- Attraction: South Coast Pizza
- Location: 1103 Sevier Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920
- Industry: Pizzeria
- Website: https://southcoastpizza.com/
Why choose between a chill day at the coast and wood-fired pizza perfection when you can have both?
South Coast Pizza brings a refreshing slice of beach culture to landlocked Knoxville, proving that you don’t need an ocean view to capture that carefree, sunset-chasing energy.
Since opening in 2018, this South Knoxville spot has become the neighborhood’s living room—a place where families, college students, and everyone in between can kick back with creative pies and cold craft beer.
The restaurant sits right in the heart of the action on Sevier Avenue, just a short walk from Suttree Landing Park and the Tennessee River. You’ll notice the laid-back atmosphere the moment you step inside, with its open layout, picnic-style seating, and zero pretension.
This is pizza done right: fresh dough made daily, quality toppings, and combinations that actually make sense rather than just sounding trendy.
Related
More in Tennessee
You Have To Try The Campfire-Flavored Ice Cream From This Unique Smyrna Shop
Keep Exploring →Pizza That Actually Lives Up To The Hype
The AMBC Lady Shredder: This signature pie consistently earns top marks from regulars and first-timers alike. Picture a red base loaded with sundried tomatoes, mushrooms, and banana peppers, all blanketed under melted mozzarella.
But here’s where it gets interesting—fresh arugula and shaved parmesan crown the pizza after it emerges from the oven, adding a peppery brightness that cuts through the richness.
The interplay between the sweet sundried tomatoes and tangy banana peppers creates layers of flavor that keep you reaching for another slice.
The Cuban: Attention barbecue lovers and adventure seekers—this pizza demands your attention. A sweet barbecue and yellow mustard base sets the stage for an unlikely combination that somehow works beautifully: pulled pork, ham, dill pickles, and melted Swiss cheese.
The tangy pickles provide crucial contrast to the sweet-savory pork, while the Swiss adds creaminess without overwhelming the other flavors. You’ll either think this sounds wild or amazing, but trust the process—this one’s earned its devoted following.
More in Tennessee
This Riverside Tennessee Restaurant Has Been Serving Legendary Fried Catfish Since 1938
Discover MoreIsland Home: The restaurant’s self-proclaimed most beloved pizza takes the controversial Hawaiian concept and executes it flawlessly. Italian sausage, crispy bacon, sweet pineapple, and fresh spinach come together on a red base with mozzarella.
The spinach adds an earthy element that makes this feel more sophisticated than your typical Hawaiian, while the sausage and bacon provide savory depth that balances the fruit’s sweetness.
Thai Chili and Pulled Pork: For those who crave heat with their meat, this creative combination features tender pulled pork paired with a sweet Thai chili base, arugula, pineapple, and mozzarella.
The spicy-sweet profile creates an addictive contrast, and the arugula adds freshness that prevents the flavors from becoming one-dimensional.
The Crust: Here’s what sets South Coast apart from chain competitors—the crust itself is a destination. Made fresh every single day with a touch of honey and apple cider vinegar, it strikes that perfect balance between crispy edges and chewy centers.
Related
More in Tennessee
Lightning Struck The Gatlinburg Wine Scene When This Rebel Tasting Room Opened With Bold Flavors
Keep Exploring →The subtle tang from the vinegar and hint of sweetness from the honey complement both the red sauce and oil-based pizzas equally well. You’ll notice the thin-crust style holds up beautifully without getting soggy, even on fully loaded pies.
Beyond The Pizza
Smoked Wings: These deserve their own spotlight. Smoked daily in-house, the wings arrive with just the right amount of char and smoke flavor.
You can choose from an impressive lineup of sauces including Buffalo, Tennessee dry rub, Korean BBQ, sweet Thai chili, and more. The meat pulls cleanly from the bone, and the smoking process adds complexity you won’t find in standard fried wings.
Cheese Bread: Simple but executed to perfection, this appetizer features their fresh-made dough covered in garlic butter, melted mozzarella, and seasoning.
It arrives hot with two sides of marinara for dipping. The garlic butter soaks into the dough just enough to flavor it without making it greasy, and that gooey cheese pull makes for a satisfying start to your meal.
More in Tennessee
Delicious Spaghetti Sauce Is Hiding At This Tennessee Restaurant With A Secret Family Recipe
Discover MoreHummus: Made from scratch in-house, the hummus gets served with cucumber slices and warm pita bread, garnished with olive oil and paprika. It’s smooth, well-seasoned, and provides a lighter option for those who want something beyond pizza and wings.
Salads: Don’t overlook the salad offerings if you’re looking to balance out all that pizza. The Greek salad brings crisp romaine, cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, feta, and kalamata olives together with their house dressing.
The Caesar features fresh romaine, shredded parmesan, and croutons. Each salad arrives fresh and properly portioned—enough to share or enjoy as your own.
The Beach Vibe Atmosphere
Indoor Space: The interior design embraces an eclectic, playful aesthetic that matches the coastal theme. Bikes hang suspended from the ceiling, retro arcade games dot the space, and even a saltwater aquarium adds visual interest.
The seating arrangement favors long communal tables that encourage mingling with fellow diners, though some booth options exist for those preferring more intimate dining.
Related
More in Tennessee
Discover The Multi-Level Entertainment Hub In Knoxville With Drinks And Live Music Every Night
Keep Exploring →The space feels open and airy without being cavernous, and the moderate noise level keeps things lively without forcing you to shout across the table.
Outdoor Seating: The expansive outdoor area truly shines during pleasant weather. Generous seating spreads across the front patio, and the lighting creates an inviting ambiance for evening dining.
Just note there’s no heating, so this becomes strictly a warm-weather option during colder months. The outdoor tables fill quickly on nice days, especially around sunset when the South Knoxville community comes alive.
Community Feel: What really distinguishes South Coast is its role as a neighborhood gathering spot.
Located right on Sevier Avenue in the midst of South Knoxville’s revitalization, you’ll spot young families, University of Tennessee students, runners stopping by after hitting the greenway, and longtime residents all sharing space.
The location puts you within easy walking distance of Suttree Landing Park and the Urban Wilderness trail system, making it a natural stop after outdoor adventures.
Worth Knowing Before You Go
Pricing: Expect to pay moderate prices that fall squarely in the middle tier for the Knoxville pizza scene. Small specialty pizzas run around thirteen to fourteen dollars, while large pies hit the nineteen to twenty dollar range.
Wings come in six-piece orders around eleven dollars. Given the quality of ingredients, fresh-daily dough, and generous portions, the value proposition checks out. A small pizza easily satisfies two people when paired with a salad or appetizer.
Craft Beer Selection: Beer enthusiasts will appreciate the rotating tap list featuring local and regional craft breweries. The selection leans toward approachable styles that pair well with pizza, and the prices stay reasonable. You’ll find both familiar favorites and rotating seasonal offerings.
Family Friendly: The restaurant welcomes families with open arms. Kids can move around the space, video games provide entertainment, and the relaxed vibe means parents can actually enjoy their meal.
The pizza options include simple cheese and pepperoni for pickier eaters, but the adventurous combinations might convert some young palates.
Location Benefits: Being situated on Sevier Avenue puts you in the heart of South Knoxville’s growing food and entertainment district.
Street parking is generally available, though it can get tight during peak dining hours. Several breweries operate within walking distance, and Suttree Landing Park is just two blocks away—perfect for watching sunset after dinner.
Timing Your Visit: Weekday lunches tend to be calmer if you prefer a more relaxed experience. Friday and Saturday evenings bring crowds, which means energy and atmosphere but potentially longer waits.
The restaurant stays open until 11 PM on weekends, making it a solid late-evening option when other places have closed.
Vegan Options: The restaurant offers vegan cheese as an alternative, though it’s not prominently advertised on the menu. Enthusiastic diners have declared it among the best vegan pizza options in the city, so plant-based eaters shouldn’t skip this spot.
South Coast Pizza
📍 1103 Sevier Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920
