- Attraction: Potchke Deli
- Location: 318 N Gay St, Ste 103, Knoxville, TN 37917
- Industry: Deli
- Website: https://www.potchkedeli.com/
Chef Laurence Faber returned from a heritage trip to Ukraine with more than just memories.
Six months before Russia invaded Ukraine, he and his partner Emily Williams traveled to the Ukrainian-Moldovan border village where his great-grandparents once lived, seeking to understand the culinary traditions that had been whispered about in family stories but never written down.
What emerged from that journey became Potchke Deli, a sunny downtown Knoxville spot that transforms traditional Jewish deli food into something surprisingly contemporary and deeply personal.
The name itself captures the restaurant’s spirit perfectly. In Yiddish, potchke means to fuss around or waste time in the kitchen, and that playful attitude infuses everything here.
What started as a one-year pop-up in March 2022 became so wildly popular that it turned permanent, eventually earning recognition on USA Today’s 2024 Restaurants of the Year list alongside just 46 other establishments nationwide.
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Keep Exploring →Faber, who spent eight years as the executive pastry chef at renowned Blackberry Farm, brings world-class technique to these Eastern European comfort foods, while Williams handles the vibrant South Beach Miami-inspired design that makes the space feel like you’ve stepped into your bubbe’s retirement condo.
Must-Try Menu Items
The Matzo Ball Soup: You can order this classic soup two ways, and both versions have earned devoted followings. Traditional preparation comes with shredded chicken in a rich broth topped with dill, but the amped-up version called fussed up delivers something bolder.
This bowl gets drizzled with chili crisp and their signature bell pepper sauce, then topped with pickled green mango and extra herbs. The matzo balls themselves are perfectly fluffy yet substantial, floating in a deeply savory broth that tastes like it simmered for hours.
Potato Blintzes: These are decidedly not your grandmother’s blintzes. Two perfectly cooked crepes arrive filled with roasted potatoes, pillowy scrambled eggs, caramelized onions, and a Georgian spice blend called khmeli suneli.
The dish comes topped with avocado labneh, Calabrian chili oil, fresh herbs, and thinly sliced avocado. Each component plays its part beautifully, creating bites that are simultaneously comforting and exciting. These savory parcels have become one of the most ordered items on the menu.
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Discover MoreThe Lox Bialy: This is the most popular item on the menu for good reason. The everything bialy gets made in-house with crushed garlic and dill, then gets slathered with scallion cream cheese and piled high with Acme smokehouse salmon from New York.
A bright salad of watermelon radishes, edible flowers, dill, raw onion, tomato, and piquillo pepper relish tops everything off. The bialy itself offers a texture that’s slightly sweet, soft as a cloud, and incredibly rich.
Cheese Blintzes: These sweet counterparts to the potato version showcase vanilla and lemon farmer’s cheese wrapped in delicate crepes, then topped with whipped smetana, blueberry compote, and crispy coconut chips.
The balance between tangy cheese, sweet fruit, and crunchy topping makes this a morning favorite. Many guests order one savory blintz and one sweet to get the full experience.
The Babka Selection: Walking through the door, the first thing that hits you is the aroma of freshly baked bread. Daily babka offerings rotate between chocolate, cinnamon, everything bagel seasoning, and seasonal varieties.
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Keep Exploring →The chocolate babka features layers of rich fudge, streusel, and chocolate chips creating something that falls perfectly between a muffin and a croissant. The everything babka brings savory notes that pair surprisingly well with morning coffee. You’ll want to grab an extra babka to take home.
Whitefish Salad: Smoky, fresh, and impeccably seasoned, this spread showcases quality fish without being overpowered by fillers. Served on bialys or as part of sandwiches, the whitefish delivers clean, bright flavors that let the fish shine.
Pastrami Reuben: Though Potchke doesn’t focus on traditional deli meats, their take on this classic deserves attention.
Thick-cut hot pastrami gets crisped on the flat top with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and their house-made dressing, all served on homemade marble rye. The meat gets sliced thicker than standard delis, giving each bite more substance and texture.
The Avo Tartine: Simple yet elevated, this open-faced toast features creamy avocado topped with seasonal local vegetables. What could be ordinary becomes special thanks to that phenomenal house-made bread and the thoughtful combination of fresh toppings.
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Discover MoreMushroom Reuben: This vegetarian version delivers serious satisfaction. Slow-cooked garlic mushrooms get paired with preserved local peppers, cheddar, bell pepper sauce, and slaw on toasted pumpernickel. The umami-rich mushrooms provide depth and heartiness that stand on their own.
Borscht: Hot beet soup arrives with sour cream, crushed garlic, dill, and what they call life-extending Yiddish beet juice. Two warm, garlic pampushki rolls come alongside for dipping. The vibrant magenta soup offers earthy sweetness balanced by tangy cream.
The Atmosphere
Retro Miami Vibes: Emily Williams designed the space as a love letter to the Jewish retirees of 1970s South Beach. Think bright colors, kitschy touches, and an overall feel that’s both nostalgic and fresh.
Local artwork adorns the walls, and the funk music playing overhead adds to the lively energy without overwhelming conversation.
The Space Layout: Located in the historic Regas Building, Potchke occupies what used to be Vienna Coffee Company. The bright, sunny room feels welcoming from the moment you walk in. You’ll order at the counter and grab your own silverware and water from a separate station before finding a seat.
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Keep Exploring →Indoor and Outdoor Options: While the cozy interior fills up quickly, outdoor patio seating offers another option when weather permits. The fireplace inside creates a particularly inviting spot during cooler months, perfect for lingering over coffee and babka.
The Energy: This place buzzes with locals who’ve made it their regular spot. The vibe creates a genuine community gathering place where familiar faces mix with curious first-timers. Despite often being packed, the atmosphere remains relaxed and friendly rather than rushed or stressful.
Location Quirks: Potchke sits tucked behind a downtown condo building with minimal exterior signage. The restaurant hides well enough that you might drive past it initially. Look for those seven cutout letters hanging in the window. Once you find it though, the location becomes part of the charm.
Other Things to Know
The Pricing: Expect to spend between ten and twenty dollars per person for a satisfying meal. Individual items range from three to six dollars for pastries and sides, while sandwiches and entrees typically fall in the eight to fifteen dollar range.
The quality and portion sizes make the prices feel entirely reasonable, especially considering the care that goes into each dish. You’re getting scratch-made food using quality ingredients, often sourced locally, at prices that won’t break the bank.
Hours and Crowds: Open daily from nine in the morning until three in the afternoon, Potchke attracts serious crowds, especially on weekends.
Lines often wrap to the door during peak brunch hours, and seating can be limited when busy. Arriving early or visiting on weekdays tends to offer shorter waits. Even when crowded though, food comes out surprisingly quickly after you order.
Parking Situation: Street parking is your main option in this downtown area. Some spots are free while others require payment, and availability varies throughout the day. Plan to walk a short distance from wherever you park.
Vegetarian and Dietary Options: Potchke originally started as a dairy restaurant because the owners love vegetables, fish, and dairy more than heavy meats. This philosophy means vegetarians and pescatarians find plenty of options here.
Many dishes can be modified for gluten-free diets, and vegan items are clearly marked on the menu. The Hebrew hero sandwich showcases their vegetable-forward approach with shaved beet prosciutto, cashew Calabrian aioli, pepperonata, shredded lettuce, and pickled onion.
The Secret Menu: Look on the back of the menu board for additional specials and items that aren’t part of the regular rotation. These off-menu options often lead to delightful discoveries and showcase seasonal ingredients.
Special Items: When you see babka French toast or certain seasonal specials on the board, don’t hesitate. These limited offerings tend to sell out fast and showcase the kitchen’s creativity with familiar flavors.
Coffee and Drinks: The espresso program deserves its own mention. Cappuccinos, cortados, and lattes get made with care, and they offer honey lattes and oat milk alternatives. Chai tea lattes also shine here. For a truly authentic experience, try a Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray soda or an egg cream.
Quick Service: Despite often being busy and making everything from scratch, the kitchen turns orders around impressively fast. Most meals arrive within ten to fifteen minutes of ordering, even during weekend rushes.
Cultural Significance: Beyond just serving great food, Potchke functions as an important gathering place for Knoxville’s Jewish community while remaining welcoming to everyone. You don’t need to be familiar with Jewish cuisine to love what’s happening here. The food speaks for itself, and the welcoming atmosphere makes everyone feel like a regular from their first visit.
Expansion News: Potchke’s success led to a second location opening in Cedar Bluff, focusing on bagels, schmears, and grab-and-go items. The downtown location remains the place to experience the full menu with blintzes, soups, and sandwiches.
Potchke Deli
📍 318 N Gay St, Ste 103, Knoxville, TN 37917
