Background: Aubrey’s was founded in Knoxville, TN in 1992 by a university of Tennessee alumni. All of their locations are in and true to TN. Aubrey’s prides itself on the company's involvement in the communities they set up shop in.
On their website they explain that, “Giving back to the communities that have given us so much is at the core of who we are at Aubrey’s. Central to that commitment is our founder’s strong passion for the transformative power of education. To quote Aubrey himself, ‘education is the most important thing that can change the quality of life in a community.’ ”
First Impressions: The environment of Aubrey’s is very Southern comfort meets night out on the town. On one end of the restaurant is a closed off bar with high top tables and TVs for sports watching. The other end of the restaurant is more family style with tables and booths. There are plenty of windows to watch a beautiful TN sunset and the chalk art hanging around the room talks all about what Aubrey’s stands for.
Menu: Aubrey’s had so much variety it definitely felt like I didn’t even know where to start when it came to choosing a meal. Pa always orders spinach dip if any restaurant has it and their spinach con queso did not disappoint. Grandma said, “This is one of the best spinach dips I’ve ever had.” Next Grandma and I settled on the side platter to get a variety. I, for one, am very picky about my mac and cheese but theirs was delicious and creamy. The cinnamon apples were soft as they should be and the coleslaw had a great sweet sauce. FInally, the sweet potato fries were the best choice I made. With sugar sprinkled on top, I didn’t even need a dipping sauce. Pa had the crab cake and loved it. They offer a fresh catch of the day so if you are a seafood lover, Aubrey’s is a key spot to stop in.
Employees: Per usual I have no complaints about the service. The staff was kind, welcoming, and attentive. I never felt that my drink was running low or that I had to look for my server for long if I needed anything.
Aubrey’s is TN grown and fresh. Their menu has plenty of variety if you are going with a big group or even just picky eaters. Make sure not to miss it next time you are in the area.