Calhoun’s On the River DECK/VOLS NAVY/GAME DAY
In the fall of 1983, the Original CALHOUN’S BBQ opened its first location on Kingston Pike, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Currently, Calhoun’s BBQ has 9 locations in the Knoxville area, and more than 20 locations throughout and across East Tennessee! “We believe in honoring traditional southern barbeque and continuing our own winning legacy by serving only the freshest, tastiest BBQ Classics and scratch-made sides possible!” Soon after opening its restaurant doors, on August 16th– 19th of 1984, Calhoun’s BBQ put its smokers and signature BBQ sauce to the test and traveled to Ohio, in order to enter The National Rib Cook-Off…”WHICH WE WON! Along with the BONA-FIDE RIGHT to call ours the “BEST RIBS IN AMERICA!” Since then, Calhoun’s BBQ has never looked back! Calhoun’s states, “Today, our ribbon-winning flavors have expanded far beyond ribs and sauce, and we’re proud to be a place where loved ones gather ‘round for good times and a taste of the best BBQ and southern comfort food in the state of Tennessee!”
Times have certainly changed since Calhoun’s first opened their doors, but “our recipes and techniques have remained the same!” Calhoun’s states, “What We Stand For: Our company was built on a few core principles that still hold true today!”
- FAMILY: “We’re a family-owned business committed to serving other families- both visiting and local- with the respect and dignity they deserve. We treat all of our guests and Team-Members alike as part of our family to help create unity and build community from within our restaurants.”
- QUALITY: “We believe the best dining experiences start with the highest quality ingredients. ‘Our Small Batches More Often Philosophy’ and exclusive commissary help ensure guest satisfaction by allowing us to serve the freshest cut, chopped, and cooked ingredients in the area!”
- EXPERIENCE: “We understand the importance of an exceptional Guest Experience. A meal out isn’t just a ‘meal out’ anymore- it’s a cause for celebration in itself. That’s why we strive to make every dining guest experience a positive, memorable one by listening and learning from feedback as we have continued to grow.”
“For as long as Calhoun’s BBQ has been around, giving back has been a way for us to connect with our community and help others where we can. Today, Calhoun’s is actively involved with multiple organizations and local causes.” Furthermore, Calhoun’s pronounces that “One of our favorite- and busiest –days of the year is Veterans Day. On this day, we’re humbled to feed thousands of veterans and members of the armed forces at no cost. In this small way, we honor big sacrifices made to protect our freedoms.”
Calhoun’s is touted as “THE TASTE OF TENNESSEE!”
“Meat your heart out at Calhoun’s –our Award-Winning BBQ restaurant offers “A TRUE TASTE OF TENNESSEE!” Dine at Calhoun’s for the Best “SAUCY AND OH-SO-GOOD” BBQ RIBS around, as well as tantalizing comfort-food selections! The Menu for Calhoun’s includes such delicious fare as: Hickory Smoked Bar-B-Que Pork Sandwich, The Kick Back Burger, Berry-Fresh Salad, Citrus Salmon Salad, Steaks and Chops, Hickory Smoked Beef Brisket Plate, Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders, HICKORY SMOKED PRIME RIB, and a PLETHORA of Side Dishes:
- –Smoky Mountain Baked Beans
- –Baked Cinnamon Apples
- –Creamy Country Slaw
- –Tater-Tots
- –Spinach Maria
- — Mac-N-Cheese… AND, OF COURSE, desserts such as:
- –Strawberry Shortcake
- –Key Lime Pie and
- –Macadamia White Chocolate Banana Pudding….just to name a few!!!
AND…TAAA-DAAAA: One of Calhoun’s BEST KEPT TRADITIONS: THE SPECIALTY “SMOKE RING; We slow smoke our Bar-B-Que items with split seasoned hickory logs and follow precise smoking procedures. Authentic Bar-B-Que, when fully cooked, produces a pinkish tint on the outer edge of the meat called “THE SMOKE RING,” –most visible on our Ribs and Hickory Smoked Chicken. The Smoke Ring guarantees that you are getting genuine Calhoun’s Bar-B-Que!”… INDUBITABLY DELECTABLE!
Calhoun’s also announces; “GET A TASTE OF WHAT’S HOT AND SPECIAL!” Specials are updated often so check back frequently to see what’s new! Currently, “Burger Day,” is held every Monday at The Original Bearden Hill, Turkey Creek, and Maryville locations; “Get the Best Burger in town! Fill up on your favorite burger and fries starting at just $7.50 ALL DAY! *Dine-In Only.” Calhoun’s proclaims, “LONG LIVE HAPPY HOUR! Get hot deals on select draft beers and specialty cocktails from 4 PM- 7 PM at any of our Knoxville Area 9 Locations! Including, The Original Calhoun’s at 10020 Kingston Pike, Knoxville TN 37922, The Tennessee River location, Bearden Hill, Turkey Creek, Lenoir City, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Maryville, and Oak Ridge.” A sample menu of Specialty Cocktails includes: “The Premium Mountain Mule,” “The Pomegranate Margarita,” as well as distinct Premium Sips:
- –“The Tennessee Peach Tea: Crown Peach, Sweet Tea, Just-Squeezed Lemonade, Just-Squeezed Orange, and Fresh Mint.”
- –“The Black Cat: Cathead Honeysuckle Vodka, Blackberries, Just-Squeezed Lemon, Sprite.”
- –“The ULTIMATE L.I.T.: Grey Goose Vodka, Pyrat Rum, Patron Sliver Tequila, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Grand Marnier, Just-Squeezed Lemon, Agave Nectar, Coca-Cola.”
- –“The Tiki Punch: Blue Chair Bay Rum, Blue Chair Bay Coconut Rum, Just-Squeezed Lime, Pineapple, Grenadine, Ginger Beer.” #TennesseeNativeKennyChesneysBlueChairBayRums
Calhoun’s Cocktail Menu seems endless with scrumptious possibilities…Martinis, Mojitos, Margaritas, Sangrias, Frozen Cocktail Concoctions, The Smoky Mountain Old Fashioned, The Empress Gin Fizz, The multitude of handcrafted Beer Selections, Appalachian Pale Ale, Black Bear Ale, as well as Wines, Champagnes, and Premium Bourbons and Whiskeys. You may also purchase Calhoun’s Famous BBQ Sauce, Calhoun’s Biscuit Mix, T-shirts, hats, Calhoun’s BBQ Rub & Seasoning, and Calhoun’s Charcoal Grill Seasoning at www.copperfoodgear.com
For further information on “THE WEEKLY HAPPY HOUR!” check out www.calhouns.com as well as for pertinent information regarding Trivia Nights, Singo, and LIVE MUSIC! Additionally, most locations offer Take-Out and Curb-Side Pick Up options. Calhoun’s offers Gift Cards at all of their locations, called “The Copper Card.” The Copper Card can be used at any of Calhoun’s Restaurants. “Gift Cards make the perfect gifts for family and friends for any occasion…In a hurry? Send an e-gift card to be delivered right away!” You may also sign-up for a monthly newsletter in order to receive the scoop on monthly specials and more! “The Copper Newsletter” gives you information for the following establishments:
- –Calhoun’s BBQ Restaurants
- –Smoky Mountain Brewery
- –Chesapeake’s
- –As well as WINE DINNERS AND EVENTS! Sign-Up at: www.copperfoods.com
The Copper Cellar Family of Restaurants has a feature called “Copper Talk,” where you may find “the freshest news and delicious inspiration!” Currently, you may find the helpful and knowledgeable BLOGS topics as follows:
“Summer Fun: Sunsational Patios: Where to Dine Outdoors This Summer.”
“Specials: Hazy Days of Summer: A Beer Lover’s Guide to the Season.”
And:
“Pairings: Wine Pairings: Elevate Your Salad Game.”
“Whether you or your loved ones are looking for a cozy brunch, a lively trivia night, or a special occasion spot, The Copper Cellar Family of Restaurants has a place for every taste!”
One of Calhoun’s MOST BELOVED LOCATIONS is:
CALHOUN’S ON THE RIVER!
Join us down on
The Tennessee River!
400 Neyland Drive
Knoxville, TN 37902
1-865-673-3355
“Opened in 1988, this FAMOUS location sits on the edge of the Tennessee River across from the University of Tennessee Campus. Calhoun’s On the River is convenient to Neyland Stadium, Thompson-Boling Arena, and several downtown hotels. THIS LOCATION ALSO OFFERS A DOCK WHERE GUESTS CAN MOOR THEIR BOATS, as well as outdoor and enclosed DECK SPACES WITH BEAUTIFUL VIEWS OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER!” There are Banquet Facilities available from 25 to 250 people! View the special Summer 2025 DECK MENU pictured below. Calhoun’s On the River is also HOME to “VOL CALLS,” the official statewide radio show of The Tennessee Volunteers, providing the latest news and information regarding Tennessee Athletics, and featuring Head
Coaches of The Big Orange! During the fall, the show is held outside on the restaurant’s massive, covered, outdoor deck. “Overlooking the Tennessee River, THE DECK at Calhoun’s
On the River offers an outdoor eating and show experience, with Big-Screen Televisions, a state-of-the-art sound system, ceiling fans, and a roof that fully protects fans from the elements. During the football season, Calhoun’s gives away prizes each week during “VOL CALLS.” Prizes include “Best Seats in the House,” for The Vol Calls Show, UTK Volunteers Football Game Tickets, hospitality passes, and a collection of Calhoun’s specialty sauces!” www.utsports.com In Knoxville, Calhoun’s On the River is THE SPOT to be on GAME DAYS! The “VOLS NAVY” docks right outside of the restaurant and countless fans make the 15-minute walk to Neyland Stadium OR STAY PUT and catch the game at the bar OR on their BOATS! The RIVERSIDE VIBE makes Calhoun’s On the River A CLASSIC LOCAL EXPERIENCE! According to www.knoxnews.com, The Tennessee River is “A LIQUID PARKING LOT! This is the way a lot of folks beat the traffic problems into and out of UTK Volunteers Football Games…They simply go to home games in their boats!” BBQ. BOATING. FOOTBALL. It’s a WINNING COMBINATION!
