish my server had informed me of the special that night. Regardless, I will revisit!

    Pimento Cheese, benne seed cracker & Smoked Chicken Wings, Alabama white sauce
    Chaz P.

    After completing a rugged three-night camping sojourn in the Great Smoky Mountains, I longed to pivot from the primitive to the refined--from firewood and starlight to fine stemware and culinary artistry. My background in fine dining and James Beard Award-winning establishments made the search deliberate, and Providence led me to JC Holdway in Knoxville--a beacon of sophistication in East Tennessee. The evening unfolded on the outdoor patio where the air lingered at a perfect 72°, kissed by a dusky sunset. The chef opened with an unexpected gift: a pimento cheese dollop crowned atop a benne seed cracker. Simple, yet elegant--an amuse-bouche that announced I was in capable hands. For the first course, I ordered the Smoked Chicken Wings glazed in Alabama white sauce. To call them wings feels unjust; these were masterworks--skin crisped to perfection, yet flesh so tender it surrendered from the bone. Quite honestly, among the best wings I've ever encountered across decades of dining. The main act was the Whole Grilled Sunburst Trout--a dazzling display of flavor and craft. Presented with cabbage, green beans, shaved carrots, basil, and a lively tomato vinaigrette, the trout was expertly deboned tableside, adding ceremony to the moment. Each bite reaffirmed my suspicion: this was the single best trout of my life, its succulence owed much to the restaurant's crown jewel--the Josper oven, a rare instrument of culinary alchemy that seals in essence while imparting an unmatched smokiness. To conclude, I savored a Buttermilk Lime Sorbet--silken, refreshing, and so well balanced that I nearly ordered another simply to prolong the experience. Later, I reflected on the story of Chef Joseph Lenn, honored as Best Chef: Southeast by the James Beard Foundation in 2013. It struck a chord with me personally, having served as Captain at Restaurant Eugene in Atlanta when Chef Linton Hopkins won that same award in 2012. Excellence at this level is never a solo act--it is a chorus of discipline, vision, and unity. The team at JC Holdway embodies this truth magnificently. In short, JC Holdway is not merely a restaurant--it is a culinary pilgrimage worth taking. I left not only satisfied, but inspired, and I cannot wait to return with my wife so she can share in this remarkable experience.

    Keisha C.

    The restaurant itself is beautiful, but the waiters and food was even better! Best porkchop ever!

    Pork belly biscuits

    Stumbled in here by chance. We were so welcomed, where the other restaurants in Market Square brushed us off. They seated us in front of the kitchen where we were able to watch the kitchen staff prepare all of the meals. To top it off, our server was amazing and explained all of the dishes beautifully. We tried a several dishes and this place did not disappointed. This is a place for foodies!

    Alyssa K.

    Very fun friendly upscale experience with excellent cocktails that match the excellent service. I had the orecchiette with lobster-deliciously spring fresh. Blue cheesecake was outstanding. Coming back again and again.

    Ribeye steak

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    8 months ago

    Hands down the best restaurant in Knoxville and we have been to them all. Everything is amazing!

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    5 months ago

    Every thing about this restaurant was great. Food was surprisingly good. Reservations is hard to - so book in advance

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    Ask the Community - J C Holdway

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    Tupelo Honey

    4.0
    (1.5k reviews)
    0.1 mi
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    Takes reservations

    We came on a very busy Saturday night (weekend of Dogwood Festival, theatre night, and prom…read morenight). Thankful to have a reservation, we were promptly seated while others with no reservation were being told three hour wait times. I loved the vibe of Tupelo, the hanging lush green plants on the side of the bustling kitchen, the cheerful staff and the lively music. Lizette was our server and she was just a darling. It was our first time here, and she was so helpful with her all of her recommendations. One of Lizette's favorites was the "Peach, don't kill my vibe" sangria. Which I just loved. I nice mix of peach and pineapple in a sangria. For our mains, we had the grilled harvest chicken and the chicken tenders. Both mains came with two sides. With my grilled harvest chicken, I got the mashed potatoes and the braised bacon green beans. The green beans were to die for, even my hubby was saying he should've ordered that as his side. The harvest chicken I loved--especially the sautéed spinach, red peppers and tomatoes on top. But if you can't handle spicy, this dish does have some heat to it. And we ended my birthday celebration with the heavenly banana pudding. It was heavenly in every way. Made in house, and so delicious that even my hubby ate it and he never cares for this dessert. If I could've licked that little bowl, I would've. We already cannot wait to come back and try some of the brunch items on their menu. We loved everything about Tupelo and hats off to Lizette for making our night even more special!!

    Soooo much goodness here!…read more Off the rip, it's super busy on the weekends, so if you do go--go straight to the bar. We got a quick seat & service! The vibes instantly take you back to Neaux Orleans and I'm here for it. The food was better than what the pictures suggest. Parking is discounted with validation!

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    Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken - Lovell Road

    Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken - Lovell Road

    4.5
    (133 reviews)
    13.0 mi

    I have been going to this restaurant for about a year and a half now, and it has personally become…read moreone of my Top 3 favorite restaurants of all time. This is the place that officially made me a fried chicken fan -- and no fried chicken has ever come close to Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken! Address: 126 Lovell Rd, Farragut, TN 37934 Food: 6/5 My go-to meal is the 3-piece Chicken Tenders with French Fries and Baked Beans, with an added Chicken Breast. Gus's chicken is the best fried chicken I have ever had. It's perfectly cooked with an incredible crunch on the outside, while staying moist and juicy on the inside. The spices are absolutely delicious! I've been here over 15 times, and the consistency has always been amazing every single visit. The baked beans are also the best I've ever had. The French fries are seasoned perfectly with a great crunch while still having a fluffy texture inside. ‍Service: 6/5 The service at Gus's is top tier. Every server treats each table like they're the most important customers in the building. Special shoutout to Daisy -- the last few times I've visited, she has been my server, and she remembers me every time. She even knows my order by heart now! She is genuinely one of the nicest and best servers I've ever had at any restaurant. Atmosphere: 5/5 I absolutely love the vibes at Gus's. I always feel right at home whenever I walk in. The design and menu perfectly match the restaurant's personality, and the place is always clean with plenty of comfortable seating. Value: 5/5 The prices and portions are both an A+ for me. I ordered extra food this time, but you can easily get a fantastic and affordable meal here. Final Thoughts I absolutely love Gus's, and it will forever be one of my go-to spots before going to a movie. This is some of the best fried chicken you will ever have -- if not #1, then easily Top 3 of all time. Bring your family, let Daisy take care of you, and enjoy an incredible meal! FEAST Overall Rating: 6/5 Would I Go Back?: Forever and always -- I'll keep coming back

    Despite all the accolades, I must respectfully dissent. Tried Gus's today after wanting to go for…read moresome time. The chicken was good -- just not next level or great. I felt it was kind of tough and not crispy enough. Like a dark, over-fried version. Sides were okay. I like that they had collard greens. Goes well with chicken. Overall: Seems way overhyped. I like CM Chicken better. For Southern style, I've had better as well.

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    Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken - Lovell Road
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    J C Holdway - newamerican - Updated June 2026

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