Meal Program

BIG EARS MEAL PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS AND INFORMATION

• • Meal tickets will be distributed with your credentials
• • Big Ears provides up to (4) meal ticket vouchers per day to staff and artists
• • Each meal ticket has a $10.00 value
• • Meal tickets can be redeemed at participating restaurants (below) for food and beverage items, excluding alcohol.
• • Multiple meal tickets may be applied to each meal/order Cash tips are appreciated, but not expected
• • Lost meal tickets will not be replaced/refunded
• • Tickets are only valid for the festival day indicated on the ticket

A DOPO SOURDOUGH PIZZA 516 Williams St

A Dopo is a dinner only, wood-fired pizzeria that specializes in sourdough, Neapolitan style pizzas. Our pizzas have a bubbly, charred crust and are minimally topped. Both wine and beer are served on tap as well as a thoughtful bottle menu. We also have a few small plates and some vegan options for our pizzas.

Hours: THU-SAT: 5 p.m.- 12 a.m. SUN: 5 p.m.- 10 p.m.

POTCHKE 318 N Gay St, Suite 103

Potchke is a sunny and hip all-day café inspired by the Jewish deli, offering babka, bialys, blintzes, and a vegetable focused, rotating menu – with full coffee and espresso service and plenty of couches and tables. Gluten free and vegan options available.

Hours: THU-SUN: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

THE TOMATO HEAD 12 Market Square

Inventive pizza, sandwich, and salad items. Options for omnivore, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.

Hours: THU: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. FRI: 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. SAT: 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. SUN: 10 a.m- 9 p.m.

NAMA SUSHI BAR 506 S Gay St

A fusion of Asian and American flavors created from the finest and freshest ingredients. From our sushi to our hot entree selections, we guarantee not to disappoint.

Hours: THU: 11 a.m.- 10 p.m., FRI-SAT: 11 a.m.- 11 p.m., SUN: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.

OLD CITY JAVA 109 S Central St

A local favorite serving downtown Knoxville since 1991. Speciality coffee, loose leaf tea, and scratch made pastries (from our bakery Wild Love Bakehouse).

Hours: THU- FRI: 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. SAT- SUN: 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.

KOPITA 507 S Gay St

Authentic Mediterranean cuisine

Hours: THU-SAT: 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. SUN: 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.

BABALU 412 S Gay St

Babalu features Latin-inspired tapas and tacos, fresh-squeezed craft cocktails, and an extensive Iberian wine selection in a lively, bohemian-styled atmosphere. Centered around a sustainably sourced menu shaped by local and seasonal ingredients, Babalu invites patrons into a warm, celebratory gathering space that captures the bright and eclectic spirit of Downtown Knoxville. Our scratch kitchen is able to accommodate a variet of dietary preference sand restriction in addition to offering vegan and vegetarian options.

Hours: THU- FRI: 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. SAT: 10 a.m.- 11 p.m. SUN: 10 a.m.- 10 p.m.

EMILIA 16 Market Square

Our handmade Italian restaurant  prides itself on bridging East Tennessee ingredients with the finest imported Italian products. Warm hospitality and a curators 100% Italian wine list enhances the dining experience.

Hours: THU-SAT: 5 p.m.- 11:30 p.m. SUN: 5 p.m.- 9 p.m.

SWEET P’S DOWNTOWN DIVE 410 W Jackson Ave

Locally owned and operated, Sweet P’s has been serving some of Knoxville’s best barbeque and Southern fare for over 15 years. As a Downtown staple, Sweet P’s prides itself on made from scratch soul food appealing to all palettes, including vegetarians. An eclectic vibe, including one of Downtown’s best outdoor spaces, makes Sweet P’s a great place to grab a bite on the go and enjoy local beers and wine all the while staying close to all the Big Ears action.

Hours: THU: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. FRI-SAT: 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. SUN: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.

TAKO TACO 235 W Depot Ave

Tako Taco is an airy restaurant with a large covered patio located adjacent to The Mill and Mine. Our food and drink menus are primarily Latin-inspired with hints of Asian influences and techniques. Eclectic entrees compliment a rotating menu of tacos served on handmade corn tortillas from sustainable sources masa. Curated cocktails, draft wine, and a variety of both local and Latin beers accompany the perennial favorite House Margarita.

Hours: THU: 5 p.m.- 12 a.m. FRI-SAT: 2 p.m.- 12 a.m. SUN: 12 p.m.- 6 p.m.

KAIZEN 127 S Central St

Conveniently located in the heart of the Old City, Kaizen is a locally owned restaurant that is heavily influenced by the cuisines of Southeast Asia, Japan and Thailand. Along with a large, partially covered patio, we offer a large selection of Japanese whiskeys, curated cocktails,  and craft beers from both near and far.

Hours: THU: 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. FRI-SAT: 11:30 a.m.- 3 p.m., 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. SUN: CLOSED

OLI BEA 211 S Central St

The farmers that we buy produce and meat from are not just order-takers, they are friends. Without the farmers, OliBea would not be what it is.

The OliBea Team – the OliBea Family – is second to none. These guys do the heavy lifting and deserve recognition. Of course, our family members come and go, but each person who works or has worked here holds a special place in my heart.

Hours: THU-FRI: 7 a.m.- 1 p.m. SAT-SUN: 8 a.m.- 2 p.m.

SMASH CITY KNOXVILLE 333 W Depot Ave

Smash Burgers, Hand Cut Fries, Chicken Smash Sandwiches, Black Bean Burger

Hours: THU: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. FRI-SAT: 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. SUN: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.

CHICK-N-SACK 333 W Depot Ave

We serve some of the best deep fried chicken seasoned with out Signature KTownKrack Seasoning

Hours: THU-FRI: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. SAT: 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. SUN: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.

FROTHY MONKEY 419 S Gay St

A TN favorite, this All-Day Cafe and coffee roaster in Downtown Knoxville serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an emphasis on quality, community, and local relationships. The thoughtfully designed menu includes fresh favorites, options for a variety of dietary needs, kids menu, a strong coffee program, and a full bar. Frothy Monkey’s food and drinks are made from scratch using original recipes and thoughtfully-sourced ingredients from regional farmers and producers whenever possible.

Hours: THU-SAT: 7 a.m.- 9 p.m., 10 p.m.- 1 a.m. SUN: 7 a.m.- 4 p.m., 10 p.m.- 1 a.m.

KIANGA’S KITCHEN 333 W Depot Ave

Vegan Soul Food. Kianga’s Kitchen is an all vegan food stall in the Marble City Market Food Hall. Our goal is to provide vegan meals with no processed foods with a taste to live for.

Hours: THU: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. FRI-SAT: 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. SUN: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.

SEOUL BROTHERS 333 W Depot Ave

Korean Fusion – Korean flavors in dishes that are approachable & delicious. Bap Bowls – Bibimbop with a twist, Bulgogi Banh Mi, Kimchi Fried Rice

Hours: THU: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. FRI-SAT: 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. SUN: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.

ENJOY LATIN FOOD TRUCK Street Party Food Vendor

We serve the best of South American foods. Empanadas, arepas, pupusa with a few offerings from Mexico

Hours: FRI-SAT: 1 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.

ALEBRIJES MEXICAN CUISINE TRUCK Street Party Food Vendor

We are a family business, we use family recipes, and prepare tacos, nachos, and quesadillas.

Hours: FRI-SAT: 1 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.

WELLS STATION BARBEQUE Street Party Food Vendor

The art of barbeque is primitive yet timeless. A style of cooking that transcends and unites all cultures. Wells Station BBQ is more than wood-fire cooking; it’s a passion aiming to gather community around delicious food, conversation, and friendship.

Hours: FRI-SAT: 1 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.