There’s something classic about a date night spent at a steakhouse. The light buzz of the dining room, the low lighting, the pungent smell of spices and meat that wafts throughout the restaurant. Steakhouses have an aura of romance that naturally hangs in the air, and Ye Olde Steakhouse in Knoxville, Tennessee is known as one of the best in the state. The family-owned locale is frequented by area residents for a reason, whether for a special occasion or a simple Thursday night out.

Ye Olde Steak House has been honored by the press and the public alike for its incredible steaks, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts. Its rustic exterior really elevates the experience, with wooden accents and a log cabin edge that will make you feel like you're tucked away, dining well into the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Ye Olde Steak House is an award-winning restaurant that has operated in Knoxville, Tennessee since 1968. The steakhouse is exceptionally popular with University of Tennessee football fans and is known as one of the best dining secrets of the Great Smoky Mountains. All beef served is grain-fed in the Midwest and boasts some of the best flavors on this side of the Mississippi. This is no fusty, run-of-the-mill steakhouse, of course. Ye Olde Steak House has an unparalleled atmosphere, one that’s emphasized by a building façade ensconced by logs and surrounded by mature pine trees.

The East Tennessee restaurant is owned by the King family, and it originally opened after Bunt King, the family patriarch, found the perfect location for a steakhouse. The restaurant comes by its rustic, low-key atmosphere and finely honed hospitality naturally since the eatery is still a family affair. The steakhouse is still owned and operated by the King family.

Though you’ll be dining at one of the best steakhouses in Tennessee, there is no dress code. Casual clothing is encouraged, mainly because Ye Olde Steak House inspires community over any sense of decorum. You’ll find families laughing and cajoling one another across the table, smiles wide and plates scraped clean. Good food, good times, and high-end hospitality await you.

Each visit promises "food fit for a king," and all entrees come with a house salad and a side. Hot, freshly baked homemade bread is served alongside every meal, and visitors claim that Ye Olde Steak House serves some of the best bread in the city. You don’t want to skip slathering salted butter on top and enjoying a warm, soft bite before your made-to-order steak arrives.

The menu promises an offering of indulgent appetizers like onion rings and fried dill pickle slices, and the beef menu is just as sprawling. From steak on a skewer to a flavorful ribeye there’s a little something for everyone. There is both a chicken and seafood menu as well if you’d rather indulge in a shrimp dinner or perhaps a fried chicken salad. Sides include offerings like broccoli casserole and fresh buttered mushrooms.

Reservations are recommended but must be made over the phone as there is no web-based option. There is limited seating at the Ye Olde Steak House, so we would encourage you to call early for your chosen dining time and date. Make sure you keep an eye out for daily specials, too! The Monday night special is a $10 burger night, and you can indulge in $10 specials from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, as an "early bird" diner.

Ye Olde Steak House is currently open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and is closed on Sundays. Call for holiday hours if you’re looking to visit during the Thanksgiving or Christmas season. Hours also may be altered for national holidays.

What an incredible place to eat! Ye Olde Steak House is a great spot to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy an evening out of the house. You can learn more about a visit to the Ye Olde Steak House either at its official Facebook page or website.