A few months ago, the signage at 7355 Kingston Pike in West Knoxville bore the name: Doc’s All American Grille. Just a couple years prior, the eatery was known as Ray’s. Now, the space has been revamped yet again and is called The Alley.
Located close to West Town Mall, The Alley sits across from Chili’s in West Hills. The exterior boasts a semi-upscale yet casual aesthetic that helps to set it apart from many of the chain-restaurants that occupy the area. There is also a stage that looks out on to ample outdoor seating, making it a great spot to grab some food and drinks while enjoying live music.
Inside the dimly lit building, you will have no problem locating the grandiose bar that beckons your attention. The drink selection is fairly extensive, and for a Monday evening there were a good number of folks enjoying the bar. For the viewing pleasure of its patrons, the bar provides large televisions on the walls overhead, making it a great space to watch a game.
My dinner companions and I spent a fair amount of time pursuing the menu. Questioning choices like Parmesan duck tots and cash cakes — essentially tacos in a pancake-like shell — my dinner companions settled on a margherita flatbread and fish ‘n’ chips, while I opted for the “Black Bean Portabella Cali,” which was a double-stack black bean burger and a humongous portabella mushroom instead of ground-beef patties.
Both the fish ‘n’ chips and my meal came with a side item, and while they offer seven sides aside from French fries, you can also choose from seven different types of fries. Of all the choices, the option that caught my eye and stirred my curiosity the most was garbanzo fries. Though they were a challenge to eat, each little deep-fried garbanzo bean was delicious and definitely an interesting change-up from typical forms of fried potatoes.
Another noteworthy feature of the restaurant aside from its variety was the overall affordability. Soups and salads are available for an average price of $6, while an array of interesting shareable plates range in price from $6-$12. Small plates, flats and pies and gourmet burgers make up the menu, offering something for almost everyone’s taste and price point. Rounding out the menu are entrees like “Pride of the Southland Salmon” with corn relish, sweet tomato jam, cheddar grits and moonshine glazed “Drunken Chicken”.
For dessert, try a signature fried brownie because this is the South and fried foods are just good for the soul.
Moving forward, this newly re-imagined restaurant seems to have many key ingredients that should ensure its success. In order to guarantee The Alley has greater longevity than its predecessors though, I think the challenge will be for the restaurant to find their “special sauce” that will allow it to become a Knoxville staple and not just another Knoxville memory.
