By Mary Arsenault, Staff Writer, and Ashlyn Swaggerty, Contributing Writer
What’s something that everyone at Pellissippi State Community College has in common? We all have to eat! Sometimes deciding where to go, especially on a busy day, can seem daunting. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of restaurants located on Hardin Valley Road.
Fast Food
Need to be back to campus quickly? Don’t sweat it, there are many fast food options within a 5-minute drive from campus! Here are the closest restaurants with drive-throughs:
- Chick-fil-A (10909 Spring Bluff Way)
- McDonald’s (10708 Hardin Valley Road)
- Zaxby’s (10806 Hardin Valley Road)
- Wendy’s (2060 Castaic Lane)
- Arby’s (10816 Hardin Valley Road)
- Subway (10612 Hardin Valley Road)
Pro tip: if you frequent any of these places, make sure to download their app to get rewards and discounts!
Walk in/ Sit down
Not feeling fast food and have some time to kill? There are also a couple of places located nearby that are good for something in-between fast food and a traditional sit down restaurant. You’re able to order at the counter and sit down inside, so you can eat there but don’t have to wait on a server, assuring you won’t run late. Some of the best options on Hardin Valley Drive include:
Brown Bag (10636 Pentwater Dr.)
This is a popular spot, but even at a busy lunch hour, I was able to find a table and I got my food quickly. They have grilled chicken, grilled steak, fish or chicken tacos, and more. Their sides are just as delicious, from mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables, Jalapeño corn casserole, to a delicious salad. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss their banana pudding– it’s top notch. They also offer free Wi-Fi, so it’s a good place for a working lunch when you need it.
Firehouse Subs (10728 Hardin Valley Road)
I’m sure you’ve all heard of this fireman themed sub shop, but you may have not heard that they offer a discount for Pellissippi State students. Not only do they offer this exclusive deal, but also good chill vibes. It’s a great place to sit and work on some homework or chat with a lunch buddy. If you’re lucky, they may even let you have one of the plastic fireman hats that everyone knows and loves!
Maple Street Biscuit Company (10837 Hardin Valley Road)
This is the perfect place to go after a morning class! They are known for delicious breakfast foods like biscuit sandwiches, breakfast tacos, and chicken and waffles. They also offer a variety of coffees if you need a pick-me-up. You can take your pick of tables inside and some of the larger tables have board games like Jenga for you and your friends to play.
Other honorable mentions: Hard Knox Pizza (which offers gluten-free pizza), Victor’s Taco Shop, Tomo Poke Bowl, and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit.
Traditional Restaurant
What if you want that sit and serve experience you can only get from a traditional restaurant? There’s several options for that as well! These places are great for grabbing a meal with friends, classmates, or even just by yourself!
Country Burrito Fresh Mex (10636 Hardin Valley Road)
This is my personal go-to sit down restaurant near campus. It may share a wall with a gas station, but don’t let that deter you from trying it out! They use fresh ingredients and prepare delicious food at a reasonable price. The servers are attentive and very friendly, even during a dinner rush, and the restaurant itself has a fun yet comfortable ambiance that feels very welcoming. They have multiple televisions around the restaurant and keep a decent variety of shows on for patrons to watch, but almost always have at least one TV showing FailArmy. So, if you’re in the mood for queso and silly cat videos, this is the place for you!
Mikita Japanese Grill (10918 Spring Bluff Way)
With tables for sit-down dining and also do a lot of to-go orders if you’re in a hurry, Mikita is the way to go for Japanese cuisine nearby. The staff is very friendly and they offer sushi, hibachi, and bubble tea. There are lots of sushi options for under $10, including the classic Philly Roll (pictured) for only $8.50 and hibachi starting at $12.50– a steal for hibachi– and is a great option for a quick inexpensive lunch.
Double Dogs (10639 Hardin Valley Road)
This is your typical crowd pleasing restaurant with something for everyone, offering American favorites such as burgers, hot dogs, and wings but are not limited to just the classics; there are specialty versions of these meals that make it worth the trip. One of their unique menu items is their “double crunchy Gene’s Wings,” served with “Double Dog Dare You” hot sauce! They also offer indoor and outdoor seating, making it a solid choice all year round.
Drinks
Only need a drink? There are a few places close by for that too.
Sunago Coffee Co. (10736 Hardin Valley Road)
Sunago, the only real coffee shop in Hardin Valley, has a quiet, relaxing vibe and plenty of space to sit and take a break or do homework. They offer a variety of classic coffees, like hot and iced lattes, drip coffee, and espresso, as well as seasonal specials, which currently include Cinnamon-Brown Sugar-Irish Cream, Pumpkin Spice, and S’mores. They also serve ice cream and pastries, including croissants, muffins, and bagels. This is a must try for coffee lovers.
Tealicious (10720 Hardin Valley Road)
This Bubble Tea, Coffee and Tea spot is such a fun place to hang out and relax or lock in for some homework. The bright space makes for a fun, welcoming environment and they have so many options to choose from (I recently tried their orange fruit tea with strawberry and it was delicious)! As a bonus, it was priced very reasonably, especially compared to other local places. They have board games out and available for customers to use and plenty of tables to sit at and sip and/or play. Visit Tealicious if you love bubble tea or want to give it a try.
Xül Beer Company (10677 Hardin Valley Road)
This one is for our 21+ crowd. Brewing their own beer in their downtown location, Xül has exclusive drinks only made by them. One of the most well known is the PB&J Mixtape, which tastes exactly how it sounds. Another unique feature of this taproom is their media room for patrons to sit and watch movies or sports while enjoying their drink. I can’t in good conscience recommend going between classes, but it’s the perfect spot to decompress after a stressful day.
All in all, there are many good, easy options to get food nearby campus. The only question now is what are you in the mood for?
