J.C. Holdway

An absolutely amazing experience! Incredible oysters, shrimp, and prime rib eye. The service was something I have not experienced in many years - sheer perfection. Every detail accounted for. Every detail saw. Our server Domingo was absolutely outstanding - he cared for our family and made my birthday dinner truly special. This is my new favorite restaurant in town.

First time visiting and 100% won't be the last!! Exceptional food, service and atmosphere! Loved every minute and every morsel, from the hush puppies to the Campanelle to the bread pudding, I thoroughly enjoyed JC Holdway.

Greeted by the friendliest hostesses (two), that just set the mood for the night. Then we lucked out and got Stephen G as our server and he was AMAZING!! Great recommendations, de-boned the fresh trout, and had a fabulous personality that makes you feel VIP. Then the food…. oh how it was good. Ordered a great wine, Lewis the Mason. A new one for us recommended by the Sommelier. Then Stephen walked us through the menu and we had to try the signature appetizer, Slow Cooked Farm Egg. It’s like a soup and chicken dumplings married. Very good. Then tried an assortment of dishes at the table so we could try many things: Whole grilled Trout, Roasted Chicken, Grilled Shrimp and cornbread. Followed by dessert of Bread Pudding, Chocolate Cake, and the table favorite - PB&J Tart. Everything was absolutely delicious, clearly fresh made and quality ingredients. We shared and loved everything. My recommendation- go with friends and order a variety of things and just share to taste them all because everything is mouth watering, delicious! Service is great and vine is amazing. Even the restrooms are well thought out with small amenities available like mints, glossers, bobby pins, and small safety pins. Amazing Can’t wait to return to try more items… it’s soooo gooood ! (and check out the oic of how they wrap the left overs like a swan!)

One of my all-time Knoxville favorites and a perfect birthday dinner! Started off with the smoked fish dip and half a dozen oysters. For my entree, I got the pork chop and my friend got the salmon. For dessert, we got the chocolate cake. And they surprised me with a little strawberry sorbet! We typically make a reservation, but open-bar seating is typically available on slower nights. Service was excellent as always.

We celebrated my birthday and my engagement here and it was fabulous! Excellent service, and amazing food and atmosphere! This resturant is a gem in Knoxville. Thank you J.C. Holdway!

Cherry Bounce for a cocktail! Wings were perfect! Trout was fabulous. The pork chop had a wonderful smokey flavor, and its grit cake was great! Ice cream was fabulous.

After completing a rugged three-night camping sojourn in the Great Smoky Mountains, I longed to pivot from the primitive to the refined—from firewood and starlight to fine stemware and culinary artistry. My background in fine dining and James Beard Award–winning establishments made the search deliberate, and Providence led me to JC Holdway in Knoxville—a beacon of sophistication in East Tennessee. The evening unfolded on the outdoor patio where the air lingered at a perfect 72°, kissed by a dusky sunset. The chef opened with an unexpected gift: a pimento cheese dollop crowned atop a benne seed cracker. Simple, yet elegant—an amuse-bouche that announced I was in capable hands. For the first course, I ordered the Smoked Chicken Wings glazed in Alabama white sauce. To call them wings feels unjust; these were masterworks—skin crisped to perfection, yet flesh so tender it surrendered from the bone. Quite honestly, among the best wings I’ve ever encountered across decades of dining. The main act was the Whole Grilled Sunburst Trout—a dazzling display of flavor and craft. Presented with cabbage, green beans, shaved carrots, basil, and a lively tomato vinaigrette, the trout was expertly deboned tableside, adding ceremony to the moment. Each bite reaffirmed my suspicion: this was the single best trout of my life, its succulence owed much to the restaurant’s crown jewel—the Josper oven, a rare instrument of culinary alchemy that seals in essence while imparting an unmatched smokiness. To conclude, I savored a Buttermilk Lime Sorbet—silken, refreshing, and so well balanced that I nearly ordered another simply to prolong the experience. Later, I reflected on the story of Chef Joseph Lenn, honored as Best Chef: Southeast by the James Beard Foundation in 2013. It struck a chord with me personally, having served as Captain at Restaurant Eugene in Atlanta when Chef Linton Hopkins won that same award in 2012. Excellence at this level is never a solo act—it is a chorus of discipline, vision, and unity. The team at JC Holdway embodies this truth magnificently. In short, JC Holdway is not merely a restaurant—it is a culinary pilgrimage worth taking. I left not only satisfied, but inspired, and I cannot wait to return with my wife so she can share in this remarkable experience.

The service, food, and experience are outstanding! The chef’s tasting menu was exceptional, and the chef/owner is very personable. It is perfect for special occasions, and I can’t wait to go back!

I recently moved from Germany to Knoxville for work and will be staying here for a while. Last Saturday, after visiting the busy downtown area following the Tennessee Volunteers' home game, I was looking for a nice place to eat. By chance, I came across J.C. Holdway, and it immediately stood out from the other restaurants I had seen in town. Without a reservation, it was nearly impossible to get a table around 5 pm on a Saturday, but I was lucky enough to grab the very last seat at the bar - right next to the drink station, where things were quite lively. At first, I hesitated to take the spot, but my curiosity won, and I'm so glad it did. The entire staff was extremely friendly, professional, and fun. A special thanks to Lia (I hope I spell her name correctly) and Dave, who made me feel welcome from the very first moment. Lia prepared me an excellent aperitif and kept the atmosphere lighthearted with a great sense of humor, despite the busy pace behind the bar. The food was simply outstanding - high quality, full of flavor, and clearly on a top culinary level. The atmosphere struck the perfect balance: modern and stylish, yet warm and not overly formal. The guests also felt a bit different compared to the Market Square crowd - more refined, but never pretentious. I even enjoyed some nice small talk with the people seated next to me, which made the evening even more enjoyable. If there's one small thing I missed, it would be a really good Italian-style coffee at the end of the meal, and perhaps some fresh bread to accompany certain dishes. But that's just a minor note compared to the overall experience. In short: an exceptional evening that I highly recommend. I will definitely be back. Many thanks to Lia, Dave, and the whole team for such a memorable evening!

After completing a rugged three-night camping sojourn in the Great Smoky Mountains, I longed to pivot from the primitive to the refined--from firewood and starlight to fine stemware and culinary artistry. My background in fine dining and James Beard Award-winning establishments made the search deliberate, and Providence led me to JC Holdway in Knoxville--a beacon of sophistication in East Tennessee. The evening unfolded on the outdoor patio where the air lingered at a perfect 72°, kissed by a dusky sunset. The chef opened with an unexpected gift: a pimento cheese dollop crowned atop a benne seed cracker. Simple, yet elegant--an amuse-bouche that announced I was in capable hands. For the first course, I ordered the Smoked Chicken Wings glazed in Alabama white sauce. To call them wings feels unjust; these were masterworks--skin crisped to perfection, yet flesh so tender it surrendered from the bone. Quite honestly, among the best wings I've ever encountered across decades of dining. The main act was the Whole Grilled Sunburst Trout--a dazzling display of flavor and craft. Presented with cabbage, green beans, shaved carrots, basil, and a lively tomato vinaigrette, the trout was expertly deboned tableside, adding ceremony to the moment. Each bite reaffirmed my suspicion: this was the single best trout of my life, its succulence owed much to the restaurant's crown jewel--the Josper oven, a rare instrument of culinary alchemy that seals in essence while imparting an unmatched smokiness. To conclude, I savored a Buttermilk Lime Sorbet--silken, refreshing, and so well balanced that I nearly ordered another simply to prolong the experience. Later, I reflected on the story of Chef Joseph Lenn, honored as Best Chef: Southeast by the James Beard Foundation in 2013. It struck a chord with me personally, having served as Captain at Restaurant Eugene in Atlanta when Chef Linton Hopkins won that same award in 2012. Excellence at this level is never a solo act--it is a chorus of discipline, vision, and unity. The team at JC Holdway embodies this truth magnificently. In short, JC Holdway is not merely a restaurant--it is a culinary pilgrimage worth taking. I left not only satisfied, but inspired, and I cannot wait to return with my wife so she can share in this remarkable experience.

Wandered into not this place just as they opened and was able to get a table for two. It's super charming and everything we ordered was fantastic. Really well executed from start to finish. Our order: Pork sliders Chicken and dumplings Campanelle pasta Pork chop Green bean salad Bread pudding I'd be thrilled to do it all over again.

Everything was so delectable. The setting to intimate and relaxing. The server was very kind and well informative. It was a great dinner to celebrate our anniversary. You know it's a great place when they're even busy on a Tuesday night. We will definitely come back!

JC Holdway offers the best dining experience in Knoxville. Great ambiance, wonderful service and exceptional food. I cannot recommend it any more highly. My personal favorites are the pork belly biscuits, shrimp, hush puppies, and the pork chop. Just an exceptional experience.

Mark and I were comparing this meal to all the other wonderful meals we've had in the U.S. and we couldn't think of a better one. This restaurant is unpretentious, inventive, and filled with good people who seem to be very happy working here. They are very proud of the restaurant and the food ... and it shows. The cocktails were superb: a Bold Fashioned and a Mezcal citrus almond creation. For starters, we had the pork belly biscuits. Our salad was so simple but layered superbly with beautiful flavors at every level. For dinner, mark ordered Bolognese pasta and said it rivaled his grandmother's. I had the mushroom pasta which was flavorful and just got better with each bite. Dessert: have the PB&J. That is all. One of our best meals ever with a sommelier who really knows his wine.

10/10 - JC Holdway A true culinary gem that delivers exceptional Southern-inspired dishes with thoughtful, elevated flavors. Every plate is crafted with precision and care, showcasing local ingredients in creative yet approachable ways. The atmosphere feels warm and inviting, making it perfect for both special occasions and memorable nights out. Simply one of Knoxville's finest dining experiences that I've had

I visited for my birthday, and it was an amazing experience! The hospitality was crazy impressive. They made my day feel very special, and I was grateful for that. I ordered the brussels sprouts, gnocchi with short ribs, and cornbread. They gave me crackers with pimento cheese and sorbet on the house! That was surprising but most welcomed! The highlight of the meal was the brussels sprouts and the short ribs included with the gnocchi. The brussel sprouts was delicious and I would definitely recommend it. I was disappointed by the meager amount of short ribs that the gnocchi came with. It melted in my mouth and was very flavorful that I wish it was the main meal rather than the gnocchi. The gnocchi had a floury, raw taste that was off putting actually but the short ribs made up for it. I do not know if they make it fresh but they should alter the recipe. The cornbread was huge and served as an excellent end to my meal right before I got a watermelon sorbet. Overall, I had an amazing time at JC Holdway. I just wish my server had informed me of the special that night. Regardless, I will revisit!

The restaurant itself is beautiful, but the waiters and food was even better! Best porkchop ever!

Hands down the best restaurant in Knoxville and we have been to them all. Everything is amazing!

Simply excellent! I was in Knoxville with my wife and friends for a football weekend and got the chance to eat at JC Holdway two nights in a row. The service, the food, the drinks and the ambiance were top rate. It was one of the best dining experiences of the year.

Had a 7:45p reservation. Seated pretty quickly at reservation time. Was a bit slow at the beginning with us just hanging out at the table with water but, everything picked up after a bit. Seemed like a place for dates, birthdays, and celebrations especially with the steep pricing. For three people, what we got filled us to the brim with a little bit of room for dessert. Cornbread (4/5) - great cornbread that pairs wonderfully with the sorghum butter. Bone marrow (4/5) - came with four slices of bread and picked cauliflower on top. A decent size of marrow was just the right amount of salty and fatty. Kale and squash salad (3/5) - was mostly dressed kale, didn't seem like there was any summer squash in it if any. The cornbread crumbles added a nice crunch. Grilled Prime Ribeye (5/5) - great cut of steak and cooked beautifully. Super tender. Got a side of the potato puree since the potatoes that came with the steak was mostly garnish. Charcoal grilled pork chop (3/5) - IMO no one really eats pork chops like steak so I wished it wasn't cooked similarly. It was a really thick pork chop so the inside felt a bit more rare and bland than I'm used to. The outside was more flavorful due to the char. The pork fried farro was an interesting component and added some flavor when eaten with the pork. Peaches and cream (4/5) - interesting dessert that does well with different temps and textures. Peaches with cold cream and crispy white chocolate pearls. Definitely a southern dessert. I would like to come back to check out the trout, but otherwise more of a I've been there before kind of place.

Very fun friendly upscale experience with excellent cocktails that match the excellent service. I had the orecchiette with lobster-deliciously spring fresh. Blue cheesecake was outstanding. Coming back again and again.

My wife and I heard nothing but great things about this place, yet it took us almost three years to finally dine here. It exceeded my expectations! The decor is a post-modern style with an upscale tailored look. We visited on a Tuesday without reservations and had no problem getting a seat. For some reason, the hostess had to get the manager when we asked to be seated. The manager then took us to a very romantic, almost secluded table in the back corner, which provided privacy from other diners. It appeared they purposely spread the diners out throughout the restaurant because of the light attendance. Domingo was perhaps one of the finest servers I have ever experienced! When he learned it was our first time, he gave us the menu tour of a lifetime, providing explanations and suggestions. I started with a glass of Pinot Noir, which was delightful. My wife and I then shared the kale salad. This is truly a kale salad for anyone who doesn't like kale. It was magnificently tender and tasty, with some unusual twists. We then shared the pork osso bucco served on cheese grits with shredded sauteed red cabbage and turnips. The pork didn't even need a knife to eat it was so tender. The flavor was spectacular. I finished with a drink of very rare Kosher Buffalo Trace whiskey. The pace of the meal was perfect, and the service was outstanding. It was everything we had hoped for. True fine dining.

J C Holdway was our favorite dining experience during our visit! Knoxville native, Chef Joseph Lenn has created an incredible restaurant offering only the best farm to table cooked by wood-fire. His cuisine honors his late Uncle Joe's legacy of appreciating great food and showcases the freshest ingredients of the Southeast region. The J C Holiday team provides wonderful hospitality in an elevated and beautifully designed space. Each dish was exceptional and packed so much flavor in every bite. This establishment is not only a celebration of his hometown and what wood-fire cooking means to him, but also what happens when someone chases their dreams. And his cuisine is a perfect reflection of that.

do not open until 5 pm even if you have 5 pm reservation. No big deal with Market Square parking right across the street. Cool Area for shopping walking with ample seating and ample drink spots. Restaurant Staff is excellent, attentive, friendly. Restroom access is thru the kitchen, a water closet. Nice but very small. Had pork belly biscuits and hush puppies for appetizers. Both were good, but not really exceptional or unique. Benton's bacon bolognese pasta was fresh light and very good. Disappointed in 16 ounce prime ribeye. Market Price expectations resulted in underwhelming performance for me. Temperature medium rare perfect but not as tender as prime grade I routinely buy for home. Mushroom and black garlic puree and crispy potatoes were tasty and uniquely understated. One side dish I was impressed with was the asparagus and mushrooms with smoked onion jam. Spectacular flavor and perfect compliment to any entre. French press coffee is pricey $9 but very good. Chocolate cake with Carmel ice cream is bite sized. Very good, but pricey for a sample sized desert. Meal less tip a little over $200 (2 of us), but was more a $150 experience. Overall first experience was good, but not a must return soon kind of meal.

Grilled shrimp appetizer was great with a kick. Bacon bolognese was tasty with crunch added via cornbread crumbles. Very cosmopolitan vibe and service at bar was excellent

Fantastic service. We had oysters as a starter and highly recommend ordering them. All the food was great and the atmosphere was relaxed but upscale.

We've been twice and both meals were exceptional. Not only is food consistent and delicious but the service was better than I've received in top restaurants around the world. We felt welcomed and taken care of every minute. I can't say enough good things

The reviews are right! This is The Place for a lovely night out and for great food. My husband and I celebrated his retirement at J C Holdway recently, and we had great service from the kind and professional Domingo. He recommended a lovely wine for me and talked us through the menu. We started with the scallion hushpuppies and the grilled wings, both of which came with a fabulous dipping sauce. Both were spectacular. I used the chicken wing sauce on the hushpuppies and thought that was a better sauce than the one that was served with them because it was more spicy. For dinner, we shared the 16-oz prime rib. After a question to Adam, the manager, he told us that all of the pieces had the string that we found unappetizing and rather large in our rib. He recommended that we let him replace the one prime rib with two filets, knowing that this selection would be quality. What great management! At this point in the meal, we decided to share a filet, and it was cooked perfectly and tender. So delicious! Too bad we were too full for dessert. This is our new favorite restaurant in Knoxville, and I know we will be back. We were most impressed with the level of service. Above and beyond. Thanks to all for a great evening!

Trendy modern farmhouse type feel with excellent farm to table plates. Definitely has a Blackberry Farm vibe, which makes sense since the chef was once there. It's moderately priced, but everything worth it! We ordered several snack plates and a full entree: pimento cheese (5/5), hush puppies (5/5) good, both plain and with the comeback sauce. Farm egg dish was like upgraded chicken and dumplings! (5/5) my husband and I shared the ribeye - good for sharing. Steak was cooked to perfection, had good flavor too. (5/5) didn't care for the accompanying sauce. We finished with dessert - the chocolate cake with coffee ice cream. WOW! Portions are easily shareable when ordering multiple plates. Attire is trendy casual. Great wine list!!

Excellent all around! Food, service, wine pairing.... Easily one of the best restaurants in Knoxville.

This restaurant is a MUST visit when in Knoxville. The Prime Ribeye was easily one of the top two steaks we have ever had. The food and beverage knowledge of Adam, the GM, and Grace, our waitress, was beyond compare. Their service, the atmosphere, and the amazing quality of the food made this a night to remember. We will be recommending this establishment to everyone we know and returning whenever we are in town.

Service, ambiance, and food are the best in all the city. We love this restaurant and can't wait to come back for more! Flavors are out of this world!

One of the best places for a meal in the city! Food is amazing! Service was the best! The atmosphere was extremely comfortable and made for a great time!

Amazing food and great customer service. We sat where you can see the kitchen and staff was so personable. The owner spent a lot of time talking with us and making are special night amazing!

David is great! Food is the best in Knoxville. Loved the service and atmosphere. Definetely worth checking out for special occasions.

Service was to die for . Drinks were out of the this world . The grilled shrimp maybe the best I have ever had . The atmosphere Was really good . My only knock on this place was the sides in my humble opinion they lacked flavor . But I will definitely eat here again

A little past our dining experience but too good to not review. We have now been to JC a handful of times and none have them have disappointed. From the moment you walk in the door the ambiance draws you in and then there's the service! Everyone is friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and on top of their game. Every. Single. Time. Add to this an amazing menu that revolves around the season and you cannot go wrong. And what is food without drinks? To top off their delectable offerings JC's has a wide variety of beverages with very delicious and thoughtful seasonal and speciality drinks. Again something we try each visit. The coffee service is also something to mention. They have this down pat. I get coffee with one of their decedent desserts and it just completes the experience. Combine all of this with being able to see in the well oiled machine of the kitchen and you've got yourself the perfect date night! Cheers to another local gem!

This was my last night in Knoxville, TN and I wanted to treat my hosts to a nice dinner. I had already identified JC Holdway as one of the restsurants that I wanted to try, so we all came to have dinner, and probably reinforce the positive opinion that my hosts had of the venue, and possibly forge my own. They had made the reservation, so we arrived at the hour and were promptly seated by a charming hostess. We were there on a Tuesday, and we were surprised at how packed the restaurant was. The decor of the venue is all modern and slightly "shabby chic" with warm tones, in grays and browns, with wood log accents and rustic, Appalachian-inspired chairs. The menu is not long, with a curated list of appetizers, mains, sides and deserts. The wine carte is extensive and somewhat eclectic, with domestic and international reds and whites and a few rosés. To begin, we had two cocktails (Bees Knees and a Manhattan), both expertly prepared and for dinner glasses of a Gurstzaminer white recommended by the sommelier. One of my dinner companions chose a green beans, morelle mushroom and campanelle pasta, while the other ordered a chicken liver pâte starter, While I opted for a red leaf salad: all of them utterly delicious! For seconds, we all had the 16 oz. Ribete with potatoes, turnips and zucchini, which we all agreed were some of the best streaks we had ever had. Quite impressive. The service was attentive, warm and friendly. My only quip would be that some of the dishes were overpriced, but the quality and freshness of the ingredients compensated this point of contention. So I can safely say that my last dinner in Knoxville did not dissapoint !

My husband and I went to celebrate my birthday on Wednesday night. We got an item from each course to share. Our order and my thoughts are as follows: Snack Plate: Smoked Fish Dip & bbq chips 5/5 Smaller Plate: Pan Seared Scallops, marinated green tomato, cucumber & gremolata 5/5 Smaller Pasta: Pappardelle, Benton's Bacon bolognese, parmesan & cornbread crumble 4/5 Larger Plate (not pictured): Roasted Chicken, squash pavé with white cheddar, charred spring onion & smoked tomato vinaigrette 3.5/5 Dessert: chocolate cake with peanut brittle and buttercream frosting + my free birthday scoop of stracciatella ice cream 5/5 The dining experience was excellent! The price point certainly makes this a "special occasion" restaurant only for us. But, the experience was worth the cost, if you can swing it! The staff made us feel welcome from the minute we walked in, wishing me a happy birthday and even having a "Happy Birthday" card set up in advance on our table. Everything we ordered was good, some items were great. The only thing I would have changed was ordering the roasted chicken for our main course. It was pretty standard and didn't feel worth the $$. Otherwise, we had a wonderful time at J.C. Holdway!

We parked and saw the entry, it was appealing. We had 2 hours prior to a show we were attending. Bright, welcoming, greeted and seated without issue. Best part we got to sit at the bar and watch the kitchen dance. Amazing performance and I will do it again and again and again!! We started off with the onion dip. It was light and refreshing so you hardly tasted the onions but the caviar gave it an extra little twist of flavor. The homemade chips are to die for!! We then moved on to the pork loin and all I can say is lick your plate clean. Moist, Devine, cooked to perfection and the farro and butter OMG!!! I'm going to dream about this dish. Only one problem I wanted MORE!! The salmon was thick and juicy, seasoned to perfection, accompanied by a delightful light tangy salad. My mouth continues to water as I think about it. We finished with the chocolate cheese pie which was rich, dense and had a phenomenal crust. The bartender crushed the old fashion made with four roses. They use their local rum for a Cuba libre and their Mai Tai was done very well with a light kick. We hovered over Seth who was making the appetizers, salads and desserts. He walked us through the kitchen stations and the details of all the dishes. He raves about the restaurant and when you work there and have positive things to say then you know it is a win win. Kudos to the staff we saw them grilling the fish, steaks, chicken and pork loin. PERFECT!! The sauces and the fryer impressive!! Then hats off to the gentleman with the crazy stash who was running the ship without a blink of an eye!! No complaints everything was perfect! We will be back!

Food is transcendent, service makes us always feel at home. From the moment you walk in the door, it feels both unique and familiar. The wine recommendations are always on point and come with a great story.

Delightful farm to table, excellent service. The pork literally fell off the bone- I would eat it as my last meal! Our waiter was super accommodating, and even brought us hush puppies for our anniversary on the house!

First of all Ken is amazing! 2nd, GET THE ESPRESSO MARTINI!!! 3rd, the blue cheese cheesecake may be the most exquisite dessert I've ever eaten. It was outstanding!!! And don't even get me started on the entire meal - HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

Over food good, can't say it's the best in Knoxville. The service though is bar none! Great all around experience.

Every last detail was tended to here. I had the truffle pasta (the pasta is made in-house), my husband had salmon, and we both shared beets, brussel sprouts, and sweet onion dip, all prepared to perfection. Our server, Zack, was on point for the evening. We will be back when it's not Lent to try the meatier items:)

First time in Tennessee and friends brought me here for dinner. We sat at the bar. I had the Bold Fashioned cocktail, which was FANTASTIC. I had the butter lettuce salad and Handkerchief pasta dish. SO GOOD. For dessert I had the olive oil cake w sorbet... also amazing. Not a lick of food was left on any of the dishes set before me. The service was friendly, attentive, and on point. The chef came out and visited w us, and he was so kind. The ambiance and decor are also on point. Can't say enough about this place. It's really frkn good.

Went with my wife on vacation. It was crowded but we got a seat at the chefs table. Fantastic service. Great old fashioned. Will definitely return next time we're in town

Delicious! Really nice staff! Can't wait to go back! Thank you for a great evening.

My partner and I went to J.C. Holdway for our anniversary this last week. it was the PERFECT dinner!! The food was absolutely amazing (ribeye was melt in your mouth good and the crab cakes were crispy while still fresh). When it comes to service, Domingo was outstanding. He was happy to recommend items to us and had conversations with us about our dating history. It was so nice to reminisce with him and my partner about how far we've come in the past couple of years. I loved the ambiance as you could see the kitchen and people watch while still having an intimate dinner. Would recommend this place to anyone!!

I've been to J C Holdway several times over the years - usually to celebrate a special occasion since it is considered one of the best and nicest restaurants in Knoxville. I like to wear something a little nicer when I dine here, but there are plenty of people who keep it casual. Absolutely make a reservation - especially for a weekend evening, you'll want to be sure to book over a week in advance. I'm vegetarian and for the most part I'm still able to have a great meal here. One time we just ordered a bunch of sides and small plates to go and it was incredible. But my most recent dine in experience was a bit underwhelming. JC used to have this delicious grain bowl type dish with broccolini that was a unique veg option and my go-to every time. Now they have vegetarian pasta options which is great! But if I want good pasta for dinner I'd rather just go to Emilia. My last visit might have been a 4 but overall gotta give JC a 5 for its commitment to quality food and service over the years.

We stopped here on our last visit to Knoxville based on reviews. Great vibe and decor, and service was excellent. The food was not as good as we had hoped especially considering the price. We shared all plates at the recommendation of our server. We found the pimento cheese very average and rather salty. The corn bread was good and paired well with the butter. We got the New York steak which was not on the menu and it was exceptional. Tender, well seasoned and cooked to perfection. The Mafaldine pasta was disappointing. We felt it lacked flavor and overall very bland. The roasted chicken was moist and good. We skipped dessert as none of options excited us. Overall a very nice restaurant and worth a visit. I agree with previous review and most items not as flavorful as we prefer.

A great place for formal dinners and the staff are really nice. The appetizers, entrees (specifically the pasta dishes and chicken dishes), and desserts are all stand-outs.

My friend and I enjoyed a delicious tasting menu here. Every dish was beautifully prepared and tasted amazing. The Koji ribeye was the highlight, looked so simple but the most unique flavorful steak we've ever had. The chef was so nice to tell us about all the sourcing and prep details as well. We sat at the bar and the restaurant had a wonderful feel as we enjoyed our dinner and wine pairing. Such a wonderful dinner!

My favorite of my 3 previous reviews got deleted so here's a summary of all my thoughts: 1. Hands down my favorite restaurant in ktown. 2. I like sitting on the lackluster patio so I can have a more private feeling experience. 3. If osso bucco is ever on the menu GET IT. 4. You can't go wrong with the food, it's all the best, but some things I've really enjoyed in the past off the apps are the wings and hush puppies. 5. Get dessert. 6. Sommelier made me feel awkward. I'm not a wine person though. Drinks lately have not been as fantastic as they once were. You and me always forever, jc holdway!

UNBEATABLE! J C Holdway honors wood-fire creations, exciting new menus, southern techniques, locally grown produce, and rural Appalachian infusions! Each dish is served family style and is more surprising than the last. The oven roasted chicken was like none I've ever tried before, mainly because they choose to salt-brine for two days before roasting. J C Holdway's process forms deep flavors and an impressively light and crisp skin on the chicken. Do NOT overlook the pasta! A New York Times article is being written on this dish and you don't want to miss the chance to try it! From the cornbread crumble to the Benton's bacon, there's nothing like this dish anywhere else. Finally, I wouldn't normally mention a salad, but oh my! The salad is a rich combination of herbs grown by the head chef, Joseph Lenn, himself. J C Holdway provides a beautiful atmosphere, incredible taste sensations, and the kind of service where your glass will never run empty and you'll want to invite them to sit down at the table! For any special occasion, there's always a cost, but J C Holdway's is worth every penny. Not to mention, you'll support a local Knoxville business, farmers, and gardens galore!

Lia and Andrew are the best bartending team ever and made our dinner the most indulgent and memorable experience! Kudos to Chef Lenn, it must be hard to be so talented and creative in the kitchen but we thank him for carrying the weight of his brilliance and sharing it with us all. Can't wait to come back!

Tremendous staff - so pleasant and mannerly. The kale salad app was very good; the chicken confit slow cooked egg soup with gnocchi was top 3 best soup ever. It was amazing! Good wings Get the roasted chicken - so tender and moist and flavorful. They r known for it and base the whole kitchen around the chicken. Did I mention the soup.......?