Knoxville TN, August 13, 2025
News Summary
South Knoxville’s dining scene is thriving with the introduction of Petty’s Pub and European Bakery & Cafe, offering locals and visitors diverse meal options. Petty’s Pub, a sports bar and grill, features a casual atmosphere and classic pub fare. However, their Italian beef sandwich received mixed reviews. Meanwhile, European Bakery & Cafe stands out for its quality baked goods, including pastries and doughnuts. As the area sees growth, new establishments like Earl’s are also set to join the dining landscape, amid discussions on community changes.
South Knoxville Offers Diverse Dining Options with Petty’s Pub and European Bakery & Cafe
South Knoxville’s dining scene is evolving rapidly, especially with the introduction of Petty’s Pub and European Bakery & Cafe in a shopping center along Chapman Highway. These establishments cater to locals and visitors seeking varied meal options in an area undergoing significant growth.
Recent attempts to dine at the European Bakery & Cafe revealed it was closed despite its advertised hours on social media, prompting a visit to its next-door neighbor, Petty’s Pub. Established as a sports bar and grill, Petty’s Pub features multiple TV screens, pool tables, dart boards, and video games, creating the quintessential sports bar atmosphere.
Upon entering, guests are encouraged to choose any available seat, making for a welcoming dining experience. The lunch menu at Petty’s Pub primarily showcases standard pub fare, including mozzarella sticks, fried okra, jalapeño poppers, and various nachos. While initial impressions of the appetizers were lackluster, the reporter decided to skip the salads and focus on the sandwich section of the menu.
Top recommendations from the staff included popular choices such as burgers, ribeye steaks, and Italian beef sandwiches. The reporter opted for the Italian beef sandwich, priced at $13.50, served with a side of cooked carrots and cauliflower. Additional toppings such as cheese, bacon, and jalapeños are available for $1 each, and fries can be added for an extra $3.
Service at Petty’s Pub was noted to be attentive, with proactive offerings of extra water and napkins. However, the Italian beef sandwich received criticism for being overly salty, and the selection of grilled vegetables as a topping was deemed unusual. The fries were characterized as standard frozen crinkle fries, lacking in unique flavor or appeal. While acknowledging that other menu items might offer a better experience, the Italian beef sandwich was rated as average at best.
While the dessert selection included homemade blueberry and raspberry pies, these items were not available during the visit. The reporter subsequently explored European Bakery & Cafe, which had a reduced assortment of sweets by 1 p.m. However, the bakery did feature items like pistachio croissants, mango doughnuts, and cinnamon rolls.
For takeaway, the reporter selected three items: a Boston cream doughnut, a piña colada doughnut, and a blueberry tart. The Boston cream doughnut was particularly praised, while the piña colada doughnut received similar acclaim. The blueberry tart, while good, was considered less favorable than the other two options. European Bakery & Cafe stands out for its quality baked goods and coffee service, with the recommendation to arrive early for the best selection.
In terms of ratings, Petty’s Pub received scores of Food: 3, Service: 4, Atmosphere: 3.75, and Overall: 3.5. Meanwhile, European Bakery & Cafe garnered higher ratings: Food: 4.25, Service: 3.75, Atmosphere: 3.75, and Overall: 4.
The growing area will soon welcome another dining establishment, Earl’s, which is set to open in the South Banks Apartments. Expected to provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, Earl’s will feature a menu that includes burgers, chicken, pizza, and flatbreads with an anticipated launch in October.
The neighborhood surrounding South Banks Apartments is experiencing notable changes, marked by an ongoing roundabout project as part of the Sevier Avenue Streetscape Project. However, these developments have raised concerns for local residents regarding rising housing costs and gentrification in South Knoxville.
Additionally, the recent announcement that Landing House restaurant will close next month after eight years has sparked discussions on the evolving landscape and the impacts of new developments within the South Knoxville community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Petty’s Pub located?
Petty’s Pub is located in a shopping center on Chapman Highway near Gold’s Gym in South Knoxville.
What are the hours of European Bakery & Cafe?
The bakery’s opening hours can vary, and it’s advisable to check ahead, as it may close earlier than advertised.
What is the price range for meals at Petty’s Pub?
Petty’s Pub offers a range of menu items, with sandwiches like the Italian beef priced around $13.50 and sides like fries at $3.
What types of baked goods can I find at European Bakery & Cafe?
European Bakery & Cafe sells a variety of baked goods, including doughnuts, pastries, and tarts, with seasonal items available.
Are there any new restaurants opening in South Knoxville?
Yes, Earl’s is set to open soon, featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner options with a diverse menu.
Key Features of Dining Options
| Feature | Petty’s Pub | European Bakery & Cafe |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Sports Bar & Grill | Bakery & Café |
| Popular Menu Items | Italian Beef Sandwich, Burgers, Ribeye | Doughnuts, Pastries, Tarts |
| Average Rating | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Hours of Operation | Varies by day | Check ahead for variations |
| Price Range | Sandwiches $13.50, Sides $3 | Varies by item |
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: Earl’s Coming to South Knoxville
- WBIR: Landing House Closing in South Knoxville
- WATE: Closure of Popular Restaurant in South Knoxville
- Knox News: Mimosas Restaurant in South Knoxville
- Wikipedia: South Knoxville
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
