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    The Soup Kitchen

    4.1 (60 reviews)
    InexpensiveSoup, Desserts, Sandwiches
    Closed 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    THE SOUP KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - The Soup Kitchen

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    the front of the restaurant
    Lindsay H.

    What a quaint local spot! Many people recommended this to my family as a must-try mom and pop stop. In a small building near the hospital, there is menu signage outside as well as an outdoor pickup window. Inside, you will find a fast moving, cafeteria-esque line where you can order your soup, dessert, breads, sandwiches, and a drink cup (self-serve soda and tea around the corner). The decor is country cozy with lots of knick knacks and antiques displayed as well as lots of Oak Ridge-specific historical signage. The soups are homemade and hot and the breads huge and so dang soft! We didn't try the desserts but better believe that's on the list for next time. My husband ordered the fiesta chicken, I tried the red skin potato, and we split a cheese bread. We moved down the order line and everything was stacked on our trays, which we were handed upon payment at the end of the line. Hubby liked his soup and I liked the consistency of mine. Both just really needed some salt and seasonings. The cheese bread was amazing. Looking forward to trying some of the other breads, along with a sandwich and some of the chili with fritos and cheese (heck yes!). I ordered a sick friend veggie soup and a white roll, which was well-packaged and she really enjoyed the taste of all.

    Justin H.

    As my prior reviews have noted, this is one of the oldest restaurants in Oak Ridge. An institution in itself. That said, the quality of the soup and service has declined in recent times. It's okay. But, the quality could be much better. Still, I think everyone should check out Soup Kitchen (at least once) if you're in Oak Ridge because it's so quirky.

    Reuben
    Jeanette C.

    I think this will be my new lunch location in Oak Ridge! There were plenty of customers ordering to-go meals and dining in...the employees kept the lining moving and made the process easy to order. I was expecting my food to take a while considering the meals ahead of me, but it was fast and super hot! The food was delicious and my husband loved his Reuben sandwich.

    The menu
    Day M.

    Best soup in town! I hadn't been to the Soup kitchen since before the pandemic. I forgot how good it is. If you want a variety of great soup choices, a cool vintage environment , great breads, and desserts, PLEASE visit the Soup Kitchen. It's like a little museum.

    Reuben and cajun red beans
    Larry V.

    Cozy little kitchen, with about a dozen soups and sandwiches. Price for a full sammie and bowl of soup with drink and chips, is about $9. I had cajun red beans, with lots of beans, rice, and meats. My sammie was a Reuben which was a bit different than the normal, but on great bread with a delicious kraut and sauce. My wife had potato cheddar, with nice size chunks of potato. She also got a philly which she really liked. Drinks were coca cola products, tea, coffee, water, milk. We didnt try their fresh breads which looked fabulous. My wife got a slice of cake with nuts on top. Only negative thing I will mention is that a near by customer who waited too long for their sandwich till their soup was cold. She reminded staff several times and settled for a sammie different from what she ordered just to eat. Also parking seems limited. Food is tasty...stop by.

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    10 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    18 years ago

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    16 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Today I had a chicken tamale with chili and cheese bread. It was very good and very fresh. Would definitely go back.

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    12 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    11 years ago

    A fun spot to check out and a local favorite. Soups are homemade and the bread is delish.

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    12 years ago

    Excellent meal of soup and a sandwich at a reasonable. Nice atmosphere friendly people. FINE coconut cream pie. WOW

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    14 years ago

    I worked at Soup K over twenty years ago in high school. It hasn't changed a bit! We always drop in whenever we visit town.

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Friendly staff and amazing food choices! Very down-home feeling as if you're at your mother's table eating!

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    15 years ago

    yum all i can say is yum.but dont expect low prices.if you go get the french onion soup with cheese bread. not too expensive

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    Buffalo Mountain Grille

    Buffalo Mountain Grille

    3.3
    (62 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    After a few visits, I figured it's time to finally write a review for Buffalo Mountain Grill…read more BMG is an unassuming spot--definitely not trying to impress you with its looks. When you walk in, there's no host stand or friendly greeter, just a sign that says, "Seat yourself and let us know you're here." The layout feels a bit patched together, like a restaurant built from spare parts. It's dimly lit, and the interior design doesn't seem like a top priority--so I wouldn't recommend it for a first date or an attempt to impress someone. It has strong dive bar energy, just in restaurant form. There is a small outdoor patio, and the bonus? It's dog-friendly. Inside, there are plenty of TVs, so it leans a bit toward sports bar territory--but without the usual rowdy crowd or game-day vibe. Service has been solid overall. On our first attempt to eat here, they let us know they were short-staffed and wouldn't be able to serve us for an hour. Disappointing, sure--but I appreciated the honesty and that they didn't waste our time. On return visits, service has been on point. We were greeted quickly, our server was helpful and attentive, and food came out hot. There is a bar, but don't expect craft cocktails or a resident mixologist. It's best to keep it simple here: grab a beer on tap or something straightforward like a whiskey neat. Anything more complicated might fall flat. As for the food, it's been consistently good. The hot wings are a standout--crispy with a flavorful hot sauce that actually delivers on heat. I've also tried the fish & chips and the burger; both were solid and satisfying. The only inconsistency was with the side salad. The first time it came out with a fresh spring mix, but on another visit, it was just iceberg lettuce--not a dealbreaker, but a little disappointing. We used to go to Oakey's for our dive-bar wings and casual grub, but Buffalo Mountain Grill has taken that spot for us. It's quirky, no-frills, and definitely not fancy--but they serve up legit food and deliver where it counts. Give it a shot. Just don't come looking for ambience--come hungry.

    This is the THIRD time this has happened, and I'm officially done trying to give this place…read morechances. Tonight I called at 8:25 and spoke to someone about placing an order. I called back at 8:30 (literally FIVE minutes later) to place the order while I was already sitting outside, and the same man suddenly tells me they're closed. Mind you, the store hours say they close at 10 PM. When I told him I had just spoken to him 5 minutes before, he immediately got hateful and rude, started raising his voice, and then turned the lights off like I was bothering him for trying to order food during business hours. Just 4-5 days ago the SAME thing happened except it was around 9 PM. At this point it's honestly giving pure laziness and unprofessional behavior. I'm really not understanding how this place is still open if employees can just close whenever they feel like it and treat customers like trash. He refused to tell me his name and was literally yelling saying his name is "Buffalo Grille" (???) which tells me everything I need to know. I'm sure I'm not the first customer who's been yelled at or cussed at over the phone. I will be calling every day until I get answers from a manager or owner because this is unacceptable. DO NOT waste your time here. Still no apology from owner

    Photos
    Beer on tap
    Beer on tap
    Side salad *this one with spring mix*
    Side salad *this one with spring mix*
    Buffalo Mountain Grille

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    The Soup Kitchen - soup - Updated July 2026

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