Friday, September 29, 2006
Nov. 4
Knoxville - Tennessee Volunteers
BEST EATS
La Costa
31 Market Square • (865) 566-0275
La Costa offers organic, fresh “nuevo Latino” cuisine in the heart of downtown Knoxville. The pork tamales and the fish tacos are excellent. As an appetizer, try the ahi and coconut ceviche or the spinach queso.
STUFF FOR THE GRILL
Gourmet’s Market
5107 Kingston Pike •
(865) 584-8739.
Gourmet’s Market offers a showcase of delicacies including meats, cheeses, crackers, spreads, smoked salmon and caviar. It’s a great place to assemble everything you need for a tailgate picnic.
BEER FOR THE BELLY
Downtown Grill
and Brewery
424 S. Gay Street • (865) 633-8111
Located on Gay Street, near the Tennessee Theatre, this popular pub offers its own beers brewed on the premises. Signature beers include White Mule Ale, New World Porter and State Street Stout.
LOCAL FLAVA
Tomato Head
12 Market Square • (865) 637-4067
While justly famous for its pizza (try the No. 7), the Tomato Head is almost as well known for its sandwiches and salads. Some sandwiches, such as the Kepner Melt, have achieved cult status locally. They have the best, most garlicky hummus in town.
THE COLLEGE BAR
Longbranch Saloon
and Bead Ranch
1848 Cumberland Ave. •
(865) 546-9914
The first floor’s a bead shop, the second floor’s a popular campus watering hole and the third floor’s a private party room that holds 150 people. Shoot some pool, listen to music, sip on a draft or bottled beer. Take advantage of the $1 off happy hour, 7 days a week, 3 to 9 p.m.
AFTER THE GAME
Calhoun’s on the River
400 Neyland Dr. • (865) 673-3355
Located on the riverfront within sight and easy walking distance of Neyland Stadium, Calhoun’s serves award-winning ribs and barbecue. The Southern fried catfish is a local favorite. The onion rings are irresistible as is the favorite side dish, spinach Maria, which is creamy and slightly spicy. If you’re lucky, you can get a seat on one of the patios overlooking the river.
Nov. 25
Little Rock - Arkansas Razorbacks
BEST EATS
It’s a barbecue town, and
you have choices.
Whole Hog Cafe
2516 Cantrell Rd. • (501) 664-5025
The barbecue here runs the gamut from thick, juicy pork sandwiches to brisket and ribs. Barbecue salad is even popular. They offer six kinds of barbecue sauce.
Sims Bar-B-Que
7601 Geyser Springs Rd. •
(501) 562-8844
Sims throws you a curveball. Here it’s all about the sauce, which is vinegary sweet and spiced. It’s like North Carolina and Delta barbecue had an illegitimate child. Plates offer the best of everything—ribs, beans, greens and cornbread.
Damgoode Pies
2701 Kavanaugh Blvd. •
(501) 664-2239
Here’s something for the barbecue haters. This pizzeria really lives up to its name. Thick Chicago-style pies are the ticket, but they have crusts for all types of pizza lovers.
STUFF FOR THE GRILL
Harvest Foods
2510 Cantrell Rd. • (501) 664-1481
For your basics, this is the place, and it’s close to War Memorial.
Wild Oats
Community Market
10700 N. Rodney Parham Rd. •
(501) 221-2331
If you insist on portobellos and tuna steaks, here ya go.
BEER FOR THE BELLY
Cornerstone Deli & Pub
314 Main St. • (501) 372-3552
Take the short hop over the river to downtown North Little Rock. It’s literally the cornerstone of the scene down there. A great venue for music, but with a sequestered upstairs for just kicking it.
LOCAL FLAVA
Pizza D’Action
2919 W. Markham Street •
(501) 666-5403
This is a great neighborhood dive bar. It’s the perfect place to grab a pre-game beer and will probably not be crowded. Plus, it’s close to the War Memorial.
THE COLLEGE BAR
West End Smokehouse
and Tavern
215 N. Shackleford • (501) 224-7665
If you don’t have tickets but make the trip to Little Rock for the tailgating, this is the place to catch the televised game. They have a great bar menu and tons of TVs.
AFTER THE GAME
River Market
400 President Clinton Ave. •
(501) 375-2552
Very touristy, but after the game, this will be the spot. You will definitely get slapped with cover charges wherever you go. Avoid the cheesy piano bars and check out Sticky Fingerz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack (107 S. Commerce St.) and
Rumba-Revolution (300 President Clinton Ave.).
Midtown Billiards
1316 Main St. • (501) 372-9990
This is the spot for anyone who survives tailgating, post-tailgating and bar crawling. This is the post-midnight hangout downtown serving up the best bloody Mary and burgers in town. Great live music, but always a long line to the bathroom.
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