Holly’s Homberg

There is so much variety here. It’s in a great location and the customer service is excellent. Vincent was our server and he was very warm. Parking can be a bit tedious but the experience and feeling you get from being inside is well worth it. It has a riverdale vibe and if you used to go to Bearden then this will take you back to those Bearden vibes!

I came to visit my mom in Knoxville this weekend and we wanted to try something cute and local for lunch. I'm a foodie and I live in a small town, so local flavor is a must for me. I'm so glad we found Holly's Gourmet Market & Cafe! They have lovely outdoor seating, so we got to enjoy the beautiful day. Our server, Vincent, made the whole experience extra special. He is very professional, kind, and very familiar with the menu and daily specials. The food is outstanding. Mom had the Hollyhock Quiche, which she LOVED. I had the special sandwich of the day, which was a jerk-chicken wrap with mango salsa and arugula and grits on the side. Everything was absolutely delicious. And don't get me started on the cold brew...I had to have seconds. Mom and I loved it so much that we suggested it for breakfast with my brother and his family the next day! And it was just as good! Check it out. You won't be disappointed.

Close your eyes and take a sip and the breakfast margarita takes you away to a pool front cabana only missing the soft ocean breezes. Holy moly was this place a surprise! From the sign on the street, I would have had no idea how incredible this breakfast, lunch, brunch places was. From the large indoor and outdoor seating and little "Togo" shop on the inside to the amazing service and staff (thanks to Vincent, for making this my new favorite brunchy spot), this place will become your Go To for a tasty daytime meal. I started with a smoky mountain sunrise (think tequila sunrise with bourbon, which fits Knoxville's local to a T and was above and beyond perfectly blended) and a couple sides, and it only went up from there. First, let's hit on the grits. When they came out I was looking for the salt shaker and the butter on the side. Silly me, no need for that, this creamy melt in your mouth grits concoction was fies with Buorsin cheese and seasoned to perfection. Not my grandma's grits at all, and (sorry Granma) soooo good. I then tried the cauliflower hummus (weird combo I know, but hey, I'm drinking a Bourbon sunrise, so don't judge) which was made with - you guessed it- cauliflower in place of chickpeas. Another non traditional twist to a classic that worked so well, I planned on bringing some extra home with me. As my Bourbon was depleted I asked Vincent what I should try next and he strongly suggested the Breakfast Margarita.... He was not wrong! Light, little sour on the rocks with a tiny sweet back created by using their very own rosemary simple syrup, made from the rosemary growing in their garden.... Have I gone to heaven? It seems likely. I then ordered the veghead Reuben sandwich which is a veggie version of the traditional version (I'm sensing a theme here) with collard greens in place of the meat and slathered in Swiss and with their homemade Reuben sauce with a slightly spicy bite. I AM in heaven. Now, you can order it with the standard corned beef, or other meat choices of you choose, but I suggest you try it this way and see if you miss anything (hint: you won't). All in all, I will return, I just wish this place reality was poolside at a lovely little hotel by the beach. That way I could just wander back to my room for a nap and then try all their food again bright and early the next morning. Fantastic!

Visiting from out of town, Holly’s is a gem - full menu w about everything you can think of and/or breakfast served anytime. Lots of standards, but unexpected foods like sow belly and collards. Everything everyone in our group ordered was out of this world delicious. I had “toad-n-a-hole” which is avocado relish w Brie & eggs on homemade bread toasted - so yum! Servings were generous and we needed go-box. You’ve got to try their amazing candy bacon! Wonderful place and we will return soon 😋