KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — J.C. Holdway on Union Avenue was named to the New York Times' list of best 50 restaurants for 2025.

Founded in 2016, J. C. Holdway has previously been praised by Esquire Magazine. It is one of only two Tennessee eateries on the list, the other being Calliope in Chattanooga.

A reviewer raved that the restaurant was "among the country’s most reliably satisfying regional bistros," highlighting the chef-owner Joseph Lenn, a Knoxville native. The review boasted about the pork-belly biscuits and grilled North Carolina trout.

The restaurant posted about the list Monday morning saying, "Feeling honored is an understatement. To hit this milestone as we celebrate our 9th anniversary is surreal. It’s a testament to our team’s passion, the dedication of local farmers and p

See Full Page