The Kennedy is a standout restaurant in the heart of Knoxville, offering a dining experience that feels both polished and welcoming from the moment guests arrive.
Located at 430 S Gay St, it has built a strong reputation with a 4.70-star rating from 1,483 reviews, reflecting the consistent quality, atmosphere, and service that keep customers coming back.
Whether you are planning a relaxed brunch, a memorable dinner, or a solo meal in a comfortable setting, The Kennedy delivers a thoughtfully crafted experience centered on great food, attentive table service, and a space that suits a wide range of occasions.
What makes The Kennedy especially appealing is the balance it strikes between style and substance. Guests can enjoy outdoor seating, dine-in service, delivery, or takeaway, making it easy to fit a visit into any schedule.
The menu and beverage selection add to the draw, with comfort food, small plates, late-night bites, and happy-hour drinks paired with a great beer selection, cocktails, coffee, dessert, and an impressive wine list. The restaurant also serves local specialties, giving diners a chance to enjoy flavors that feel connected to Knoxville itself.
With a bar on site and offerings that suit lunch, dinner, and dessert, it creates a setting that is equally fitting for casual gatherings, romantic evenings, or a more upmarket night out.
Accessibility and convenience are also part of what makes The Kennedy such a reliable choice. The restaurant features wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating, and restroom facilities, helping ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for all guests.
It also accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, and reservations are welcome and recommended, especially given that there is usually a wait.
In every detail—from the cozy yet trendy atmosphere to the strong beverage program and highly rated service—The Kennedy presents itself as a destination where guests can feel well taken care of while enjoying a memorable meal in one of Knoxville’s most inviting dining spots.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at The Kennedy
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
Base: Traditional BBQ Toppings: bacon, chicken, shaved onion, jalapeno, cilantro, Alabama white BBQ drizzle
garlic cream sauce, mozzarella, shaved steak, red & green pepper, red onion, mushroom, cheese sauce
Base: Vodka Pink Sauce Toppings: mozzarella, ricotta, sliced & ground sausage
Base: Classic Tomato Sauce Toppings: mozzarella, ricotta, pepperoni, calabrian hot honey
Base: Garlic Cream Sauce Toppings: mozzarella, provolone, grana padano, ricotta
Base: Classic Tomato Sauce Toppings: artichoke heart, red pepper, red onion, Brussels, green olive, pumpkin seed pesto, balsamic reduction
whipped potatoes, sweet heat brussels sprouts, herbed jus
comes with steak fried potato wedges and asparagus, served with spanish butter
pan seared chef’s fish, miso buttered blue crab topping, lemon dijon cream, arugula & spinach
pink vodka sauce, crispy prosciutto, calabrian chili, grana padano, ricotta, basil
miso butter, sweet heat brussels sprouts, whipped potatoes, chili crisp
truffle ganache, chocolate cake, cruze farm sweet cream ice cream
candied walnut, bourbon caramel, caramelized banana
Salted caramel ice cream pie, biscoff, pretzel, whipped cream
truffle ganache, chocolate cake, cruze farm sweet cream ice cream
candied walnut, bourbon caramel, caramelized banana
Salted caramel ice cream pie, biscoff, pretzel, whipped cream
fever-tree
Caramelized onion, beef bone broth, alpine cheeses, sherry
Baby romaine, raddichio, herbed crouton, parmesean
heirloom tomato, burrata cheese, crispy prosciutto, pumpkin seed pesto, balsamic reduction, crispy basil
romaine, avocado, cucumber, tomato, bacon, cheddar cheese, frizzled onion
Base: Vodka Pink Sauce Toppings: mozzarella, ricotta, sliced & ground sausage
Base: Classic Tomato Sauce Toppings: artichoke heart, red pepper, red onion, Brussels, green olive, pumpkin seed pesto, balsamic reduction
garlic cream sauce, mozzarella, shaved steak, red & green pepper, red onion, mushroom, cheese sauce
Base: Classic Tomato Sauce Toppings: mozzarella, ricotta, pepperoni, calabrian hot honey
Base: Garlic Cream Sauce Toppings: mozzarella, provolone, grana padano, ricotta
Base: Traditional BBQ Toppings: bacon, chicken, shaved onion, jalapeno, cilantro, Alabama white BBQ drizzle
crispy breaded chicken, vodka pink sauce, fresh mozzarella, pumpkin seed pesto pumpkin seed pesto
wagyu burger, cheddar & american cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle & garlic aioli
Herb roasted beef, swiss cheese, horsey sauce, au jus
grilled faroe island salmon, tōgarashi, smashed avocado, pickled onion, cilantro, lime
pan seared chef’s fish, lettuce, tomato, pickle, garlic-sriracha aioli
zucchini, yellow squash, asparagus, red & green pepper, spinach, feta, balsamic drizzle
Bacon jam, crispy onions, cheddar & american cheese, garlic aioli or keep it classic - LTOP
grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, tomato, arugula, garlic aioli, pumpkin seed pesto, balsamic drizzle
Pepperoni, salami, mortadella, provolone, garlic aioli, chopped giardiniera
crispy breaded chicken, romaine, house made caesar dressing, buffalo sauce
crispy breaded chicken, honey gochujang, pickle, hot honey ranch
beef hot dog, house-made cornmeal batter, dijonnaise
caramelized onion, sour cream, herbs, house-made potato chips
bacon jam, herb chimichurri, pickled onion, crusty bread
white truffle oil, grana padano cheese, black garlic aioli
medjool dates, applewood smoked bacon, goat cheese, balsamic, pumpkin seed pesto, Calabrian chili tomato sauce
Buffalo, Honey Gochujang or Alabama white Served with a choice of blue cheese or ranch.
jumbo lump crab meat, garlic- sriracha aioli, crispy rice, avocado, sweet soy
Baby romaine, raddichio, herbed crouton, parmesean
Caramelized onion, beef bone broth, alpine cheeses, sherry
romaine, avocado, cucumber, tomato, bacon, cheddar cheese, frizzled onion
arugula, red & green pepper, scallion, carrot, soba noodles, asian vinaigrette
heirloom tomato, burrata cheese, crispy prosciutto, pumpkin seed pesto, balsamic reduction, crispy basil
spinach, cous cous, dried cranberry, red & green pepper, red onion, parsley, citrus vinaigrette
rigatoni noodles, cheese sauce, truffle breadcrumb, grana padano cheese
pink vodka sauce, crispy prosciutto, calabrian chili, grana padano, ricotta, basil
beef hot dog, house-made cornmeal batter, dijonnaise
white truffle oil, grana padano cheese, black garlic aioli
caramelized onion, sour cream, herbs, house-made potato chips
Buffalo, Honey Gochujang or Alabama white Served with a choice of blue cheese or ranch.
jumbo lump crab meat, garlic- sriracha aioli, crispy rice, avocado, sweet soy
medjool dates, applewood smoked bacon, goat cheese, balsamic, pumpkin seed pesto, Calabrian chili tomato sauce
Pepperoni, salami, mortadella, provolone, garlic aioli, chopped giardiniera
wagyu burger, cheddar & american cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle & garlic aioli
Bacon jam, crispy onions, cheddar & american cheese, garlic aioli or keep it classic - LTOP
Herb roasted beef, swiss cheese, horsey sauce, au jus
crispy breaded chicken, vodka pink sauce, fresh mozzarella, pumpkin seed pesto pumpkin seed pesto
Hear from our valued guests
To walk in was amazing. The atmosphere was spectacular. The furnishings were upper end very impressive. We were seated immediately. Nice table by the window. We were greated and welcomed by our server Simone. She was an awesome person ❤️!!! Very cheerful and pleasant!!! We ordered iced tea. The sweet for 1 was perfectly sweetened, the unsweetened for me was very nicely brewed and not bitter. Nice way to go team in making it a great pot. I never drink over 1/2 a glass with a meal, this meal I has 2 full ones with extra ice that Simone listened that I love extra ice. We ordered 1. Farce Island Salmon he loved it very much. It was very tender and greatly cooked the Mac and cheese was exceptionally fantastic a must have!!!!!! For me me to please me with a French Dip is a chore. I tried it. And it passed the test. I have eaten them from Scottsdale, AZ to Gallatin, TN this is the absolutely the very best ever in my mouth!! A mouth watering, tender, melt in your mouth beef, soft roll, melty cheese!! I had tried Truffle fries at a restaurant the night before and loved them. So fries come with the French Dip they didn't hesitate to make them Truffle fries at a very good upcharge. Then we shared there Peach Pound Cake it was very fantastic 😀!!!!! We will definitely be back. We will definitely make this our destination date night. It's worth the trip to Knoxville for a the French Dip
Never disappointed here. Their crispy half chicken is my absolute favorite. Great drinks and ambience. Only downside is when you’re sat in the back room because you’re taken away from the atmosphere of the rest of the restaurant.
We had a wonderful experience this Saturday evening at The Kennedy. It was our first time going and it did not disappoint. I got the Only Fans Martini and it was amazing, not too sweet and just the perfect amount of tartness. We got the spicy rigatoni with blackened chicken and the Kennedy Wagyu Burger with truffle fries. Both meals very flavorful and delicious. Our service was great and we were seated immediately for our reservation. We will definitely be back!
Thank you, Ashlie! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the food, atmosphere, and service. Our team takes great pride in creating memorable dining experiences, and we’re glad the ricotta made an impression. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back!
Had a great night at the Kennedy for my birthday this month. We came in kind of close to their closing time (their time isn't correct on Google) and sat at the bar. The bartender Kim was great, he didn't rush us at all, and made us some awesome drinks. The Wagyu burger was fantastic. This stop was a perfect way to end the night.
I visited on my birthday 🎉 and they somehow managed to make the entire evening feel extra special from start to finish ✨. The restaurant surprised me with a birthday card signed by the entire staff 📝💖, which was incredibly sweet and completely unexpected. We sat at the bar, and Jo the bartender was amazing 🍸👏, crafting a custom drink that was absolutely lovely. Do yourself a favor and order the Jose special, even though it’s not on the menu 😉🥂. The décor is elegant and stylish, perfectly suited for a girls’ night out 💃, date night 💕, or some quality you time. There are two floors to explore, which adds to the fun, and the upstairs can easily accommodate a nice private dining experience 🎶🍽️. I didn’t get to try the food this time, but it would be an honor to do so on my next visit 😍. As if the night wasn’t already great, two separate guests bought me birthday drinks 🍹🎂, so a big shout out to the couple in the booth and the ladies at the bar, and happy birthday to my fellow Capricorn ♑🎉. We parked in a paid lot a couple blocks away 🚶♀️🚗, since this wasn’t our original destination, but I’m so glad we wandered over. Love, love, love this place ❤️✨.
Finally got to experience dinner at The Kennedy with a few girlfriends, and it was fantastic. The overall aesthetic was stunning: beautiful decor, perfectly dimmed lighting, and a great layout. Our waitress was friendly, attentive, and incredibly helpful, especially when replacing a cocktail one of us didn’t enjoy. We each ended up with the Prickly Pair Affair (so light and refreshing). The food was excellent. We ordered: The Creamy Onion Dip, The G.O.A.T. salad with chicken (the goat cheese balls are what dreams are made of), two Faroe Island Salmons with various sides, and classic cheeseburger with mac & cheese. We left with clean plates if that's any indication. Will definitely return.
I couldn't recommend The Kennedy enough. The food was excellent, and the interior was elegant and classy. It was very busy, and I highly advise booking ahead of time. Perfect for all sorts of occasions, dinner and lunch. I specifically recommend the crispy half chicken, including perfectly cooked chicken, whipped mashed potatoes, and brussels sprouts. Our service was okay, our server didn't come very often. Overall I would definitely go to The Kennedy again.
Went there on a Monday evening without a reservation. Was able to get a table for 2 after about 30 minutes.
This is one of the best in downtown Knoxville! From the service from the bar and the atmosphere. Drinks are fun and made well!! Food is delicious! Spicy rigatoni… Cheeseburgers… And crispy half chicken. All was amazing! My only regret is I didn't get a picture of the onion dip with the homemade kettle chips which is something not to miss.
Common questions about The Kennedy
The Kennedy is located at 430 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States.
You can reach The Kennedy by calling +1 865-444-1607.
The Kennedy has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 1483 customer reviews.
The Kennedy features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
The Kennedy features the following service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Takeaway, Dine-in.
The Kennedy features the following highlights: Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great coffee, Great dessert, Great wine list, Serves local specialty.
The Kennedy features the following popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining.
The Kennedy features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Comfort food, Happy-hour drinks, Late-night food, Small plates, Spirits, Wine.
The Kennedy features the following dining options: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
The Kennedy features the following amenities: Bar on site, Restroom.
The Kennedy features the following atmosphere: Casual, Cozy, Romantic, Trendy, Upmarket.
The Kennedy features the following crowd: Groups, Tourists.
The Kennedy features the following planning: Dinner reservations recommended, Accepts reservations, Usually a wait.
The Kennedy features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
The Kennedy features the following children: High chairs.
The Kennedy features the following parking: Paid parking lot, Paid street parking, Plenty of parking.
The Kennedy features the following pets: Dogs allowed outside.
Business Features
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