Month: October 2022

Top Restaurants in Farragut, TN

by Lacey Spear
The restaurant Lakeside Tavern in Farragut, TN, overlooks Fort Loudoun Lake in the evening time. The lights reflect in the water.
Photo Courtesy of The Big Orange Press
  • Farragut, TN, has many top restaurants:
    • Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille
    • Lakeside Tavern
    • The French Market Creperie West
    • Daddy Mac’s Down Home Dive
    • Connor’s Steak and Seafood

Situated near the shores of the stunning Fort Loudoun Lake, Farragut, Tennessee, is the ideal place to settle down. Whether you’ve recently graduated or retired, you can find many recreational and relaxing endeavors in this Tennessee gem. Plus, if you love dining out, you cannot choose a better location than Farragut. From upscale steakhouses to quaint bakeries, the local restaurants specialize in a wide variety of flavors, all while infusing a unique Farragut flair into every dish. So, if you’re looking to find your next favorite eatery, check out these top restaurants in Farragut!

Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille

The Food:
Grilled pork chop over broccolini and cauliflower.
Photo Courtesy of Seasons

Although Deron Little previously served as the esteemed chef of Tahoe South in South Carolina, he felt called to Farragut in 2013 to open Seasons. Located in the upscale development of Turkey Creek, the restaurant was an immediate success. Little loves to infuse his creative flair in well-known dishes, marrying classic Southern food with sophisticated flavors. The Seasons menu includes only the freshest ingredients and features crisp salads, specialty ciabatta burgers, and perfectly-seasoned steaks, poultry, and seafood.

The Atmosphere:
Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille at night in Farragut, TN.
Photo Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Picture a casual ambiance suffused with effortless elegance. Throw in some locally-crafted creative dishes, and you have the atmosphere of Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille.

Lakeside Tavern

The Food:
Four dishes of food---two types of chicken, a salad, and steak---at a table with bread in the middle.
Photo Courtesy of Lakeside Tavern

Most restaurants must choose a niche to come out on top. Yet, Lakeside Tavern specializes in all flavors. Charred Angus steaks, delicious fresh seafood, brick-oven pizzas, and Southern delicacies line every page of the menu. For the ultimate foodie, this Farragut restaurant is nothing less than a culinary dream.

The Atmosphere:
The outdoor patio at Lakeside Tavern overlooking the stunning Fort Loudoun Lake.
Photo Courtesy of Lakeside Tavern

Sometimes, you have to choose between a restaurant with stunning views and an eatery with excellent food. But the reality at Lakeside Tavern is almost too good to be true: you can enjoy the South’s finest cuisine while feasting your eyes on Fort Loudoun Lake‘s unbeatable views.

The French Market Creperie West 

The Food:
A crepe covered in powdered sugar, strawberries, and chocolate syrup with a mimosa.
Photo Courtesy of The French Market Creperie

Let’s be honest—we have all dreamed of traveling to Paris at some point. And at the French Market, you can taste France’s finest flavors without leaving the cozy Tennessee lake life. Since they import their traditional and buckwheat flours directly from France, French Market’s crepes taste just as they would abroad. Their menu also features breakfast, lunch, and dinner options; you can order sweet and savory crepes in addition to salads, soups, and croissant sandwiches.

The Atmosphere:
A chandelier hanging with a staircase and ordering counter in the background at the French Market Creperie in Farragut, TN.
Photo Courtesy of The French Market Creperie

With a quaint elegance and plenty of personal charm, the French Market’s ambiance will only heighten your love for French culture and food.

Daddy Mac’s Down Home Dive

The Food:
A Southern BBQ board with peanuts, pickles, slaw, crackers, bread, and sauce on a wooden table.
Photo Courtesy of Daddy Mac’s

Daddy Mac’s is the epitome of good Southern cooking. They say their beloved dishes are “steeped in family tradition + pickle juice.” At Daddy Mac’s, you can find all your favorite BBQ-joint meals with an upscale presentation. Their menu showcases BBQ boards, salad bars in a jar, and gourmet mac and cheese—all proving to be every bit as aesthetic as they are delicious.

The Atmosphere:
A singer with a guitar singing for a crowd at Daddy Mac's in Farragut, TN.
Photo Courtesy of Daddy Mac’s

Daddy’s Mac provides fun for the whole family. The interior features a casual rustic design, and the exterior showcases picturesque pond views. Plus, you can enjoy live music inside and outside many days of the week!

Connor’s Steak and Seafood

The Food:
A charred steak with stuffed lobster on a plate.
Photo Courtesy of Connor’s

Connor’s Steak and Seafood now has five locations in various states, but its roots lie in Farragut. The first dining room opened in 2004 in the Turkey Creek development and quickly became a local favorite. Specializing in fresh seafood, premium aged steaks, and full-bodied wines, Connor’s makes for the ideal date-night spot.

The Atmosphere:
Elegant booths and tables with white table cloths and sophisticated lighting at Conner's Steak and Seafood in Farragut, TN.
Photo Courtesy of Connor’s

Although Connor’s is known as the beloved “neighborhood restaurant,” it exudes luxury. However, unlike other upscale restaurants, Connor’s avoids stiff seating and features relaxed, comfortable dining.

So whether you’re looking for a breakfast bite or a date night spot, these top restaurants in Farragut are sure to wow you with their unique local flavors!

FAQs

Although Deron Little previously served as the esteemed chef of Tahoe South in South Carolina, he felt called to Farragut in 2013 to open Seasons.

Deron Little is the chef of Seasons. Little loves to infuse his creative flair in well-known dishes, marrying classic Southern food with sophisticated flavors.

Charred Angus steaks, delicious fresh seafood, brick-oven pizzas, and Southern delicacies line every page of the menu. For the ultimate foodie, this Farragut restaurant is nothing less than a culinary dream.

Lakeside Tavern is by the stunning Fort Loudoun Lake.

Since the French Market imports their traditional and buckwheat flours directly from France, French Market’s crepes taste just as they would abroad.

Their menu showcases BBQ boards, salad bars in a jar, and gourmet mac and cheese—all proving to be every bit as aesthetic as they are delicious.

Daddy’s Mac provides fun for the whole family. You can enjoy live music inside and outside many days of the week!

The original Connor’s Steak and Seafood is in Farragut, TN.

Lenoir City: “Lake Capital of the South”

by Lacey Spear
Downtown Lenoir City, located in Tennessee---the Lake Capital of the South.
Photo Courtesy of  Kozar Design Team 
  • Lenoir City, TN, is the “Lake Capital of the South”
    • Quick access to Lakes Tellico, Fort Loudoun, and Watts Bar
    • Stunning lake communities, such as Rarity Bay and Tellico Village
    • Excellent waterfront dining and annual lake events

Nestled in eastern Tennessee, Lenoir City showcases a bustling downtown and numerous recreational opportunities. As Joe Spence, Loudon County historian, explains, “Lenoir City originated from a 5,000-acre plot of land given to General William Lenoir by the state of North Carolina for his services in the Revolutionary War.” Over time, General Lenoir’s children and those who came after expanded the land into a thriving city. 

Joe Spence attributes Lenoir City’s rapid growth to its quick access to the railroad and river. And certainly, water has always proven instrumental in Lenoir City’s development. Today, the city contains three outstanding lakes—Tellico, Fort Loudoun, and Watts Bar. Lenoir City’s easy lake access, upscale waterfront communities, and vibrant lake-centric culture truly make it the “Lake Capital of the South.” 

Lake Access

A stunning large home on Tellico Lake in Tennessee.
Photo Courtesy of KAARMLS.com

First, Lenoir City bears the title of “Lake Capital of the South” because of its proximity to three spectacular Tennessee lakes—Tellico, Fort Loudoun, and Watts Bar. Lenoir City residents have direct access to Fort Loudoun and Tellico Lakes and only drive 20 minutes to visit Watts Bar Lake. Also, Lenoir City citizens can spend a day at nearby lakes, including  Melton, Hill, Norris, and Douglas, all within a 15 to 60-minute drive. 

Completed in 1979 by the Tennesse Valley Authority (TVA), Tellico Lake spans 15,560 acres and features 357 miles of shoreline. Locals and visitors often refer to it as “one of the cleanest lakes in Tennessee.” Moreover, with the Smoky Mountains as its magnificent backdrop, Tellico Lake boasts some of the most stunning views in the state. So if you are looking for a place to settle down or retire, Tellico Lake is ideal. 

Fort Loudoun Lake, completed by the TVA in 1943, is a nature lover’s oasis. Located in the headwaters of the Tennessee River, the lake stretches 55 miles upstream from the dam to the Holston and French Broad rivers. Fort Loudoun Lake contains 14,600 acres of pristine waters, perfect for bass fishing, boating, and birdwatching. 

The largest of the three Lakes, Watts Bar spans 39,000 acres and features 722 miles of shoreline, making it one of the South’s largest lakes. Created by the TVA in 1942, Watts Bar Lake is pure views, featuring rolling hills and dense forests. Also, interestingly enough, you could fit Tellico and Fort Loudoun Lakes in Watts Bar. So this is the lake for you if you want plenty of room for all your favorite recreational activities. 

Lake Communities

Photo Courtesy of Rarity Bay

Second, Lenoir City is the “Lake Capital of the South” because it contains many luxurious and upscale lake communities. Some of the most notable include Tellico Village, Rarity Bay, Emerald Point, Lashbrooke, Montgomery Cove, Mallard Bay, Jefferson Park, Grande Vista Bay, The Docks at Caney Creek, Rivermyst, and Lakefront Estates. Most of these communities feature resort-style living, with golf courses, marinas, restaurants, wellness centers, and more. If you long to live the laidback lake lifestyle, any of these scenic settings make an idyllic home. 

Lake Culture

Boats scattered across Watts Bar Lake at Lenoir City's Rockin' the Docks annual event.
Photo Courtesy of Visit Loudon County

Finally, Lenoir City is the “Lake Capital of the South” because the lake lifestyle permeates every aspect of the Lenoir City culture. As historian Joe Spence elucidates, whereas the river used to be Lenoir City’s lifeline, today, its lakes are its gems. Most Lenoir City residents spend their weekends at Tellico, Fort Loudoun, or Watts Bar Lakes, relaxing and engaging in recreational activities. They also enjoy dining in the city’s numerous waterfront restaurants, including hotspots such as Calhoun’s at the Marina, Tellico Village Yacht Club, and Lakeside Tavern. Additionally, annual events such as Rockin’ the Docks—pictured above—heighten the city’s affinity for its lakes. Rockin’ the Docks is a beloved local event that showcases fireworks, live music, and food and provides a snapshot of the carefree Lenoir City lake life. 

Now, you know why Lenoir City lives up to its cherished nickname. So what are you waiting for? Pack the lake toys, hook up the boat, and experience the picturesque “Lake Captial of the South” for yourself! 

Lenoir City, TN, is the “Lake Capital of the South” because it contains many luxurious and upscale lake communities. Some of the most notable include Tellico Village, Rarity Bay, Emerald Point, Lashbrooke, Montgomery Cove, Mallard Bay, Jefferson Park, Grande Vista Bay, The Docks at Caney Creek, Rivermyst, and Lakefront Estates.

Lenoir City, TN, has numerous waterfront restaurants, including hotspots such as Calhoun’s at the Marina, Tellico Village Yacht Club, and Lakeside Tavern.

Rockin’ the Docks is a beloved local event that showcases fireworks, live music, and food and provides a snapshot of the carefree Lenoir City lake life. 

Tellico Lake spans 15,560 acres and features 357 miles of shoreline.

Fort Loudoun Lake stretches 55 miles upstream from the dam to the Holston and French Broad rivers. Fort Loudoun Lake contains 14,600 acres of pristine waters, perfect for bass fishing, boating, and birdwatching.

Watts Bar spans 39,900 acres and features 722 miles of shoreline, making it one of the South’s largest lakes.