For a small town nestled in the foothills of the Smokies, Maryville, TN has a surprisingly good variety of local restaurants to try. Although Maryville has some of the same wonderful restaurants you would find in Knoxville like Aubrey’s, Calhoun’s, Sullivan’s, and Smoky Mountain Brewery, this list shares some of our favorite places to eat that are truly unique to Maryville and give our hometown so much flavor.
If you live in Maryville, you already know that you don’t have to drive to nearby Knoxville to find a great meal. If you live in Knoxville or you’re passing through on your way to the Townsend side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you should stop in sometime and try some local “MUR-VILLE” cooking.
At A Glance Favorite Restaurants In Maryville, TN
Favorite Restaurant With Kids– Bluetick Tavern
Favorite Lunch Spot– Lemon Grass (Thai)
Favorite Coffee Shop– Vienna Coffee House
Favorite Date Night– Foothills Milling
Favorite Brewery– Peaceful Side Brewery
Best Weekend Brunch – Bella
Read on for descriptions of each and even more restaurant recommendations in Maryville!
Our Favorite Restaurants To Eat With Kids In Maryville
Bluetick Tavern is our “go to” family restaurant in Maryville. Formerly known as “Barley’s,” it has changed in name only and still has the same ownership and the same great food.
Its building is one of the first downtown renovations in Maryville so it has a stylish relaxed vibe with tall ceilings, wood floors, barnwood, and lots of TVs to watch the game. Upstairs you’ll find pool tables and a handful of additional dining tables, albeit with louder music as it is more of a bar area.
The pizza is my absolute favorite anywhere but they also grill a mean burger, toss a terrific salad, and offer entrees like grilled salmon and pork burrito with fried bananas that keep us coming back. We are also fans of their extensive beer menu and very happy Monday happy hour (1/2 price pints). The kids menu is $5, and the chicken fingers are actually delicious.
Parking can be found on the top deck of the Maryville Municipal Parking Garage right next to Bluetick Tavern on Broadway or proceed to W. Church Ave. to access the entrance to the other levels of the parking garage.
Tip: Have dinner and then treat the family to a good old fashioned double feature drive-in movie at Maryville’s Parkway Drive-In. $8 adults, $4 kids.
Blackhorse Pub & Brewery
Blackhorse Pub & Brewery is a fun and spacious brewery/restaurant that has great food and equally tasty craft beer. It’s a fun dining atmosphere, and they have a huge outdoor beer garden with cornhole and a separate bar. They also offer a kids menu.
If you’re traveling to the Smokies from Knoxville, you will drive right pass Blackhorse making it a convenient stop on the way there or on the way back from a hike. It’s a great place to get a snack (love their pretzels) or grab lunch or dinner. Note that it can get crowded, so arrive a bit off of peak times if you want to be seated quickly.
Favorite Caffeine Fixes
Vienna Coffee House
Vienna Coffee House is Maryville’s community gathering and meeting place. You’ll find students, families, laptop hoverers, and retirees all here to enjoy the cozy atmosphere and a cup of amazing coffee along with excellent options for breakfast and lunch (breakfast sandwiches, baked goods, soups, and wraps, etc.)
Their outdoor patio overlooking Pistol Creek is a must do when the weather is nice. A hands down favorite place any day of the week with kids and adults alike in our family.
And as an added bonus, it’s also conveniently located on the Maryville Greenway which follows along scenic Pistol Creek for 9 miles through Maryville and Alcoa. The kids love to bike to Vienna for bagels and cinnamon rolls.
Check out “Your Guide To Biking the Maryville Alcoa Greenway” for more details on the Maryville Alcoa Greenway.
Southern Grace Coffee
Southern Grace Coffee is located in the historical district of downtown Maryville and occupying a two story bungalow with a lovely wrap-around porch, this is the coziest place to sip coffee.
It’s small and therefore perhaps better suited for a quiet read rather than an animated conversation. Unlike Vienna Coffee House, their menu is fairly limited but you’ll find a nice assortment of baked goods to nibble with your vanilla latte.
Tip: They had the foresight to have a dedicated room for young kids to play while parents chat, and the wrap around porch seating is my favorite place to sit and sip.
Beard Brothers Coffee Company
Located on E. Broadway, Beard Brothers Coffee Company is the newest coffee shop to open in Maryville. It’s an adorable place with eclectic furniture and decor, and our teens are raving about their coffee. They offer a nice selection of tea as well.
Good, friendly folks run the place, and you will feel welcome. Also serves baked goods (including gluten-free options), paninis, and sandwiches.
Favorite Lunch Spots in Maryville, TN
Lemon Grass (Thai)
Like some of the other restaurants we describe here, Lemon Grass should not be judged by its outside appearance. This unassuming building is perfectly delightful inside with white tablecloths and curtains lining the large wall of windows which effectively hide the somewhat boring view of suburban shopping centers outside and create a peaceful and pleasant respite inside. Always excellent service as well.
Ordering their daily lunchbox special (soup, salad, sushi, and entree) is usually a no brainer, but all of their Thai curries are delicious and it’s the best place for sushi in Maryville. (You will see a lot of Japanese customers from the nearby DENSO manufacturing company in fact.) One of the kids asked for a gift certificate to Lemon Grass for his birthday because he loves the honey roll so much.
Shrimp Dock
It seems like most people are not aware that the Shrimp Dock has one of the best shrimp po’boy sandwiches in East Tennessee. Perfectly crispy, a soft roll, and two sides (we always get the hushpuppies and refreshing cole slaw on the side.) They are primarily a seafood counter type of place, so I’m not sure people even know they serve lunch. Give it a try! We usually get it to go, because their seating area is a bit small and dark. Note that they also have locations in Knoxville in case you get a hankering…
Tip: Picnic nearby at Bicentennial Park near the Maryville Public Library
Lambert’s Pie Shop
Located in downtown Maryville, Lambert’s Pie Shop is the cutest little place. Along with sandwiches served with their homemade bread, they serve everything pie-based such as baked quiches, dessert pies, and an absolute dreamy chicken pot pie.
All homemade goodness. It is a great option for the family to stop by and choose a slice of pie or order a good kids meal. Closed on Sunday and Monday and be sure to check their Facebook Page for Saturday hours as that is variable.
Tip: Park in Founders Square Parking Lot across the street or find street parking on Broadway.
Los Amigos
If you’re craving Mexican food, this family-owned restaurant is your place. You’ll find excellent food and excellent service at Los Amigos and we can’t get enough of their pork chile verde dish. Always busy but welcoming, and the service is quick. The lunch specials are a deal, and Hector’s Friday night specials are also worth a visit.
Tip: Located next to the Maryville Greenway if you want to burn off some of your meal!
Favorite Date Nights
At these establishments, you can dress as fancy as you’d like or go more business casual if you prefer. You’ll see diners wearing jackets and ties, fancy dresses, blue jeans and a sweater etc. All are welcome. It’s Maryville.
Foothills Milling
Foothills Milling is the place to go in Maryville to celebrate any special occasion or simply to treat yourself to some wonderful gourmet southern cuisine. It’s an expensive meal but consistently delicious.
Homemade rosemary foccacia bread, fried green tomatoes, goat cheese tart, mixed green salad with fried okra, shrimp and grits, and interesting entree choices like blackened redfish or braised beef cheeks make my mouth water just thinking about it.
And did I mention the amazing desserts? Excellent service and an extensive wine list round out a near perfect dining experience.
Tip: Reservations are recommended but you can eat at the bar if there’s a spot, which is is our preferred seating anyway. For us, the bar is a bit more casual and brighter than the main dining room.
Note: Check out their pop-up store, Foothills Bakery, for lunch time soups, salads, and sandwiches delivered curbside at their current restaurant location. Foothills Bakery’s physical location is soon to be located directly on Maryville’s Greenway after its building renovation is complete. Can’t wait!
Walnut Kitchen
Walnut Kitchen offers a farm to table dining experience in an inviting and stylishly rustic space. Expect to find seasonal produce and a menu mostly focused on locally sourced beef and pork. Perhaps known for their signature burgers and dry aged beef selection, they also offer seafood and daily specials along with a $7 kids menu.
It’s a bustling place and can sometimes be a bit loud for conversation, but it is a hip and fun place to enjoy a great meal or order small plates and a cocktail at the bar.
RT Lodge
RT Lodge is under the radar for most folks. Tucked in the woods of nearby Maryville College, this former 26 room home originally built by the widow of one of Andrew Carnegie’s partners, is one of the coziest places to gather for a dinner or even just to enjoy evening cocktails.
The back patio overlooking the gardens and koi pond and the cozy indoor fireplace give it such a welcoming and homey feel. Handcrafted ingredients and dishes, delicious cocktails, and a rustic yet luxurious dining scene make this a memorable experience. Reservations are recommended.
Idea! Stay at RT Lodge for a couples weekend and be pampered by the natural setting, the food, and the charm. It could even be a base camp for exploring the Smokies which is just a 30 minute drive to its entrance in Townsend.
Amici
Amici is located in the Five Points area of Maryville and offers great food in a small one room restaurant. Serving housemade pastas, sauces, dressings, and wonderful pizzas, everything tastes fresh.
It’s a fairly small space but offers a nice dining experience in its stylish bright interior. Amici is also a great option for date night, and you’ll find a terrific beer list as well as wine.
Tip: It’s less expensive and more casual than the date night restaurants listed above and is also perfectly suitable for families even without a dedicated kids menu.
Best Brunch
Bella
Bella has a cozy and trendy atmosphere with brick walls, excellent service, and food. Everyone raves about the cheese wheel pasta, burger, and truffle fries on its regular menu but its special brunch menu is pretty awesome as well. It is a favorite of ours after church. The homemade bread pudding and lemon blueberry mascarpone pancakes are delicious.
Bella is located right in the middle of Maryville’s quaint downtown. It is open for lunch and dinner as well as Sunday brunch from 10-3. Free parking is found across the street next to Bluetick or the Municipal Parking Garage.
Blackhorse Pub & Brewery
Blackhorse Pub & Brewery is another great brunch option – served 10:30am – 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. We particularly like Blackhorse when the weather is nice and you can sit in their huge beer garden.
Under The Radar Spots in Maryville, TN For Foodies
Aroma Cafe
Aroma Cafe is located on East Broadway near the end of Pellissippi Parkway, Aroma Cafe is an order at the counter Cuban cafe and ice cream store combo. How can you go wrong? Heads up that you are not coming here for the dining atmosphere although it is clean and pleasant enough in its basic simplicity.
You are, however, coming here for the Cuban sandwich and red beans. And believe me, you will return. The portions are large, so we’ve never had room to try the ice cream side of the shop…
Tip: After lunch, you can walk or bike the nearby 1 mile long greenway along the Little River. Drive 2 miles to the Clayton Homes Headquarters from the Cafe where you can park to access the greenway or play the awesome frisbee golf course on their property
Chapuline’s Street Tacos
First off, you need to know that Chapulines Street Tacos is tucked away in a building adjacent to a gas station. Don’t let this deter you. It should be noted that it is not part of the gas station convenience center and is its own entity.
Think of it like a really large and immobile food truck serving fresh amazing street style tacos. It’s still known locally though as “the gas station taco place.”
Order a variety of tacos at the counter and hopefully find a table. It’s a small place and can get crowded at the lunch hour.
The line to order moves quickly though and tables turn over quickly as well. Make sure to check out the salsa bar for some additional freshness.
Tip: Chapulines is located even closer than Aroma Cafe to the terminus of Pellissippi Parkway on Broadway Avenue so it’s also easily accessible from Knoxville plus you can combine lunch with a walk/frisbee golf at nearby Clayton Homes Headquarters and its 1 mile long greenway along the Little River.
Best Place For Ice Cream
The Capitol Theater is a historic theater in downtown Maryville and has the most fun ice cream parlour in its lobby. All the desserts are movie- themed and there is so much movie memorabilia stuffed around the tables, you and the kids will have a blast trying to spot everything. So treat yourself to a “Wookie Cookie” ice cream sundae and enjoy the ambiance!
Located on Broadway in downtown Maryville, near Bluetick and Bella. Open Tuesday – Saturday from 1- 9 pm (10 pm on Fri/ Sat).
Favorite Places To Grab A Beer
Peaceful Side Brewery
Peaceful Side Brewery (formerly Blackberry Farms Brewery). We love the chill vibe of this small place where it feels more like a tasting room than a pub and kids are welcome.
With delicious beers on tap – they are licensed to brew Blackberry Farms beers including their famous saison until at least October 2025 as well as their own Peaceful Side beers – and great food like smash burgers, this is our go to place to enjoy a brew.
Tri-Hop Brewery
Tri-Hop Brewery is located in the heart of Maryville and is within walking distance of the Maryville Greenway Trail that weaves through town. They’ve recently begun brewing their own beer (which is excellent) and they also feature a sampling of Tennessee craft beers in their cooler as well as on draft.
It’s a welcoming and family-friendly place with picnic tables on their front patio, giant Jenga, and TVs inside to watch the game. They often host a food truck right outside the patio. Opens at 4pm during the week and Saturday at noon. Note that they are closed Sunday and Monday.
Tip: The name refers to the 3 stars on Tennessee’s flag so all the beers and ciders seen at Tri-Hop will be from Tennessee.
And of course, Bluetick Tavern always makes our list for a great place to grab a beer. Great for lunch or dinner as mentioned above, and a shout out to their large selection of beers on tap. Tip: Go upstairs and shoot a round of pool.
Our Choice For Biking To A Restaurant
One of our favorite activities in Maryville is biking our 9 mile greenway trail to a restaurant destination. Vienna Coffee House is an excellent option for this as it sits right next to the greenway, but you can easily get to any of the restaurants and breweries downtown: Lambert’s, Bluetick, Southern Grace, Los Amigos, and Tri-Hop are all no more than a block or two from the Maryville Greenway.
For everything you need to know about the Maryville Greenway and a list of additional greenway destination restaurants, see Your Guide To Biking the Maryville Alcoa Greenway.
Saturday Farmer’s Market
We had to mention the seasonal Maryville’s Farmers Market held every Saturday morning April- Nov. Though small, it is packed with fresh produce, meat, flowers, and features live music. It’s a really festive way to buy your healthy veggies! It is located across the street from Vienna Coffee House in Founder’s Square Parking Lot.
Definitely check out the fresh pasta from DSB provisions and the hummus and baklava from Aunt Nazzira.
Also check out our favorite restaurants in Townsend, TN. Grab a bite before or after that family hike in the Smokies!
Happy Trails and Happy Dining!- Amy and Amanda
