Jackie's Dream

Make the drive to this soul food joint in North Knoxville and you'll feel like you've discovered a local secret. Jackie serves up daily specials like smothered pork chops and fried tilapia, with sides like "Mama's Cabbage" and candied yams.

2223 McCalla Ave. • 865-219-5789 • jackiesdreamcafe.com • Sun.: noon-6 p.m., Tue.-Thur.: 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri.-Sat.: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.She’s known as “Miss Jackie,” and no one is more deserving of the Southern courtesy title than Jackie Booker Griffin, who brought the homegrown and home-cooked lovefest known as “Jackie’s Dream” to the core of East Knoxville. Lithe and quick, even after more than 20 years on the Knoxville restaurant scene, Griffin doesn’t look like a grandma. But she learned from her own grannies in Oliver Springs, and her restaurant operates with all the best practices of heritage country cooking: fresh ingredients whenever possible, hand chopping, fresh braising and frying, no heat lamps.

If you’re searching for an authentic, bare-bones Southern BBQ experience, a trip to Jackie’s Dream is exactly that. This family-run joint serves awesome food at affordable prices and is regularly frequented by Knoxville locals. The menu at Jackie’s Dream is filled with drool-worthy dishes like Nanny Mary’s Fried Green Tomatoes, Fried Mushrooms, Knox Hot Chicken, 8 to 20-piece Chicken Boxes, Jackie’s Famous Fried Chicken, Meatloaf, Catfish, the Chicken Tender Sandwich, a Fried Bologna Sandwich, and tons of sides.

Perhaps a safer bet for Knoxville hot chicken is Jackie’s Dream – a soul food café that’s been going strong since Jackie opened her doors in 2015. A short drive from the centre, in North Knoxville, Jackie’s Dream serves up not only her famous chicken (which is finger-lickin’ hot) but also southern classics like fried green tomatoes, catfish and cornbread. It’s a no-nonsense location, but a must-visit eatery while you’re in Knoxville.

Jackie’s Dream really was the dream of someone named Jackie who grew up in a family that loved to cook and brought her skills with her when she opened a Southern food eatery. It shows in dishes like Nanny Mary’s Fried Green tomatoes, Mama’s Cabbage, or Aunt Maimie’s Candied Yams. Everything is incredibly reasonably priced, from fried chicken by the piece to “Everyday Meals” like meatloaf or fried shrimp that come with two sides.

Quoted as “the Best Soul Food in Knoxville,” Jackie and her wonderful restaurant family serve up Knox Hot Chicken, Fried Chicken, Meatloaf, Catfish, Fried Okra, and Mama’s Mac & Cheese along with other delicious food daily. Jackie worked in the food industry throughout Knoxville for years as she pursued her dream of owning her own soul food restaurant. Jackie’s Dream is located in North Knoxville.

Our list wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention the stomach-rumbling soul food served up at Jackie’s Dream. This restaurant is known for heaping portions of comfort food classics like fried chicken, catfish, ‘Knoxville’ hot chicken, oxtails, mac & cheese, greens, cornbread, and some of the best fried green tomatoes you’ve ever had. Save room for a homemade dessert!

Some of the best soul food in Knoxville can be found at Jackie’s Dream Cafe. Have a laid back date night (or afternoon!) with Jackie’s Famous Fried Chicken, daily specials that include smothered chicken, ribs and fried fish and shareable plates like fried green tomatoes and fried mushrooms. Savor the meatloaf and soul-warming catfish meal.

- Rating: 5.0 / 5 (71 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (5.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (5.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American- Address: 1008 E Woodland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917-4538- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like: Cities with the most expensive homes in the Knoxville metro area

Jackie had a dream to own her own restaurant and after years working in other people's restaurant, her dream came true. Located in downtown Knoxville, Jackie's Dream Cafe offers some of the best Soul Food in Knoxville. Regulars are crazy for her fried and "hot" chicken.

1008 E Woodland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917 (https://knoxvillesoulfood.com). Tennessee and hot chicken go hand in hand. While Nashville might be known for this signature style, as you might have already guessed from Gus's, the trend is alive and well in Knoxville, too.

Jackie’s Dream really is nothing less than a chicken wing lover’s dream place. The restaurant offers great service and serves great Southern fried chicken wings. The chicken wings can be topped with amazing sauces including Buffalo Ranch, Knox Hot sauce and cheese.

Jackie’s Dream is the place for you to indulge in homemade soul food. You’ll find yourself savoring every bite in this cozy little haven. You’ll be swept away by the legendary Knox Hot Chicken – try it with a side of Mama’s Mac ‘n’ Cheese.

1008 E Woodland AveKnoxville, TN 37917(865) 219-5789 Visit Website Open in Google Maps. This restaurant located in the heart of Knoxville is the go-to place for incredible classic Southern fare served in a laid-back atmosphere.

Run by Ms. Jackie Griffin herself, Jackie’s Dream opened in 2015. This restaurant features soul food made fresh. On their website, Jackie says that she eliminates cans whenever she can and makes fresh food a priority.