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J.C. Holdway is an award-winning restaurant in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, led by James Beard Award–winning Chef Joseph Lenn. Known for wood-fired cooking and seasonal Southern cuisine, we highlight the exceptional farms and ingredients of East Tennessee. Named one of The New York Times “50 Best Restaurants in America” and recommended in the MICHELIN Guide 2025, J.C. Holdway offers an elevated dining experience for special occasions and guests seeking thoughtful, refined Southern flavors.
Elevated choice for farm-fresh regional dishes, many cooked over a wood-fire grill, plus a full bar.
Hours
| Friday | 5–9:45 PM |
| Saturday | 5–9:45 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 501 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 312-9050
Website: http://www.jcholdway.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: resy.com
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
J.C. Holdway | Knoxville Restaurant | Wood-Fired Southern Cuisine
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Chef Joseph Lenn • James Beard Award @nytimes 50 Best Restaurants @michelinguide 2025. Wood-Fired Southern Cuisine • Dinner 5 PM …
Reviews
Dan Hayes
Possibly the best fine dining experience in Knoxville. It is the total package. The service and friendliness of the staff was the best I have ever experienced. It is beautiful and spacious inside. Perfect for any special occasion. There is no parking but, conveniently located next door to both market street and locust parking garage. It is higher end pricing and reservations weeks in advance is highly recommended.
… moreShelly M
Beyond lucky to have experienced this restaurant. Nothing was missed! Every detail from the well-wishes (we went for our anniversary) to the specifications of wine recommendations to pair perfectly with our food was attended to with care and dedication. The food was so exquisite. Try as many options as you can! The staff is so approachable, even the Chef. We will be back for sure. If the restaurant reads this, thank you for making it an extra special night for us!
… moreLuís Henrique Bento Leal
J.C. Holdway
We travel extensively around the world and rarely write reviews — only when a place truly stands out. J.C. Holdway did exactly that.
From the moment you arrive, it’s clear there is genuine care for people here. The team is exceptional: attentive without being intrusive, professional, and truly committed to delivering a great experience. Every interaction feels thoughtful and intentional.
The bar is lively and energetic, yet the level of service never slips. The food delivers distinct, well-crafted flavors — creative, balanced, and memorable — the kind you don’t easily find elsewhere. Each dish has a clear identity and excellent execution.
Even with a full house and strong volume, the attention to detail and personal care remain consistent, which is increasingly rare. This is a restaurant where purpose is evident in everything: the service, the food, and the overall experience.
A wonderful surprise in Knoxville and truly a special place — one that stays with you.
… moreWe travel extensively around the world and rarely write reviews — only when a place truly stands out. J.C. Holdway did exactly that.
From the moment you arrive, it’s clear there is genuine care for people here. The team is exceptional: attentive without being intrusive, professional, and truly committed to delivering a great experience. Every interaction feels thoughtful and intentional.
The bar is lively and energetic, yet the level of service never slips. The food delivers distinct, well-crafted flavors — creative, balanced, and memorable — the kind you don’t easily find elsewhere. Each dish has a clear identity and excellent execution.
Even with a full house and strong volume, the attention to detail and personal care remain consistent, which is increasingly rare. This is a restaurant where purpose is evident in everything: the service, the food, and the overall experience.
A wonderful surprise in Knoxville and truly a special place — one that stays with you.
Heather Haley
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.
… moreERIC WELSH
Not many photos …
Not of every plate. Not of any plate.
JC Holdway is an experience, and I wasn’t willing to compromise the evening with live video, staged shots, or plates cooling under camera lights. Frankly, it also leaves something to the imagination—which feels appropriate here.
What I will say is this: it was one of our favorite dinners of the year.
We dined late, around 8:15, arriving just a few minutes early. Michaela and I were greeted by name and shown straight to our table—an early signal of the care that defines the night. A Born A Star and a classic Old Fashioned arrived promptly and perfectly, giving us time to devise our plan.
Miranda, our server and clearly a fellow foodie, was immediately met with one of my favorite curveballs. We selected the 16oz ribeye as our entrée and informed her that the rest of the evening would be a full trust fall. No guardrails. No influence. If JC wanted to win my heart, it would have to do so entirely on its own terms.
Miranda executed flawlessly.
Several off-menu items appeared throughout the meal, and there was simply no weak dish. Each course was seasonally thoughtful and compelling in its own way. The Alabama white sauce wings won us over instantly, and the Benton’s bacon–driven pasta was everything it promised to be.
I’ll also say this plainly: I am not a blue cheese fan. And yet, the blue cheese cheesecake was the first blue cheese dish I’ve ever loved.
Adam remains a JC staple. He was there to debone our first rainbow trout on our very first visit, and his continued commitment to excellence reinforces the level of care behind every high-end dish leaving the kitchen.
The vibe. The friendships. The food. The drinks.
JC Holdway is simply a benchmark—for anyone competing for the top spot in Knoxville.
I’m always surprised by how many people still haven’t been. Pricing may surprise you too—it’s not as steep as top-tier spots in other cities. When you factor in quality, local sourcing, and in-house preparation, those are value adds. If you understand that concept, this place may be for you.
It holds a spot in our hearts, and it’s an evening we’ll look forward to repeating year after year.
Well done. — eating dinner with my love at J.C. Holdway.
… moreNot of every plate. Not of any plate.
JC Holdway is an experience, and I wasn’t willing to compromise the evening with live video, staged shots, or plates cooling under camera lights. Frankly, it also leaves something to the imagination—which feels appropriate here.
What I will say is this: it was one of our favorite dinners of the year.
We dined late, around 8:15, arriving just a few minutes early. Michaela and I were greeted by name and shown straight to our table—an early signal of the care that defines the night. A Born A Star and a classic Old Fashioned arrived promptly and perfectly, giving us time to devise our plan.
Miranda, our server and clearly a fellow foodie, was immediately met with one of my favorite curveballs. We selected the 16oz ribeye as our entrée and informed her that the rest of the evening would be a full trust fall. No guardrails. No influence. If JC wanted to win my heart, it would have to do so entirely on its own terms.
Miranda executed flawlessly.
Several off-menu items appeared throughout the meal, and there was simply no weak dish. Each course was seasonally thoughtful and compelling in its own way. The Alabama white sauce wings won us over instantly, and the Benton’s bacon–driven pasta was everything it promised to be.
I’ll also say this plainly: I am not a blue cheese fan. And yet, the blue cheese cheesecake was the first blue cheese dish I’ve ever loved.
Adam remains a JC staple. He was there to debone our first rainbow trout on our very first visit, and his continued commitment to excellence reinforces the level of care behind every high-end dish leaving the kitchen.
The vibe. The friendships. The food. The drinks.
JC Holdway is simply a benchmark—for anyone competing for the top spot in Knoxville.
I’m always surprised by how many people still haven’t been. Pricing may surprise you too—it’s not as steep as top-tier spots in other cities. When you factor in quality, local sourcing, and in-house preparation, those are value adds. If you understand that concept, this place may be for you.
It holds a spot in our hearts, and it’s an evening we’ll look forward to repeating year after year.
Well done. — eating dinner with my love at J.C. Holdway.
Becky Mayo
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.
… moreJen S
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!)
… moreThen 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!)
Chaz Parks
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.
… moreThe 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.
Lex Hooten
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.
… moreLisa Hawkins
Amazing, well-balanced dishes with the most professional service in Knoxville. Well-deserved award winning team. Have never been disappointed or felt it wasn’t a value for the money.
… more