Local Flavor: Where I Actually Eat Around Blount County
I love food. Like, really love food. I definitely eat out more than I should, but honestly... I don’t even feel bad about it. For such a small community, Blount County has a really robust food scene. From tucked-away spots that have been here forever to new restaurants that instantly feel like they belong, there’s just a lot to be proud of around here.
I'm not getting any kickbacks for benefits here. This is NOT a sponsored roundup. It’s just a local’s guide to the places I actually go when I’m hungry, happy, or hanging out with friends and family. If you live here, you’ll recognize a few. If you’re new, you’re about to eat really well.
My definitive list of the best in Blount County:
🥪 Sandwiches
Subs & Such (https://subsandsuch.com) and Foothills Milling Café (https://foothillsmillingcafe.com) — Both are absolutely world-class and the best sandwiches I've ever had anywhere. Period.
REO Cheesewagon (https://reocheesewagon.com) — A great new addition to the local scene. Used to just be a food truck, but now has a storefront right downtown.
🍔 Burgers
Hot Rods 50’s Diner (https://www.hotrods50sdiner.com) — That’s all you need to know.
🍽️ American
Bluetick Tavern (https://blueticktavern.com) and Blackhorse Pub & Brewery – Alcoa (https://www.blackhorsebrews.com/our-pubs/brewery-alcoa) — You can't go wrong with either. Blackhorse also wins the award for best outdoor space.
🍝 Italian
Gondolier Italian Restaurant (https://gondolierpizza.com) — They have the best wings and pizza in town in addition to full traditional Italian options. This is hands-down our favorite place to go. We're here at least once a week.
🌮 Mexican
We're really spoiled with so many great options in this category. But, here's the best of the best:
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Best queso & margaritas: Cancun Mexican Restaurant (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057429340380)
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Best overall value: El Barril Mexican Grill (https://el-barril-mexican-grill.goto-where.com/)
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Best salsa: Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant (https://losamigosmaryville.com/)
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Best singular dish + best atmosphere + my favorite owner/host: Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant (https://www.panchosmexicantn.com/)— get the chimichanga or fajitas.
🍜 Thai
Lemon Grass Maryville (https://www.mylemongrass.com/)— Great go-to when you want Asian or sushi.
🍖 BBQ
Hatcher’s On Target BBQ (https://www.facebook.com/HatchersOnTargetBbq/) or Small Town BBQ (https://smalltownbbq.com/) — Between these two, they can take care of you regardless of which side of town you're on.
🍕 Pizza
Bella Roma Pizza (https://www.bellaromapizzatn.com/) is my favorite, but I know everyone has an opinion in this category. If you want more authentic New York style: Metro Pizza – Alcoa (https://www.mmmetropizza.com/index.html)
🌏 Global Flavors
Because sometimes you just want something a little different...
Aroma Café (https://www.facebook.com/AromasCubansMaryville) — Cuban comfort food that’ll make you wish you found it sooner.
Yassin’s Falafel House (https://yassinsfalafelhouse.com/) — Mediterranean done right. Ask for some feta in your gyro and thank me later.
Rocky’s Jamaica Sunset (https://www.facebook.com/p/Rockys-Jamaica-Sunset-61575940701965/) — It's a food truck now, but it's worth tracking down!
👨👩👧 Best Place to Take Kids
Mr. Gatti’s Pizza (https://mrgattispizza.com/) — Or "Mister Daddy's" as my youngest son calls it...buffet, games, family friendly atmosphere. Has it all! And it you want to be outdoors with the kiddos, try Peaceful Side Social in Townsend (https://peacefulsidesocial.com/). Great food and a full outdoor play area.
I’ll keep adding to this list as I “research” more of what’s out there.
If you’ve got a spot you think deserves a mention — especially one you feel flew under the radar — send it my way. I’m always up for finding the next local gem in Blount County.
