Great Restaurants for Knoxville Visitors

You just receive word that your in-laws are coming. What will you do with them for the entire weekend? 

You read an e-mail announcing that your friends from college are coming to visit. Where can you take them that’s both fun and easy on the pocketbook? 

Although Knoxville is much smaller than other regional cities, such as Atlanta or Nashville, its hometown feel and friendly people draw visitors at all times of the year. With the Smoky Mountains just minutes away in Sevier County, several families make the trek here each year to enjoy mountain fun. And with large entities such as Tennessee Valley Authority, Scripps Networks and the University of Tennessee, numerous people travel to East Tennessee to visit family and friends. 

So where can you take your visitors for a great dining experience? Check out one of these four restaurants, whether you’re trying to satisfy a tough crowd or show friends a good time.

For the finicky eater:
Puleo’s Grille, I-40 at Exit 378, 865- 691-1960; 7224 Region Lane, 865-673-9101, www.puleosgrille.com.
Executive chef Steve Puleo and CEO Gale Huneycutt have created a dining experience that marries Italian cuisine and Southern cooking, offering a variety of choices from lasagna to fried green tomatoes. No matter the tastes of your guests, everyone can find something they’ll like here. Every meal is served with fantastic, fresh baked bread and real butter. Pair your selection with a choice from the wine list or one of their many specialty cocktails, and you have a fun weekend meal.