Potchke Deli

If its name meaning “to fuss around” and its concept of a Jewish gathering place loosely based on Seinfeld tells you anything, it’s that Potchke doesn’t take itself too seriously. Whether you grew up making babka in the kitchen with your bubbe or the entire genre of cuisine is new to you, this bakery and cafe is a must-visit. With items on the menu ranging from avocado tartine to lox bialy to matzoh ball soup, Potchke’s menu is wide-ranging, appealing to vegans and gluten-free diners, as well.

Potchke, a Jewish deli and kosher restaurant in downtown Knoxville that began as a pop-up in 2022, has made national news: Along with 46 other restaurants, Potchke was included in the 2024 USA TODAY Restaurants of the year list. Located in a former coffee shop in what’s now an office building, the restaurant maintains an atmosphere inspired by the nostalgia of Jewish retirees who made their way to Miami in the ‘60s and ‘70s. That means lots of vibrant colors to reflect South Beach style.

It seems like the only place my Knoxville friends go for breakfast or lunch anymore is Potchke, an elevated Jewish bakery with a flair for the cheeky comments, and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Potchke thrums with the energy of a well-made lunch consumed in a brightly lit room. Every dish on the menu has a vegan or gluten-free option, and there’s always an interesting variation of house-made seltzers or tonics to try as an accompaniment.

318 N Gay Street, Suite 103, Knoxville / @potchkedeli/ Potchke’s is a local delicatessen attracting national attention for it’s “fussed up” take on Jewish classics. Enjoy everything house made Babkas to the traditional Lox and Bialy…and keep an eye out for talented restauranteurs and local owners, Laurence Faber and Emily Williams. Grab a coveted patio seat with the weather is nice.

Potchke (318 N Gay St. #103, Knoxville) started as a pop-up in Knoxville’s Old City neighborhood. The restaurant has a brick-and-mortar location now, and quickly gained acclaim for its borscht, which it sold as a fundraising effort for Ukrainian refugees. The restaurant has an airy atmosphere, and features exposed brick walls, a skylight, and lots of plants.

The "borsch(t)" is a must-try even if you don't like beets, or there's the matzoh ball soup served in two styles: Bubbe's way or fuss-it-up. Already a local favorite, Potchke has been named among the best new restaurants by Southern Living, and owners recently confirmed the deli is not only staying put but may even expand.

- Rating: 4.9/5 (129 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 318 North Gay St. Ste 103 Knoxville, Tennessee - Categories: Delis - Read more on Yelp. This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 191 metros.

Jewish deli and Kosher foods served in a cozy and bright environment in the Regas Building downtown. Evolving menu features Eastern European delights including bialy, borsch(t), tartine, blintz, matzo ball soup, and babka. Gluten free options available, many items are vegan/vegetarian.

Start your day with the colorful, Instagram-worthy dishes at Potchke Deli. You'll love the menu of Jewish and Eastern European favorites like tartine, blintz, matzo ball soup, babka and bialy. Many items are vegetarian and/or vegan and there are gluten-free options as well.

Potchke is a hidden gem in Knoxville that’ll leave you asking for more. This delightful Jewish deli in downtown Knoxville serves up classic, mouthwatering dishes you won’t find anywhere else in town. How about sinking your teeth into a scrumptious Whitefish Bialy?

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The menu at Potchke, a restaurant operating inside of the historic Regas Building, is filled with food meant to feed everyone's inner New Yorker.

- Rating: 4.9/5 (132 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 318 North Gay St. Ste 103 Knoxville, Tennessee - Categories: Delis- Read more on Yelp