Discover downtown Knoxville’s most sophisticated dining destination, where chef-driven Americana cuisine meets craft cocktails in a beautifully reimagined historic space. 🍸
The Kennedy brings elevated comfort food to Gay Street with a menu designed for sharing, featuring everything from bacon-wrapped dates to wagyu burgers that have locals making return reservations before they even leave.
This Knoxville restaurant combines upscale dining with a welcoming atmosphere enhanced by live music every Friday and Saturday night, creating the perfect backdrop for date nights, business dinners, or celebrations with friends.
How The Kennedy won Knoxville’s hearts
The Kennedy won over Knoxville diners by transforming the former Black Horse space into a classy yet comfortable destination where exceptional food quality meets genuine hospitality. 🌟
Locals appreciate that Chad Kennedy, the same restaurateur behind Loco Burro, created a space that feels both fancy and approachable, where you can dress up for a special occasion or come casually for elevated bar food.
The menu features an assortment of classic American dishes with creative twists that make each bite memorable, from jumbo lump crab on crispy rice to spicy rigatoni that keeps customers ordering it again and again.
The restaurant’s downtown Knoxville location across from Cruz makes it a convenient pre-theater spot or destination for exploring Gay Street’s vibrant dining scene.
Word spread quickly through the community about dishes like the chicken parm sandwich that one diner called “one of the best things I have eaten in Knoxville in our almost five years living here.”
The space feels timeless with eclectic décor that keeps historical elements of the building intact while adding modern sophistication, creating an atmosphere that makes every visit feel special.
Food Highlights
- Chicken Parm Sandwich: Pounded thin, perfectly tender, breaded and cooked with delicious vodka pink sauce, fresh mozzarella, and pumpkin seed pesto on toasted bread.
-
Spicy Rigatoni: The absolute star of the menu, featuring pink vodka sauce, crispy prosciutto, Calabrian chili, grana padano, ricotta, and basil with optional additions of chicken, salmon, shrimp, or jumbo lump crab. 🍝
- Blue Crab Crispy Rice: Jumbo lump crab meat atop garlic-sriracha aioli, crispy rice, avocado, and sweet soy—the perfect blend of sweet and savory that feels like elevated sushi at this Knoxville American restaurant.
-
Devils on Horseback: Medjool dates wrapped in applewood-smoked bacon with goat cheese, balsamic, pumpkin seed pesto, and Calabrian chili tomato sauce, creating the perfect sweet and savory starter. 🥓
-
Kennedy Wagyu Burger: High-quality wagyu beef perfectly cooked with bacon jam, crispy onions, cheddar, and American cheese, served with amazing fries and sauce. 🍔
-
Faroe Island Salmon: Cooked perfectly moist and flaky with miso butter, sweet heat Brussels sprouts, whipped potatoes, and chili crisp.
-
French Onion Soup: Caramelized onion in rich beef bone broth with alpine cheeses and sherry, delivering classic comfort in every spoonful.
-
Roasted Bone Marrow: Decadent marrow served with bacon jam, herb chimichurri, pickled onion, and crusty bread for an indulgent shareable starter. 🦴
-
Truffle Fries: White truffle oil, grana padano cheese, and black garlic aioli transform simple fries into an addictive side that pairs perfectly with any entrée.
-
BBQ Pizza: Chef Kennedy’s personal favorite featuring barbecue sauce that brings Southern flavors to their pizza menu.
-
Bourbon Bananas Foster: A decadent dessert featuring caramelized bananas flambéed with bourbon that provides a show and satisfying sweet ending.
Atmosphere
The restaurant features a well-thought-out, comfortable, and classy space that maintains historical elements of the original building while adding sophisticated touches throughout. ✨
Eclectic décor with plenty of seating creates a unique and fun environment where the vibe transitions from elegant dining to intimate to celebratory depending on your group.
The skylight and thoughtful lighting create an atmosphere worth dressing up for, perfect for romantic date nights or special celebrations.
Live music every Friday and Saturday night adds entertainment that enhances the dining experience without overwhelming conversation at this Knoxville craft cocktail bar.
Bottom Line
Visit The Kennedy for chef-driven Americana dishes like spicy rigatoni and chicken parm sandwiches, craft cocktails with personalized service, live music every weekend, an elegant yet approachable atmosphere in a historic downtown space, and shareable plates. 🎵
Address:
430 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
đź“ž (865) 200-4512
🕔 Mon-Thu 11:00 AM–10:00 PM, Fri-Sat 11:00 AM–11:00 PM, Sun 11:00 AM–9:00 PM