The food was outstanding! So was the service. The atmosphere is great for a nice but not formal experience with a fine-dining flare.
We celebrated our anniversary. Sadly all of the photos are on my wife's phone, but it was all exceptional.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Anthony Geist
Incredible experience from beginning to end. We did the Chef's Tasting and he introduced himself to us at the beginning, gave us his background, explained the story behind each dish, chatted with us, and spent time getting to know us. The dishes were innovative but nostalgic, simple and complex at the same time. Service from the entire staff was excellent throughout the night. I highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Silas Venturella
One of the best restaurants in Knoxville
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dalton Tuell
Great southern hospitality lives on at J.C. Holdway! I was in town on business and stopped in to grab the last seat at the bar on a busy Saturday night. It was everything I wanted and more. I had lovely convos with most of the staff — Hayden, Leah and Adam — all who were very kind and hospitable. I definitely recommend the harvest salad, the shrimp and the chicken wings. And for dessert, the PB&J tart! I cannot recommend this place enough. It’s a must try in Knoxville. You won’t be disappointed!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Andrew Finkelstein
We went here for a celebratory night out, and the entire staff made us feel like regulars.
We sat at the chef counter, which was really fun. We got to watch dishes get made and talk to the chefs. . Adam and Jason were both so warm and welcoming and attentive.
Some of our standout items were: Grilled shrimp, catfish dip, farm egg soup, roasted chicken, broccolini, and cornbread.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ywanarai Alexander
The absolute best dining experience I’ve had in Knoxville. The ambiance and staff are top notch. The wine selection and drink menu…amazing! The food? Outstanding and well thought out. It was a last minute reservation so I didn’t get to try the Chef’s Menu but I’m looking forward to it. Thank you for transporting me to some of my favorite cities in the world via your establishment.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lauren Sterritt
Always an exceptional experience. A date night staple for us.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rhyffsgc Fyrussf
Dining at J.C. Holdway is more than a meal—it’s a tribute to Southeastern terroir and modern technique. Located downtown, the restaurant is helmed by Chef Joseph Lenn—first in Tennessee to win a James Beard award. The open kitchen and wood-fired grill draw you in while you wait for dishes like sorghum butter cornbread, wood-fired fish, and BBQ chips. The seasonal menu is composed thoughtfully, sourcing from local farms and emphasizing Appalachian ingredients. I tried the fish dip starter—creamy, bright, and perfectly paired with crisp bread—and followed with a main course that included regional vegetables cooked simply yet artfully. The chocolate‑toffee mousse for dessert was rich, texturally complex, and balanced with nuts and crumble. Service felt polished without being distant, with staff able to explain dish origins and pairings clearly. The ambiance—warm wood, candlelight—supports a refined but unpretentious dining experience. For a special occasion or to experience Knoxville’s creative Southern cuisine, J.C. Holdway is among the city’s very best
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Haley Kidd
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!
Phenomenal experience from start to finish. Everyone from the host to the chefs greeted us and were very hospitable every step of the way. You can tell they excel at this.
Every dish and cocktail we had were an easy 10/10, and is not only fair for the price point, but also high quality. Some places try to put lipstick on a pig and mark it up as quality, not here. Not only have they won a James Beard award, but they're also not trying to rip off customers with higher prices.
My only regret is that I hadn't come to JC Holdway sooner, or catch our waiters name, but he has a wicked mustache and knows how to take care of you. Some of the best service I've had and can't wait to come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rob Troxler
Went for daughter’s graduation and had the most amazing time. Interaction with the severs and sommelier made it so much fun! (David and Jason) I believe. Our server did an amazing job presenting my trout and deboning it at the table. The wine pairing and port suggestion was on the money. Food was excellent! Time and money well spent. Thank you JCH!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A McCray
This was one of the best restaurant experiences I have had in a very long time. From the person who opened the door for me when I entered, to our waiter , Ken’s, warm and friendly personality, to the spectacular flavors of the food , and even the dental picks in the bathroom, I was just so impressed by the attention to detail. The cornbread in the cast iron skillet and the slow cooked egg were my absolute favorites. That slow cooked egg dish tasted like a magical cross between a savory ramen and somebody’s grandma’s chicken and dumplings that was seasoned to the GODS! But everything we ordered was really delicious. The sommelier, Jason, made us feel like friends at his house with his dinner wine pairing recommendations and stories about his garden at home. I really loved the team approach to taking care of us. Our waiter Ken was amazing but anytime anyone walked by our table and saw empty plates or empty glasses they took care of it. I’m a seventies baby and I sang along with every 80s hit they played. The parking in the locust parking lot was only $2 for the whole 3 hours we were parked there. I could really go on and on. JC Holdway is my new obsession. I just followed them on Instagram and I can’t wait to get back again. You just can’t beat great service, great atmosphere, AND great food. Ten out of ten I highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
crystalyn stuart
Visiting UT with my daughter and I’m so glad we booked a table here in advance. Absolutely worth it on so many levels. Great service, pasta was amazing, every flavor expertly brought together in simple and yet exceptional ways. Dessert should not be missed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jacqueline Becker
The food was fantastic. Make sure you get the hush puppies. The ribeye was spot on too! Great staff and welcoming atmosphere.
The food was outstanding! So was the service. The atmosphere is great for a nice but not formal experience with a fine-dining flare.
We celebrated our anniversary. Sadly all of the photos are on my wife's phone, but it was all exceptional.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Incredible experience from beginning to end. We did the Chef's Tasting and he introduced himself to us at the beginning, gave us his background, explained the story behind each dish, chatted with us, and spent time getting to know us. The dishes were innovative but nostalgic, simple and complex at the same time. Service from the entire staff was excellent throughout the night. I highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of the best restaurants in Knoxville
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great southern hospitality lives on at J.C. Holdway! I was in town on business and stopped in to grab the last seat at the bar on a busy Saturday night. It was everything I wanted and more. I had lovely convos with most of the staff — Hayden, Leah and Adam — all who were very kind and hospitable. I definitely recommend the harvest salad, the shrimp and the chicken wings. And for dessert, the PB&J tart! I cannot recommend this place enough. It’s a must try in Knoxville. You won’t be disappointed!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We went here for a celebratory night out, and the entire staff made us feel like regulars.
We sat at the chef counter, which was really fun. We got to watch dishes get made and talk to the chefs. . Adam and Jason were both so warm and welcoming and attentive.
Some of our standout items were: Grilled shrimp, catfish dip, farm egg soup, roasted chicken, broccolini, and cornbread.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The absolute best dining experience I’ve had in Knoxville. The ambiance and staff are top notch. The wine selection and drink menu…amazing! The food? Outstanding and well thought out. It was a last minute reservation so I didn’t get to try the Chef’s Menu but I’m looking forward to it. Thank you for transporting me to some of my favorite cities in the world via your establishment.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always an exceptional experience. A date night staple for us.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dining at J.C. Holdway is more than a meal—it’s a tribute to Southeastern terroir and modern technique. Located downtown, the restaurant is helmed by Chef Joseph Lenn—first in Tennessee to win a James Beard award. The open kitchen and wood-fired grill draw you in while you wait for dishes like sorghum butter cornbread, wood-fired fish, and BBQ chips. The seasonal menu is composed thoughtfully, sourcing from local farms and emphasizing Appalachian ingredients. I tried the fish dip starter—creamy, bright, and perfectly paired with crisp bread—and followed with a main course that included regional vegetables cooked simply yet artfully. The chocolate‑toffee mousse for dessert was rich, texturally complex, and balanced with nuts and crumble. Service felt polished without being distant, with staff able to explain dish origins and pairings clearly. The ambiance—warm wood, candlelight—supports a refined but unpretentious dining experience. For a special occasion or to experience Knoxville’s creative Southern cuisine, J.C. Holdway is among the city’s very best
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
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!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The fríe chicken is so Good
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Phenomenal experience from start to finish. Everyone from the host to the chefs greeted us and were very hospitable every step of the way. You can tell they excel at this.
Every dish and cocktail we had were an easy 10/10, and is not only fair for the price point, but also high quality. Some places try to put lipstick on a pig and mark it up as quality, not here. Not only have they won a James Beard award, but they're also not trying to rip off customers with higher prices.
My only regret is that I hadn't come to JC Holdway sooner, or catch our waiters name, but he has a wicked mustache and knows how to take care of you. Some of the best service I've had and can't wait to come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went for daughter’s graduation and had the most amazing time. Interaction with the severs and sommelier made it so much fun! (David and Jason) I believe. Our server did an amazing job presenting my trout and deboning it at the table. The wine pairing and port suggestion was on the money. Food was excellent! Time and money well spent. Thank you JCH!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was one of the best restaurant experiences I have had in a very long time. From the person who opened the door for me when I entered, to our waiter , Ken’s, warm and friendly personality, to the spectacular flavors of the food , and even the dental picks in the bathroom, I was just so impressed by the attention to detail. The cornbread in the cast iron skillet and the slow cooked egg were my absolute favorites. That slow cooked egg dish tasted like a magical cross between a savory ramen and somebody’s grandma’s chicken and dumplings that was seasoned to the GODS! But everything we ordered was really delicious. The sommelier, Jason, made us feel like friends at his house with his dinner wine pairing recommendations and stories about his garden at home. I really loved the team approach to taking care of us. Our waiter Ken was amazing but anytime anyone walked by our table and saw empty plates or empty glasses they took care of it. I’m a seventies baby and I sang along with every 80s hit they played. The parking in the locust parking lot was only $2 for the whole 3 hours we were parked there. I could really go on and on. JC Holdway is my new obsession. I just followed them on Instagram and I can’t wait to get back again. You just can’t beat great service, great atmosphere, AND great food. Ten out of ten I highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Visiting UT with my daughter and I’m so glad we booked a table here in advance. Absolutely worth it on so many levels. Great service, pasta was amazing, every flavor expertly brought together in simple and yet exceptional ways. Dessert should not be missed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was fantastic. Make sure you get the hush puppies. The ribeye was spot on too! Great staff and welcoming atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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