Sam and Andy’s – Knoxville Tennessee

We were out and about running errands in Farragut and west Knoxville Tennessee.  Friends Norm and Linda had told us about Sam and Andy’s West, not too far from Costco.  We’d driven by it many times but we’d always already eaten or we weren’t in the mood for sandwiches, which is all we thought were offered here.

So this time, we finally stopped in to give it a try…

This Sam and Andy’s location is situated on one end of a small strip shopping center… There is another location, actually the original, in north Knoxville.

This is a view of the counter area where you place your order.  Interestingly, they don’t ask you to pay when you order…or when your food is delivered.  The cash register is located at the other end of the counter to the left of the refrigerated display case.  You go up to the cash register to pay for your meals when you're done eating...sort of an honor system.

I’m not big on booths or stationary plastic benches with backs, but in this case they were OK for a short time while we ate lunch.  The restaurant was busy…apparently very popular with the locals.

Laurie took this photo of yours truly looking at the menu display.  I noted that although the focus of the menu is on sandwiches of one type or another, there were several pasta offerings including a ribeye steak with spaghetti for $15.99. 

FYI…the staff at Sam and Andy’s is very friendly and chatty, as well as eager to please.  The Sam and Andy’s in the Fountain City area of Knoxville claims to be the oldest restaurant in the city.  It was founded in 1946.

I don’t care for onions but our friends had given them ‘2 thumbs up’ and Laurie ordered some to go with her sandwich.  While they weren’t the best she’s ever had, they were very good…and plentiful too.  She had to leave about half the basket behind.  A full order of Fried Onion Rings is $4.50.  

For her sandwich, Laurie ordered the Hot Pastrami with Provolone Cheese.  It turned out the sandwich was served on a dark rye sub bun. ($7.95) She liked her sandwich…at least in comparison to other Hot Pastrami offerings in the Knoxville area.  Nothing here compares to hot pastrami we’ve enjoyed in Boston, Chicago, New York or Florida.

I went for the old standby, a Cheeseburger with lettuce…in this case a Vol Burger with only the ingredients that I like on it. ($7.99) The burger was overcooked and it lacked that ‘beefy flavor’.  The French fries were OK.  I can think of 6 or more restaurants in the area where I can get a better burger.  I’d gladly pay a buck or so more for quality…

We thought that the prices at Sam and Andy’s were reasonable and the staff was great.  Warning – They only accept payment in cash or check.  No credit cards or cash cards.

Sam and Andy’s West is located at 2613 West Adair in Knoxville…but the big sign on the front of the restaurant faces Kingston Pike or U.S. 11/70.  Phone: 865-675-4242.  Website: https://www.samandandysrestaurant.com/about-us.

Just click on any of the photos to enlarge them…

Thanks for stopping by for a visit!

Take Care, Big Daddy Dave