RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS IN ANDERSON COUNTY

Zagat’s 2018 dining trends survey reported that, on average, Americans eat out 5.9 times a week and I am sure that number has gone up. Why? Because many household have two working adults and less time to prepare meals. People definitely do not want to cook while on vacation so here are some locally owned restaurants in Anderson County that we and our friends on social media recommend.

#1 Coal Creek Smokehouse-When we asked our followers on Facebook what their favorite restaurants in Anderson County are, many people responded with Coal Creek Smokehouse, located in Rocky Top. They are famous for their BBQ and our favorite is their pulled pork BLT. The secret is in their smoked, candied bacon.

#2 The Other One Diner-If you are not sure what you want to eat and are looking for something different, check out The Other One Diner in Oak Ridge. They have just about everything from burgers and sandwiches to salads and soup. You may also want to try their quesadillas or specialty hot dogs, such as the Blue Hound- a bacon wrapped hot dog with mayo, blue cheese, diced tomato, red onion and crumbled bacon. We really like the zucchini fries which are a great alternative to regular fries. Their menu is written on the wall in chalk, but we recommend checking it out online first because it can be a little overwhelming.

#3 Vega Café and Smokehaus-Most people go to Vega Café in Norris for their wings and their weekly specials. They have a regular menu featuring sandwiches, wings and a few hot plates but their weekly specials are where it’s at! According to Andee Johnson Raker, Vega is “spot on amazing classics with a gourmet twist like pimento Mac and cheese....and the ever changing dinner menu with “fancier” fare.” Check out their Facebook page for their menu and specials.

#4 Apple Blossom Café-When eating out with the whole family, it is hard to please everyone which is why Apply Blossom Café in Clinton is a great option. They offer country style dinners, fish and seafood, pasta entrées, soup, salads and sandwiches and a children’s menu with lots of great options. It is also conveniently location in Historic Downtown Clinton next to great antique and specialty stores.Please note that they are closed on Saturdays.

Our Facebook and Instagram followers mentioned several other restaurants and the reasons why:

Kelly Dabney Wright says that she likes the Valley Quick Pack in Clinton because it “feels like family and her biscuits and gravy are heaven on a plate.”

Patti Diane Mahurin Klink recommends the Vols diner in Rocky Top and their catfish on Fridays.

Ashley Yost says “Glenn’s Pizza in Rocky Top. The chicken bacon ranch pizza is amazing and there is also a full menu with Philly cheesesteak, shrimp, burgers and salads.” Check their website here.

Kasey Graham loves Perkadeli in Clinton “because of the Darlene’s chicken salad sandwich! 😋”

Brenda Walker says that she “loves the pies at Golden Girls!” which are handmade at the restaurant.

Jim Harris recommends Fuji Asian Cuisine in Clinton, saying that they have the “best sushi I have ever had! Everything else on the menu is absolutely fantastic!”

smokymtngirl mentioned The Restaurant at The Museum of Appalachia on Instagram and commented that “Their cakes are amazing! 🍰”

And, jonathanmurphy3198 mentioned Hoskins Drug Store in Clinton on Instagram recommending “Hoskins’ burger with seasoned fries and old fashion strawberry milk shake.”

For a list of restaurants in Anderson County, visit https://www.adventureanderson.com/eat.