
Cafe 4
Refined Southern classics with a modern twist in a cozy yet elegant atmosphere on historic Market Square.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Cafe 4
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Refined Southern classics with a modern twist in a cozy yet elegant atmosphere on historic Market Square.
"Enjoy Southern comfort food with a modern flair in a prime Market Square location."
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.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Southern
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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

Highly Praised Service
Enjoy attentive and friendly service from staff like Matt, Sydney, and Lucas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
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
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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Cafe 4 has a dog-friendly patio that is perfect for enjoying a meal with your furry companion.
Popular choices include the Music City Chicken Sandwich, Shrimp & Grits, and Chicken & Waffles.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours, due to the restaurant's popularity.
Yes, Cafe 4 offers gluten-free choices on its menu.
The atmosphere is cozy yet elegant, with an inviting dining room and an al fresco patio overlooking Market Square.
Yes, Cafe 4 is known for its excellent coffee drinks, including those with unique coffee ice cubes.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Best Restaurants And Diners In Knoxville, Tennessee
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.
Best Dog-friendly Restaurants in Knoxville, TN
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.
Hungry? Here Are The 15 Best Restaurants in Knoxville, TN
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.
5 Best Brunch Restaurants Around Knoxville
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.
Knoxville's most romantic restaurants - TNLedger Knoxville Edition
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.
Top 5 Brunch Spots in Knoxville, Tennessee
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.
Café 4
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.
Peppermint Trail
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!
16 Best Places to Eat in Knoxville, TN for Foodies (2024)
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.
Top 10 Mac & Cheese in Knoxville
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!
Ultimate Brunch Spots in Knoxville
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.
15 Best Restaurants in Knoxville, TN | Blog
A staple of Market Square, Cafe 4 delivers modern American cuisine in a well-designed setting. The mac and cheese is frequently recommended, but the full menu ranges from brunch staples to evening entrees. With a relaxed but professional ambiance, it serves as a good introduction to downtown Knoxville’s food culture.
Downtown Knoxville Restaurants | Knoxville Restaurant Guide
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.
The Best Restaurants in Knoxville | Knoxville Must-Do List
Located in the heart of Downtown Knoxville, Cafe 4 is an incredible restaurant for every meal (although brunch is our favorite). My friends took me for my birthday!. Try your hardest to reserve a spot on the patio- it has the sweetest atmosphere and provides excellent people watching.
Kefi – The Old City Goes Greek – Knoxville
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.
2025 Guide to Best Salad in Knoxville
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.
15 Local Restaurants in Knoxville, TN You’ll Want to “Knox” Off Your Bucket List
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:
Dog Friendly American Restaurants near SS Sultana Memorial, Knoxville, TN, US
Cafe 4 is an upscale, urban bistro situated in the heart of downtown Knoxville. They have about a dozen dog-friendly tables outside on the patio, but reservations are highly encouraged. The menu features several American classics with a modern take.
20 Best Restaurants in Knoxville, TN 2023
Cafe 4 is a wonderful combo of a restaurant, a bakery, and a coffee bar. They serve the best comfort food with a modern twist. Enjoy choices like Chicken & Jalapeno or Lobster Mac & Cheese, Fried Green Tomatoes, or Calamari & Truffle Fries.
Highest-rated Restaurants in Knoxville, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,071 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 4 Market Sq, Knoxville, TN 37902-1430- Read more on Tripadvisor
Top [10 Places] for an Amazing Brunch in Knoxville
Brunch and punch go hand in hand, and you can wrap your hands around a punchbowl at Café 4. On the menu are old school favorites, like margaritas and bloody Mary’s. Modern and classic meet in the middle here.
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4 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902Phone: 865-544-8564 Visit Website. A post shared by Cafe 4 (@cafe_4). Café 4 is a modern café, cocktail bar, and bistro in the heart of Downtown Knoxville’s Market Square.
Burgers, crepes, waffles: 5 brunch dishes to order this Mother's Day in Knoxville
Cafe 4 at 4 Market Square has our final recommendation, a classic dish for Mother's Day brunch. This dish is the fried chicken and waffles featuring buttermilk waffles, sawmill gravy and hot maple syrup.
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4 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902The dinner menu features Southern-inspired entrees like short rib, meatloaf, and shrimp & grits, along with a full wine list and creative cocktails.
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This place is perfect if you're looking for date ideas in Knoxville. You can experience delicious local fare at this place. And this restaurant serves an amazing version of this food.
Brunch in Knoxville, TN: Our guide to the best brunch restaurants in the city
| Celebrate life’s memorable moments with a punch bowl to split with friends and family before ordering cinnamon rolls, short rib and eggs, and Belgian waffles.
The 10 Best Places to Eat in Knoxville, TN
Restaurants with numbers on their names can sometimes feel random and sketchy. No need to worry here. The 4 from Café 4 stands for their street address number.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit