This No-Frills Tennessee Restaurant Serves Filling Meals for Under $13

Craving a hearty breakfast that does not wreck your budget? Pete’s Restaurant & Coffee Shop in downtown Knoxville has been fueling locals with generous plates and classic diner comfort for decades. With most meals under 13 dollars, you get old-school charm, quick service, and flavors that feel like a warm hug. Let me show you the best picks, the insider tips, and why this spot earns those glowing reviews.

1. Classic Country Breakfast Plate

Start your morning strong with Pete’s Classic Country Breakfast, a plate that lands like a friendly handshake. You get fluffy eggs, your way, plus crisp bacon or sausage with just the right sizzle. Golden hash browns carry that perfect diner crust, and buttered toast stands ready for jelly.

This plate is all about balance and comfort, served hot and fast for under 13 dollars. You taste freshness in every bite without any fuss. Pull up a stool, sip coffee, and watch the grill line move like clockwork.

If you want extra fuel, add gravy or swap in a biscuit. The crew will steer you right. It is straightforward Knoxville goodness, priced so you can come back tomorrow.

2. Biscuits and Sausage Gravy

These biscuits mean business. Tall, tender, and lightly browned, they break open into soft layers that drink up the house sausage gravy. The gravy is creamy, peppery, and full of meaty crumbles that deliver comforting heft without going heavy.

You will want to slow down and savor, but the plate disappears fast. For under 13 dollars, this is pure Southern value that sticks with you in the best way. Ask for a side of eggs to make it a full breakfast.

The kitchen times it right so the biscuits arrive hot and the gravy glossy. It is the kind of simple that feels special on a weekday. Bring an appetite and a little extra napkin space.

3. Pete’s Pancake Stack

Soft, airy, and evenly browned, Pete’s pancakes are the definition of honest diner comfort. A pat of butter melts into the ridges as warm syrup pools along the edges. The texture lands right between tender and springy, so every forkful feels satisfying.

Add bacon or sausage if you want a salty counterpoint. Under 13 dollars, this stack fits weekday budgets and weekend cravings. The coffee helps the sweetness sing without overwhelming the bite.

Order a short stack if you are pacing yourself. Go full stack when you need fuel for Market Square exploring. Either way, the griddle work here shows off decades of practice, and you can taste that quiet confidence.

4. Grits Bowl With Eggs and Cheese

Comfort in a bowl, this combo layers creamy grits with melty cheddar and your choice of eggs. The grits are smooth and gently salted, a perfect canvas for pepper and hot sauce if you like a kick. It is hearty without feeling heavy.

You will appreciate the budget friendly price, keeping it comfortably under 13 dollars. Add bacon crumbles or sausage for extra protein and still stay thrifty. The bowl format makes it easy to enjoy at the counter.

Ask for butter on the side to tailor richness. Pair with coffee for a classic Southern morning rhythm. Simple, filling, and relaxed, this is Pete’s doing what it does best.

5. House Omelet With Vegetables

The house omelet arrives folded just right, packed with peppers, onions, mushrooms, and a gentle blanket of cheese. It is colorful, satisfying, and not greasy, which keeps the flavors bright. Hash browns and toast round out the plate like trusty sidekicks.

Customize it with ham or bacon if you want extra punch. Even with add ons, you can keep it below 13 dollars, which feels like a win in downtown Knoxville. The kitchen nails timing so the eggs stay tender.

Grab a booth if you are settling in, or sit at the counter for fast turnover. Either way, you leave full and happy. It is a dependable favorite that makes weekday mornings easier.

6. Fried Bologna Sandwich

There is something perfect about a fried bologna sandwich cooked on a seasoned grill. Pete’s toasts the bread, crisps the edges of the bologna, and adds simple toppings that let the nostalgia shine. A swipe of mustard ties it together.

It is lunch that eats like a memory and costs well under 13 dollars. Add chips or a side of slaw for crunch without breaking the budget. The portion hits a sweet spot between snack and feast.

Order it when you want classic Tennessee flavor without fuss. It pairs nicely with sweet tea or a refillable soda. You will finish satisfied and probably plan a repeat visit.

7. Meat-and-Three Lunch Special

This is the southern lunch playbook done right. Choose a main like fried chicken or meatloaf, then pile on three sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese, or slaw. A warm cornbread square usually joins the fun.

The value is undeniable, keeping you under 13 dollars while delivering a belly filling plate. Portions are generous but not wasteful. You can mix lighter sides if you want balance.

Ask the server about daily options because the lineup rotates. It is the kind of meal that makes the afternoon easier. Simple, friendly, and fast, the special shows why Pete’s stays busy.

8. Coffee Refills and Pie Slice

You come for breakfast, but coffee keeps you lingering. Pete’s pours a straightforward cup that pairs well with a rotating slice of pie, often fruit filled or cream topped. It is an afternoon reset or a sweet finish after lunch.

Budget wise, a refill and a slice still stay friendly to the wallet, typically under 13 together depending on selection. The mug warmth and easy conversation make time slow down a bit. It feels like community in a cup.

Ask what pies are fresh that day. Take your time with each sip and forkful. It is a humble ritual that fits Pete’s daytime only rhythm perfectly.