Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar brings a lively New American dining experience to the heart of Knoxville, blending familiar comfort with a modern, creative touch. Set in a retro-inspired space with vintage decor, the restaurant creates a welcoming atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Guests come for classic bar favorites reimagined with a contemporary edge, regional craft beers, and a menu designed to suit everything from relaxed solo meals to memorable nights out with friends.
Whether you are stopping in for brunch, lunch, dinner, or dessert, the experience is built around flavorful food, quality drinks, and the kind of inviting energy that keeps people coming back.
What makes Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar especially appealing is the balance of convenience, quality, and variety. The restaurant offers outdoor seating, dine-in service, takeaway, delivery, and on-site services, giving customers flexible options to enjoy their meal however they prefer.
Its highlights include fast service, a strong beer selection, well-crafted cocktails, a great wine list, standout desserts, and local specialties, along with a sports-friendly setting that adds to the lively, social feel.
Guests can also enjoy happy-hour drinks and food, coffee, comfort food, healthy options, and a full bar on site, making it easy to find something for every mood and occasion.
With table service, reservations accepted, and payment options including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, the restaurant delivers a smooth and convenient dining experience from start to finish.
Accessibility and guest comfort are also clear priorities at Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar. The location includes a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating, and toilet, helping make the restaurant more welcoming and practical for a wide range of visitors.
Located at 15 Market Square in Knoxville, the restaurant has earned a strong reputation, reflected in its 4.50-star rating from 2,711 reviews.
Its casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere makes it a natural choice for locals and visitors looking for a reliable place to enjoy great food, quality drinks, and attentive service in a setting that feels both easygoing and polished.
For anyone seeking a New American restaurant that delivers style, substance, and genuine hospitality, Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar offers an experience worth returning to again and again.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
OUR FRIED GREEN TOMATOES ARE TOPPED WITH HOUSE-MADE PIMIENTO CHEESE, HOMEMADE TOMATO JAM + COUNTRY HAM
HOUSE-MADE CHEESESTEAK EGG ROLLS SERVED WITH SWEET + SPICY CHILI SAUCE
CRISPY PORK BELLY, CUCUMBER SLAW, FRESH AVOCADO, SRIRACHA-LIME CREMA, SAMBAL GLAZE
SUSHI GRADE TUNA, FRESH CITRUS, CUCUMBER, CILANTRO, BASIL, JALAPENO + SWEET CHILI SAUCE, SERVED WITH FRIED WONTONS
DEEP FRIED KOSHER DILL PICKLE SPEARS...SERVED WITH SPICY REMOULADE
3 PACK – CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF, MAYTAG BLEU CHEESE, BACON + CARAMELIZED ONIONS
SPICY + SMOKEY CHIPOTLE GLAZED CHICKEN WINGS TOSSED WITH CRUMBLED BLEU CHEESE
PAN SEARED SCALLOPS OVER BACON CHEDDAR GRIT CAKES WITH BRAISED GREENS + ROASTED RED PEPPER SAUCE
TENDER CALAMARI, LIGHTLY FRIED + SERVED WITH CHERRY PEPPER AIOLI
CRISPY FRIED CHICKEN OVER MIXED GREENS WITH BLEU CHEESE CRUMBLES, APPLEWOOD SMOKED BACON, EGG, TOMATOES, CUCUMBERS, SHREDDED CARROTS + AVOCADO RANCH DRESSING
GRILLED FLATIRON STEAK, FRESH KALE, ARUGULA, SHAVED PARMESAN, GRAPE TOMATOES + SOURDOUGH GARLIC CROUTONS, HOUSE-MADE CAESAR DRESSING
ZESTY HONEY GLAZED FRIED CHICKEN BREAST, FRESH CABBAGE, SPINACH, CARROTS, RED BELL PEPPERS, PENUTS + SESAME PEANUT VINAIGRETTE
FIELD GREENS, FRESH STRAWBERRIES, FRIED GOAT CHEESE, CANDIED PECANS, RED ONION + POPPYSEED-LEMON VINAIGRETTE
WARM BACON-MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE, HARD BOILED EGG, APPLEWOOD-SMOKED BACON, RED ONION + GRAPE TOMATOES
CRISP ICEBERG WEDGE, MAYTAG BLEU CHEESE, APPLEWOOD SMOKED BACON, CANDIED PECANS, TOMATOES, RED ONION, BLEU CHEESE DRESSING + BALSAMIC REDUCTION
SPRING MIX, CUCUMBER. GRAPE TOMATOES, FETA, CANDIED PECANS, HOUSE-MADE BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE
SMOTHERED IN MELTED SWISS, WITH PESTO MAYONNAISE + ONION GRAVY ON TOASTED SOURDOUGH
SUSHI GRADE AHI TUNA IS SEARED RARE + SERVED ON AN ARTISAN BUN WITH LETTUCE, TOMATO, RED ONION, TERIYAKI + WASABI MAYONNAISE
MARINATED, GRILLED PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM WITH MELTED BRIE + ROASTED RED PEPPER, SERVED WITH LEAF LETTUCE + PESTO MAYONNAISE
THIN SLICED STEAK, CHEESE WHIZ + FRIED ONIONS WITH A SIDE OF CHERRY PEPPERS.
KALE, BLACK BEANS, AVOCADO, FETA, PICO DE GALLO, SOUR CREAM + FRESH HERBS ROLLED UP IN A WHOLE WHEAT TORTILLA
HAND-BREADED BUFFALO CHICKEN, LETTUCE, TOMATO + CRISPY PICKLES, TOPPED WITH OUR CHUNKY BLEU CHEESE DRESSING
SOUTHERN FRIED BONELESS CHICKEN, SERVED WITH CHILLED SPICED WATERMELON, A CHEDDAR-CHEESE WAFFLE + BOURBON MAPLE SYRUP
CHOICE BLACK ANGUS FLAT-IRON STEAK, CROWNED WITH HOUSE-MADE CHIMICHURRI, SERVED WITH WHITE CHEDDAR MASHED POTATOES + BROCCOLINI
BACON WRAPPED MEATLOAF WITH TOMATO CHILI GLAZE + RICH ONION GRAVY. SERVED WITH WHITE CHEDDAR MASHED POTATOES + BROCCOLINI
SERVED W/ WHITE CHEDDAR MASHED POTATOES, GRILLED ASPARAGUS + NATURAL JUS
12 OZ. CHOICE RIBEYE FROM EVAN'S MEATS...WITH BLEU CHEESE COMPOUND BUTTER SERVED WITH FRIED REDSKIN POTATOES + GRILLED ASPARAGUS
LOCAL CRAFT BEER BATTERED ICELANDIC COD SERVED WITH LOTS OF FRIES, HOUSE-MADE COLESLAW & REMOULADE.
LARGE PAN-SEARED SCALLOPS SAUTÉED, SERVED OVER LINGUINE, TOSSED WITH FRESH BASIL, GARLIC, TOMATOES, BRIE + EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
WILD CAUGHT SALMON CROWNED WITH LOCAL HONEY, GRAIN MUSTARD + FRESH MINT. SERVED WITH WHITE CHEDDAR MASHED POTATOES + GRILLED ASPARAGUS
FRESH MAHI-MAHI SERVED OVER SMASHED POTATOES, BRAISED KALE SALAD WITH ROASTED RED PEPPER + TOMATO BEURRE BLANC
SAUTEED SHRIMP & ALLIGATOR, BLACKENED CHICKEN, ROASTED RED PEPPERS, CARAMELIZED ONIONS + LINGUINE, TOSSED IN OUR CAJUN CREAM SAUCE
TILLAMOOK AGED CHEDDAR CHEESE, LETTUCE, TOMATO, CRISPY PICKLES + NOT SAUCE
GRASS-FED ANGUS BEEF... GRILLED MAC 'N' CHEESE AND CHILI... OH MY!
SAUTEED BUTTON MUSHROOMS + MELTED BRIE CHEESE, WITH LETTUCE, TOMATO + NOT SAUCE
APPLEWOOD SMOKED BACON, AMERICAN CHEESE, GRILLED ONIONS, + A FRIED EGG
APPLEWOOD SMOKED BACON, LETTUCE, TOMATO, PICKLE, BBQ SAUCE, TILLAMOOK AGED CHEDDAR CHEESE + FRIED ONIONS
HOUSEMADE PIMIENTO CHEESE, APPLEWOOD SMOKED BACON, LETTUCE, TOMATO JAM + PICKLES CHIPS
ROASTED JALAPENO PEPPERS, HABANERO MAYO,CAJUN SPICES, PEPPER JACK CHEESE, LETTUCE, TOMATO, RED ONION + PICKLES
MAYTAG BLEU CHEESE, CARAMELIZED VIDALIA ONIONS, FRESH ARUGULA
PEPPER JACK CHEESE, AVOCADO, LETTUCE, TOMATO + NOT SAUCE
SPICY BLACK BEAN BURGER WITH PEPPER JACK CHEESE, GUACAMOLE, LETTUCE, TOMATO, RED ONION + PICKLE SHIPS
CHOICE OF BURGER ON TOP OF A SALAD, WITH MIXED GREENS, TOMATOES, RED ONION, CUCUMBERS, SHREDDED CARROTS + CHOICE OF DRESSING
2 Buttermilk Biscuits, Fried Chicken Tenderloins, Spicy Honey Glaze, Homemade Sausage Gravy & 2 Fried Eggs
Poached Eggs, Country Ham Hollandaise on an English Muffin Served with Tater Tots
Sounds Crazy Till You Try It! Served with Tater Tots & A Side of Homemade Tomato Jam
Sauteed Mushrooms, Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, Carmelized Onions & White Cheddar. Served with Tater Tots and a Side of Homemade Salsa
Made to Order and Served with Applewood Smoked Bacon and Bourbon Maple Syrup
Braised Kale Salad, Feta, Poached Eggs, Hollandaise Over an English Muffin Served with Tater Tots
With Fresh Strawberries, Whip Cream and Bourbon Maple Syrup. Served with a Side of Applewood Smoked Bacon
THREE HAND BREADED TENDERS
TEXAS TOAST & AMERICAN CHEESE
ALL BEEF HOT DOG
TWO MINI-CHEESEBURGERS
PHILLY STEAK & CHEESE WHIZ
Hear from our valued guests
Smash burger for me, blue cheese burgers for them. Sweet potato fries were better than regular fries. Burgers were good. Service good too.
Had my Birthday dinner here and it was Superb! The scallops were succulent with just the right char. The steak was perfectly prepared from the seasoning to the doneness...the fried potatoes could have used a sauce of some sort but were delicious. The asparagus was perfectly tender crisp and the Creole pasta was divine. 10 out of 10...highly Recommend.
During my recent visit to Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar in Knoxville, I had the opportunity to try their Fried Green Tomatoes, Alligator Po’ Boy, and a classic Mimosa. The Fried Green Tomatoes were topped with house-made pimiento cheese, tomato jam, and country ham, creating a delightful blend of Southern flavors.  The Alligator Po’ Boy featured tender fried alligator with fresh spring greens, tomato, dill pickles, and a spicy remoulade, offering a unique twist on the traditional sandwich.  The Mimosa was refreshing and complemented the meal perfectly. The restaurant’s ambiance was inviting, and the staff provided attentive service, making for an enjoyable dining experience. Highly recommended
The fish (salmon) and sauce were particularly good! Asparagus and mashed potatoes were jot bad either. Would definitely go in for another take, if I’m in town!
We had several dishes from the menu. The salmon with asparagus, meatloaf with potatoes and I have a gator poboy. All seasoned well to satisfy and appeasing to the pallet. The service was great our server Amanda was attentive and went above and beyond. I don't remember the young man's name behind the bar, but he was very customer service oriented as well
Great first experience, sat a bar high top and ordered a beer at the bar....good selection of local drafts for every taste. Ordered the wings app with 2 flavors, lemon pepper & garlic along with chipotle. Both had excellent flavor and we ordered extra crispy.....they were spot on. Side order of fries and a Caesar salad topped it off and was certainly enough for us both. Service was great with friendly people all around. We will be back.
Our first time dining here. Our server was great and she gave us several recommendations of some entrees to try. We started with the fried okra and the fried green tomatoes and I could have easily made a meal of them. Our main course was pasta, fish and a hamburger. All of our items were served hot and tasted delecious. We can't wait to visit there soon
Stopped in this place on a road trip with the food was incredible and so is the mimosa. Our server was amazing. It did take a while to get our drinks and food, but they were both well worth the wait. Will be back!!
We chose this place based on the appetizer menu and it did not disappoint. The fried green tomatoes and Philly cheese steak egg rolls were divine. Our table ordered steaks and Asian salad with fried chicken, all of which exceeded our expectations. The pumpkin cheesecake and creme brulee were a lovely way to finish our meal. The staff was friendly and helpful. I would definitely come back.
The food is great. For starters we had calamari and corn ribs. Both were excellent.
Common questions about Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar is located at 15 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States.
You can reach Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar by calling +1 865-766-4848.
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 2711 customer reviews.
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar features the following service options: Outdoor seating, On-site services, Takeaway, Dine-in, Delivery.
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar features the following highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great dessert, Great wine list, Serves local specialty, Sport.
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar features the following popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining.
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Comfort food, Happy-hour drinks, Happy-hour food, Healthy options, Late-night food, Organic dishes, Quick bite, Small plates, Spirits, Vegetarian options, Wine.
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar features the following dining options: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar features the following amenities: Bar on site, Restroom.
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar features the following atmosphere: Casual, Cozy, Trendy.
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar features the following crowd: Groups, Tourists, University students.
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar features the following planning: Accepts reservations.
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar features the following children: High chairs, Kids' menu.
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar features the following parking: Paid parking garage, Paid parking lot.
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar features the following pets: Dogs allowed outside.
Business Features
We look forward to welcoming you. Make a reservation or stop by - walk-ins welcome!
Request a table and we'll confirm your booking shortly.
