Buffalo Chicken Dip
Southern Grit serves southern and low-country inspired food and nothing has disappointed. They serve brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11-3, Happy Hour is Tuesday through Friday from 3:30-6:30, and closed on Mondays.
As far as appetizers, there isn’t much you can go wrong with here. The Buffalo Chicken Dip is one my favorites, served with buttered saltines, creamy, and with real chicken throughout. The Bag O’ Shrimp is delicious and it can be an entrée itself. The shrimp is served enclosed in a bag smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce along with a baguette.
Wings & Cheeseburger Slider
The Wings are probably some of the best I’ve had, choosing from char-grilled or fried. They come with a spice-rub, buffalo, medium, or hot. I typically choose the medium, even though I like spicy things, the hot isn’t for the faint of heart. The Hush Puppies served with honey butter are delicious, as are the Fried Green Tomatoes served with pimento cheese and habanero honey on top. The Happy Hour menu consists of Wings, Buffalo Chicken Dip and Pimento Fries (French fries smothered in pimento cheese, scallions and bacon). Any of these Happy Hour items are great to sit down for a light snack, or just enjoy with a drink and good conversation.
Also listed on the HH menu are several different sliders…and I have tried them all! The Fried Chicken with brussels slaw and pickles; Buffalo Fried Chicken with blue cheese dressing; Meatloaf with tomato glaze and crispy onions; Cheeseburger with Southern Grit sauce and caramelized onions, Shrimp Po’ Boy with lemon-dill aioli, lettuce, tomato. But I think my favorite is the PBLT, fried green tomato, pimento cheese, bacon, shredded lettuce. Whichever you choose, you cannot go wrong.
Chicken Tenders with Creamy Collards & Brussels Slaw
As far as dinner, this is the place if you want some southern down-home cooking. I am usually not one to rave about fried chicken, but this place is phenomenal. The Chicken and Waffles is delicious, the 4 Tenders is delicious as well. The tenders are not greasy, and they have a beautiful outer coating. The tenders come in Southern, Medium, or Hot.
Country Fried Steak & Fried Okra
The Mahi-Mahi and the Country Fried Steak were both underwhelming and did not leave a strong impression. If you’re not in the mood for the down-home cooking, the burgers are delicious as well. They are made with a blend of beef and brisket. “The Guy” Burger is tasty with the Havarti, bacon, and crispy onions all smothered in pepper jelly. It can be messy, but well worth it! If you want to opt for a thinner patty, the Double Stack is the way to go.
“The Guy” Burger & Sweet Potato Fries
This place definitely has outstanding sides, all of them! It’s like when you go you want one of everything! My favorites are the Creamy Collards. You have to give these a try! Similar to a creamed spinach but with collards instead. The Mac & Cheese is delicious, the Cheddar Grits, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Sweet Potato Fries with a hint of sweetness, Brussel Slaw, Fried Okra, etc. I usually pass on the regular fries since I tend to start with the Pimento Fries as an appetizer. Even the Side Salad is delicious and worth the upcharge. If you order it, get it dressed like the simple salad that includes bacon. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with a side salad here!
Blush and Bashful & Draft Beer
I haven’t even mentioned the drinks here. There are local rotating beers and ciders on draft. For a light refreshing cocktail with a slight tangy punch to it, try the Blush and Bashful with Deep Eddy lemon, blackberry liquor and sour mix. For something refreshing without the sour, the Just Peachy is a good choice with Deep Eddy peach vodka, mixed with lemonade and tea. Til The Cows Come Home with Sheep Dog peanut butter whiskey, Postmodern cacao, vanilla, cream and topped with a dash of cinnamon, this one is smooth and creamy, but definitely one to have before food, or save for after dinner.
Overall, Southern Grit is a place to go with family, friends, or a casual date night. It doesn’t have much seating, so if you have a large group, I would definitely get reservations. I haven’t ever had a problem getting in with only two people, but have been turned away with six. It is definitely worth a try if you are ever in the Old City district of Knoxville.
For another Downtown Knoxville restaurant review, click here!
-The Tennessee Taster
