Cafe 4

Cafe 4

4.6
·491k reviews·,

Refined Southern classics with a modern twist in a cozy yet elegant atmosphere on historic Market Square.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Cafe 4

Cafe 4

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Refined Southern classics with a modern twist in a cozy yet elegant atmosphere on historic Market Square.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Enjoy Southern comfort food with a modern flair in a prime Market Square location."

TIP

Ask for Top Servers

Request servers like Matt, Sydney, Chris, Brooke, Jay, Davis, or Ami for an enhanced experience.

Try Popular Dishes

Don't miss the Music City Chicken Sandwich, chicken & waffles, and shrimp & grits.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 11AM

Cuisine

Southern

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(865) 544-4144

Address

4 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Modern Comfort Food with Southern Roots

Modern Comfort Food with Southern Roots

Indulge in Southern classics with a modern twist, from lobster mac 'n cheese to chicken & waffles.

Knoxville's most romantic restaurants - TNLedger Knoxville Edition16 Best Places to Eat in Knoxville, TN for Foodies (2024)Google Review
Prime Market Square Location

Prime Market Square Location

Dine al fresco on the dog-friendly patio with views of historic Market Square.

Best Restaurants And Diners In Knoxville, TennesseeBest Dog-friendly Restaurants in Knoxville, TNTop 5 Brunch Spots in Knoxville, Tennessee+2
Highly Praised Service

Highly Praised Service

Enjoy attentive and friendly service from staff like Matt, Sydney, and Lucas.

Hungry? Here Are The 15 Best Restaurants in Knoxville, TNGoogle Review+2
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We literally left and came back cause they said they had more food for us to try 😂 #fyp #knoxvilletn #restaurants #thekennedy #locoburro #cafe4 #eating #testtaste #utk
@misskaruna
16 likes • 565 views

Ask for Top Servers

Request servers like Matt, Sydney, Chris, Brooke, Jay, Davis, or Ami for an enhanced experience.

Try Popular Dishes

Don't miss the Music City Chicken Sandwich, chicken & waffles, and shrimp & grits.

Cafe 4 grilled cheese dipper babyyyyy! #knoxfoodie #knoxville #foodtiktok #grilledcheese #fyp
@new2knox
80 likes • 4.2K views
Days in Downtown Knox with your bets friends >>> #Knoxville #Tennessee #PetFriendlyTravel #LoveDowntownKnox #fyp
@downtownknoxville
95 likes • 3.9K views

Al Fresco Dining

Enjoy the dog-friendly patio, especially in warmer months, overlooking Market Square.

Reservations Recommended

Book ahead, especially during peak hours, due to high popularity.

Tips

from all over the internet

Ask for Top Servers

Request servers like Matt, Sydney, Chris, Brooke, Jay, Davis, or Ami for an enhanced experience.

Try Popular Dishes

Don't miss the Music City Chicken Sandwich, chicken & waffles, and shrimp & grits.

Al Fresco Dining

Enjoy the dog-friendly patio, especially in warmer months, overlooking Market Square.

Reservations Recommended

Book ahead, especially during peak hours, due to high popularity.

Coffee Cubes!

Enjoy coffee drinks where the ice cubes are made of coffee to prevent watering down.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Cafe 4 is celebrated for its modern take on Southern comfort food, attentive service, and prime Market Square location. Diners rave about dishes like shrimp and grits and chicken & waffles, as well as the friendly staff. While the atmosphere and patio dining are often praised, some reviews note occasional inconsistencies in food temperature or crispness, and at times, slow service or a loud interior.

"Cafe 4 is a charming little spot right on Market Square in Knoxville. The ambiance was cool and inviting—modern but cozy—and the restaurant was spotless. Our server, Eli, was incredibly friendly and attentive, which made the experience all the more enjoyable.

The food arrived hot and flavorful across the board. I really appreciated the care in presentation and the cozy Southern feel of the menu. That said, there were a few small details that kept this from being a five-star meal. My brioche bun could’ve used a bit more toasting—it leaned soft rather than crisp. The cod was well-battered, but the coating didn’t cling quite right, so it lacked that satisfying crunch when you bit in. And the fries, while tasty, weren’t quite as fresh or crispy as they could’ve been.

Still, the overall experience was positive, and the vibe was relaxed and fun. Would definitely return—especially for the service and the atmosphere!"

J Goose

"Great dog friendly spot in market square. The kids loved their waffles. Service was great. My wife and I shared the hot chicken sandwich. It was delicious and HUGE portion - easily shared for lunch. I wish it was a bit spicier, but no complaints. Great atmosphere. Highly recommended for you and your dog!"

David Chastain

"Cafe 4 is awesome! went in for brunch with some friends. I got THE breakfast sandwich, which was incredible. the huge egg souffle with the crispy cheese on top was so good! bun was great, and bacon of course makes everything better. Roast potatoes were good, but could have been a little crisper. Our server Lucas was outstanding as well!"

Hunter S

What People Like

Modern Southern cuisine
Attentive and friendly service
Great Market Square ambiance

What People Dislike

Occasional food temperature issues
Interior can be loud
Inconsistent service speed

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Cafe 4 has a dog-friendly patio that is perfect for enjoying a meal with your furry companion.

TikTokBest Dog-friendly Restaurants in Knoxville, TN

Popular choices include the Music City Chicken Sandwich, Shrimp & Grits, and Chicken & Waffles.

Google Review

Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours, due to the restaurant's popularity.

Best Dog-friendly Restaurants in Knoxville, TN

Yes, Cafe 4 offers gluten-free choices on its menu.

Best Dog-friendly Restaurants in Knoxville, TN

The atmosphere is cozy yet elegant, with an inviting dining room and an al fresco patio overlooking Market Square.

Best Restaurants And Diners In Knoxville, TennesseeGoogle Review

Yes, Cafe 4 is known for its excellent coffee drinks, including those with unique coffee ice cubes.

Google Review+1

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Café 4 in downtown Knoxville overlooks the historic Market Square and is amongst the smartest and most sophisticated dining spots in the city. Listed by Gourmet.com as one of the top 15 most romantic restaurants across America and a Diner’s Choice Award winner on TripAdvisor, Café 4 features a smart dining room and an outdoor patio space for al fresco dining in the summer months. The cuisine is traditional Southern with a few contemporary twists on a menu that changes to keep pace with seasonal ingredients and the availability of the finest quality produce.

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If you are looking for an upscale dining experience, visit Cafe 4 – an urban bistro right in the heart of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. While the restaurant features a dozen dog-friendly tables outside on the patio, reservations are still highly encouraged as the place is quite busy sometimes. In addition to their regular menu featuring several American classics with a modern take, Cafe 4 offers gluten-free choices as well for their guests.

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Cafe 4 was a pioneer in the revitalization of Knoxville’s Market Square scene, having opened nearly a decade ago when the area was not nearly as desirable to be in as it is now. Their mission to bring hospitality and high-quality local eats to Market Square has been a success, as the cafe is now one of the most popular places in Knoxville to eat. The menu features a variety of brunch, lunch, and dinner items made with fresh ingredients.

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Situated in Market Square in downtown Knoxville, Café 4 offers a modern twist on classic favorites. You can start with something light, like a parfait with Greek yogurt and house-made granola or oatmeal served with cinnamon, walnuts, dried fruit, and brown sugar. There are several versions of Eggs Benedict and other specialties on the menu, along with scrambles, shrimp and grits, fried chicken and a waffle, and huevos rancheros.

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Café 4 calls it “modern comfort food,” and with gastronomic delights like lobster mac ’n chasse and fried chicken and waffles, who’s to disagree?. Located in downtown Knoxville, relax in the ample patio area outside of Café 4 and watch the world go by on Market Square. Of course, that’s after you’ve ordered your drink inside at The Mezz, Café 4’s cocktail bar that features traditional handcrafted adult beverages.

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One of the first to jump on the trend was Cafe 4 in Market Square. This trendy spot offers an industrial feel interior and a heated patio perfect for people watching on Market Square. Cafe 4's seasonally changing menu offers you options ranging from lighter fare such as Yogurt Granola Parfait and salads to more comforting dishes like the Tennessee Cheesesteak with shaved sirloin and Lobster-Bacon Flatbreads.

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Café 4 entered the downtown scene almost a decade ago, truly becoming a pioneer in Knoxville's substantial urban revitalization. Unbelievable to those who have only seen Market Square in its enlivened state, downtown Knoxville was anything but desirable at the time of Café 4's founding. The restaurant was birthed from a desire to bring hospitality and high quality local fare to the heart of Market Square.

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We all need a little southern comfort food from time to time, and Cafe 4 takes this very seriously. With homestyle favorites like pecan pie, and biscuits and gravy, you’ll get to dig into foods that will remind you of lazy summer days when you were younger. Even if you’re not from the south, this food will soothe a part of your mind that craves the perfect mix of salt and savory.

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Café 4 is a delightful spot to have lunch or dinner and enjoy all the holiday activities and lights on Market Square. Get in the spirit with a festive menu of holiday cocktails including the Peppermint Espresso Martini (photo), Sugar Cookie Martini, Santa’s Cookies & Cream, Winter Market Old Fashioned, and a shareable Santas Sangria Bowl. We'll be making several trips!

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Located in the heart of historic Market Square, Cafe 4 is a true urban retreat serving traditional Southern comfort foods with a twist. From the fan-favorite shrimp and grits to the mouth-watering bistro steak, your options are limitless. Their brunch menu is something of a local secret, with scrumptious dishes you’ll scribble in your foodie diary with glee.

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Café 4 - This downtown restaurant has a mac and cheese for everyone with three different and delicious options. The traditionalist will enjoy the three cheese, seafood fans can add lobster to the traditional base and those looking to for some protein can add grilled chicken and jalapenos. Be sure to enjoy your mac and cheese on their beautiful patio!

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Got the short rib over grits and collard greens with the egg on top and it was truly one of the best meals ever. Our server Ashley L was incredibly kind and welcoming, providing great area tips since it was a visit to the area. Chose the mezz at Cafe Four for a "Welcome Wedding party" for guests on Thursday before a weekend wedding.

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Café 4 at Market Square is a full-service restaurant/bakery/coffeehouse located in the Historic Market Square District of Downtown Knoxville. The restaurant features a full menu of moderately priced "comfort" food with a "global" flair based upon time honored recipes from around the world.

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From the owners of Cafe 4 and The Press Room, Jim and Lori Klonaris, comes this cocktail bar and Greek restaurant. The space is well designed and makes you feel like you’re in a large city cocktail bar. Circular booths line the entrance wall along with a cozy seating area up front.

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At Café 4, splurge on a cocktail (parents) and upscale comfort food, like brisket nachos or braised short rib grilled cheese. And at the Horn of Plenty, you can opt to have friend catfish or chicken and dumplings—or you can put together your own feast at the next-door market.

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One of the downtown Knoxville restaurants that you must take a trip to. It has been located in its downtown spot for over a decade and is somewhat of a pioneer in modern food and drink. Cafe 4 is all about two things high-quality food and hospitality and it delivers on both.

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Cafe 4 in Knoxville proved to be a tantalizing kaleidoscope of flavors and textures. Their salad selection deserves a standing ovation. With an ingenious combination of ingredients that delight the palate, Cafe 4 takes a leap ahead in the quest for Knoxville's best salad.

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Over a decade ago Cafe 4 made its way to the Knoxville scene downtown. They’ve credited themselves a part of the urban revitalization of the city and have introduced many vacationers and locals to tasty takes on Southern foods. You’ll find a number of great dishes like:

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