My husband and I just went to Hot Rod's for the first time. We ordered their beer battered onion rings as an appetizer. They come with a cajun mayo sauce which is great! I could have made a dinner of onion rings and been happy. The menu is a bit overwhelming. I was considering the Carolina burger that has slaw and BBQ sauce. I'm pretty picky about slaw so I asked if I could taste it and our server was quick to get me a small sauce cup of slaw. I didn't care for it so I ended up ordering the Cowboy burger and fries. It was quite tasty! My husband ordered the Western Cheeseburger and ribbon fries (homemade chips). He said the burger seemed small for a 1/3 pound burger and I've learned that the man knows his meat weights. He used to manage restaurants and just knows this stuff! He didn't care for the ribbon fried but I liked them. The chef sent out a tomato bisque sample to get our feedback. It wasn't something I would order. Just not a fan in general. My husband liked it but thought he needed to puree it a bit more. The environment is your stereotypical 50's diner. Very tastefully done. Overall a great experience.
(4)
David A.
Love this place! Almost all of there food is amazing and I will happily bring people here for fun! A few of there specialty sandwiches have come out dry and rough but there are quick to fix it! I want you to be open later!
(4)
Mary T.
This is my favorite burger place in Maryville. The burgers are always delicious and they have about every variation of burger you could imagine. One of my favorites is the Gouda Burger. I also love that they have Fried Okra. They also have delicious Milkshakes & Floats. The decor takes you back in time to the poodle skirt era, as if you are walking into your favorite neighborhood diner. They are usually on a wait on the weekends so either go early or go late. If you are in the area and need your burger fix, then give this place a shot. It's definitely one of my favorite burger places. Also they have Groupon's pretty often so check on there before ya go! Cheers & Enjoy!
(5)
Al S.
Ok this time I had the Elvis burger. Wow this was good. Peanut butter, bananas on a burger. The burger had a great flavor and was so messy it was fun. The only thing I could add is more banana but over all this was great.
(5)
Heather W.
I got the pepperoni burger. It had pepperoni mixed and the meat and was dressed with marinara and provolone cheese. It was like a pizza on a bun. It was different but very good and really filling. The peanut butter cup shake is a must. The atmosphere is cute and 50's/60's themed. The menu is huge and they ever sort of burger that anyone could ever imagine.
(5)
Deb G.
OMG..... A true indecisive Libra should never come in here. Too many fabulous choices. However do not leave without trying their famous fried dill pickles...totally d lish. Can't go wrong any one of their 70 different burgers. Atmosphere is fun for all ages. Well worth the trip!!
(5)
Luz B.
Delicious! Like stepping back into the 50's. Everything that we ordered came out quick, service was excellent and tasted great. We ordered fried green tomatoes, onion rings (HUGE), burgers and sandwiches. They have an obscene amount of burgers on their menu and they are all big. I ordered their tomato soup and it was delicious. We're not usually in the Knoxville area, but in the event that we are, we'll definitely be back.
(5)
Karen P.
This was our first time here on vacation and we had such a great experience. It has a cute environment and an excellent menu. It had everyone yelling out the cool items they found. Our server Trey was so helpful, patient and kind. He guided us through the apps/menu and was just superb. So service was spectacular and food amazing. Everything just hit the spot. Definitely stop in!
(5)
Dusty C.
If you like cars and food, there is something here for everyone! I saw one guy say it was not above average diner food. I am picky when it comes to food, they have fresh cut fries and an amazing choice of burgers that exceed "Red Robin" in my opinion so I have to disagree that it's not above average compared to other diner food. No fillers, Real beef and fresh cut fries!
(5)
Scott L.
One of the best burgers I have had. The service was attentive and quick (Bess). The place was a little tough to find, and parking was tight, but it was completely worth the effort. Great burgers and sides. Decor and atmosphere was fun too. It's an all ages kind of place. I'm glad I found this gem on Yelp.
(5)
Aaron Kocourek K.
We had a group of 7 and ended up waiting over an hour. Not a good place for groups. It was however excellent food! They had so many different types of burgers it was hard to choose. Everyone loved the food at this place. The long initial wait however was enough to keep us from ever going back.
(3)
Nicole M.
One of my favorite places to eat in Tennessee!! Love all of the cool old car stuff on the walls! So unique !! And the menu is so huge! So many burger choices! Food is amazing!!
(5)
A W.
we waited about 15 minutes for a table (saturday night at about 8:00). only 3 in our party. waited a looooong time for our food. the people next to us who were related to an employee got served way before us. burgers were good. fries were cold. small crowded place. loud. dont go if u are claustrophobic. not impressed at all. probably wont return.
(1)
Johnmichael M.
Excellent spot - would recommend! My only disappointment was that they aren't doing breakfast...as good as lunch was, I'm sure they would hit a home run with breakfast.
(4)
Daniel M.
This place has a nice atmosphere and the best burgers in town. They have a huge selection of burgers and sides. Also great sandwiches.
(5)
Shannon W.
What a cute place! As the name says, this is set in the 50's. The TV's are running old 1950's shows / cartoons, memorabilia is all over the walls and a marque is scrolling facts from back in the day. Their menu is huge and takes time to sort through; however, I'm sure nearly everything is delicious. They even have a few burgers that use glazed donuts instead of a bun.... not for the dieter amongst you, for sure! This has indoor and outdoor seating with 1950's music playing in the background. I was very impressed with the service as well. The food was hot and a lot of it. Our meals were large and I had to take 1/2 my Philly cheese steak home with me. I'd definitely go back again.
(4)
Paul S.
Love this place. Great atmosphere, menu, juke box, pinball machines, family atmosphere , patio dining. The service and the food is a total thumbs up. A regular hang out for my wife and I. 50's theme is 100% on board. A total yes. If your looking for cheap food, no. If your looking for great, reasonably priced food, you found it.
(5)
Bill B.
I found this place on the internet and knew we would be going through Knoxville so we drove a few miles off the main road to eat at Hot Rods. It was a great decision. I previously signed up for the e-mails on Hot Rods and joined their e-club. For that i got a free appertizer. Had the shrimp which were excellant. For the entree I ordered the pork sliders which came out as two pork chops on buns. They were delicious. My spouse ordered two cheeseburger sliders whcih were excellant. The prices were unbelivable as they were very low. less than $5 for the sliders.Service was excellant even though our waiter was working a large table next to us.This is a fun place to visit and eat in. Plenty of parking on the lot. A sports car marks the location which is downtown.
(5)
Brian G.
Very much impressed. If you think this is your standard gimmick for nostalgia, think again. Hot Rods has all the decor and trappings to meet their description but more importantly it has the food to match. Extensive menu and great quality and value. One downside is the dinning area is crowded and noisy. I recommend going when sitting outside is comfortable or during an off peak time. The ribbon fries are good but they are more like chips than fries. Don't let the name fool you.
(4)
Vickey D.
I enjoy each visit to Hot Rods and always have a hard time deciding what to choose because I am a burger fanatic but also love a good old fashioned BLT or reuben and they make both delish. Oh and a chocolate malt is a must!
(5)
Janel A.
Great service! Huge selection! My only problem was the internal cook on my burger but it was still delish!
(4)
Joshua J.
Awesome hamburgers and natural cut fries. Great menu selection. Definitely a must stop if you are in town or passing through.
(5)
Robert S.
Great selection of burgers and sides, more milkshake flavors than you can possibly think of existing. Service can be spotty during off volume, but if you're in Blount county and craving a fun, filling and not so healthy meal, check it out.
(4)
Brandon T.
Over 70 burgers to choose from, anything from a classic cheeseburger, to a peanut butter burger. Everything I have had so far was really good. They even have what they call the chubby challenge, which is a huge 34 oz three patty burger with a pound of fries; if you eat it before 30 minutes, you get a T-shirt and a picture to hang up in the diner. Me and a group of friends came here to square off and see who had what it takes to finish the chubby challenge. It was a lot of fun and the waitress and cook came out to cheer us on. We had a lot of fun and highly recommend it you want a good burger.
(5)
Steve J.
Favorite restaurant in town. Gluttony at it's finest!
(5)
Whitney W.
I'm a sucker for a good burger, and Hot Rods has them! My favorite is the Cajun burger, and it's always cooked exactly how I like it. I usually get the regular fries, which are fresh and cooked well. I'm really impressed that, as large as the menu is, the quality of food is so good. Usually a huge menu signals lots of frozen stuff, but everything at Hot Rod's taste fresh. My favorite local burger joint!
(4)
Adrianna L.
Amazing place! Good food, good service and great environment. the quality of the food is great and the portions are very decent (I left a lot fries) . This place is very nice for a date or family time because of the whole 50's experience . They have different kinds of burgers, so take your time, you will not be disappointed. I ate the smoked gouda burger and my boyfriend asked for the salmon burger.
(5)
Sebastian B.
I found another Gem thanks to my trusty iPhone and my good friend YELP! Hot rods is a successful business you can tell by the crowd of people the wonderfully artful and creative exterior and equally well decorated interior. Never mind the cool digs it's all about the eats. Man they got it going on in this place. A really busy but creative menu with a very high percentage of house made items. 70 burgers top the hit list and there is no way you can't find something you have to try. The big burger mounds are thick and terrific. Griddles to perfection and topped with any imaginable topping. It's important to note the price point is very affordable no matter which burger you choose. My server "Cat" was so nice and sweet she encouraged me to create my own burger. The Mac n Cheese "Slamburger" has their excellent burger duster with Cajun seasoning, magnificent Mac n Cheese, Ham, yellow American cheese, a crispy fried onion ring, their smokey BBQ sauce and Cajun mayo. Served with the burger veggie group it's eat at your own risk delicious. I loved this place and you will too!
(5)
Vanessa S.
I came here in search of a good burger and fried pickles... and then I was given a menu and was completely lost. There are SO many burgers to choose from that I momentarily forgot that I was there alone and wouldn't be able to order everything I'd like to try, (fried green tomatoes, fried shortcake, fried oreos, ginormous specialty burger, various milkshakes, etc.) Bummer. Suggestion: come here with a group so you can order different things and try a little bit of everything. I did get my fried pickles - more than enough for one person, light batter, crisp - and a great burger. Burger was juicy, cooked perfect and came with a TON of fries. Nice to see that they make their own patties rather than serving up frozen. Service was attentive and very polite. Great place!
(4)
Jonathan S.
Umm umm umm. Decided to try this place out due to all the positive yelp reviews. Fellow yelpers thanks for not letting me down. Had the General Forester burger with onion rings and it was great. Also had the fried snickers, oh my goodness. Needless to say I couldn't walk upright due to all the food but well worth it.
(5)
Linda N.
Good food at very reasonable prices. Chicken fingers are like home made fried chicken, onion rings and salad piled so high I could only eat half of it for 9.99!
(4)
Matthew W.
This is one of my favorite places to eat. A excellent hamburger and delicious chicken strips. The staff was friendly and courteous. I would def. come back if in the area!!!
(5)
Tom F.
I travel a good bit for work. So I look for non chain places to try. This place didn't disappoint. Judging from the packed house, don't disappoint their customers either. I was hesitant to go in at first because it was so busy and I needed something quick but I was seated fast order taken promptly. The decor is all out 50s complete with pinball machines. Burgers are their specialty and have an unbelievably large burger list. Including the Elvis burger with peanut butter and bananas. I got the bourbon burger and onion rings which were perfect. They have a selection of interesting desserts including fried twinkies and snickers. For your inner Man vs Food, they have the 33oz Chubby burger. If you can eat it in 30min or less (along with a lb of fries) you get immortalized (or more like immobilized) with a t shirt and picture on the walk. The staff was very friendly and attentive even though it was busy. I'd be a regular if I lived in the area.
(5)
Cindy P.
I appreciate all the high ratings, just can't seem to give one myself! The food is good, just didn't make me say "oh my" or anything like that. The burger was just okay, it didn't drip down my elbows or make me wish I had gotten the big one, it was just okay. The small burger is definitely small so if you're hungry at all, I recommend getting the big one. Fried zucchini seemed like the frozen stuff - not positive but it sure did look and taste like it! Overall, the whole experience was just okay, including the "tired" service we received.
(3)
Jones B.
Please Franchise This To Athens Tennessee! So amazing! My burger was fantastic, the fries were great and my milk shake was thick. I'm not sure there is a better burger joint in Tennessee. This my friends is the spot. It's a bit out of the way but for sure worth the detour to Alcoa....well at least until they franchise out to Athens:)
(5)
James G.
Food was good but not above average diner food. Theme was as gimmicky as expected. We wont be back but not because of anything specific. Generally just another diner.
(3)
Mary K.
Just ate there for the second time. Food is good, staff is friendly & the 50's theme is adorable. We'll be back next time were catching a flight out of Knoxville.
(4)
R P.
Blue plate special, chicken and rice casserole for less than $6 is awesome. Excellent service and atmosphere.
(5)
D M.
Great place we found thanks to Yelp. I had an excellent burger with real cheddar cheese and outstanding onion rings. The service is very good. Decor is fun. Definitely seems to be a local favorite with a good lunch crowd.
(5)
Gary W.
Portion size is OTT! Great burger (I had the "Pinwheel"). Sweet potato fries were delish. Bring your appetite and get there a bit early or you'll be searching for parking. Service was friendly and understanding of the time needed to review the menu. I laughed out loud and shuddered with concern when I saw the "donut burger" on the menu. It's a 10oz burger with bacon, cheddar with donuts in lieu of buns. Your cardiologist will be sooo happy!
(4)
Jennifer D.
Everything about this diner was awesome! The whole family loved their food, the service was awesome, and the decor was fun. Definitely recommend bringing your family here!
(5)
David B.
Want a burger? Just about every type of burger a person can think of. Slightly loud atmosphere and our server wasn't the helpful type. Two times we asked for something simple and both times we were forgotten completely. Not only that, but since the atmosphere was loud, she could have spoken up, each member of our party of 7 had to ask her to repeat herself due to her whispering. She didn't hinder the meal though. It was a very good burger and fries combo. Burger cooked very well for the exception of my wife's. Her's was simply a ball on a bun. While they do have a tv, it only plays classic tv show intros only. Just wanted to throw that out there. That also shouldn't hinder a persons visit.
(4)
Lauren L.
I really liked this place. The food was SO GOOD! My only complaint is how tiny the restaurant is for the amount of people they try to seat. It's a bit tight and thus can get a little warm. It's about Sonic-level of pricing as far as the fast food-like items go, and I would choose this over any fast food chain restaurant. The quality and taste of the food is much, much better.
(4)
Jeremy H.
Big fan. These folks have a great thing going. The specialty menu is straight of the Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives greatest hits...peanut butter burger! The ladies running the floor know how to serve and always get it right. Don't miss the breakfast buffet...it definitely satisfies. The Hog and the Egg burger are my favorites. They offer vegggies sides! Not just fries and rings.
(4)
Josh C.
I have to agree with the other reviews on this place! I love diners for the simplicity and general no bs kind of attitude. I've been here a couple of times since moving back and I can definitely say I have yet to be disappointed. The burgers are some of the best around and the dinner specials are great as well. Shepherds pie is one of those meals for me that if its on the menu I have to try it and try it I did! It was a southern mix on a celebrated traditional meal. Quite delicious but also lava hot! It's nice to have a local spot like this to get away from chainfood hell!
(5)
MrBigStuff V.
Atmosphere and service were great. Huge portions, tons of burger choices, best option for a burger in Blount County so far. Veggie burger options for the wife which are hard to come by out here. Only thing that we didn't like was the cookie dough shake.
(4)
Carla P.
Excellent Diner! Food is always fresh, and they offer all the traditional comfort fare and an amazing assortment of burgers, sandwiches, specials and sides. Menu's updated to reflect gluten free and healthy choices. Owners care about the details, and the staff is always friendly and helpful. My husband is a hot dog fiend and he thinks this is the best around. Something for everyone and prices are fair. The decor is pure Americana-diner and very kitschy-cute without being tacky. Casual, clean and inviting.
(5)
Erik B.
Hungry for a burger? This is the place to go. I was there for my first time on Monday and decided not to get an appetizer because I was having the Gouda burger with Bacon. Holy Moley! The burger is one of the best I have ever had, The hand battered onion rings are delicious and the portions are huge. I went back Wednesday and had an "appetizer" of chicken fingers and could not finish it, I had to bring some home because they too were AWESOME!
(5)
A K.
Food was delicious! Malt was served with a spoon (yum!), but unfortunately no tower of whipped cream with cherry on top. It tasted delicious regardless. The only other minor complaint was the staff constantly telling patrons that they will be closing shortly, down to how many minutes they have left. We are not from around here, but if I give my drink order before I sit down and order my food shortly after seated I don't want to feel rushed while I am eating. I would still go back though because the food was so good.
(4)
Todd V.
Great variety in the menu, laaaarge portions, great tasting food. We had: fried pickle chips, excellent flavor, not greasy. Bacon Sloppy Joe, what you remember fondly when Mom made them, but w/ just the right amount of crumbled bacon mixed in to really up the ante. The Thanksgiving Day sandwich (turkey & stuffing with cranberry sauce and gravy on the side) was enough for two meals, delicious. Sides: cheese grits, in a rich creamy base with shredded Parmesan and the right amount of pepper. Sweet potato fries, light texture, sweet, delicious. No room for dessert. Every dish speaks to your deepest need for comfort food.
(4)
Christopher W.
One of the BEST desserts I've ever experienced! The main entree was just okay, but the Ghiradelli brownie a la mode more than made up for the lackluster main dish.
(5)
Tiffany H.
I've been here many times but just recently got a Yelp account. We ate here most recently last week. It was my dad & sister's first visit, though my grandmother & I have been several times. I'm proud to say our newbies were not disappointed. We started with appetizers--fried green tomatoes & fried pickles. I adore fried green tomatoes & so does Grandma, & Hot Rod's are some of the best. I was afraid a fight would break out over the last one, lol. Across the table my dad & sister were having their own battle over the fried pickles. I managed to sneak one & though I'm not a huge fan of fried pickles it was pretty good. Then our entrees came. I stuck to my tried & true mushroom-Swiss burger with a side of ribbon fries, which was every bit as delicious as always. My grandma branched out & had the Hog sandwich with ribbon fries, & they definitely aren't joking when they call it the Hog--that thing was huge! My dad got the guacamole burger, which I may have to try next time as I love guac & pepper jack cheese. It must've been good because he was the only one at the table who didn't need a to-go box. My sister got the chicken pot pie, which was topped with biscuits & which she said was excellent. After this repast dessert was out of the question, though I can vouch for the chocolate shake & the fried Oreo sundae from past visits. I also had my usual cherry Coke this visit--I love "real" cherry Coke. As always our server was pleasant & got our order exactly right, & the restaurant was a little noisy but that's to be expected on Friday night at a family place. All in all, another great visit to Hot Rod's.
(5)
Debbie M.
Best burgers and onion rings in town!
(5)
Elizabeth T.
We happened upon this little diner by Living Social. If you are a fan of diner food and great service, this is the place for you! They have a burger for everyone, including a humongous 30 oz burger challenge! Plenty of choices on the sides menu, including 3 different types of fries as well as other healthier options. Great Southern food too like pork chops and fried chicken (and even liver!). The atmosphere is a step back in the 50s with big booths, and memorabilia on the wall. My favorite is the electronic banner displaying all the news, prices and happenings of that era. Also great place for kids!!!! The place is a tad small, so I suggest getting there before the lunch crowd or you'll be waiting.
(5)
Walter C.
We went on Good Friday about 11:30 AM for lunch. It's not a huge place but we were seated immediately. There was a good crowd and if we'd been 15 mins later we would have waited a while. They advertise 50 burgers. I didn't count them but there were so many I had a hard time choosing one. I had the egg burger which is a 10 oz burger, fried egg and bacon served with pickles, tomato and onion on a fresh baked bun. it was excellent AND huge! My wife had a HUGE hoagie. The kids had chicken fingers and fries and grilled cheese and onion rings. They all loved it. The service was excellent. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable. The egg burger was $8.99 with one side. We returned about 3:15 for dessert. The milkshakes are so thick they serve them with spoons and no straws. I had a hot fudge sundae with what they call one scoop. Most places would call it three scoops. My wife had the banana pudding and said it was great! The place has a lot of memorabilia on the walls. It's a casual atmosphere, a little cramped but very comfortable and clean. They play music oldies music but not just the 50's and it isn't too loud. They have a patio but we sat inside. We'll be back!!!
(4)
Kathi B.
Best black bean burgers for those who want to eat responsibly, OR some of the biggest delicious sandwiches if you don't. Especially try the buffalo chicken sandwich and fried okra.
(5)
Liza M.
no matter what you're in the mood for, you will find something here. the portions are huge, you will always have half to take home. the great burgers are their specialty, and if you're feeling man-vs-food-ish, you can always try their chubby challenge.
(4)
Mark S.
We found this place by accident but what a lucky accident. The place is adorable and the food is fantastic. We had turkey hoagies with REAL turkey meat, actually fried turkey which keeps it moist and tasty. And they put a pile of it on the sandwich along with great bread and toppings. The whole menu looked great. The burgers looked killer, and there are dozens of pictures on the wall of diners with their plates. Great fruit smoothies too. Too bad we don't live nearby or we would go there regularly.
(5)
Kati Z.
This is a great place!! Their prices are really low and you get tons of food for what you pay. I went with a friend for lunch off of a Living Social deal. There were plenty of staff to serve all the guests. We went right around 12 noon and it was busy! Its kind of a small place so if you want to be in and out really quickly, go earlier, before the lunch rush arrives. Nonetheless, the service was speedy and professional. I ordered the Mushroom and Swiss burger with sweet potato fries. It was excellent! The burgers are 10 ounces and are juicy and delicious! This restaurant certainly doesnt skimp on great taste. My friend (who is a vegetarian) had the Eggplant Hoagie and said it was great. She wanted lettuce, tomatoes, and onions on her sandwich (which it normally doesnt have) and they were very accommodating and said "no problem!" We split a huge milkshake (whipped cream and cherry on top and all!) that was only $2.99. My friend and I live about 25 minutes away from Hot Rods, but we said it'd be worth it to drive the distance to return to this really, really unique and tasty joint. One thing we loved about it is that there are tons of locals. Think 70-80 year old men sitting around drinking soda and eating traditional diner food with a jute box playing in the background.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Drive-Thru : No Caters : No
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Lori B.
My husband and I just went to Hot Rod's for the first time. We ordered their beer battered onion rings as an appetizer. They come with a cajun mayo sauce which is great! I could have made a dinner of onion rings and been happy. The menu is a bit overwhelming. I was considering the Carolina burger that has slaw and BBQ sauce. I'm pretty picky about slaw so I asked if I could taste it and our server was quick to get me a small sauce cup of slaw. I didn't care for it so I ended up ordering the Cowboy burger and fries. It was quite tasty! My husband ordered the Western Cheeseburger and ribbon fries (homemade chips). He said the burger seemed small for a 1/3 pound burger and I've learned that the man knows his meat weights. He used to manage restaurants and just knows this stuff! He didn't care for the ribbon fried but I liked them. The chef sent out a tomato bisque sample to get our feedback. It wasn't something I would order. Just not a fan in general. My husband liked it but thought he needed to puree it a bit more. The environment is your stereotypical 50's diner. Very tastefully done. Overall a great experience.
(4)David A.
Love this place! Almost all of there food is amazing and I will happily bring people here for fun! A few of there specialty sandwiches have come out dry and rough but there are quick to fix it! I want you to be open later!
(4)Mary T.
This is my favorite burger place in Maryville. The burgers are always delicious and they have about every variation of burger you could imagine. One of my favorites is the Gouda Burger. I also love that they have Fried Okra. They also have delicious Milkshakes & Floats. The decor takes you back in time to the poodle skirt era, as if you are walking into your favorite neighborhood diner. They are usually on a wait on the weekends so either go early or go late. If you are in the area and need your burger fix, then give this place a shot. It's definitely one of my favorite burger places. Also they have Groupon's pretty often so check on there before ya go! Cheers & Enjoy!
(5)Al S.
Ok this time I had the Elvis burger. Wow this was good. Peanut butter, bananas on a burger. The burger had a great flavor and was so messy it was fun. The only thing I could add is more banana but over all this was great.
(5)Heather W.
I got the pepperoni burger. It had pepperoni mixed and the meat and was dressed with marinara and provolone cheese. It was like a pizza on a bun. It was different but very good and really filling. The peanut butter cup shake is a must. The atmosphere is cute and 50's/60's themed. The menu is huge and they ever sort of burger that anyone could ever imagine.
(5)Deb G.
OMG..... A true indecisive Libra should never come in here. Too many fabulous choices. However do not leave without trying their famous fried dill pickles...totally d lish. Can't go wrong any one of their 70 different burgers. Atmosphere is fun for all ages. Well worth the trip!!
(5)Luz B.
Delicious! Like stepping back into the 50's. Everything that we ordered came out quick, service was excellent and tasted great. We ordered fried green tomatoes, onion rings (HUGE), burgers and sandwiches. They have an obscene amount of burgers on their menu and they are all big. I ordered their tomato soup and it was delicious. We're not usually in the Knoxville area, but in the event that we are, we'll definitely be back.
(5)Karen P.
This was our first time here on vacation and we had such a great experience. It has a cute environment and an excellent menu. It had everyone yelling out the cool items they found. Our server Trey was so helpful, patient and kind. He guided us through the apps/menu and was just superb. So service was spectacular and food amazing. Everything just hit the spot. Definitely stop in!
(5)Dusty C.
If you like cars and food, there is something here for everyone! I saw one guy say it was not above average diner food. I am picky when it comes to food, they have fresh cut fries and an amazing choice of burgers that exceed "Red Robin" in my opinion so I have to disagree that it's not above average compared to other diner food. No fillers, Real beef and fresh cut fries!
(5)Scott L.
One of the best burgers I have had. The service was attentive and quick (Bess). The place was a little tough to find, and parking was tight, but it was completely worth the effort. Great burgers and sides. Decor and atmosphere was fun too. It's an all ages kind of place. I'm glad I found this gem on Yelp.
(5)Aaron Kocourek K.
We had a group of 7 and ended up waiting over an hour. Not a good place for groups. It was however excellent food! They had so many different types of burgers it was hard to choose. Everyone loved the food at this place. The long initial wait however was enough to keep us from ever going back.
(3)Nicole M.
One of my favorite places to eat in Tennessee!! Love all of the cool old car stuff on the walls! So unique !! And the menu is so huge! So many burger choices! Food is amazing!!
(5)A W.
we waited about 15 minutes for a table (saturday night at about 8:00). only 3 in our party. waited a looooong time for our food. the people next to us who were related to an employee got served way before us. burgers were good. fries were cold. small crowded place. loud. dont go if u are claustrophobic. not impressed at all. probably wont return.
(1)Johnmichael M.
Excellent spot - would recommend! My only disappointment was that they aren't doing breakfast...as good as lunch was, I'm sure they would hit a home run with breakfast.
(4)Daniel M.
This place has a nice atmosphere and the best burgers in town. They have a huge selection of burgers and sides. Also great sandwiches.
(5)Shannon W.
What a cute place! As the name says, this is set in the 50's. The TV's are running old 1950's shows / cartoons, memorabilia is all over the walls and a marque is scrolling facts from back in the day. Their menu is huge and takes time to sort through; however, I'm sure nearly everything is delicious. They even have a few burgers that use glazed donuts instead of a bun.... not for the dieter amongst you, for sure! This has indoor and outdoor seating with 1950's music playing in the background. I was very impressed with the service as well. The food was hot and a lot of it. Our meals were large and I had to take 1/2 my Philly cheese steak home with me. I'd definitely go back again.
(4)Paul S.
Love this place. Great atmosphere, menu, juke box, pinball machines, family atmosphere , patio dining. The service and the food is a total thumbs up. A regular hang out for my wife and I. 50's theme is 100% on board. A total yes. If your looking for cheap food, no. If your looking for great, reasonably priced food, you found it.
(5)Bill B.
I found this place on the internet and knew we would be going through Knoxville so we drove a few miles off the main road to eat at Hot Rods. It was a great decision. I previously signed up for the e-mails on Hot Rods and joined their e-club. For that i got a free appertizer. Had the shrimp which were excellant. For the entree I ordered the pork sliders which came out as two pork chops on buns. They were delicious. My spouse ordered two cheeseburger sliders whcih were excellant. The prices were unbelivable as they were very low. less than $5 for the sliders.Service was excellant even though our waiter was working a large table next to us.This is a fun place to visit and eat in. Plenty of parking on the lot. A sports car marks the location which is downtown.
(5)Brian G.
Very much impressed. If you think this is your standard gimmick for nostalgia, think again. Hot Rods has all the decor and trappings to meet their description but more importantly it has the food to match. Extensive menu and great quality and value. One downside is the dinning area is crowded and noisy. I recommend going when sitting outside is comfortable or during an off peak time. The ribbon fries are good but they are more like chips than fries. Don't let the name fool you.
(4)Vickey D.
I enjoy each visit to Hot Rods and always have a hard time deciding what to choose because I am a burger fanatic but also love a good old fashioned BLT or reuben and they make both delish. Oh and a chocolate malt is a must!
(5)Janel A.
Great service! Huge selection! My only problem was the internal cook on my burger but it was still delish!
(4)Joshua J.
Awesome hamburgers and natural cut fries. Great menu selection. Definitely a must stop if you are in town or passing through.
(5)Robert S.
Great selection of burgers and sides, more milkshake flavors than you can possibly think of existing. Service can be spotty during off volume, but if you're in Blount county and craving a fun, filling and not so healthy meal, check it out.
(4)Brandon T.
Over 70 burgers to choose from, anything from a classic cheeseburger, to a peanut butter burger. Everything I have had so far was really good. They even have what they call the chubby challenge, which is a huge 34 oz three patty burger with a pound of fries; if you eat it before 30 minutes, you get a T-shirt and a picture to hang up in the diner. Me and a group of friends came here to square off and see who had what it takes to finish the chubby challenge. It was a lot of fun and the waitress and cook came out to cheer us on. We had a lot of fun and highly recommend it you want a good burger.
(5)Steve J.
Favorite restaurant in town. Gluttony at it's finest!
(5)Whitney W.
I'm a sucker for a good burger, and Hot Rods has them! My favorite is the Cajun burger, and it's always cooked exactly how I like it. I usually get the regular fries, which are fresh and cooked well. I'm really impressed that, as large as the menu is, the quality of food is so good. Usually a huge menu signals lots of frozen stuff, but everything at Hot Rod's taste fresh. My favorite local burger joint!
(4)Adrianna L.
Amazing place! Good food, good service and great environment. the quality of the food is great and the portions are very decent (I left a lot fries) . This place is very nice for a date or family time because of the whole 50's experience . They have different kinds of burgers, so take your time, you will not be disappointed. I ate the smoked gouda burger and my boyfriend asked for the salmon burger.
(5)Sebastian B.
I found another Gem thanks to my trusty iPhone and my good friend YELP! Hot rods is a successful business you can tell by the crowd of people the wonderfully artful and creative exterior and equally well decorated interior. Never mind the cool digs it's all about the eats. Man they got it going on in this place. A really busy but creative menu with a very high percentage of house made items. 70 burgers top the hit list and there is no way you can't find something you have to try. The big burger mounds are thick and terrific. Griddles to perfection and topped with any imaginable topping. It's important to note the price point is very affordable no matter which burger you choose. My server "Cat" was so nice and sweet she encouraged me to create my own burger. The Mac n Cheese "Slamburger" has their excellent burger duster with Cajun seasoning, magnificent Mac n Cheese, Ham, yellow American cheese, a crispy fried onion ring, their smokey BBQ sauce and Cajun mayo. Served with the burger veggie group it's eat at your own risk delicious. I loved this place and you will too!
(5)Vanessa S.
I came here in search of a good burger and fried pickles... and then I was given a menu and was completely lost. There are SO many burgers to choose from that I momentarily forgot that I was there alone and wouldn't be able to order everything I'd like to try, (fried green tomatoes, fried shortcake, fried oreos, ginormous specialty burger, various milkshakes, etc.) Bummer. Suggestion: come here with a group so you can order different things and try a little bit of everything. I did get my fried pickles - more than enough for one person, light batter, crisp - and a great burger. Burger was juicy, cooked perfect and came with a TON of fries. Nice to see that they make their own patties rather than serving up frozen. Service was attentive and very polite. Great place!
(4)Jonathan S.
Umm umm umm. Decided to try this place out due to all the positive yelp reviews. Fellow yelpers thanks for not letting me down. Had the General Forester burger with onion rings and it was great. Also had the fried snickers, oh my goodness. Needless to say I couldn't walk upright due to all the food but well worth it.
(5)Linda N.
Good food at very reasonable prices. Chicken fingers are like home made fried chicken, onion rings and salad piled so high I could only eat half of it for 9.99!
(4)Matthew W.
This is one of my favorite places to eat. A excellent hamburger and delicious chicken strips. The staff was friendly and courteous. I would def. come back if in the area!!!
(5)Tom F.
I travel a good bit for work. So I look for non chain places to try. This place didn't disappoint. Judging from the packed house, don't disappoint their customers either. I was hesitant to go in at first because it was so busy and I needed something quick but I was seated fast order taken promptly. The decor is all out 50s complete with pinball machines. Burgers are their specialty and have an unbelievably large burger list. Including the Elvis burger with peanut butter and bananas. I got the bourbon burger and onion rings which were perfect. They have a selection of interesting desserts including fried twinkies and snickers. For your inner Man vs Food, they have the 33oz Chubby burger. If you can eat it in 30min or less (along with a lb of fries) you get immortalized (or more like immobilized) with a t shirt and picture on the walk. The staff was very friendly and attentive even though it was busy. I'd be a regular if I lived in the area.
(5)Cindy P.
I appreciate all the high ratings, just can't seem to give one myself! The food is good, just didn't make me say "oh my" or anything like that. The burger was just okay, it didn't drip down my elbows or make me wish I had gotten the big one, it was just okay. The small burger is definitely small so if you're hungry at all, I recommend getting the big one. Fried zucchini seemed like the frozen stuff - not positive but it sure did look and taste like it! Overall, the whole experience was just okay, including the "tired" service we received.
(3)Jones B.
Please Franchise This To Athens Tennessee! So amazing! My burger was fantastic, the fries were great and my milk shake was thick. I'm not sure there is a better burger joint in Tennessee. This my friends is the spot. It's a bit out of the way but for sure worth the detour to Alcoa....well at least until they franchise out to Athens:)
(5)James G.
Food was good but not above average diner food. Theme was as gimmicky as expected. We wont be back but not because of anything specific. Generally just another diner.
(3)Mary K.
Just ate there for the second time. Food is good, staff is friendly & the 50's theme is adorable. We'll be back next time were catching a flight out of Knoxville.
(4)R P.
Blue plate special, chicken and rice casserole for less than $6 is awesome. Excellent service and atmosphere.
(5)D M.
Great place we found thanks to Yelp. I had an excellent burger with real cheddar cheese and outstanding onion rings. The service is very good. Decor is fun. Definitely seems to be a local favorite with a good lunch crowd.
(5)Gary W.
Portion size is OTT! Great burger (I had the "Pinwheel"). Sweet potato fries were delish. Bring your appetite and get there a bit early or you'll be searching for parking. Service was friendly and understanding of the time needed to review the menu. I laughed out loud and shuddered with concern when I saw the "donut burger" on the menu. It's a 10oz burger with bacon, cheddar with donuts in lieu of buns. Your cardiologist will be sooo happy!
(4)Jennifer D.
Everything about this diner was awesome! The whole family loved their food, the service was awesome, and the decor was fun. Definitely recommend bringing your family here!
(5)David B.
Want a burger? Just about every type of burger a person can think of. Slightly loud atmosphere and our server wasn't the helpful type. Two times we asked for something simple and both times we were forgotten completely. Not only that, but since the atmosphere was loud, she could have spoken up, each member of our party of 7 had to ask her to repeat herself due to her whispering. She didn't hinder the meal though. It was a very good burger and fries combo. Burger cooked very well for the exception of my wife's. Her's was simply a ball on a bun. While they do have a tv, it only plays classic tv show intros only. Just wanted to throw that out there. That also shouldn't hinder a persons visit.
(4)Lauren L.
I really liked this place. The food was SO GOOD! My only complaint is how tiny the restaurant is for the amount of people they try to seat. It's a bit tight and thus can get a little warm. It's about Sonic-level of pricing as far as the fast food-like items go, and I would choose this over any fast food chain restaurant. The quality and taste of the food is much, much better.
(4)Jeremy H.
Big fan. These folks have a great thing going. The specialty menu is straight of the Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives greatest hits...peanut butter burger! The ladies running the floor know how to serve and always get it right. Don't miss the breakfast buffet...it definitely satisfies. The Hog and the Egg burger are my favorites. They offer vegggies sides! Not just fries and rings.
(4)Josh C.
I have to agree with the other reviews on this place! I love diners for the simplicity and general no bs kind of attitude. I've been here a couple of times since moving back and I can definitely say I have yet to be disappointed. The burgers are some of the best around and the dinner specials are great as well. Shepherds pie is one of those meals for me that if its on the menu I have to try it and try it I did! It was a southern mix on a celebrated traditional meal. Quite delicious but also lava hot! It's nice to have a local spot like this to get away from chainfood hell!
(5)MrBigStuff V.
Atmosphere and service were great. Huge portions, tons of burger choices, best option for a burger in Blount County so far. Veggie burger options for the wife which are hard to come by out here. Only thing that we didn't like was the cookie dough shake.
(4)Carla P.
Excellent Diner! Food is always fresh, and they offer all the traditional comfort fare and an amazing assortment of burgers, sandwiches, specials and sides. Menu's updated to reflect gluten free and healthy choices. Owners care about the details, and the staff is always friendly and helpful. My husband is a hot dog fiend and he thinks this is the best around. Something for everyone and prices are fair. The decor is pure Americana-diner and very kitschy-cute without being tacky. Casual, clean and inviting.
(5)Erik B.
Hungry for a burger? This is the place to go. I was there for my first time on Monday and decided not to get an appetizer because I was having the Gouda burger with Bacon. Holy Moley! The burger is one of the best I have ever had, The hand battered onion rings are delicious and the portions are huge. I went back Wednesday and had an "appetizer" of chicken fingers and could not finish it, I had to bring some home because they too were AWESOME!
(5)A K.
Food was delicious! Malt was served with a spoon (yum!), but unfortunately no tower of whipped cream with cherry on top. It tasted delicious regardless. The only other minor complaint was the staff constantly telling patrons that they will be closing shortly, down to how many minutes they have left. We are not from around here, but if I give my drink order before I sit down and order my food shortly after seated I don't want to feel rushed while I am eating. I would still go back though because the food was so good.
(4)Todd V.
Great variety in the menu, laaaarge portions, great tasting food. We had: fried pickle chips, excellent flavor, not greasy. Bacon Sloppy Joe, what you remember fondly when Mom made them, but w/ just the right amount of crumbled bacon mixed in to really up the ante. The Thanksgiving Day sandwich (turkey & stuffing with cranberry sauce and gravy on the side) was enough for two meals, delicious. Sides: cheese grits, in a rich creamy base with shredded Parmesan and the right amount of pepper. Sweet potato fries, light texture, sweet, delicious. No room for dessert. Every dish speaks to your deepest need for comfort food.
(4)Christopher W.
One of the BEST desserts I've ever experienced! The main entree was just okay, but the Ghiradelli brownie a la mode more than made up for the lackluster main dish.
(5)Tiffany H.
I've been here many times but just recently got a Yelp account. We ate here most recently last week. It was my dad & sister's first visit, though my grandmother & I have been several times. I'm proud to say our newbies were not disappointed. We started with appetizers--fried green tomatoes & fried pickles. I adore fried green tomatoes & so does Grandma, & Hot Rod's are some of the best. I was afraid a fight would break out over the last one, lol. Across the table my dad & sister were having their own battle over the fried pickles. I managed to sneak one & though I'm not a huge fan of fried pickles it was pretty good. Then our entrees came. I stuck to my tried & true mushroom-Swiss burger with a side of ribbon fries, which was every bit as delicious as always. My grandma branched out & had the Hog sandwich with ribbon fries, & they definitely aren't joking when they call it the Hog--that thing was huge! My dad got the guacamole burger, which I may have to try next time as I love guac & pepper jack cheese. It must've been good because he was the only one at the table who didn't need a to-go box. My sister got the chicken pot pie, which was topped with biscuits & which she said was excellent. After this repast dessert was out of the question, though I can vouch for the chocolate shake & the fried Oreo sundae from past visits. I also had my usual cherry Coke this visit--I love "real" cherry Coke. As always our server was pleasant & got our order exactly right, & the restaurant was a little noisy but that's to be expected on Friday night at a family place. All in all, another great visit to Hot Rod's.
(5)Debbie M.
Best burgers and onion rings in town!
(5)Elizabeth T.
We happened upon this little diner by Living Social. If you are a fan of diner food and great service, this is the place for you! They have a burger for everyone, including a humongous 30 oz burger challenge! Plenty of choices on the sides menu, including 3 different types of fries as well as other healthier options. Great Southern food too like pork chops and fried chicken (and even liver!). The atmosphere is a step back in the 50s with big booths, and memorabilia on the wall. My favorite is the electronic banner displaying all the news, prices and happenings of that era. Also great place for kids!!!! The place is a tad small, so I suggest getting there before the lunch crowd or you'll be waiting.
(5)Walter C.
We went on Good Friday about 11:30 AM for lunch. It's not a huge place but we were seated immediately. There was a good crowd and if we'd been 15 mins later we would have waited a while. They advertise 50 burgers. I didn't count them but there were so many I had a hard time choosing one. I had the egg burger which is a 10 oz burger, fried egg and bacon served with pickles, tomato and onion on a fresh baked bun. it was excellent AND huge! My wife had a HUGE hoagie. The kids had chicken fingers and fries and grilled cheese and onion rings. They all loved it. The service was excellent. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable. The egg burger was $8.99 with one side. We returned about 3:15 for dessert. The milkshakes are so thick they serve them with spoons and no straws. I had a hot fudge sundae with what they call one scoop. Most places would call it three scoops. My wife had the banana pudding and said it was great! The place has a lot of memorabilia on the walls. It's a casual atmosphere, a little cramped but very comfortable and clean. They play music oldies music but not just the 50's and it isn't too loud. They have a patio but we sat inside. We'll be back!!!
(4)Kathi B.
Best black bean burgers for those who want to eat responsibly, OR some of the biggest delicious sandwiches if you don't. Especially try the buffalo chicken sandwich and fried okra.
(5)Liza M.
no matter what you're in the mood for, you will find something here. the portions are huge, you will always have half to take home. the great burgers are their specialty, and if you're feeling man-vs-food-ish, you can always try their chubby challenge.
(4)Mark S.
We found this place by accident but what a lucky accident. The place is adorable and the food is fantastic. We had turkey hoagies with REAL turkey meat, actually fried turkey which keeps it moist and tasty. And they put a pile of it on the sandwich along with great bread and toppings. The whole menu looked great. The burgers looked killer, and there are dozens of pictures on the wall of diners with their plates. Great fruit smoothies too. Too bad we don't live nearby or we would go there regularly.
(5)Kati Z.
This is a great place!! Their prices are really low and you get tons of food for what you pay. I went with a friend for lunch off of a Living Social deal. There were plenty of staff to serve all the guests. We went right around 12 noon and it was busy! Its kind of a small place so if you want to be in and out really quickly, go earlier, before the lunch rush arrives. Nonetheless, the service was speedy and professional. I ordered the Mushroom and Swiss burger with sweet potato fries. It was excellent! The burgers are 10 ounces and are juicy and delicious! This restaurant certainly doesnt skimp on great taste. My friend (who is a vegetarian) had the Eggplant Hoagie and said it was great. She wanted lettuce, tomatoes, and onions on her sandwich (which it normally doesnt have) and they were very accommodating and said "no problem!" We split a huge milkshake (whipped cream and cherry on top and all!) that was only $2.99. My friend and I live about 25 minutes away from Hot Rods, but we said it'd be worth it to drive the distance to return to this really, really unique and tasty joint. One thing we loved about it is that there are tons of locals. Think 70-80 year old men sitting around drinking soda and eating traditional diner food with a jute box playing in the background.
(5)