Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. East Tennessee
  4. Knoxville
  5. Knoxville
Dining Room - Lonesome Dove - Knoxville, Knoxville, TN
Main Dining Room - Lonesome Dove - Knoxville, Knoxville, TN
Chef's Table - Lonesome Dove - Knoxville, Knoxville, TN
Crab - Lonesome Dove - Knoxville, Knoxville, TN
Mesquite Grilled Cauliflower Steak, Duck Breast, Prime Bone In Pork Tenderloin, Beet Home Fries - Lonesome Dove - Knoxville, Knoxville, TN

Lonesome Dove - Knoxville

4.6
4.6
1803 Reviews
$50 and over
Contemporary American
Top Tags:
Chef & Owner Tim Love has designed a menu influenced by all of the ingredients and cultures that have been a part of the West since the first adventure began on the Goodnight-Loving and Chisholm Trails — with an added level of modern sophistication. Items on the Lonesome Dove Western Bistro menu range from an inventive selection of steaks and seafood to dishes such as Wagyu Tomahawk, Buffalo Ribeye, Wild Boar, and Rabbit & Rattlesnake Sausage. Tim Love has received numerous awards and accolades from the likes of The New York Times, Wine Spectator, Food & Wine, Zagat, Southern Living, Esquire, and more. Tim Love is known for celebrating the food and culture of the American West and adding an elegant, modern twist.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 28 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Wild Game
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (865) 999-5251
  • Website
    http://www.lonesomedoveknoxville.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Tim Love/Chef de Cuisine Jason Scott
  • Catering
    Please visit: www.timlovecatering.com for more information.
  • Private party facilities
    The Lonesome Dove Western Bistro's Sullivan Ballroom is an intimate venue for special occasions and private events, overlooking the Historic Old City in an industrial, modern atmosphere. The Social Dove offers an outdoor setting for private events in the Old City with a full stage for live music and a private outdoor bar.
  • Private party contact
    Private Dining Coordinator: (865) 999-5251
  • Location
    100 N Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37902
  • Neighborhood
    Knoxville
  • Cross street
    Jackson Ave
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

What 1,803 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • East Tennessee

    Innovative

  • East Tennessee

    Romantic

  • East Tennessee

    Good for special occasions

  • East Tennessee

    Lively

  • Knoxville

    Innovative

  • Knoxville

    Romantic

  • Knoxville

    Good for special occasions

  • Knoxville

    Lively

1,803 Reviews

  1. JamesM

    E. Tennessee

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    Service was outstanding, food tasted amazing. Steak was inconsistently cooked however. When you pay premium pricing you expect premium cooked food. Couldn’t eat 1/3 rd of the steak due to how raw it was.

    Is this helpful?

  2. cyndiw

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and drinks are absolutely amazing! Our server was William E. He was extremely friendly and very knowledgeable. The best meal I've had since moving here. Don't pass this place up!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Sherith

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Emily Hughes was an amazing host and her staff were excellent! The elk loin was cooked great and my boys enjoyed the elk sliders and wild boar ribs. Great first experience and birthday celebration. I will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  4. michaeln

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall1food1service2ambience2
    We went to lonesome dove to celebrate thanksgiving. Not only is the food extremely overpriced,we waited one hour for our food,and believe me the food was presented well,but not good at all.Do yourself a favor,skip this place!

    Is this helpful?

  5. JasonR

    Orlando

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    It was nice to have dinner with my family. It was quite expensive. We did arrive early for our reservation. I was told tat our table was on the third floor.. The problem is that I just had surgery and could not do stairs. The host made it possible to sit on the ground floor by putting tables together in the entrance. It was nice of him but it was not a 400 dollar experience. He said i should have let them know of my handicap. I did by calling and confirming the reservation and asking about handicapped parking. She did not say anything about holding a ground floor table. The food was tasty but it is a one and done for us. I am going to recommend this restaurant with a but… if you have mobility issues think again.

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    West Palm Beach

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious, great service, would return again. Absolutely amazing!

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Simply the best. Not just for Knoxville but almost anywhere with my world wide travels. The most interesting flavorful dishes. Don’t order based upon the name. Let your waitress explain them or just have her order for you. Every dish is a work of art- appearance, taste, portion,… everything.

    Is this helpful?

  8. BernardH

    Miami

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent location, food and service was outstanding! I will definitely come back to dine with them again.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Kat12081

    Atlanta Metro

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fun experience trying different foods! Our server was phenomenal and one of the best espresso martinis I have ever had. Look forward to visiting again next time we are in town.

    Is this helpful?

  10. NicoleJ

    Orlando

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a reservation for Ruth Chris' and decided to try Lonesome Dove instead. We were in for a treat! The food was what I call rudely delicious, with flavors attacking your tastebuds and holding your palate hostage until the last bite...the elk sliders were so incredibly tender!!! The chili was so good it upset me because I don't even like chili!! And the Steak. Oh the Steak. I think we're married now the Steak and I....All this amazing goodness served by the most fantastic, welcoming, winsome server named Regenia. She's just amazing. It was all so different and delicious... Needless to say we'll be back!

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    Kansas City

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious. It is very pricey, but the whole experience was wonderful. Could it have been a little less expensive? Maybe? But we knew the price going in, so we expected it to be an indulgence.

    Is this helpful?

  12. VickiW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great time as a group last night for dinner. The service was AMAZING and the food was outstanding. Thank you to the team for a great evening!

    Is this helpful?

  13. JenniferH

    Tallahassee

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Our server and staff were well versed, attentive and friendly. The food was delicious . Our table was downstairs, the ambience was nice & felt very cozy.

    Is this helpful?

  14. KerriE

    Baltimore

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Nice place to eat. I recommend asking for a table upstairs when making your reservation otherwise you will be at one of five tables in the bar area or in front of the kitchen in the other room. Very noisy downstairs

    Is this helpful?

  15. SCram

    E. Tennessee

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. All of the entrees were amazing.

    Is this helpful?

  16. DanielB

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server Regenia was most excellent; the food was amazing, well paced, well presented, and expertly prepared. We had a lovely, relaxing evening and enjoyed ourselves immensely!

    Is this helpful?

  17. RobertP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lonesome Dove is everything it’s supposed to be. The food and service are superb and I’ve always found the specialty drinks to be interesting and delicious. If you’re looking for a great meal or celebrating something special, you can’t go wrong with Lonesome Dove.

    Is this helpful?

  18. Gilbert

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our food and service was great. We are always blown away when we eat here and are reminded every time we go to eat here more often. Our service was the best we’ve had. Regenia was great. Regenia had great wine and drink recommendations and was very nice and accommodating.

    Is this helpful?

  19. LJFoodie

    San Diego

    64 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    64 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Special experience, even at the bar. Excellent service and creative cocktails. I tried the rabbit and rattlesnake sausage appetizer which was quite tasty.

    Is this helpful?

  20. OpenTable Diner

    E. Tennessee

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Only a little loud after the afternoon football game food and service by Benjamin was great. It was our neighbors first time and they thoroughly enjoyed it, one was able to try 3 things she’s never had- rabbit rattlesnake and elk.

    Is this helpful?

  21. KevinS

    E. Tennessee

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our first time to Lonesome Dove and it did not disappoint. The Apple Cider Old Fashioned was excellent and a great start to the evening. The server was very knowledgeable about every item on the menu and took the time to explain each one in detail, offering her favorites as well. Food was excellent! Several "courses", but you are free to pick and choose from any or all. We will definitely be making a return trip in the near future.

    Is this helpful?

  22. OpenTable Diner

    Memphis/West TN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I enjoyed the atmosphere, also the unique selection of food on the menu.

    Is this helpful?

  23. MichelleC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our first time to have dinner at Lonesome Dove in Knoxville, TN. We went there for my husband's 60th Birthday. We absolutely loved our whole experience. The food was absolutely wonderful. Our waitress, Regiana, was incredible. She was so accommodating and made sure everything was perfect! She and her co-workers even brought a signed Happy Birthday card to the table for my husband, along with a special birthday sparkler candle as he ate the chef's amazing chocolate cake. I recommend everyone to enjoy this wonderful place!

    Is this helpful?

  24. AshtonW

    Charlotte

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible across the board. To our server Ian who was incredibly professional and knowledgeable, to the GM Cathy,(she was above and beyond). Food was probably the best meal we have ever experienced. We had the sampler, elk, and bison. The chocolate dessert was to die for. Thank you for making our evening!

    Is this helpful?

  25. DeanS

    Nashville

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lonesome Dove is truly an experience. Phenomenal fare and beverages well thought out and executed. If you are an adventurous eater this is the pace to go!

    Is this helpful?

  26. AbbieC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food with wonderful service. Such a fun date night restaurant!

    Is this helpful?

  27. Niki

    E. Tennessee

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So glad Lonesome Dove began offering lunch on Saturdays and added such delicious options. Much more convenient, and my family loved getting to enjoy a the new chicken sandwich and the consistently great prime rib! Our server was great also and was very attentive. Can’t wait to go back!

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Indiana

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Simply outstanding experience. I could not have been any more pleased with the food, the service, thank you Tori, and the experience. This is a MUST STOP in the Knoxville area.

    Is this helpful?

  29. Bigo

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 16, 2023

    overall2food5service5ambience3
    Just waaaaay to expensive for what you get. Everything is alacart which makes it even more expensive. Good food, but not much of it. Seriously! 2 oysters for $15?????

    Is this helpful?

  30. DiscerningTexan

    Austin

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience4
    Booked a reservation weeks in advance for a game day weekend in Knoxville. Arrived directly after the game and the place was mostly empty. We were 45 minutes early for our reservation, so we asked the hostees if we could be seated early. She said yes and the out table was being setup, it would be about 5 minutes. We went to the bar and ordered drinks. About 20 minutes later, I asked about our table again. I was told they were still setting it up, another 25 minutes past. The time of our orginal reservation. I asked again and was told agin it would be ready in 5 minutes. Finally 15 minutes later we were sat. We had been waiting over an hour. Meanwhile, the restaurant slowly was filling. We sat at our table for an additional 10 to 15 minutes waiting for our waitress. She was very professional, but she seemed stressed. Not to drag out thos review, but we waited on average 30 to 45 minutes between each course of the meal. We didn't get our main course until after 10:30, we had been there since 7:45 pm and we were pretty hungry. Our drinks came slow, along with everything. The staff just told us they were really busy & the kitchen was backed up. I could sense the waitress was stressed and at one point she stated she was hoping we wouldn't reflect thw poor service on her tip. Of course we tipped 20%, as we didn't want to take it out on the waitstaff, although the service didn't merit 20%. Considering this restaurant knew it was a big gameday weekend and the average cost for us was over $200 person, I would expect a much higher level of service. This was a huge disappointment, we didn't get back to our AirBNB until midnight. It was an afternoon game and we went straight to dinner afterwards. This took away from our overall game day experience. Instead of being able to relax when we got back to our house, we had to rush to bed to be ready to leave on the morning. We have been to other Lonesome Dove restaurants in Texas and had great experiences, but this didn't compare.

    Is this helpful?

  31. VictoriaA

    San Antonio

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience4
    Dinner took over 3 hours. Service was horrible. The food was mostly good although two people in our party had steaks that were over cooked.

    Is this helpful?

  32. bambam

    Tampa

    26 reviews

    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server Ashlyn was great as was the food. Will definitely recommend and return

    Is this helpful?

  33. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience5
    Waited 20 minutes for drinks. We were then served cold appetizers after and additional hour. Then an additional hour for a cold $200 steak. Food was good but it would’ve been great if it was hot, you could tell it was sitting for some time. Server was very nice but you could tell every other table around us was also displeased with the kitchen speed. Someone ( not the manager ) came by and offered us shots on the house. They also took off our initial round of drinks when we got the bill. A manager never came to apologize. This is the first time I’ve ever had anything short of an exceptional experience at this restaurant. I hope it was a fluke.

    Is this helpful?

  34. Erin

    Atlanta Metro

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Regenia took excellent care of us this evening! It was our first time at the Lonesome Dove, but will definitely be back soon. Wonderful food, drinks, and service!

    Is this helpful?

  35. LindseyH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    The food was very delicious, the service was good, and the atmosphere was nice although a little noisier than I had anticipated.

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    Waiter was knowledgeable and friendly, but the food took a long time to come and was underwhelming.

    Is this helpful?

  37. rachaelsmith

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waitress was wonderful (cannot remember her name, she was tall and had blondish hair) and the food was great as always! We love coming here for our anniversary every year and it never disappoints!

    Is this helpful?

  38. LisaL

    New Orleans

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amber, my server was excellent. She helped me navigate the menu so that I could experience a variety of dishes. My dirty martini with hand stuffed blue cheese, olives was exquisite. The ancho chile chocolate cake is one of the best desserts I’ve had in the last 10 years. The chef is incredibly talented and I can’t wait to return.

    Is this helpful?

  39. JohnR

    Memphis/West TN

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience1
    We ordered and waited over an hour and a half for our salad and entrees. Had to leave without eating because we had plans to be somewhere and there was no assurance that we were going to get our food anytime soon. The bartender was nice to comp a round of drinks and an appetizer (that took about 30-45 minutes to come out), however the overall experience was terrible. I have eaten there a number of times in the past and enjoyed the food/experience but will probably not be going back after the latest visit went so poorly.

    Is this helpful?

  40. SharaR

    Orlando

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were in town celebrating our anniversary and they made us feel special. The food was amazing and the staff were so friendly.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Lonesome Dove - Knoxville is rated 4.6 stars by 1803 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 28 times today
Google Map for Lonesome Dove - Knoxville

100 N Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37902

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Jackson Ave
  • Neighborhood
    Knoxville
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Wild Game
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Tim Love/Chef de Cuisine Jason Scott
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.lonesomedoveknoxville.com/
  • Phone number
    (865) 999-5251
  • Catering
    Please visit: www.timlovecatering.com for more information.
  • Private party facilities
    The Lonesome Dove Western Bistro's Sullivan Ballroom is an intimate venue for special occasions and private events, overlooking the Historic Old City in an industrial, modern atmosphere. The Social Dove offers an outdoor setting for private events in the Old City with a full stage for live music and a private outdoor bar.
  • Private party contact
    Private Dining Coordinator: (865) 999-5251

Featured in

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo