This place has been so many things over the years (Fitzgerald's Market, Sequoyah Grill, BlackBird Coffeehouse). This is located in the heart of Sequoyah Hills. Something about this place makes me feel so at home. Coffee - it's delicious and a must! I personally love the Cappuccino, but if ya just wanna a cup of coffee that's just as delish! Brunch - I've had some hit or miss brunch experiences here. Make sure you get here before 11:00 if you want to beat the crowd. The egg sandwich, french toast, and sides dishes (scrambled eggs, toast, potatoes) I've had were all very good. The bad begins with the omelette for me. I've had 2 incredibly overcooked omelettes. I could hold up my omelette and see thru the whole bottom half, which happened my most recent experience. People cook omelettes differently I get that. However when your omelette is done on a flat top and someone just lets it cook longer and longer, that is where the bubbles aka see-thru holes come from. I took 2 bites and couldn't take another bite. The first omelette I had here was similar but not as bad as the most recent time. Lunch - I've been here several times and had the Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup. The soup has usually has too much fennel. I love Grilled Cheeses but sometimes simple is better than trying to do too much to it. Some people may really enjoy it however when I want a grilled cheese, I want exactly what I'm saying nothing more in it. Now these are some things I need to try because I've heard good things: frittata, market salad, chicken biscuit, chicken BLT. Hopefully my experiences will get better. I love the atmosphere here. During off hours come down here and enjoy some coffee. If I was rating this place as a coffeehouse it would get a 4. Since it is also a restaurant and because of my omelettes being overcooked it gets a 3 for now. Cheers & Enjoy!
(3)
Melissa W.
Phenomenal breakfast! Missed my flight and had three hours to burn so I came back into town for breakfast. What a pleasant surprise. The toast and veggies was so tasty I cannot rave about it enough. Definite recommendation for fast, fresh, and great food.
(5)
Julia A.
You get the southern club. Right now! I'm serious. Inventive yet comfortable. A juicy chicken thigh, stewed collards, local bacon, cheese and put together on a ciabatta. All the flavors harmoniously sang on my palate. Salty and sweet, tangy and smokey, crunchy and juicy. I got the macaroni and cheese as my side and it was good but probably too heavy for my already carbo loaded meal. I would recommend the green side salad with lemon parm dressing. It was light and refreshing and a perfect accompaniment to that amazing sandwich.
(5)
Joey D.
Oh, you plaid apron, you. I've only been for brunch so far, but descriptors that come to mind: fresh, crisp, F-to-T, artisanal, simple, delicious, sunshiny. I like this place a lot. The food is deliciously simple and great, waitstaff are super friendly, and the place itself is great. It's tucked into Sequoyah hills so you don't see a ton of traffic. The restaurant itself is spacious too and there's room between tables. I sincerely appreciate that. I do hate the long lines that get created with this setup, but what can you do. Well, if you're asking, I'll tell you what you CAN do ---- know your order before you get to the counter. It really helps keep the process going smoothly. JUST saying. Excellent place though. I can't wait to return and sit in the perfect patio again.
(4)
Jason H.
Breakfast at this place is where it's at. The market veggie scramble with balsamic and goat cheese grits is fantastic. Lunch and dinner are also excellent, but the star meal of the day is the first one. Word of warning, though: everything is cooked to order and fresh (a good thing), but during busy meals - think Saturday AM breakfast - it can take awhile.
(4)
Julia H.
Had some extra time on my hands after showing a condo and decided to grab a cup of coffee. The line was long so it was either good or slow! For a first time visitor you can never tell. I made my way to the front counter and ordered a Chai latte with almond milk. The fact they even offer almond milk made me pleased. It didn't take very long and I was on my way. I even called a friend to tell her about the latte. I will (hopefully) have more reasons to be in Sequoyah Hills selling real estate and get to stop by again.
(4)
Scott G.
I rather enjoy these kind of places. Food with a little twist and an inviting atmosphere. Especially love the paintings... except that goat and its creepy little evil goat eyes... Anyways, the food. Got to try the apple bacon pizza, the house burger, the farmer's plate with chicken thigh and the mac n' cheese. The pizza, burger (very good flavor, and you flavored the meat!!! thank you! I've been getting real tired of eating bland ground beef), and farmer's plate (mixed roasted veggies) were all superb. It was indeed a pleasure to relax and enjoy. The only negatives I've got are the mac n' cheese was not very tasty. Thanks for the meal and would highly recommend folks to visit in the future.
(5)
Canny F.
Bacon and asparagus omelette with grits - I LOVED THEIR GRITS. I somehow got into grits being in the south. Is this a south thing like biscuits? Or maybe there was always something better to order or choose from as a side in NY. Well their grits. I can go on about them. It's so creamy and the cheese taste is spot on. It's not too strong where it feels like a bowl of cheese and it's so creamy!!!! I love creamy! Their bacon and asparagus omelette was a fail. I asked for the bacon on the side instead of in the omelette and they gave me bacon on the side but still added bacon in the omelette. On the bright side, they put a lot of bacon in the omelette so for those who are bacon lovers, this is a good dish. Benedict with taters - taters are potatoes! I still don't like potatoes. It's seasoned and baked but I just don't enjoy it after eating potatoes numerous times a day for 10 days at Poland. The benedict didn't screamed out to me but that might be due to the fact that I was hooked on the grits. I love me some creamy cheese grits!
(4)
Taste T.
Fresh fruits and veggies in each dish proved too complex to my simple palette. I had the grilled cheese and although the onion jam was delightful the apples made a desired savory sandwich too sweet. Unlike me my, open paletted, friend found the unique pairings of ingredients enjoyable. He recommends the catfish sandwich. Overall atmosphere is cafertieria chic and family friendly with kind southern staff in a quite area. Ideal for working.
(2)
Terri G.
Visiting from out of state and always seek out supporting the local. Your location and food did not disappoint. The eggs Benedict with heirloom tomatoes were super fresh and a nice twist.
(4)
Jay J.
Just go! I recommend the frittata or the bacon omelette. Everything is fresh and the atmosphere is very inviting. We had a great experience here!
(5)
Mark K.
Ironically, I was turned on to this place by a friend from Nashville who had seen it featured on a travel show- I had never heard of it until then. Way down in the heart of Sequoyah Hills, this place is a real treasure. The service is fast, the staff are genuinely nice- always smiling and sweet- and the food is delicious. My favorite is their take on the classic grilled cheese- focaccia bread, goat cheese and baked apple slices. My mouth is watering now... Their menu is eclectic- there is something for everyone. You may need to employ Google maps to find The Plaid Apron but I can assure you it's well worth the search.
(5)
Scott S.
Awesome breakfast food emphasizing quality over quantity in a beautiful neighborhood. Eggs Benedict is the one to get. Love the fresh tomatoes on it. Great kids pancakes too. Jake's came out looking like the planet Saturn complete with ring. Just passing thru from FL to MI. And who knew Knoxville was such a nice town? However, Go Gators!
(5)
L M.
This little hidden gem of a place is truly fantastic. The food is amazing. I like that the owner comes around to greet people when possible. The young folks that work the counter service don't offer any additional help beyond bringing your food (i.e., if you need a glass of water refilled, don't expect someone to come to your table.). Nice wine options. They recently expanded their hours of operation...thanks for doing that, y'all!! However, closes by 8pm for dinner...that's pretty early. You won't go wrong with anything you order...and the baked goods are outrageously yummy.
(4)
Jason B.
Fantastic food, service, and atmosphere. Food is ordered at the counter, you pay at the counter, you get your beverage immediately, and your meal is brought out in about 5-15 minutes, depending on how busy it gets. It's a small place, with only about forty seats inside and then another dozen outside. Large menu selection, but on Sunday's you are limited to a smaller brunch menu only (still great food however). It's off the beaten path, down through a residential neighborhood that makes you feel like you're in the wrong place. You're not. This is the place you want to be for breakfast or lunch any day of the week. TIP: Come early for Sunday brunch. The locals love this place so it gets busy fast, but it's definitely worth the wait for fantastic food.
(5)
Christina D.
Had a yummy Brunch! The cheesy Grits were probably my favorite I've ever had. A pretty hidden/ random spot unless you live near Sequoyah Hills.
(4)
Lisa H.
My son and I just enjoyed the lamb sandwich.. Let me just say it was so savory, moist and delicious I didn't want the meal to end ! The plaid apron never disappoints ..the food is fresh and unique. They use locally sourced farms and vendors. Saturday brunch is also a great , be warned the line is quite long, but worth the wait!
(5)
Dana M.
Nine dollars for three half pieces of French toast. A side of bacon with two pieces added $2.25. This took an hour to get on a Saturday. It tasted good but it was expensive and took a long time.
(2)
Jamie M.
I had gotten my hopes up as I had previously been told this was the best brunch in Knoxville. This is not the case. I got the eggs Benedict with biscuit and though the biscuit was amazing the kale and oyster mushroom that came with the eggs were too salty. For the price you could do better in the Knoxville area, for brunch. I do intend to come back and give their lunch items a chance, hopefully they will be better than the breakfast.
(3)
Matt L.
I needed to find a place for a quick breakfast but I didn't want to eat somewhere I'd already been. So I looked on Yelp for breakfast around me and found the Plaid Apron. It is completely hidden from anywhere I normally go and had I not been looking for it specifically, I would have never found it. However, I'm glad I did. I approached the counter and was greeted by a friendly young lady. I ordered my food and ordered a water. In hindsight, I wish she had told me where to get my beverage. I walked away expecting to find a drink area. By the time I realized I had no clue where to get my drink, she was taking the next order and I didn't want to bother her or her guest (which wasn't a big deal because I wasn't thirsty anyway). I ordered a kale and bacon omelet and asked for the cheddar to be left off. After about 10-12 minutes, my food was delivered to my table by one of the cooks who called my name. The food was perfect and delicious. The cost was a little more than a typical cheap breakfast, but the quality of the ingredients and cooking made this anything but a typical cheap breakfast. You get what you pay for, and this breakfast was worth the money. Overall, the location is quaint and has a very rustic yet homegrown feel. The food was hot and delicious. The clientele seemed friendly, happy, and down-to-earth. I love places like this and will return soon.
(5)
Dee O.
Very blah and disappointing experience today. The person taking orders was very disappointed she had to get off her phone to take my order. Since it was apparently such a big pain to alter the toast and vege plate (I wanted it without grits), I went with the griddle cakes and got two eggs on the side. A few minutes after I had paid and sat down, I was told they were out of griddle cake batter and I had to order something else. An omelet was suggested, which I went along with. I was already tried of the hassle it had taken to get breakfast. The veggie omelet came with a side of potatoes. The potatoes were underdone, with a few pieces raw. I literally could only eat about two pieces and one bite of my very soggy omelet. There was no effort to refund the money I had paid for the extra side of eggs I had gotten with my original order. The lemon macaron was pretty good though. As well as the coke I got. I don't think I will be going out of my way to dine here again. Certainly leaving with a very bitter taste!
(2)
Greg W.
I was expecting a bit more down home southern cooking with a name like the Plaid Apron. Turns out to be quite the metro style delicious! Rotating menu daily. I got the sausage, carmelized onion, goat cheese omelet. Mmm. Quite tasty!
(5)
HY H.
I love this place for brunch, lunch or dinner. The food is very fresh and creative. The ceiling fans are the only drawback of this place, the dining area stays so cold and windy from them that they cool your food too quickly and you will be very chilly while eating. Other than that, it is a must try place in Knoxville
(4)
Netson W.
My favorite part of the meal was the Rib Tips. Really tender and they paired well with the heaps of sauce poured over them. Ribs were very celtic, fairly tender but not overly so-- lacking any distinct flavors. The standout (obviously) is the Burris Burrito (get it spicy!) Nowhere else can you get this as tasty as it is here. Really moist on the interior and the skin is perfectly flavored with the spicy rub. This is the sole reason for the four star rating and also the Wilkins self serve valet parking. The perfect way to end a meal.
(4)
Rachel E.
As a person who eats very close to the vine, but loves the taste of home cooking, yet rarely gets it since I have a troublesome tummy, the Plaid Apron covers all the bases. I've never had trouble with their food! LOVE THE CHICKEN BLT for lunch & the FRENCH TOAST for breakfast!!!! These are also amazing and unlike anything else in town: -Banana Pudding; S'mores; gluten free cookies The staff is so lovely and always knowledgeable about the menu. The paintings of farm animals inside are also darling!
(5)
Charlie P.
Lots of potential but falls just short in taste, service and cleanliness. My veggie pizza looked great on paper but didn't pack my expected punch of flavor. My wife's fish sandwich was overly dressed and had to be scrapped off in order to taste the meat. I asked the service if they had any meatless options for their burgers and I got a simple "No" in response. Would have been better if they threw me a bone (no pun intended) and offered up an alternative, e.g., eggplant, avocado, or just a pile of veggies. Lastly, the bathroom was filthy and had no hand soap left.
(2)
Channa P.
I like this place a whole lot, and It's definitely a new favorite for breakfast. It's nestled in the back of Sequoyah Hills, and the patrons are a mix of students, Bearden peeps, and Sequoyah neighborhood folks. The first time I ate here I got the French Toast with sweet potato and maple puree. It was very good, but too sweet for my taste. Recently I ordered the vegetable fritatta. It was such a fun, fall medley of corn, okra, tomatoes, and yummy bacon. I got grits on the side and they were extremely creamy with lots of flavor. More garlic than butter which is awesome. They also served my iced chai tea in a mason jar. I mean why wouldn't you at least try it?
(4)
Brad K.
Takes a while to order if there is a crowd. Not many tables. But the breakfast and coffee were awesome.
(5)
Alison R.
In a word: yum. This morning I had one of the best, simplest, freshest brunches I've had in a while. High quality ingredients and interesting flavors. I had the grilled cheese and tomato soup and my boyfriend had pancakes with two over easy eggs. My grilled cheese consisted of white cheddar, goat cheese, peaches, onion jam and sprouts on herbed focaccia bread - really innovative, really good. My boyfriend's pancakes were cooked perfectly - fluffy and moist. The coffee was piping hot and delicious. If you're looking for a quaint and cute place to eat brunch - or any other meal - I highly recommend the Plaid Apron.
(4)
Mountain Chick T.
Sign on the building reads Sequoyah Hills Cafe and Market. Plaid Apron sign is in the window. Oatmeal was excellent with fresh sliced banana and apples on top.
(4)
Heather W.
Best meal of my trip!!!!!!! What an amazing breakfast - my friend and I shared an omelet with grits and pumpkin French toast. Woah. Double woah. Every bite was amazing...the grits were some of the best I've had. Ever. I will definitely be returning the next time I'm in town. Thank you!!!!!!
(5)
Russell Z.
This is a nice little restaurant tucked away in a residential area. I appreciated the gluten free bread they offer; the Farmer's Plate w/ Chicken I ordered was delicious and healthy.
(4)
Kevin C.
This place is great. They have great regular coffee. I haven't had the chance to try any of the specialty drinks, but they have plenty of options. They also have a extensive hot tea selection if coffee isn't for you. There biscuit are some of the best around and the service has always been friendly. I also had one of their brunch options which was eggs benedict with beets....fantastic.
(5)
Eva V.
Nice restaurant with a limited (but seasonal) menu. My french toast was pretty great and my husband enjoyed his omelette, so all in all it was a good experience. I was in the mood for pancakes so I was disappointed there weren't any on the menu, but maybe it was just a no-pancake kind of day for them.
(4)
Anne M.
Excellent casual neighborhood place. They have a separate room that can be reserved for groups of 6 to 10 people. Breakfast is good and Saturday brunch too but the place is usually packed then. For lunch the market salad and the farmer's plate, both of which can be ordered with either fish or chicken added, are excellent. The salad is simply the best you can find in Knoxville. Sandwiches are also very, very good and large with locally made bread. Dinner is served Thursday-Saturday with most lunch items on the menu but the addition of a fish and a pasta dish, both of which vary. Both are almost always excellent. Cooking is creative. There is a short but good list of beers and wine. Prices are very moderate and service friendly. It is primarily a neighborhood place but just about five minutes or less off Kingston Pike. Don't want too many people to discover it but hope that those in search of some of the best food to be found in Knoxville and surrounding areas will do so.
(5)
Jessica H.
The owner of this restaurant contacted me and apologized for the meal we had. He even sent a VISA gift card to reimburse us. Very nice of him to go to that length particularly since we don't live nearby.
(4)
Rachel S.
Yes it's in a strange location, but pull out your smartphone, print a Google map, or go old-school and use a local map to find your way here. Yes the hours are limited, but find a way to schedule a breakfast or lunch during the week if you can to get the best experience, or brave a Saturday brunch when the rest of the world tries to go experience the deliciousness. (Rumor has it some dinner service is in the works, so get excited!) Yes they really do use local food because I know the same farmers they know, and I can taste the difference in a Hines Valley tomato grown by farmer Jon and one purchased from a chain food supplier, and if you give yourself some time and attention, you can too! Yes there are probably vegetables on that dish you've never tried, or you have and you thought you hated them (sauteed Brussel Sprouts, I'm looking at you) but TRY IT ANYWAY, you will likely be shocked that you like how these were prepared. Yes that is a fresh, real french macaron they made in-house, and it's as heavenly as you would expect it to be. Make the effort Knoxville, this place is a gem in a sea of gravel and your tastebuds and the local food economy will thank you for going out of your usual way for this one.
(5)
Audrey D.
(Edit/Addition for 2014 - No more aprons -awhhh, kinda sad. Food is still really tasty and I really like the weekly changing frittata. Line of folks goes out the door on Saturday morning for brunch. Kind of annoying, but I try to stay calm. You may wonder, what's up with the floating menu throughout the line? Also you may feel awkward standing in the middle of the restaurant in line while people are eating around you. Coffee drinks are killer yum. I can also recommend the banana pudding!) OLD REVIEW: If you were wondering, yes, the girls at the counter are wearing cute plaid aprons! Just ate the Saturday brunch with my guy and we thought it was yummy. He had the eggs benedict with hollandaise and I had the super cool grilled cheese. He said his was a good consistency - not too runny but recommends that you order it with a side of bacon since it doesn't come with it automatically. My grilled cheese (a mix of goat cheese and maybe provolone?) was filled with poached pears, pickled red onions and small amount of greens. Yeah! Definitely going to get that again. I love that it wasn't all greasy, too. It's like the first grilled cheese that made me feel healthy. Weird. Anyway, I made up for that with some killer creamy grits and a vanilla latte. Tasty! The other stuff on the menu looked good so we'll definitely go back. As for the atmosphere - it's very casual. Order at the counter, pick your own seat. We sat outside and sadly that area could use some sprucing up. I felt like the bird's nest over our table was a little distracting (ahem!) and it felt like we were sitting in the parking lot. They just need to put some plants or art or something out there to give the entrance a facelift. I hope they do it soon - it's already Dogwood season and they are right in the middle of Knoxville's beloved Dogwood trail. But you should check it out for a casual Sat brunch!
(4)
Susan C.
Tucked away on a narrow street south of Kingston Pike in the Sequoyah Hills neighborhood, this trendy and pricey little restaurant offers a small breakfast/lunch menu using fresh, local ingredients. We had hoped to find a hip brunch, however, The Plaid Apron stopped serving its breakfast-style menu at 11 a.m., so we settled for toasted cheese sandwiches with melted goat cheese and thin pear slices and a side of tomato bisque soup. Delicious. It takes orders at the main counter, you pick them up, and a friendly server comes by to refill drinks and ask if everything's okay. It's a breakfasty ambience with barnyard paintings of roosters and chickens and cows on the walls, a bit noisy because of cement floors and a hyenna-style laughter (at least the day we indulged) from the table of women and babies nearby. Again, prices are a bit steep, yet the food thus far seems quite okay.
(3)
Kelly M.
The food here is great but it seems that they are never prepared for brunch on Saturday. On two separate occasions over the last two months I have had friends in town and have raved about the food only to have to leave because there is not enough space to sit to eat. It is unacceptable to not be prepared for a large brunch crowd when it happens on numerous occasions. As a result I have been forced to go to other places to eat. This restaurant has great food but when you cannot handle a large weekend crowd I think that says a lot about management and the need to adapt to popularity.
(2)
Tara S.
This review is based solely on my experiences wtih coffee. The week I went (twice) they were still on limited hours and a very limited menu as they had just opened.The girl at the counter told me they were still waiting to receive deliveries from various purveyors, etc which explained the limited menu. I decided to come back for food when I could order things I really wanted. Anyway, both times I had Vanilla latte which is my little test for coffee places. I like latte's and I know how *I* think they should taste. Both times at Plaid Apron they were very good! They had all the other typical coffee drinks and an impressive variety of teas, including loose leaf teas. Also, the atmosphere is nice and honestly the interior is a huge improvement from my beloved Blackbird (RIP). It's more comfortable & less awkward looking. There's nice outdoor seating as well.
(4)
Jennifer D.
Unique menu featuring local food. They offer counter service, delicious fare, and a family friendly atmosphere. Fantastic brunch and lunch.
(5)
Aaron G.
Would give them a 5 star review but...I'll get to that later. Their food and atmosphere is ideal for a Saturday afternoon brunch. The employees are friendly and provide attentive service. Their grilled cheese sandwich and Eggs Benedict are difficult to top. Great vibe that radiates an Austin, TX or Brooklyn, NY street cafe. They only issue that I wish they would address is that sometimes the line to order food is very long. This is not necessarily a problem. Long lines can be expected at quaint eating venues like this. The frustrating aspect is that they do not have signs that instruct the patron to order first before choosing a seat/table. So you get a lot if confusion. You will have people making it to the middle of the order line after 10 minutes and then a couple comes in and thinks they've outsmarted the system a split up as one waits at the back of the line as the other plants a flag at a table. This can be aggravating for the person who just placed their order but now has no where to sit. The employees instruct customers to choose a table after they place their order, but it's often too late. A couple of hanging signs would help establish their policy and endorse a more organized method of service. This is only an issue during crowded periods of the day.
(4)
Lana S.
The Plaid Apron Cafe is located in the heart of Sequoyah Hills. It is in the location of the former Blackbird Cafe. They serve breakfast and lunch as well as coffee and espresso beverages. This is a family run business with a focus on seasonal, local, fresh ingredients. I enjoyed an amazing eggs Benedict which I felt was incredibly lite. It wasn't over sauced the poached eggs were perfect and it had country diced veggies in place of ham which I thought was interesting and delicious. I also thoroughly enjoyed my hand made cappuccino -great froth!! Their menu also includes sandwiches, pizzas as well as salads. It's a casual dining experience. Ordering at the bar then picking up when your name is called unless they're not too busy, then they'll deliver it to your table. It's a great little cafe off the well beaten path and I hope that those seeking something fresh and local will support this business. The Plaid Apron is open Monday-Saturday 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Enjoy! Update: I love the Green pizza and the handmade daily pasta!!! Love it all at the Plaid Apron and especially the staff!! Check this place out and enjoy a walk on the Blvd. afterwards!
(4)
Katie S.
I really enjoyed the breakfast selection. Awesome eggs Benedict. The ginger bread latte that was on special hit the spot. I would definitely come back.
(5)
MK T.
Fantastic lunch spot! Farm fresh ingredients, great service & very hip atmosphere. Knoxville's hidden gem, for sure.
(4)
Becky K.
If you're not in the Sequoyah Hills neighborhood, you may not have heard about the Plaid Apron. They're pretty out of the way, but well worth the trek. My husband and I have eaten at the Apron twice. First, was sandwiches. He had the Chicken BLT and I had the Pulled Pork sandwich. Then, we split and shared. The Chicken BLT was delightful, just the right mix of crunchy bacon and chicken. The Pulled Pork was a real surprise with a cornbread bun. Note: if you are no fan of soggy sandwiches, tell them to hold the cole slaw, which is normally piled on top of the pulled pork. It's a thick sandwich and I promise it's pretty messy without the cole slaw. The sides were good, too. Their baked beans aren't the mushy canned variety with too-sweat ketchup dressing. They're fresh homemade beans with great spicing. And their slaw is tart and delicious, no gooey mayo to water down the taste. Desserts are all hand-made on the premises. We tried the chocolate pie and banana pudding. Both were good, but I'd actually give the nod to the bananas, which is rare. We also ate breakfast there. Had the proscuitto omelette and sausage and goat cheese omelette and split them. Both are excellent. The sausage and goat cheese was our favorite. The spouse doesn't even like cheese, but he loved this. And the French toast.....Oh my, I thought we left Texas Toast back in TX. Nope, this stuff's thick and delicious. One warning: the lemonade is tart as a mother-in-law's tongue. I love the stuff, but the spouse does not. If you like it sweet, don't order it. If you like it kickin' and lemony, you are going to love this.
(5)
Austin R.
The first time I ate here, I came in pretty late just before closing on a Saturday and although they had a sign up out front saying they were out of food, after I came in and poked around a bit the waitress told me I could choose from the few offerings they had left. The chef seemed like a nice guy and asked me what I wanted letting me know if it was still available. I ended up with an order of the chocolate griddle cakes with a peanut butter banana sauce and a salad with buttermilk dressing. The cakes weren't that good but the sauce was rich and buttery. The salad was definitely the standout. It had slices of oranges and lots of big hearty, almost velvety, leaves of greens with a few other vegetables playing strong supporting roles. I also had an espresso that was good. I came back here again on a weekday not long ago for breakfast. I got the house made granola with fruit and a piece of biscotti with a french press coffee. The coffee was good, the biscotti a little moister than I like. The granola had a nice flavor and crisp to it. My mom got the oatmeal which was really quite bland. Definitely could have used something more exciting than fruit on top. When I'm at home, I like to do simple breakfasts from time to time; but when I'm eating out for breakfast and paying a moderate amount for it, I like to be impressed by the creativity of the dish.
(4)
kir h.
a great casual restaurant with high quality food! now i just have to go back for breakfast one time.
(5)
Andy B.
This vibrant little breath of fresh air is open and inviting, and boasts an exciting menu of fresh ingredients and interesting flavors. Drew McDonald, the chef/owner, is a world-class culinary talent who cooks with passion and runs the place with the same level of enthusiasm. He sources ingredients from local Knoxville area farms, because he's smart enough to know that these are the highest quality ingredients out there. And you know, quality ingredients lead to tasty, tasty food! I enjoyed myself so much that today I stayed for breakfast (Plaid Apron Eggs Benedict) and for lunch (B&P Pizza...Benton's Bacon, South Carolina peaches, mozzarella, caramelized onions, arugula, peach-jalapeno sauce). If you have an issue with long lines, or the decor isn't to your particular liking, then check yourself before you go knocking this place in your review. It's owned and run by a young husband and wife team, not some bland corporation. They're quietly doing very good things here at the Plaid Apron, so get in here and enjoy this wonderful food!
(5)
Jerrod H.
I have been to the Plaid Apron on numerous occasions. Everytime I try something new and I am blown away with the creativity and use of ingredients to compose fabulous breakfast/brunch/lunch dishes. The menu is very seasonal so dont get too attached to one particular item. But dont worry, I have found that each time something changes it only gets better and better! My favorite item at the Apron are the grits. I grew up eating grits and now I wonder why I ever even ate them. When compared to the Apron's grits the grits I was raised on were bland tasteless mash. The Apron's grits are creamy and decadent, bursting with flavor. If you have yet to venture to the Plaid Apron I encourage you to make a trip soon and enjoy some of the freshest and local food you will eat in all of Knoxville!! Great atmosphere and friendly staff round this place out for me.
(5)
Amber L.
We went with a group of 6 recently, and the experience for everyone was, disappointing. The menu looks really good, add to it they use local products, it could be really good. What's lacking is the execution, on a serious level, considering the price, it needs to be stepped up. They were not busy when we went in for breakfast, the bacon was flabby and undercooked, french toast with brioche was also undercooked(raw, gooey in the center...I love me some brioche, who wouldn't love bread made with eggs, sugar and butter, when it's cooked). Two of us ordered the omelet, which is a term they should use loosely, it really was an overcooked(for a change) egg roll up with the veggies in the middle...no joke. The butternut squash was crunchy in the middle, so were the potatoes...sigh. The biscuit special fared no better, sweet potato biscuit was flat and dry, chicken thigh was pan seared but underdone, there was no nice sear or crust on it, it looked pale and flabby. I will say they made a pretty good mocha and the cinnamon buns were tasty. I'd recommend this as a place to grab a coffee and pastry to go.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : No Good for Working : No
Mary T.
This place has been so many things over the years (Fitzgerald's Market, Sequoyah Grill, BlackBird Coffeehouse). This is located in the heart of Sequoyah Hills. Something about this place makes me feel so at home. Coffee - it's delicious and a must! I personally love the Cappuccino, but if ya just wanna a cup of coffee that's just as delish! Brunch - I've had some hit or miss brunch experiences here. Make sure you get here before 11:00 if you want to beat the crowd. The egg sandwich, french toast, and sides dishes (scrambled eggs, toast, potatoes) I've had were all very good. The bad begins with the omelette for me. I've had 2 incredibly overcooked omelettes. I could hold up my omelette and see thru the whole bottom half, which happened my most recent experience. People cook omelettes differently I get that. However when your omelette is done on a flat top and someone just lets it cook longer and longer, that is where the bubbles aka see-thru holes come from. I took 2 bites and couldn't take another bite. The first omelette I had here was similar but not as bad as the most recent time. Lunch - I've been here several times and had the Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup. The soup has usually has too much fennel. I love Grilled Cheeses but sometimes simple is better than trying to do too much to it. Some people may really enjoy it however when I want a grilled cheese, I want exactly what I'm saying nothing more in it. Now these are some things I need to try because I've heard good things: frittata, market salad, chicken biscuit, chicken BLT. Hopefully my experiences will get better. I love the atmosphere here. During off hours come down here and enjoy some coffee. If I was rating this place as a coffeehouse it would get a 4. Since it is also a restaurant and because of my omelettes being overcooked it gets a 3 for now. Cheers & Enjoy!
(3)Melissa W.
Phenomenal breakfast! Missed my flight and had three hours to burn so I came back into town for breakfast. What a pleasant surprise. The toast and veggies was so tasty I cannot rave about it enough. Definite recommendation for fast, fresh, and great food.
(5)Julia A.
You get the southern club. Right now! I'm serious. Inventive yet comfortable. A juicy chicken thigh, stewed collards, local bacon, cheese and put together on a ciabatta. All the flavors harmoniously sang on my palate. Salty and sweet, tangy and smokey, crunchy and juicy. I got the macaroni and cheese as my side and it was good but probably too heavy for my already carbo loaded meal. I would recommend the green side salad with lemon parm dressing. It was light and refreshing and a perfect accompaniment to that amazing sandwich.
(5)Joey D.
Oh, you plaid apron, you. I've only been for brunch so far, but descriptors that come to mind: fresh, crisp, F-to-T, artisanal, simple, delicious, sunshiny. I like this place a lot. The food is deliciously simple and great, waitstaff are super friendly, and the place itself is great. It's tucked into Sequoyah hills so you don't see a ton of traffic. The restaurant itself is spacious too and there's room between tables. I sincerely appreciate that. I do hate the long lines that get created with this setup, but what can you do. Well, if you're asking, I'll tell you what you CAN do ---- know your order before you get to the counter. It really helps keep the process going smoothly. JUST saying. Excellent place though. I can't wait to return and sit in the perfect patio again.
(4)Jason H.
Breakfast at this place is where it's at. The market veggie scramble with balsamic and goat cheese grits is fantastic. Lunch and dinner are also excellent, but the star meal of the day is the first one. Word of warning, though: everything is cooked to order and fresh (a good thing), but during busy meals - think Saturday AM breakfast - it can take awhile.
(4)Julia H.
Had some extra time on my hands after showing a condo and decided to grab a cup of coffee. The line was long so it was either good or slow! For a first time visitor you can never tell. I made my way to the front counter and ordered a Chai latte with almond milk. The fact they even offer almond milk made me pleased. It didn't take very long and I was on my way. I even called a friend to tell her about the latte. I will (hopefully) have more reasons to be in Sequoyah Hills selling real estate and get to stop by again.
(4)Scott G.
I rather enjoy these kind of places. Food with a little twist and an inviting atmosphere. Especially love the paintings... except that goat and its creepy little evil goat eyes... Anyways, the food. Got to try the apple bacon pizza, the house burger, the farmer's plate with chicken thigh and the mac n' cheese. The pizza, burger (very good flavor, and you flavored the meat!!! thank you! I've been getting real tired of eating bland ground beef), and farmer's plate (mixed roasted veggies) were all superb. It was indeed a pleasure to relax and enjoy. The only negatives I've got are the mac n' cheese was not very tasty. Thanks for the meal and would highly recommend folks to visit in the future.
(5)Canny F.
Bacon and asparagus omelette with grits - I LOVED THEIR GRITS. I somehow got into grits being in the south. Is this a south thing like biscuits? Or maybe there was always something better to order or choose from as a side in NY. Well their grits. I can go on about them. It's so creamy and the cheese taste is spot on. It's not too strong where it feels like a bowl of cheese and it's so creamy!!!! I love creamy! Their bacon and asparagus omelette was a fail. I asked for the bacon on the side instead of in the omelette and they gave me bacon on the side but still added bacon in the omelette. On the bright side, they put a lot of bacon in the omelette so for those who are bacon lovers, this is a good dish. Benedict with taters - taters are potatoes! I still don't like potatoes. It's seasoned and baked but I just don't enjoy it after eating potatoes numerous times a day for 10 days at Poland. The benedict didn't screamed out to me but that might be due to the fact that I was hooked on the grits. I love me some creamy cheese grits!
(4)Taste T.
Fresh fruits and veggies in each dish proved too complex to my simple palette. I had the grilled cheese and although the onion jam was delightful the apples made a desired savory sandwich too sweet. Unlike me my, open paletted, friend found the unique pairings of ingredients enjoyable. He recommends the catfish sandwich. Overall atmosphere is cafertieria chic and family friendly with kind southern staff in a quite area. Ideal for working.
(2)Terri G.
Visiting from out of state and always seek out supporting the local. Your location and food did not disappoint. The eggs Benedict with heirloom tomatoes were super fresh and a nice twist.
(4)Jay J.
Just go! I recommend the frittata or the bacon omelette. Everything is fresh and the atmosphere is very inviting. We had a great experience here!
(5)Mark K.
Ironically, I was turned on to this place by a friend from Nashville who had seen it featured on a travel show- I had never heard of it until then. Way down in the heart of Sequoyah Hills, this place is a real treasure. The service is fast, the staff are genuinely nice- always smiling and sweet- and the food is delicious. My favorite is their take on the classic grilled cheese- focaccia bread, goat cheese and baked apple slices. My mouth is watering now... Their menu is eclectic- there is something for everyone. You may need to employ Google maps to find The Plaid Apron but I can assure you it's well worth the search.
(5)Scott S.
Awesome breakfast food emphasizing quality over quantity in a beautiful neighborhood. Eggs Benedict is the one to get. Love the fresh tomatoes on it. Great kids pancakes too. Jake's came out looking like the planet Saturn complete with ring. Just passing thru from FL to MI. And who knew Knoxville was such a nice town? However, Go Gators!
(5)L M.
This little hidden gem of a place is truly fantastic. The food is amazing. I like that the owner comes around to greet people when possible. The young folks that work the counter service don't offer any additional help beyond bringing your food (i.e., if you need a glass of water refilled, don't expect someone to come to your table.). Nice wine options. They recently expanded their hours of operation...thanks for doing that, y'all!! However, closes by 8pm for dinner...that's pretty early. You won't go wrong with anything you order...and the baked goods are outrageously yummy.
(4)Jason B.
Fantastic food, service, and atmosphere. Food is ordered at the counter, you pay at the counter, you get your beverage immediately, and your meal is brought out in about 5-15 minutes, depending on how busy it gets. It's a small place, with only about forty seats inside and then another dozen outside. Large menu selection, but on Sunday's you are limited to a smaller brunch menu only (still great food however). It's off the beaten path, down through a residential neighborhood that makes you feel like you're in the wrong place. You're not. This is the place you want to be for breakfast or lunch any day of the week. TIP: Come early for Sunday brunch. The locals love this place so it gets busy fast, but it's definitely worth the wait for fantastic food.
(5)Christina D.
Had a yummy Brunch! The cheesy Grits were probably my favorite I've ever had. A pretty hidden/ random spot unless you live near Sequoyah Hills.
(4)Lisa H.
My son and I just enjoyed the lamb sandwich.. Let me just say it was so savory, moist and delicious I didn't want the meal to end ! The plaid apron never disappoints ..the food is fresh and unique. They use locally sourced farms and vendors. Saturday brunch is also a great , be warned the line is quite long, but worth the wait!
(5)Dana M.
Nine dollars for three half pieces of French toast. A side of bacon with two pieces added $2.25. This took an hour to get on a Saturday. It tasted good but it was expensive and took a long time.
(2)Jamie M.
I had gotten my hopes up as I had previously been told this was the best brunch in Knoxville. This is not the case. I got the eggs Benedict with biscuit and though the biscuit was amazing the kale and oyster mushroom that came with the eggs were too salty. For the price you could do better in the Knoxville area, for brunch. I do intend to come back and give their lunch items a chance, hopefully they will be better than the breakfast.
(3)Matt L.
I needed to find a place for a quick breakfast but I didn't want to eat somewhere I'd already been. So I looked on Yelp for breakfast around me and found the Plaid Apron. It is completely hidden from anywhere I normally go and had I not been looking for it specifically, I would have never found it. However, I'm glad I did. I approached the counter and was greeted by a friendly young lady. I ordered my food and ordered a water. In hindsight, I wish she had told me where to get my beverage. I walked away expecting to find a drink area. By the time I realized I had no clue where to get my drink, she was taking the next order and I didn't want to bother her or her guest (which wasn't a big deal because I wasn't thirsty anyway). I ordered a kale and bacon omelet and asked for the cheddar to be left off. After about 10-12 minutes, my food was delivered to my table by one of the cooks who called my name. The food was perfect and delicious. The cost was a little more than a typical cheap breakfast, but the quality of the ingredients and cooking made this anything but a typical cheap breakfast. You get what you pay for, and this breakfast was worth the money. Overall, the location is quaint and has a very rustic yet homegrown feel. The food was hot and delicious. The clientele seemed friendly, happy, and down-to-earth. I love places like this and will return soon.
(5)Dee O.
Very blah and disappointing experience today. The person taking orders was very disappointed she had to get off her phone to take my order. Since it was apparently such a big pain to alter the toast and vege plate (I wanted it without grits), I went with the griddle cakes and got two eggs on the side. A few minutes after I had paid and sat down, I was told they were out of griddle cake batter and I had to order something else. An omelet was suggested, which I went along with. I was already tried of the hassle it had taken to get breakfast. The veggie omelet came with a side of potatoes. The potatoes were underdone, with a few pieces raw. I literally could only eat about two pieces and one bite of my very soggy omelet. There was no effort to refund the money I had paid for the extra side of eggs I had gotten with my original order. The lemon macaron was pretty good though. As well as the coke I got. I don't think I will be going out of my way to dine here again. Certainly leaving with a very bitter taste!
(2)Greg W.
I was expecting a bit more down home southern cooking with a name like the Plaid Apron. Turns out to be quite the metro style delicious! Rotating menu daily. I got the sausage, carmelized onion, goat cheese omelet. Mmm. Quite tasty!
(5)HY H.
I love this place for brunch, lunch or dinner. The food is very fresh and creative. The ceiling fans are the only drawback of this place, the dining area stays so cold and windy from them that they cool your food too quickly and you will be very chilly while eating. Other than that, it is a must try place in Knoxville
(4)Netson W.
My favorite part of the meal was the Rib Tips. Really tender and they paired well with the heaps of sauce poured over them. Ribs were very celtic, fairly tender but not overly so-- lacking any distinct flavors. The standout (obviously) is the Burris Burrito (get it spicy!) Nowhere else can you get this as tasty as it is here. Really moist on the interior and the skin is perfectly flavored with the spicy rub. This is the sole reason for the four star rating and also the Wilkins self serve valet parking. The perfect way to end a meal.
(4)Rachel E.
As a person who eats very close to the vine, but loves the taste of home cooking, yet rarely gets it since I have a troublesome tummy, the Plaid Apron covers all the bases. I've never had trouble with their food! LOVE THE CHICKEN BLT for lunch & the FRENCH TOAST for breakfast!!!! These are also amazing and unlike anything else in town: -Banana Pudding; S'mores; gluten free cookies The staff is so lovely and always knowledgeable about the menu. The paintings of farm animals inside are also darling!
(5)Charlie P.
Lots of potential but falls just short in taste, service and cleanliness. My veggie pizza looked great on paper but didn't pack my expected punch of flavor. My wife's fish sandwich was overly dressed and had to be scrapped off in order to taste the meat. I asked the service if they had any meatless options for their burgers and I got a simple "No" in response. Would have been better if they threw me a bone (no pun intended) and offered up an alternative, e.g., eggplant, avocado, or just a pile of veggies. Lastly, the bathroom was filthy and had no hand soap left.
(2)Channa P.
I like this place a whole lot, and It's definitely a new favorite for breakfast. It's nestled in the back of Sequoyah Hills, and the patrons are a mix of students, Bearden peeps, and Sequoyah neighborhood folks. The first time I ate here I got the French Toast with sweet potato and maple puree. It was very good, but too sweet for my taste. Recently I ordered the vegetable fritatta. It was such a fun, fall medley of corn, okra, tomatoes, and yummy bacon. I got grits on the side and they were extremely creamy with lots of flavor. More garlic than butter which is awesome. They also served my iced chai tea in a mason jar. I mean why wouldn't you at least try it?
(4)Brad K.
Takes a while to order if there is a crowd. Not many tables. But the breakfast and coffee were awesome.
(5)Alison R.
In a word: yum. This morning I had one of the best, simplest, freshest brunches I've had in a while. High quality ingredients and interesting flavors. I had the grilled cheese and tomato soup and my boyfriend had pancakes with two over easy eggs. My grilled cheese consisted of white cheddar, goat cheese, peaches, onion jam and sprouts on herbed focaccia bread - really innovative, really good. My boyfriend's pancakes were cooked perfectly - fluffy and moist. The coffee was piping hot and delicious. If you're looking for a quaint and cute place to eat brunch - or any other meal - I highly recommend the Plaid Apron.
(4)Mountain Chick T.
Sign on the building reads Sequoyah Hills Cafe and Market. Plaid Apron sign is in the window. Oatmeal was excellent with fresh sliced banana and apples on top.
(4)Heather W.
Best meal of my trip!!!!!!! What an amazing breakfast - my friend and I shared an omelet with grits and pumpkin French toast. Woah. Double woah. Every bite was amazing...the grits were some of the best I've had. Ever. I will definitely be returning the next time I'm in town. Thank you!!!!!!
(5)Russell Z.
This is a nice little restaurant tucked away in a residential area. I appreciated the gluten free bread they offer; the Farmer's Plate w/ Chicken I ordered was delicious and healthy.
(4)Kevin C.
This place is great. They have great regular coffee. I haven't had the chance to try any of the specialty drinks, but they have plenty of options. They also have a extensive hot tea selection if coffee isn't for you. There biscuit are some of the best around and the service has always been friendly. I also had one of their brunch options which was eggs benedict with beets....fantastic.
(5)Eva V.
Nice restaurant with a limited (but seasonal) menu. My french toast was pretty great and my husband enjoyed his omelette, so all in all it was a good experience. I was in the mood for pancakes so I was disappointed there weren't any on the menu, but maybe it was just a no-pancake kind of day for them.
(4)Anne M.
Excellent casual neighborhood place. They have a separate room that can be reserved for groups of 6 to 10 people. Breakfast is good and Saturday brunch too but the place is usually packed then. For lunch the market salad and the farmer's plate, both of which can be ordered with either fish or chicken added, are excellent. The salad is simply the best you can find in Knoxville. Sandwiches are also very, very good and large with locally made bread. Dinner is served Thursday-Saturday with most lunch items on the menu but the addition of a fish and a pasta dish, both of which vary. Both are almost always excellent. Cooking is creative. There is a short but good list of beers and wine. Prices are very moderate and service friendly. It is primarily a neighborhood place but just about five minutes or less off Kingston Pike. Don't want too many people to discover it but hope that those in search of some of the best food to be found in Knoxville and surrounding areas will do so.
(5)Jessica H.
The owner of this restaurant contacted me and apologized for the meal we had. He even sent a VISA gift card to reimburse us. Very nice of him to go to that length particularly since we don't live nearby.
(4)Rachel S.
Yes it's in a strange location, but pull out your smartphone, print a Google map, or go old-school and use a local map to find your way here. Yes the hours are limited, but find a way to schedule a breakfast or lunch during the week if you can to get the best experience, or brave a Saturday brunch when the rest of the world tries to go experience the deliciousness. (Rumor has it some dinner service is in the works, so get excited!) Yes they really do use local food because I know the same farmers they know, and I can taste the difference in a Hines Valley tomato grown by farmer Jon and one purchased from a chain food supplier, and if you give yourself some time and attention, you can too! Yes there are probably vegetables on that dish you've never tried, or you have and you thought you hated them (sauteed Brussel Sprouts, I'm looking at you) but TRY IT ANYWAY, you will likely be shocked that you like how these were prepared. Yes that is a fresh, real french macaron they made in-house, and it's as heavenly as you would expect it to be. Make the effort Knoxville, this place is a gem in a sea of gravel and your tastebuds and the local food economy will thank you for going out of your usual way for this one.
(5)Audrey D.
(Edit/Addition for 2014 - No more aprons -awhhh, kinda sad. Food is still really tasty and I really like the weekly changing frittata. Line of folks goes out the door on Saturday morning for brunch. Kind of annoying, but I try to stay calm. You may wonder, what's up with the floating menu throughout the line? Also you may feel awkward standing in the middle of the restaurant in line while people are eating around you. Coffee drinks are killer yum. I can also recommend the banana pudding!) OLD REVIEW: If you were wondering, yes, the girls at the counter are wearing cute plaid aprons! Just ate the Saturday brunch with my guy and we thought it was yummy. He had the eggs benedict with hollandaise and I had the super cool grilled cheese. He said his was a good consistency - not too runny but recommends that you order it with a side of bacon since it doesn't come with it automatically. My grilled cheese (a mix of goat cheese and maybe provolone?) was filled with poached pears, pickled red onions and small amount of greens. Yeah! Definitely going to get that again. I love that it wasn't all greasy, too. It's like the first grilled cheese that made me feel healthy. Weird. Anyway, I made up for that with some killer creamy grits and a vanilla latte. Tasty! The other stuff on the menu looked good so we'll definitely go back. As for the atmosphere - it's very casual. Order at the counter, pick your own seat. We sat outside and sadly that area could use some sprucing up. I felt like the bird's nest over our table was a little distracting (ahem!) and it felt like we were sitting in the parking lot. They just need to put some plants or art or something out there to give the entrance a facelift. I hope they do it soon - it's already Dogwood season and they are right in the middle of Knoxville's beloved Dogwood trail. But you should check it out for a casual Sat brunch!
(4)Susan C.
Tucked away on a narrow street south of Kingston Pike in the Sequoyah Hills neighborhood, this trendy and pricey little restaurant offers a small breakfast/lunch menu using fresh, local ingredients. We had hoped to find a hip brunch, however, The Plaid Apron stopped serving its breakfast-style menu at 11 a.m., so we settled for toasted cheese sandwiches with melted goat cheese and thin pear slices and a side of tomato bisque soup. Delicious. It takes orders at the main counter, you pick them up, and a friendly server comes by to refill drinks and ask if everything's okay. It's a breakfasty ambience with barnyard paintings of roosters and chickens and cows on the walls, a bit noisy because of cement floors and a hyenna-style laughter (at least the day we indulged) from the table of women and babies nearby. Again, prices are a bit steep, yet the food thus far seems quite okay.
(3)Kelly M.
The food here is great but it seems that they are never prepared for brunch on Saturday. On two separate occasions over the last two months I have had friends in town and have raved about the food only to have to leave because there is not enough space to sit to eat. It is unacceptable to not be prepared for a large brunch crowd when it happens on numerous occasions. As a result I have been forced to go to other places to eat. This restaurant has great food but when you cannot handle a large weekend crowd I think that says a lot about management and the need to adapt to popularity.
(2)Tara S.
This review is based solely on my experiences wtih coffee. The week I went (twice) they were still on limited hours and a very limited menu as they had just opened.The girl at the counter told me they were still waiting to receive deliveries from various purveyors, etc which explained the limited menu. I decided to come back for food when I could order things I really wanted. Anyway, both times I had Vanilla latte which is my little test for coffee places. I like latte's and I know how *I* think they should taste. Both times at Plaid Apron they were very good! They had all the other typical coffee drinks and an impressive variety of teas, including loose leaf teas. Also, the atmosphere is nice and honestly the interior is a huge improvement from my beloved Blackbird (RIP). It's more comfortable & less awkward looking. There's nice outdoor seating as well.
(4)Jennifer D.
Unique menu featuring local food. They offer counter service, delicious fare, and a family friendly atmosphere. Fantastic brunch and lunch.
(5)Aaron G.
Would give them a 5 star review but...I'll get to that later. Their food and atmosphere is ideal for a Saturday afternoon brunch. The employees are friendly and provide attentive service. Their grilled cheese sandwich and Eggs Benedict are difficult to top. Great vibe that radiates an Austin, TX or Brooklyn, NY street cafe. They only issue that I wish they would address is that sometimes the line to order food is very long. This is not necessarily a problem. Long lines can be expected at quaint eating venues like this. The frustrating aspect is that they do not have signs that instruct the patron to order first before choosing a seat/table. So you get a lot if confusion. You will have people making it to the middle of the order line after 10 minutes and then a couple comes in and thinks they've outsmarted the system a split up as one waits at the back of the line as the other plants a flag at a table. This can be aggravating for the person who just placed their order but now has no where to sit. The employees instruct customers to choose a table after they place their order, but it's often too late. A couple of hanging signs would help establish their policy and endorse a more organized method of service. This is only an issue during crowded periods of the day.
(4)Lana S.
The Plaid Apron Cafe is located in the heart of Sequoyah Hills. It is in the location of the former Blackbird Cafe. They serve breakfast and lunch as well as coffee and espresso beverages. This is a family run business with a focus on seasonal, local, fresh ingredients. I enjoyed an amazing eggs Benedict which I felt was incredibly lite. It wasn't over sauced the poached eggs were perfect and it had country diced veggies in place of ham which I thought was interesting and delicious. I also thoroughly enjoyed my hand made cappuccino -great froth!! Their menu also includes sandwiches, pizzas as well as salads. It's a casual dining experience. Ordering at the bar then picking up when your name is called unless they're not too busy, then they'll deliver it to your table. It's a great little cafe off the well beaten path and I hope that those seeking something fresh and local will support this business. The Plaid Apron is open Monday-Saturday 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Enjoy! Update: I love the Green pizza and the handmade daily pasta!!! Love it all at the Plaid Apron and especially the staff!! Check this place out and enjoy a walk on the Blvd. afterwards!
(4)Katie S.
I really enjoyed the breakfast selection. Awesome eggs Benedict. The ginger bread latte that was on special hit the spot. I would definitely come back.
(5)MK T.
Fantastic lunch spot! Farm fresh ingredients, great service & very hip atmosphere. Knoxville's hidden gem, for sure.
(4)Becky K.
If you're not in the Sequoyah Hills neighborhood, you may not have heard about the Plaid Apron. They're pretty out of the way, but well worth the trek. My husband and I have eaten at the Apron twice. First, was sandwiches. He had the Chicken BLT and I had the Pulled Pork sandwich. Then, we split and shared. The Chicken BLT was delightful, just the right mix of crunchy bacon and chicken. The Pulled Pork was a real surprise with a cornbread bun. Note: if you are no fan of soggy sandwiches, tell them to hold the cole slaw, which is normally piled on top of the pulled pork. It's a thick sandwich and I promise it's pretty messy without the cole slaw. The sides were good, too. Their baked beans aren't the mushy canned variety with too-sweat ketchup dressing. They're fresh homemade beans with great spicing. And their slaw is tart and delicious, no gooey mayo to water down the taste. Desserts are all hand-made on the premises. We tried the chocolate pie and banana pudding. Both were good, but I'd actually give the nod to the bananas, which is rare. We also ate breakfast there. Had the proscuitto omelette and sausage and goat cheese omelette and split them. Both are excellent. The sausage and goat cheese was our favorite. The spouse doesn't even like cheese, but he loved this. And the French toast.....Oh my, I thought we left Texas Toast back in TX. Nope, this stuff's thick and delicious. One warning: the lemonade is tart as a mother-in-law's tongue. I love the stuff, but the spouse does not. If you like it sweet, don't order it. If you like it kickin' and lemony, you are going to love this.
(5)Austin R.
The first time I ate here, I came in pretty late just before closing on a Saturday and although they had a sign up out front saying they were out of food, after I came in and poked around a bit the waitress told me I could choose from the few offerings they had left. The chef seemed like a nice guy and asked me what I wanted letting me know if it was still available. I ended up with an order of the chocolate griddle cakes with a peanut butter banana sauce and a salad with buttermilk dressing. The cakes weren't that good but the sauce was rich and buttery. The salad was definitely the standout. It had slices of oranges and lots of big hearty, almost velvety, leaves of greens with a few other vegetables playing strong supporting roles. I also had an espresso that was good. I came back here again on a weekday not long ago for breakfast. I got the house made granola with fruit and a piece of biscotti with a french press coffee. The coffee was good, the biscotti a little moister than I like. The granola had a nice flavor and crisp to it. My mom got the oatmeal which was really quite bland. Definitely could have used something more exciting than fruit on top. When I'm at home, I like to do simple breakfasts from time to time; but when I'm eating out for breakfast and paying a moderate amount for it, I like to be impressed by the creativity of the dish.
(4)kir h.
a great casual restaurant with high quality food! now i just have to go back for breakfast one time.
(5)Andy B.
This vibrant little breath of fresh air is open and inviting, and boasts an exciting menu of fresh ingredients and interesting flavors. Drew McDonald, the chef/owner, is a world-class culinary talent who cooks with passion and runs the place with the same level of enthusiasm. He sources ingredients from local Knoxville area farms, because he's smart enough to know that these are the highest quality ingredients out there. And you know, quality ingredients lead to tasty, tasty food! I enjoyed myself so much that today I stayed for breakfast (Plaid Apron Eggs Benedict) and for lunch (B&P Pizza...Benton's Bacon, South Carolina peaches, mozzarella, caramelized onions, arugula, peach-jalapeno sauce). If you have an issue with long lines, or the decor isn't to your particular liking, then check yourself before you go knocking this place in your review. It's owned and run by a young husband and wife team, not some bland corporation. They're quietly doing very good things here at the Plaid Apron, so get in here and enjoy this wonderful food!
(5)Jerrod H.
I have been to the Plaid Apron on numerous occasions. Everytime I try something new and I am blown away with the creativity and use of ingredients to compose fabulous breakfast/brunch/lunch dishes. The menu is very seasonal so dont get too attached to one particular item. But dont worry, I have found that each time something changes it only gets better and better! My favorite item at the Apron are the grits. I grew up eating grits and now I wonder why I ever even ate them. When compared to the Apron's grits the grits I was raised on were bland tasteless mash. The Apron's grits are creamy and decadent, bursting with flavor. If you have yet to venture to the Plaid Apron I encourage you to make a trip soon and enjoy some of the freshest and local food you will eat in all of Knoxville!! Great atmosphere and friendly staff round this place out for me.
(5)Amber L.
We went with a group of 6 recently, and the experience for everyone was, disappointing. The menu looks really good, add to it they use local products, it could be really good. What's lacking is the execution, on a serious level, considering the price, it needs to be stepped up. They were not busy when we went in for breakfast, the bacon was flabby and undercooked, french toast with brioche was also undercooked(raw, gooey in the center...I love me some brioche, who wouldn't love bread made with eggs, sugar and butter, when it's cooked). Two of us ordered the omelet, which is a term they should use loosely, it really was an overcooked(for a change) egg roll up with the veggies in the middle...no joke. The butternut squash was crunchy in the middle, so were the potatoes...sigh. The biscuit special fared no better, sweet potato biscuit was flat and dry, chicken thigh was pan seared but underdone, there was no nice sear or crust on it, it looked pale and flabby. I will say they made a pretty good mocha and the cinnamon buns were tasty. I'd recommend this as a place to grab a coffee and pastry to go.
(2)