- Attraction: Pizza Palace
- Location: 3132 E Magnolia Ave, Knoxville, TN 37914
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: http://www.visitpizzapalace.com
Three brothers from Greece walked into Knoxville in the 1950s with almost nothing but grit and a dream.
When Al, Gus, and Arthur Peroulas opened Pizza Palace on August 10, 1961, the local advice was unanimous: a drive-in serving pizza, onion rings, and spaghetti would never work.
More than six decades later, this East Tennessee landmark proves that sometimes the best ideas are the ones everyone doubts.
Pizza Palace isn’t your typical pizza joint.
Pull into the parking lot and you’re stepping back to an era when curb service meant something, when recipes were passed down through generations rather than corporate headquarters, and when cash was king.
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The Legendary Menu Items
Those Famous Onion Rings: Ask anyone who’s been to Pizza Palace what you absolutely must order, and the answer comes back instantly. The hand-breaded onion rings here have achieved cult status across the Southeast.
Each ring arrives with a light, crispy coating that doesn’t overwhelm the sweet onion inside. The half order alone could easily feed two people, though you might not want to share once you taste them.
Plenty of visitors report these are the best onion rings they’ve ever eaten, and some locals have been known to drive hours just for an order.
The Secret-Recipe Spaghetti: Here’s where Pizza Palace really surprises people. The homemade meat sauce contains USDA grade A top round beef and follows a secret family recipe that dates back to the restaurant’s founding.
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Discover MoreThis isn’t your average marinara. The sauce carries a slight kick of spice, pairing beautifully with enormous, tender meatballs. When Guy Fieri tasted it during filming, it nearly left him speechless.
Many longtime fans consider the spaghetti even better than the pizza, with some visitors requesting extra containers of sauce to take home.
Hand-Tossed Pizza: The pizzas here come loaded with generous toppings and feature a distinctive crust that hits that perfect balance between crispy edges and tender center.
You can watch your pizza being made fresh right in front of you through the window, with dough still hand-tossed the traditional way. The pies arrive piping hot with abundant cheese and quality ingredients.
While opinions on the sauce vary slightly, with some preferring a tangier profile, most agree the overall pizza experience ranks among the best in East Tennessee.
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Keep Exploring →The Greek Salad: For a drive-in restaurant, Pizza Palace serves an unexpectedly authentic Greek salad. Topped with feta cheese, hard-boiled egg wedges, ripe olives, anchovies, and pepperoncini, this isn’t your standard side salad.
The house dressing brings everything together, making it substantial enough to serve as a meal on its own. Finding anchovies on a Greek salad in the South is rare, and this attention to authenticity surprises many first-time visitors.
The Sirloin Steak Sandwich: Don’t overlook this substantial sandwich served open-faced on toast. You’ll get more meat than bread, accompanied by french fries and onion rings. The steak is tender, juicy, and seasoned just right, making it a favorite among regulars who’ve been coming here for decades.
The Unique Drive-In Experience
Classic Curb Service: Pizza Palace operates as an authentic drive-in where you can order from your car and have food brought right to your window.
This throwback experience transports you to the golden age of American dining, when pulling up for a meal meant something special. The nostalgia factor alone makes the visit memorable, and eating fresh pizza in your car while it’s still steaming hot has its own charm.
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Discover MoreLimited Indoor Seating: While there are a few counter stools inside if you prefer to dine indoors, the restaurant primarily functions as takeout and drive-in service.
Watching the operation from inside reveals a well-oiled machine where every order gets prepared with care. The compact space buzzes with activity, especially during peak hours.
The Landmark Sign: A grant recently allowed Pizza Palace to restore its iconic vintage sign, adding to the retro appeal that makes this spot so photogenic. The neon serves as a beacon for both longtime locals and curious visitors who’ve seen the restaurant featured on television.
What to Know Before You Go
Cash Only Policy: Pizza Palace doesn’t accept credit or debit cards. Come prepared with cash, though they do have an ATM on-site if you forget. This old-school approach keeps costs down and maintains the traditional vibe that makes this place special.
The Neighborhood: The area around Pizza Palace has evolved over the decades, and the neighborhood is admittedly rougher than it once was.
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Keep Exploring →However, the restaurant itself remains a safe spot where locals and tourists alike enjoy meals without incident. Consider it part of the authentic, unvarnished experience. Many longtime patrons emphasize that you’re perfectly safe here, especially during regular business hours.
Generous Portions: The portions at Pizza Palace lean toward the substantial side. A half order of onion rings feeds multiple people easily, and the pizzas come loaded with toppings. You’ll get excellent value for your money, with prices remaining reasonable despite the restaurant’s fame.
Wait Times: During peak hours, expect some wait time for your order, especially on weekends. The parking lot fills up quickly when locals pour in for their regular fix. Most agree the food is worth the wait, and watching the bustling operation while you wait becomes part of the entertainment.
Family-Friendly: Multiple generations of families have made Pizza Palace part of their Knoxville traditions.
The casual atmosphere and diverse menu options make it suitable for everyone from young kids to grandparents. Some families have been coming here for over 50 years, creating memories that span decades.
Best Time to Visit: Weekday lunches tend to be less crowded than weekend dinners. Arriving a bit before or after the traditional dinner rush gives you the best chance of getting your food quickly. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan accordingly.
Pizza Palace
📍 3132 E Magnolia Ave, Knoxville, TN 37914
