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Locals Say The Churro Waffles At This Knoxville Brunch Haven Could Cure Any Bad Day

  • Attraction: Farmacy
  • Location: 5018 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
  • Industry: Restaurant
  • Website: https://knoxfarmacy.com/

Picture ordering at the counter, then settling into your seat as generous portions of creative Southern comfort food arrive at your table, each dish crafted from ingredients sourced within miles of where you sit.

Owner Bettina Hamblin spent nearly a decade perfecting her recipes through catering before opening Farmacy in 2017, transforming her most-requested creations into a brick-and-mortar establishment that locals now visit weekly.

The restaurant’s name cleverly plays on the idea that good food provides a healing feeling, with menu items sporting names like Vitality Bowl, Cure-All, and Remedy that hint at the nourishing qualities of farm-fresh ingredients.

From the moment you walk through the door, you’ll notice this isn’t your typical meat-and-three establishment.

The space combines modern farmhouse aesthetics with whimsical touches, creating an atmosphere that feels both polished and approachable for everything from casual weekday lunches to weekend brunch celebrations.

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Brunch Favorites That Draw Weekend Crowds

Churro Waffles: The standout star of the brunch menu features light, airy waffles tossed in cinnamon sugar and topped with house-made roasted banana pudding, fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.

The waffles maintain a satisfying crispy exterior while staying fluffy inside, creating a textural contrast that keeps you reaching for another bite.

Biscuits and Gravy: You’ll find open-faced buttermilk biscuits topped with pepper pan gravy, crispy buttermilk fried chicken, and candied bacon. The biscuits achieve that perfect balance of flaky outer layers with enough structure to hold the generous toppings without falling apart.

Rise & Shine: This hearty option features a biscuit loaded with smoky pimento cheese, fried avocado, arugula, bacon, and a fried egg, served alongside sweet potato hash with onions and peppers. The combination delivers savory, creamy, and crispy elements in every forkful.

Sunny Side Up: Thick-cut multigrain avocado toast gets elevated with tomato, sprouts, radish, feta, cured red onions, lemon, sea salt, and two sunny-side-up eggs perched on top. The portions are substantial enough that you might find yourself taking half home.

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Lunch and Dinner Highlights

The Brussels Sprouts: These come with candied bacon, pears, and pepper jelly vinaigrette.

The sweetness from the pears and pepper jelly complements the savory bacon while the Brussels themselves maintain a slight char that adds depth. This appetizer has become a signature dish that regulars order every visit.

Nashville Hot Chicken: Springer Mountain Farms chicken gets the Nashville treatment with house-made pickles and buttermilk dressing on Texas toast, served with hand-cut fries. The heat level lives up to its name, so proceed with caution if you’re spice-sensitive.

Good Ole Boy French Dip: This Southern take on the classic features pepper-crusted Painted Hills beef brisket that’s been slow-cooked for 12 hours, topped with whiskey onions and Sweetwater Valley white cheddar, with horseradish cream and au jus on the side. The brisket is tender enough to pull apart with your fork.

Chipotle Mac and Cheese: Whether ordered as a side or a main, this dish delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with a subtle kick. The mac gets extra points for being gluten-free while maintaining that indulgent texture.

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Southern Fried Tofu Sandwich: Vegetarian options get serious attention here. The tofu is fried until crispy, topped with shredded iceberg, house dill pickles, and mayo on a bun that holds up to the juicy filling.

Chicken and Waffles: Scratch-made waffles paired with fried Springer Mountain Farms chicken, maple syrup, and rosemary-maple butter create a sweet-savory combination that works beautifully for brunch or dinner.

Shrimp and Grits: This low country classic arrives with creamy smoked Gouda grits from Shelton Farms, creole sausage gravy, blackened shrimp, and pickled green onions. The dish balances richness with bright, tangy notes.

Standout Drinks and Desserts

Seasonal Cocktails: The bar program features creative seasonal offerings alongside classics. The blackberry margarita with sugar rim pairs particularly well with spicy dishes. Taco Tuesday brings half-priced margaritas, while Wine Wednesday offers deals on vino.

Bourbon Bread Pudding: Rich, decadent, and perfectly portioned for sharing, this dessert provides a sweet finale without being overwhelmingly heavy. The bourbon adds warmth without overpowering the caramelized notes.

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Banana Pudding: Light yet rich, with layers that balance sweetness and airiness. The roasted banana element adds depth beyond typical banana pudding preparations.

Lemon-Berry Cake: This gluten-free option features lemon cake filled with lemon cheesecake cream, brown sugar-honey soaked berries, and fresh whipped cream. The tartness cuts through the sweetness beautifully.

Atmosphere and Design

Bright and Inviting Space: Large windows flood the dining room with natural light, creating an energetic daytime atmosphere. The decor incorporates pink tones and colorful artwork, including pieces celebrating feminist icons and LGBTQ themes, reflecting the restaurant’s inclusive values.

French Bistro Touches: Despite serving Southern comfort food, the space incorporates French bistro-style chairs and modern design elements that elevate the casual counter-service model.

Modern Farmhouse Vibe: Eclectic decor blends rustic farm elements with contemporary styling. You’ll spot local art on the walls and thoughtful design choices throughout the space that make it feel both trendy and welcoming.

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Intimate Size: The restaurant maintains a cozy footprint that can get lively during peak hours. The noise level provides good cover for conversation without becoming overwhelming.

Practical Considerations

Pricing and Value: Expect to pay slightly more than chain restaurants, with most entrees ranging from mid-teens to low twenties.

The farm-to-table approach and generous portions justify the premium. You’re paying for quality local ingredients and careful preparation, making it a solid value for what lands on your plate.

Ordering System: You’ll order and pay at the counter when you arrive, then water and your food get delivered to your table. This system keeps service efficient during busy periods while maintaining a relaxed dining experience.

Reservations Recommended: Weekend brunch can get packed, so making a reservation through Resy helps avoid waits. If you forget to book ahead, the bar typically has available seating and offers full menu service with faster turnover.

Parking Challenges: The strip mall location means parking can be tight during peak times. Arrive a few minutes early or be prepared to circle the lot once or twice.

Dietary Accommodations: The kitchen handles gluten-free needs with dedicated bread options and clearly marked menu items. Vegetarian and vegan dishes go beyond afterthoughts, with substantial creative options that omnivores often order too.

Special Events: The restaurant occasionally hosts themed dining experiences and events. Past themes have included 90s nostalgia nights with Clueless-inspired cocktails and decor.

Best Times to Visit: Weekday lunches move quickly with lighter crowds. Saturday and Sunday brunch draws the biggest crowds between 10am and 1pm. Tuesday evenings feature taco specials with discounted tacos and margaritas.

Family Friendly: The casual atmosphere welcomes families with kids, and the children’s menu includes familiar favorites like cheese burgers, chicken tenders, and grilled cheese.


Farmacy
📍 5018 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919

Writer: June Holloway
Click to read bio

June Holloway is a lifelong Tennessean who grew up in the shadow of the Smokies and now writes from her home just outside of Gatlinburg. She has a deep love for winding mountain roads, American barbecue joints, and stories passed down on front porches.