Also, another casual place I've always enjoyed (although not been there in a couple of years) is the Bistro at the Bijou.
It crossed my mind, but too tight on time. Next time I’m in town I’m going to try and seduce some of you [uck fay]s to meet me out for some libations.
Ale steak and chop are good. Burgers and wings are good. Potato skins are good. Chicken Calhoun is good. 6 dollar apps are good. Spinach Maria goes without saying. Free ribs when they call your name are good. Beers have gone downhill since Scotty Vellas left. Pass on the rest.
You know you're getting a halfway decent porkchop. That's better than shitty ribs and a paper thin steak
Ale Chop Spinach Maria Creamed Corn All the cornbread I can eat That's my standard meal there. I do think the ribs have gotten better as other shops have opened up in town. Still not my go to place, but better.
I think Calhoun’s is the perfect example of a place that is fine and good but has gotten far less attractive as better restaurants have sprung up in the past several years (a trend that’s true pretty much everywhere).
No Calhoun’s is a staple and it’s busy most nights. Also, be on the lookout for Chesapeake’s West doing their brunch/dinner buffet again. Maybe Mother’s Day. Calhoun’s Turkey Creek buffet is strong too, but not as good as Copper Cellar West.
I kind of just meant to me. Obviously still super popular but if you’re not an older person whose less willing to try new/non-chain type things I think you’d have to acknowledge that Calhoun’s standing on the Knoxville restaurant power rankings peaked a long time ago.
Sheeiiitt y’all aren’t who I’m talking about. I feel like the point is obvious enough without further explanation.
I was mostly suggesting it as an atmosphere to take a client. I like sitting on the river across from Neyland. Can't say I remember much about the food, I do remember the half yard beers, or was it a yard? I can't remember.