Calhoun's, nestled beside the picturesque Melton Lake in Oak Ridge, TN, stands out as a beloved American restaurant, offering both delightful cuisine and incredible views. Customers rave about the "Ale" Pork Chop and the mouthwatering Smoked Prime Rib, with one customer noting the exceptional experience of enjoying their meal while watching fog roll over the lake. The warm and inviting atmosphere, cultivated by friendly staff members, enhances the dining experience. Notably, the service is consistently praised—servers like Amily and Nick go above and beyond to ensure guests feel cared for, even during busy times like the Mother's Day Buffet. The restaurant is also recognized for its family-friendly appeal, featuring a thoughtful kids' menu that includes BBQ Pork Sandwiches and Chicken Tenders. Patrons have expressed that Calhoun's is a place to return to—whether for a cozy night out or a celebratory meal with loved ones. The combination of excellent food, attentive service, and a stunning waterfront setting truly makes Calhoun's a gem in Tennessee's dining landscape. Whether you're local or just passing through, this establishment offers a memorable culinary experience that is hard to resist.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Photos
Reviews For Calhoun's
Kat
May 20,2025
I love calhoun's Smoked prime rib on Friday/Saturday. We had a rain shower for about 30 min and it created beautiful scene to look at. Enjoyed eating dinner watching the fog comes and goes. We ordered Smoked prime ribs and shrimp and Trio for dinner. Everthing tasted good. Amily, our server was sweet and provided a good service. We'll be back again.
CRB B
May 6,2025
The restaurant is absolutely amazing. Beautifully set beside the water. Friendly employees. The food was very good and pleasant atmosphere.
Nikki Smith
Apr 9,2025
Just wanted to share our experience at Calhoun's Restaurant in Oak Ridge, TN, during their fantastic Mother's Day Buffet! It was a busy day, and in the midst of it, I had an asthma attack while in the buffet line. I can’t thank Hunter, a server there, enough for stopping everything to help me until I could get my inhaler. His kindness truly went above and beyond! Once I was better, I needed to get plates for my 105-year-old grandmother and disabled mother. Nick, who was carving the meats, was incredibly accommodating and cut the perfect soft slices for them with a smile. Caitliyn, our waitress, was outstanding! She made sure our table of 7 never had empty drinks and kept everything cleared—definitely one of the best waitresses we’ve ever had. We asked for the manager to let her know about the great service, and she was prompt and friendly, and she really seemed happy that we shared appreciation for the staff. And let's not forget the food—it was amazing! I highly recommend Calhoun's Mother’s Day Buffet, but be sure to reserve your table at least a week in advance; it fills up fast!
KiM My
Apr 3,2025
So, we went on a road trip from Florida to Tennessee during Hurricane Helene. We were looking for a cozy place with good food, and this place totally delivered. The staff was super friendly, especially the hostesses. They gave us a great table with a beautiful view. Our waiter, Robbie, was awesome and took care of everything we needed. Even the manager, Kyle, came over to introduce himself since we heard about the restaurant from some locals. He assured us that if we needed anything, he'd be there for us. The food was incredible! I had the steak and shrimp, and the steak just melted in my mouth. It was seriously the best steak I've ever had. The whole experience was amazing, and we'll definitely be going back to Calhoun's the next time we're in Tennessee. There are a bunch of locations in the area, but the one in Oak Range has a gorgeous view of the lake.
Karen A Johns
Mar 27,2025
We were visiting the area and were surprised when several people recommended we eat here. Surprised because it's a chain. We usually seek out local small business but couldn't find anything open. So glad we went to Calhouns. The service was outstanding and the food we ordered was phenomenal. Get the appetizer nachos! SO good!
Dawn Heiselman
Mar 17,2025
Well, we often read reviews before going anywhere the reviews for 50/50, but we found Calhoun's to be the cleanest, the nicest, the best tasting food that we've had in our trips so far. Our waiter, Harley, was excellent right to the table, kept filling our drinks, answered our questions. The service that he put out was very good. The appetizer was spinach dip. It came with warm chips. My husband ordered the moist brisket with a salad and mashed potatoes. I got catfish breaded, it was breaded a little bit more than I like but it was still very good. You'll have no pictures of the broccoli, I got three huge spears of broccoli and it was cooked to perfection! Can't say enough nice things about this. It was a very pleasant experience. Our lunch was excellent. It is a must stop when you're in the area.
Ash
Mar 10,2025
Calhouns is a charming spot with reasonable pricing and a welcoming atmosphere. The service was excellent—our waiter was attentive and courteous throughout the visit. The views overlooking the lake were stunning, and we were lucky enough to catch a rainbow, which made the experience even more memorable. The Southern Salad was generous in portion, and the fried green tomatoes were a clear favorite at our table. The venue offers a well-sized bar, cozy indoor seating, and a vibrant patio, each with its own unique ambiance. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time here and look forward to returning.
Crystal Stapleton
Mar 5,2025
We didn’t have to wait long. Our view was excellent. Our server was in training and did an awesome job. The food was excellent. My fish was cooked perfectly and flaked just right. The spinach Maria was phenomenal. We enjoyed our St Patrick’s Day dinner.
Reviews For Calhoun's