University of Tennessee fans know how to make their presence known on game days. Look around any coffee shop, restaurant, or store in Tennessee. Undoubtably, there will be people decked out in their orange and white gear. Especially in Knoxville, the hometown pride and game day enthusiasm runs strong. Many people choosing to share a meal with their family when they are in town. The restaurants surrounding Neyland stadium are filled with fans often before or after the game. They are especially crowded during the game as fans come together to cheer on the Vols. There are many choices for restaurants to visit when attending a game in Knoxville, so we have compiled a list of our top three must-visit establishments.
Whether you are looking to connect with new Tennessee fans, come together with your friends, or just soak in the passion throughout the city, we have found the best places worth visiting around Neyland Stadium and the Knoxville area. Be sure to pack your orange and white clothes since you will be eating like a true volunteer!
Calhoun’s On the River
Calhoun’s on the River has been one of the most popular, top-ranked restaurants in Knoxville for years. It is a barbecue joint that allows its guests to enjoy a meal with a view of the Tennessee River. Calhoun’s is currently rated #2 on the Tripadvisor website, and it is a fan favorite for both locals and visitors. This restaurant is conveniently located extremely close to the University of Tennessee and Neyland Stadium. It is roughly a 15-minute walk and a 5-minute drive away. For individuals not attending the game, Calhoun’s is still a perfect choice for a spot to watch the game. You will still be able to feel immersed in the game-day atmosphere happening just down the street. Calhoun’s is the perfect choice for a gathering due to its welcoming, chill environment that individuals of all ages can enjoy.
If you are a fan of wings, burgers, salads, or of course barbecue, Calhoun’s is a perfect spot to visit! Not only is this restaurant in a convenient location, with beautiful scenery and delicious food, it also offers incredible discounts and specials throughout the week. If you are visiting on a weekday, Calhoun’s offers a Happy Hour for discounted drinks from 4-7 (Monday-Thursday only). They also have a social event on Tuesdays. Their Tuesday “wine night” offers customers half off select wines. .
Sunspot
Looking for a cute brunch spot before a noon kickoff? Maybe a quiet atmosphere before heading into the crowded stadium? Sunspot is the perfect option! Sunspot is described as a “rustic-chic spot” that serves Southwestern and Latin-American cuisines. This spot offers many different items on its menu, such as classic chips and salsa, pork shoulder nachos, and fried chicken tender tacos.
Sunspot is an excellent choice for a meal or drink before or after a University of Tennessee game. It is approximately a 15-minute walk or a mere minutes’ drive away from Neyland Stadium. Even though this restaurant is perfect for a game day excursion with friends and family, I would also recommend visiting during the week. Weekdays at this restaurant mean incredible drink specials! Sunspot offers a different deal every day of the week.
Monday … $5 Deep Eddy Martinis and Mimosas all day, Burger and a Beer for $18
Tuesday … $2 off Drafts all day
Wednesday … Half price bottles of wine 11am til 10pm
Thursday … $2 off Beer after 6pm
Friday … Happy hour 11-7 $1 off all liquor, beer, and wine
Victor’s Taco Shop
Very similar location-wise to Sunspot (around a 10-15 minute walk from the stadium), Victor’s Taco Shop is a restaurant that many University of Tennessee fans and students frequent on game days. When I think of classic college food joints, Victor’s Taco Shop is the kind of restaurant that immediately comes to my mind. This establishment serves up classic Tex-Mex favorites such as nachos, quesadillas, and tacos at an unbelievably low price. 
While there are no alcoholic beverages served at Victor’s, meaning there aren’t happy hour prices, the quality and affordability of the food more than compensate. As far as deals and pricing go for this restaurant, most individual items are between $3-$10. They also only charge around $3 extra to add a side and a drink to your order. Victor’s offers an incredible discount that is advertised as $5 off $15. Any guest can save $5 off of their order if the total price is $15 or more.
If you are looking for a casual dining spot that is family-friendly, but also attracts a large college-aged population, Victor’s would be a great place to visit!
I hope that you visit one of these top three recommendations when you are visiting Knoxville to cheer on the Volunteers! Happy Dining!
-Haley
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