Hot Rod's 50's Diner Inc - Alcoa

A great 50s trip through time. Standard burgers and fries, but delightful stuff to look at all around the walls.

Prompt and attentive service, and all freshly made from scratch food. On offer is an impressively large (if not borderline overwhelming , and diverse menu prominently featuring a huge variety of (at least a dozen or more signature burgers, alongside an equally impressive selection of traditional comfort food favorites, which also includes vegetarian, and even gluten-free options. Rounding out the retro experience, they even offer ice cream and milkshakes as well (I didn 't notice whether they have counter seating, but I don 't think so . This isn 't sophisticated food, but what they 're doing, they 're doing well. Many similar places end up being a letdown on their side dishes, but all of our sides were unexpectedly excellent as well. Like many of their competitors in this league, they could have been forgiven for offering par for the course frozen appetizers and sides like so many chain restaurants have, but in the case of my side dishes (onion rings and mac and cheese , and to my immense surprise, both were fresh, made from scratch in-house, and very good. Portion sizes are generous, and you can be confident you won 't leave hungry. The indoor ambience (outdoor patio seating is also available was kitcshy (in a good way , but clean and well maintained with lots of car-centric (you ARE in a place called Hot Rods after all '50s themed tchotchkes and memorabilia--right in line with what you 'd expect from a retro-themed diner/burger joint. What 's more, it 's a far cry from garish '50s theming cobbled together by amateurs (even if it might strike some as being slightly busy or man-cavey . From the pastel color schemes to the vintage advertising, and even the more subtle detail touches and nuances like '50s style tables, chairs, and banquettes, this is car-centric, '50s theming carried through and through, and thoughtfully executed. It 's by no means any kind of stretch to say that aside from not being in a period correct , '50s style building, 'Hot Rods ' would be right at home with the numerous retro-themed roadside diners found along Route 66. Finally, their prices are also quite reasonable, and worth every penny, making it an excellent value for the money. There 's no shortage of burger joints and other similar places that try to do what 'Hot Rods ' does, but precious few which aren 't on Route 66 do it this well. An excellent and impressive experience all around!

This was one of the very first restaurants with vegan options that we discovered on our initial visit to the Knoxville area. Our server was also vegan, and he gave us lots of tips! They have an ENTIRE vegan menu, be sure to ask for it. The menu also notes items that are also Gluten Free, which could be an example to restaurants everywhere. There are so many options! They serve Beyond Burgers, which I 'm not a fan of, but also serve two other homemade vegan burgers that I hope they never retire! I think the black bean is my favorite, but I 'll gladly eat either one. The tip our original server gave us was to order the homemade patties cooked for 14 minutes, which we always do! For a side I usually order the ribbon fries because I think that means the thin French fries. Each time I 'm wrong, and they come out as spiralized potatoes, fried, that are more like potato chips. Next time I 'm ordering traditional fries. Nothing against the ribbon fries, I 'm just more of a French fry gal! We 've brought out of town guests, and they just love the 50s vibe. I 've never been disappointed in anything I 've gotten here.

Awesome place! Great cheeseburger with gluten free bun and fries! Definitely will be on our return list!

The menu here can't be beat! It's extensive and creative and we've never ordered anything that wasn't phenomenal! You have to get a shake for dessert!!!!