A perennial favorite, this barbecue joint and steak house draws crowds for its hickory-smoked ribs and its views of the action on the Tennessee River. There's a dedicated dock for the restaurant, and many locals arrive by water to take in the scenery on the spacious deck. You'll find additional locations throughout eastern Tennessee.

If you are looking for casual southern cooking in a family-friendly atmosphere that also offers great views of the Tennessee River, then I recommend Calhouns on the River. Sure, Knoxville offers lots of fine dining, but if you are traveling with kids, you might be looking for something with atmosphere and also family-friendly. Conveniently located right downtown and along the riverwalk greenway, Calhouns is a regular stop for me when I bring friends or family to Knoxville.

The hickory-smoked ribs are justifiably renowned at Calhoun’s on the Tennessee River (and just as succulent at its six other locations). But the waterfront eatery also draws raves for equally coveted menu items ranging from pork chops and smoked chicken to entree salads and Spinach Maria – a must-try side – along with the restaurant’s famously upbeat ambiance. “Everything on the menu is good, and the service is always stellar,” Brooks says.

One of Knoxville’s special-occasion workhorses, Calhoun’s has been a game-day favorite for Tennessee fans since 1988. It’s all about location, location, location for this Knoxville tradition, located within walking distance of Neyland Stadium, Thompson-Boling Arena and the University of Tennessee campus. Accessible by boat, Calhoun’s offers seating on outside and enclosed decks with panoramic views of the Tennessee River.

In 1983 the original Calhoun’s opened for business in west Knoxville on Kingston Pike, just past Pellissippi Parkway. After winning the grand prize ribbon at The National Rib Cook-Off in Cleveland, Ohio, Calhoun’s claims theirs as the “Best Ribs in America.” Sample for yourself at any of their four Knoxville locations including the original, Bearden, Turkey Creek, and on the Tennessee River downtown at Volunteer Landing.

The restaurant chain has well-established links throughout East Tennessee and is a household name in the Scruffy City. But none of the locations provide as unique of a dining experience as the downtown deck at Calhoun’s on the River. Customers seated beneath umbrellas, at the outdoor bar or in the enclosed deck are surrounded by panoramic views of downtown Knoxville that are especially stunning as the sun begins to set.

The famous Calhoun’s On the River located on the city’s historic waterfront is one of the best for dining on BBQ with a panoramic river view, although there are nine locations throughout Knoxville and the surrounding area. There’s an outside deck for enjoying the picturesque setting on a pleasant day while the menu features tasty favorites like brisket and all sorts of sandwiches, including the Hickory Smoked BBQ Pork.

Brews and views are two things Calhoun’s on the River can provide ten-fold. They proudly serve selections from sister restaurant Smoky Mountain Brewery, where the beer is brewed in small batches for optimal taste and quality. Mainstays include the tasty Mountain Light (delicately hopped, American light lager), Cherokee Red Ale (Irish-style with five malts and English hops), and Helles (German light lager).

Calhoun’s is a Tennessee institution for barbecue, southern comfort food, and artisanal beer with roots in south Knoxville. Now you can find Calhoun’s locations in downtown, Bearden Hills, Turkey Creek, and various other locales in Knoxville and beyond. You can find old fashioned barbecue joint atmosphere at the older locations and sleeker, contemporary brewpub atmospheres in the newer areas.

Lastly, Knoxville has seen a microbrewery renaissance in recent years, with more than a half-dozen beer joints now crafting signature brews. Concentrated mostly on Knoxville’s downtown and northside, it’s easy to go bar-hopping to taste the diverse offerings. Crafty Bastard Brewery boasts some of the most creative concoctions, while Schulz Brau pours tastes of Bavaria by the pint.

Calhoun’s has several locations in Tennessee but we only experienced the one on the Tennessee River. As mentioned we stopped in here for a drink and bite to eat after a walk along the riverfront and this place is all about location, location. I mean the food was fine and all, nothing that memorable but you’re right on the water and we chose to sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.

Quick stop in for a small bite to eat or a big family gathering- whatever you are preparing for Calhoun’s On The River is prepared for it. They are a BBQ joint with fun specials throughout the week like every Monday is “Burger Day” where each burger is only $7. There’s also Happy Hour which is perfect for those looking to pair their heart meal with a creative cocktail.

You can linger briefly over ”First Tastes” at Calhoun’s (Bacon Wrapped Beef Brisket Burned Ends might be calling your name). But then skip on down the menu to Tennessee barbecue so you can dig into ribs, hickory smoked chicken, or barbecued pork. Sides include Corn Puddin’ (not pudding) and Baked Cinnamon Apples, and there’s key lime pie or banana pudding for dessert.

Tennessee barbecue, delicious salty sides, and fun mixes of classics make Calhoun’s a restaurant locals keep coming back. Although it’s a local chain, every restaurant under this name works hard to be your favorite chain. The burgers are ground in-house, and all of the food has a fresh and delicious flavor you can’t find in most chain restaurants.

Calhoun’s is known for having the “Best Ribs in America” – put that claim to the test by sampling their famous dish and signature sauce. But the restaurant has more than ribs going for it. Other offerings include steak, chicken tenders, wings, and sandwiches.Feast on grilled meats and enjoy gorgeous views of Knoxville’s historic waterfront area.

Calhoun’s is a local institution and its riverfront location adds an appealing setting to the barbecue and Southern cuisine it serves. With spacious outdoor seating overlooking the Tennessee River, it’s a preferred destination for both visitors and longtime residents. The smoked ribs and signature beer-battered dishes are consistent draws.

Calhoun’s certainly lives up to it’s reputation as one of the best places to have a business lunch. Not only does it serve the best BBQ in town, it also has way underrated fries. Sure they look ordinary and might be overshadowed by a delicious entrée, but they have some kind of addicting seasoning that makes you want more and more.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (2,441 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Bar- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 400 Neyland Dr, Knoxville, TN 37902-2408- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-ranked pizza restaurants in Knoxville by diners

If you’re craving a tasty plate of Tennessee-style barbecue, you’ll want to plan a visit to this local dining chain. Calhoun’s On The River is where you’ll find a great variety of sandwiches, burgers, and tasty sides. This cozy restaurant offers a retro-style interior with lots of seating and friendly service.

Another Knoxville, Tennessee favorite for barbecue is Calhoun’s. There are three locations in Knoxville, with another one to open this fall; but my favorite location is Calhoun’s On The River at 400 Neyland Drive on Knoxville’s historic waterfront. It is even accessible by boat!.

Calhoun’s On the River is a chain of BBQ serving Tennessee-style BBQ meats, cheeseburgers, sandwiches, homemade sides, and craft beers. You can look at the river while enjoying your food. The cheese and sausage platter, ale steak, catfish, and corn pudding are simply wow.

Neyland Greenway will lead you past the Thompson-Boling Arena and the famed Neyland Stadium before landing at Calhoun’s on The River. You’ve made it downtown, friends!. You’ve specifically made it to the skinny but beautiful Volunteer Landing Park.

If you’re worried about not being able to get a Thanksgiving meal this year, don’t fret. The people at Calhoun’s understand the importance of a nice holiday meal. Calhoun’s offers holiday feed packs from November 22 to January 1.

We don’t often plan on eating at Calhoun’s however, even though it is one of our favorite restaurants, because it gets packed on game day. But if you go early or are willing to wait a bit, it’s a great time and good food.

When I think of chili, I think of a thick, meaty soup that will most likely be served as my meal. Calhoun’s turkey chili fits this ideal to the last bite. It is topped with thin tortilla strips.

Calhoun’s On The River sits directly on the Tennessee River. You can enjoy outdoor seating or get an interior table with a panoramic view. The place has its dock and is accessible by boat.

Nothing is better than Tennessee BBQ other than Tennessee BBQ on the river. Calhoun’s offers that and so much more. The waterfront views are nice, but the menu is just as satisfying.

Try Aubreys, Calhouns, Chesapeake, Sitar, Buddys (for lunch). Bistro By The Tracks is good, but expensive. There are several good restaurants at the Market, which you might like.

Knoxville has several spots that locals love, including Nick & J’s Cafe, Sweet P’s Barbecue, Connors Steak & Seafood and Calhoun’s On the River.