Holly’s 135

Went here for the first time recently and I thought it was a great experience and the restaurant lived up to my expectations (sometimes with lots of good reviews that is hard for a new place). I am not sure what to call this style other than «american» but the bowls (where you pick a protein, a starch, veggie and a sauce) were quite creative and good. They have fun cocktails too but i wish I had noticed their draft list on the board behind the bar as they had some good beers too! I don’t remember seeing anything about those on the drink menu, would be nice to have a heads up for the non-​observant among us (or those sitting in the corner…). It’s a small restaurant without many (any) big tables but for 1 – 4 people its cozy and the food is great.

If I see a club sandwich, or sammich as they call it, I’m gonna try it. Annddd wow, one of the better ones I’ve had. The only reason I didn’t go five star was the meat seemed a bit packaged, but do not let this stop you, still high quality meat and I think deli sliced would make it perfect.
Also, the Staten Lager was on point. Worth a try.

They advertise $ 6.00 sandwiches «all day». But when I went at 6:00 pm I was told they only honor $ 6.00 sandwiches until 4:00 pm. That wasn’t stated on the menu. So I settled my wine tab and left. My party of 4 people came for the $ 6.00 sandwich Wednesday we all left. We won’t be back again! Very disappointed!
Jennifer from Knoxville

Only had cocktails but they were amazing! Great atmosphere and creative menu! Can’t wait to go back to try the food.

Shout out to Holly’s 135! It was our first time and the manager let us try so many things, including dessert! He went out of his way to make us feel special! Everything was delicious! The atmosphere was great! Wonderful, new little place to visit that isn’t too overcrowded. I would definitely recommend!

Awesome little place on Gay St. Small, so it can get crowded, but is worth any wait you may have… just grab a beer (or drink of choice) and hang out. The waiters/​waitresses are all super friendly and the food is good, if not on the «creative» side.
One of a growing number of places in town that is actually being creative with their plant-​based menu options (which are REALLY good).
The build-​a-​bowl is good, as well — the wife got one with grits & pork… totally yum.
Good beer selection (although mine wasn’t…can’t win ‘em all), and good bar.
A gem if you find yourself hungry downtown.

Dinner with Unilocalers after the brewfest was quite an experience. I usually don’t tell the waiter/​manager/​chef that my food was okay/​a disappointment/​sucked unless it’s completely gross and I don’t want to pay for something I absolutely can’t eat, which is rare. I ordered the marinated tofu, lemon feta rice, shrooms and romesoa sauce and it was okay. Okay meaning, I was hoping for more after the huge rave about Hollys. I did enjoy the shroom sandwich though. It was a lot better than my dish. After telling the manager it was okay, he bought out an assorted vegetable dish and that made me even more disappointed in Hollys. It tasted like Italian dressing over warm vegetables. I couldn’t even say this dish was okay because it wasn’t. Then it got better. We were surprised by the huge selection of desserts. WE literally had one of every dessert. I haven’t been huge on desserts lately after going cold turkey but this hit the spot. I don’t remember the names of it all but we had the apple pie, cherry pie, banana cream pudding, chocolate resses cake, and an alcohol cake. They were all fabulous. My absolute favorite was the banana cream pudding because I usually don’t like banana flavored foods; the cream wasn’t sweet and the texture was so fluffly. As for the chocolate cake, it was super moist and not over baring sweet. The pies were also not sugar sweet with great textures and consistency. And lastly, the alcohol cake was very interesting; it’s a flavor I can’t quite describe because it was so unique. In terms of texture, it was similar to tiramisu.
Overall, I would come here again for the shrooms sandwich and dessert. The customer service was beyond exceptional and they really do want you to enjoy the food so don’t be shy and tell them!

This place is quite delicious. I had a mushroom shawarma the first time I went and a veggie wrap the second time. The shawarma was a great veg option; the veggie wrap left something to be desired. Their menu was different each time I went. I think it may change frequently. For the downtown setting, I think further veg options would be greatly appreciated.

Stopped by on «Sammich Wednesday» with a buddy before a show downtown. was pressed for time but had absolutely no problem being seated. The waiter was SUPER FRIENDLY and hilarious, taking time to explain all the different sammiches and that all ingredients are made either in house or at the Homberg kitchen. and when we lost track of time we had no problem getting our checks and getting outta there to make the show in time. very much appreciated.
I had the «Ricky Ricardo» Cuban Sammich with a side of Shrimp Gumbo. SO TASTY. the sandwich was pretty much a standard Cuban but done perfectly. pork, ham and some smokiness from the butter — YUMMM. gumbo had a nice solid level of heat for my palate (I really like spice) and the tomato based broth had yummy heavy hits of herbs and good shit. oh, backtrack… started off with that «Poblano Pim Chee.» This is simply the most tasty Pimento cheese I’ve ever had. ever. and I’m from the south and know and love a good pimento cheese. also had a healthy level of spice, served with sliced veggies and tortilla chips. My friend had the vegan mushroom shawarma sammich «Abdu Vaden.» he was very pleased. we nary left a crumb on our plates. we’ll both be back soon!!! Thanks Holly!

I’m such a huge fan of the old city area so it only seemed natural to try out the new restaurant, Holly’s 135. The interior was cozy and relaxing.
I ordered the «Ricky Ricardo.» It came plated nicely. The menu did not say what the side was, I was pleasantly surprised to see a bean salad. It was fresh, green and light. Sandwich had a nice toasty bread. I like the fact that the meal did not make me feel overly stuffed. Which meant room for dessert!
I was a little disappointed that they did not have the chocolate cream pie on hand. (I had read how fantastic it is on some other reviews.) So, I went with the chocolate raspberry cheesecake and it was absolutely wonderful.
My friend ordered the quiche and salad combo. It looked divine so I will definitely try it next time.
Overall we enjoyed our dining experience at Hollys 135!

Cozy chef owned neighborhood bar-​restaurant where the menu changes daily. Not your usual burgers and chicken wings. Specialty sandwiches and Southern blue plates with a gourmet twist. Excellent bourbon and draft beer selection. They also have a creative cocktail menu. If visiting Knoxville, this is a great place to start a walking restaurant tour of downtown.

Updating my previous review — this place has really stepped it up since opening and we have received great service the past two follow-​up trips. The food is (as always with Holly) amazing, some really unique specials. The speciality cocktails I wasn’t such a fan of (haven’t been able to see the same bartender twice) but the food, beer specials and ambiance are what keep us coming back.

Going by all the great reviews this establishment has, we had to try it out… it. is very small with only 5 booths, 2 high top tables, several single bar seats and 2 tables outside. Every seat is taken, so thats a good sign.
The waitress was very polite and helpful for choosing the best on the menu. I went with the half meatloaf sammich with a cup of creamy tomato soup. Hubby went with the Ricky Ricardo with the potato basil soup…
Looking at the dessert menu on the wall, this is gonna be a hard choice to choose from. I noticed the desserts are from magpies. I’ll have to look them up as well, as I LOVE good pies.
Allow yourself plenty of time as they are not in a hurry here. Not a fast lunch restaurant.
!!!DELICIOUSNESS!!! Well worth the wait!
Everything is awesome… VERY impressed.
Highly recommended!!!
WILL be back.

I have visited Holly’s 135 a handful of times now and it is top notch. A nice addition to downtown Knoxville by an excellent chef who has proved herself over and over again.
I never really visited this place when it was Shuck, mostly because I was still vegetarian for most of the time Shuck was open and my now meat eating self doesn’t really like oysters. I was however pleasantly surprised when I first stepped into Holly’s. I feel like the space is much better utilized. Love the paint job which gives the restaurant a very relaxing and welcoming feel. It is also not as bright as Shuck was, which also adds an intimate feel to the space. Love, love, love the tables by the windows. I am not sure if one can actually sit there but I would love to someday.
Moving on to the food. Lunch is excellent. I think I have had the Ricky Ricardo every time I have eaten lunch there. It is fantastic. Brunch was also really good. My single dinner experience was only slightly inferior to lunch and brunch. Meaning I was not as wowed by my meal, though it was still a good meal. I am looking forward to trying something else on the dinner menu in the near future.
Of course, they have Magpies’ treat for dessert. Magpies bakery is the best bakery in the world. Well known fact. There couldn’t be a better way to finish your meal at Holly’s than indulging in one (or more) of her sister’s treat.
Bottom line is visit Holly’s 135. Most definitely absolutely without a doubt for lunch. You should also do brunch and dinner too. You can thank me later.

I really love Holly’s other endeavors, but 135 just isn’t doing it for me. First of all, our table agreed that the service was incredibly lacking, and tinged with rudeness. I don’t understand the fuss about the «craft cocktails». They are basic cocktails made with basic to sub-​par spirits. Lastly, the appetizers and lunch foods are pretty good but I personally did not enjoy my dinner entrée /​bowl, and found it overpriced for the portion, and the fact that it was lukewarm. The dinner’s at Holly’s in Homburg are amazing, and Holly’s Corner is obviously great. I think I will skip the Gay St. restaurant until maybe a new menu surfaces, and I hear someone verify they had good service. I will note the space is lovely, and sincerely hope for a better experience in the (not to near) future.

Absolutely amazing. So good that I’m writing this review as I’m still sitting in the restaurant. The waiter hasn’t even come by to take my plate just yet.
The place has an awesome vibe. Staff is really friendly and helpful.
Our waiter said, «beef eggplant curry soup.» In for the win. I went ahead and this coupled with half of their club sandwich. Damn that things was delicious. The bread was thick and moist. It was served with ham, thick cuts of bacon, and avocado. The soup? It literally was served in a coffee cup. Oh so good. I took my first spoon and immediately felt orgasmic.
Want to take your O-​face to another level? Order the chocolate cream pie. My day is done.
Holly, you’re awesome. This place is awesome. You win in every way.

Favorite new spot in Knoxville, hands down. As another reviewer mentioned, Holly and her sister Peggy are culinary royalty in Knoxville (and cute to boot!), and when she tackles a concept, she nails it. I happened to be there on opening night – in an ice storm, at that – a time when you generally forgive restaurants for multiple missteps as they’re ironing out the kinks, but there was nothing to forgive: Every last plate Holly brought out was perfection, as were all the carefully crafted cocktails that the beverage director Chrissy was serving up.
While the focus is meat-​and-​threes, there are a handful of other specialties on the menu, as well, and Peggy/Magpie’s provides all the desserts, so you know they’re on point. I haven’t been for brunch yet, but that’s next on my list when I’m back in Knoxville again.

This place is going to be one of my new regulars, especially for lunch. I like Hollys on central, but one huge thing separates the two: the awesome patio. They are in the old Shuck spot (which I horribly miss) which is some prime real estate, and it’s a great spot to take in downtown and enjoy a great meal.
On my outing, I tried the Ricky and the Vaden. One was basically a ham sandwich, and the other was a mushroom shawarma, but both done exquisitely over the top and toasted to perfection. They were great. See pic.
Two minor quibbles though… It can be pricey. I noticed this of the central location too. Lunch is going to cost up to $ 15 once you’re out the door. It sometimes seems much for soup and sandwiches. Also, I had a service hiccup when I was there. It took forever to order then forever to get our order. Odd too since we were one of two tables there at 11:15 or a Tuesday. It’s an odd disconnect that generally service is worse the less busy a restaurant is.
Weird.
Meh.

I could just say Holly know’s what she’s doing and walk away. Holly’s in Homberg, Holly’s Corner. Both delicious. Her new offering, Holly’s 135, isn’t just on par with her other offerings, it blows it out of the water. It has a much more finished and cohesive feel to it.
Our waiter was a newb (his first day), so he was as excited about the food as we were, and would come back regularly to let us know what he’d just learned.
The menu was pretty small, but diverse. A little bit of something for everyone. From what I understand, the place is also locally sourced and organic as possible. I can’t 100% confirm that, but I’m PRETTY sure that’s the case. What I do know is that it tastes damn good, and between cool atmosphere and damn good food, what more can you really ask?
The place is a little small. Some may see it as a bad thing. I see it as a good thing. Get there early, or hang out at the bar while you wait. Holly’s 135 is a scrumptious, cozy spot in what is shaping up to be Knoxville’s culinary hot spot.
Enjoy!

Holly has nailed it again! Holly’s 135 is simply put, heaven. From the moment you walk through the door, the warm, intimate vibe invites you. With only a handful of booths and adequate seating at the bar, in my opinion, it is the perfect size space. Not too small, but not big enough to get lost in.
From the décor to the staff to the menu & food, Holly’s 135 has been drenched in soul. You can feel how much thought and care went into the menu and that translates with each bite of whatever you order.
The appetizers are fantastic. I recommend the trio to be able to try more than just one of the selections. Everything on the menu is amazing, including the specials. My favorite sandwich, the name eludes me, is a ham and gruyère concoction. It is topped with a relish that was so delicious that I had to ask what was in it. Ready for this? Rutabaga. I didn’t even know I liked rutabagas.
Make sure to put the guilt aside and finish your meal with dessert! It’s absolutely worth it! If it’s on the menu, the chocolate pie is ridiculously good!
I love the craft cocktails at Holly’s 135. The Hot Buttered Britches was my favorite and is the perfect warm cocktail to warm you up on a cold night!
I look forward to filling up my ‘Holly’s Habitual Nosher’ card and making this place a regular spot.