Exciting New Tastes at South Knoxville’s Kern’s Food Hall
Welcome to the delightful foodie scene in South Knoxville, where the buzz is all about the latest openings at Kern’s Food Hall! Since it opened its doors, this lively food hall has captured the excitement of food lovers, and with the recent arrivals of two new vendors, Amaryllis Taqueria and T. Ralph’s Burgers, it was time for us to dive back in and explore what tasty offerings await.
Amaryllis Taqueria: A Taco Lover’s Dream
First stop was Amaryllis Taqueria, which has been serving up tantalizing tacos for a while now. As I eagerly scanned the menu, I noticed that it mainly revolves around tacos, offering both street-style options with corn tortillas and Tex-Mex choices with flour tortillas. Since I couldn’t resist the allure of street tacos, I decided to go for an order of three. After all, why not sample a variety?
The available meats included al pastor, fajita chicken, and fajita steak, so I happily selected one of each. Add that to my choice of sides, and I was set! While the menu also offers some exciting starters such as Mexican street corn, nachos, and several delicious dips including guacamole and queso, I was too eager to jump straight into my taco feast.
As I waited, I was tempted by the sides available – black beans, charro beans, brown rice, and even birria consome. However, the cilantro lime rice caught my attention, so that became my sidekick for the meal. I was anxious to taste those juicy tacos!
T. Ralph’s Burgers: A Nod to Richy Kreme
Meanwhile, The Grub Spouse headed over to T. Ralph’s Burgers. Being a big fan of Richy Kreme Donuts, hearing that T. Ralph’s is an offshoot of that beloved spot sealed the deal for us. With two delicious burger options in front of The Spouse, it was easy to choose. The Farmhand Burger had two smashed patties topped with sweet onions, cheese, pickles, and the signature Git Down sauce. But The Spouse decided on the B.Y.O.B. burger instead, customizing it with grilled onions, lettuce, and tomato.
Fries were a must-have, and The Spouse went for both the sweet potato and traditional fries—because why not indulge a little? With a modest charge for this combo, we figured it was worth it, and they had plenty of dipping options on the side.
An Unforgettable Meal Experience
As The Spouse’s burger was the first to arrive, I stole a few samples and was impressed with the rich flavors and fresh, house-baked buns. The fries were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, truly delightful! The Git Down sauce was a mysterious blend of condiments, but we opted for ketchup instead.
Just as The Spouse was finishing up, my tacos finally made their grand entrance. The grill took a bit longer than expected, but all was forgiven after one bite. Each taco showcased its distinctive flavors beautifully, with the fajita steak standing out as my personal favorite. I topped each taco with pico, shredded cheese, sour cream, and guacamole, and it was a flavor explosion!
The cilantro lime rice was a nice touch, although quite subtle in flavor compared to the boldness of the tacos. Overall, both Amaryllis Taqueria and T. Ralph’s Burgers made a delightful dining experience that honored the traditions of their respective cuisine.
A Culinary Adventure Awaits
Kern’s Food Hall continues to impress with its ever-expanding lineup of food vendors, inviting guests to indulge in a variety of flavors and experiences. We definitely recommend taking a trip down to Kern’s, located at 2001 Kerns Rising Way, open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and until 10 p.m. on weekends. Enjoy the fun, casual vibe while exploring all the mouthwatering options available!
So, whether you have a craving for tacos or a juicy burger, Kern’s is the place to be for food enthusiasts looking to elevate their taste buds and enjoy a fun outing.
