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Calhoun's On The River

400 Neyland Drive, Knoxville, TN 37902
865-673-3355
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Ranked #25 of 715 restaurants in Knoxville
Cuisines: Barbecue
Good for: Child-friendly, Bar Scene, Groups, Business, Local cuisine, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch Spot, Dinner, Reservations, After-hours
Restaurant details
Good for: Child-friendly, Bar Scene, Groups, Business, Local cuisine, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch Spot, Dinner, Reservations, After-hours
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245 reviews from our community

81% Recommend
    104
    96
    24
    14
    7
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
New York City, New York
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
15 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW

First visit to Knoxville since 1997, but Calhoun's stayed in my memory. Super-good ribs. A half-slab is plenty, with spicy baked beans and cole slaw. Good local beer on tap--try the Cherokee Red Ale, malty with a hint of citrus. A hint--better to take a taxi if your hotel is downtown...the hill is a doozy, especially after a couple of... More

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Fairfax, Virginia
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
19 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 June 2013

I was in Knoxville for a few days on business and went to Calhoun's on the River for a business dinner on a weeknight. It wa a hot night and we sat in the atrium and had a great view of the river and bridges but still within the comfort of airconditioning. The restaurant is right by the University so... More

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Roswell, New Mexico
Top Contributor
69 reviews 69 reviews
43 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 June 2013

Generous helpings of very good barbeque. Corn pudding was well seasoned. Fried green tomatoes were everything they should be. Try to sit on the deck which is right on the Tennessee River.

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See 5 more reviews by LyleandTerry for Knoxville
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Top Contributor
83 reviews 83 reviews
44 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 34 cities Reviews in 34 cities
36 helpful votes 36 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2013

This is a very spacious restaurant right by the river. We tried the bbq trio (ribs, chickdn tenders and pork). The ribs were excellent, the chicken tenders were amazingly good, but the pork was a bit dry (though easily fixable with some bbq sauce). The corn pudding and mac n cheese sides were really good. Servers were friendly and accomodating... More

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See 2 more reviews by nytoparis for Knoxville
San Francisco, California
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2013

We went here for lunch one day and really enjoyed it. I recommend the Hickory Burger and some sort of potato skin filled with pulled pork, bacon, and something else. They have good milkshakes if you have a sweet tooth and a good atmosphere.

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Top Contributor
77 reviews 77 reviews
46 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 40 cities Reviews in 40 cities
42 helpful votes 42 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2013

Great place right on the river. The view up and down the river is very nice. the food was good and so was the service. we had a good time here. We sat out side right by the water and we were able to see a fisherman catch and release a big fish. He caught it or one that looked... More

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Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2013 via mobile

We were in town for an event and had a large party of 26 people. We called ahead a week before, but were told they weren't taking reservations this week because of all the events in town. Although we were really worried that we wouldn't be able to get in, we sent a small subset of the group in early... More

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Houston, Texas
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

I wish we had these places back in TX. I know I know, we are known for having good BBQ in TX. This place has us beat.

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See 3 more reviews by Greg W for Knoxville
Beavercreek, Ohio, United States
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

I've eaten at this restaurant a couple times with large groups. The food and service were good. I will go back next time I'm in town.

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See 5 more reviews by JCB0812 for Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee
Top Contributor
72 reviews 72 reviews
38 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
44 helpful votes 44 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2013

Been here a few times, call ahead to see if there's a band playing on the deck. If so, it will be crowded out there, but very cool. Calhouns has several restaurants in Knoxville, this is the only one on the river... convenient to University of Tennessee and the downtown area. Large indoor restaurant, large outdoor deck. Known for ribs... More

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See 12 more reviews by blitzin for Knoxville

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