Hefty sandwiches on home-baked bread keep them coming to venerable Steamboat Sandwiches (2423 N. Central Ave., 865/546-3333, Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–2 p.m., $5–8). The “Steamboat” is an oversized sandwich packed with ham, Genoa salami, and Swiss cheese, finished with a mild hot sauce, mayonnaise, mustard, and pickle. Thankfully for those with smaller appetites, you can also order a half-size.
Litton’s (2803 Essary Dr., Fountain City, 865/688-0429, Mon.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., $7–17) is a North Knoxville institution, where Knoxvillians go for the city’s best burgers, blue-plate lunches, and homemade dessert. Hand-cut fries, jumbo onion rings, red velvet cake, and baked sweet potatoes are some of the things that keep people coming back to Litton’s again and again. A family restaurant that began as a humble grocery in 1946, Litton’s is worth the drive. To get there, drive north on Broadway (U.S. 441), passing the I-640 overpass. Litton’s is located across the street from the Fountain City park.