5 restaurants to check out for game day
If you’re one of the lucky students who managed to snag a ticket to the Saturday, Sept. 12 football game against Oklahoma, you have to make some tough decisions. You could tailgate and have a cookout in a parking lot, or you could let someone else do the work. You’re likely going to have to go through the Cumberland Avenue construction, so you might as well check out one of the Strip’s popular restaurants.
Copper Cellar is located at 1807 Cumberland Ave., Knoxville, TN 37916. //Photo by Taylor Owens
If you’re one of the lucky students who managed to snag a ticket to the Saturday, Sept. 12 football game against Oklahoma, you have to make some tough decisions. You could tailgate and have a cookout in a parking lot, or you could let someone else do the work. You’re likely going to have to go through the Cumberland Avenue construction, so you might as well check out one of the Strip’s popular restaurants. Here are some options:
- Sunspot
If you like Southwestern, Caribbean and Latin American food, Sunspot is the place for you. They change their menu often so it’s always an adventure. Plus, they offer a variety of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options for diners who may have some dietary restrictions. Give the Fat Elvis Burrito a try if you want to curb your craving for Mexican food and have a love for ordering items with ridiculous names. Sunspot also offers specials for game day, so you won’t have to spend too much cash with your college student budget.
- Cook-Out
Oscar’s Restaurant is located at 1840 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916. //Photo by Taylor Owens
Cook-Out may be a chain, but that doesn’t mean it’s not the place to spend your game day. Their menu is extensive and features all of your favorite tailgating items such as chicken strips, burgers and hot dogs. Save room for dessert and try one of their famous milkshakes. You can try a classic vanilla shake, or something wild like peach cobbler or walnut. You’ll leave feeling satisfied and ready to cheer on the Vols.
- Copper Cellar
Copper Cellar is a Knoxville staple. They offer casual dining and cool ambience that will interest you before you head into a sea of orange and white. Their extensive menu offers a variety of options to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. From salads to pork chops, you’ll find a way to fill up before the big game. They also offer burgers for $5.50 on non-game Saturdays, so while you won’t be catching a deal there, it’s something to keep in mind.
- Stefano’s Chicago Style Pizza
Sometimes nothing will satisfy your hunger quite like a slice of pizza. Stefano’s offers diners something a little different with their thick Chicago style. If you’re feeling adventurous, you and your game day crew can build a pie, but if that’s not your style, you can try one of their specialty pies. Stefano’s also offers specials every day, which is a great opportunity to try something new.
- Oscar’s Restaurant
If you can’t head out to a restaurant before the game, Oscar’s is an option for you. They’re open every night until 2 a.m., so it’s the perfect place to go to satisfy some late night munchies. You can get pizza, pasta dishes and pretty much everything in between. Oscar’s will leave you feeling full and happy, especially if you order some of their traditional Italian tiramisu.
Featured Image by Taylor Owens
Edited by Jessica Carr
Arts and culture editor, Taylor Owens, recognized her passion for writing at a young age. As an avid talk show fan, Owens found journalism to be the perfect way to combine her love for interviewing and writing. She is now a sophomore at the University of Tennessee majoring in journalism and electronic media. When she isn’t writing for the Tennessee Journalist, Owens is most likely catching up on the latest reality television show.
