Loving the extra daylight? These 5 restaurants and bars around Knoxville have great views

Some restaurants and bars serve up scenic views that are hard to beat in and outside of Knoxville.

Whether it's overlooking the waterfront or the Great Smoky Mountains, the view can even be the best part of the experience. It helps that the food and drinks are top notch too.

One of these restaurants require a bit of a drive outside of Knoxville, but it's worth it based on the dining, atmosphere and scenery alone. These five restaurants and bars have fantastic views that elevate the culinary art on display above what Knoxville has to offer on a day to day basis.

Dancing Bear Lodge and Appalachian Bistro

Located in Townsend, Dancing Bear Lodge and Appalachian Bistro at 7140 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway is a fine dining experience about 35 minutes away.

The restaurant itself is located on a mountain right before entering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The restaurant is in the woods, providing a secluded experience with a view into the valley and of the mountains.

The menu changes seasonally with new dishes added. Right now, a few main courses listed online are the truffled filet mignon, North Carolina rainbow trout and grits, sweet tea brined pork chop and sorghum glazed chicken.

The restaurant is open 5-9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Reservations can be made online at dancingbearlodge.com.

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

Located on the Tennessee River, Ruth's Chris Steak House at 950 Volunteer Landing Lane is one of the main scenic restaurant experiences in Knoxville.

The restaurant overlooks South Knoxville, the river and the Gay Street Bridge. You can enjoy a variety of steaks including filet mignon, New York Strip or ribeye from the comfort of a table inside or outside. The menu also includes dishes with seafood and chicken.

The restaurant is open 4-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4-9 p.m. Sunday. Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant at 865-546-4696 or online at ruthschris.com.

Lakeside Tavern

Bringing it closer to home, Lakeside Tavern is at 10911 Concord Park in West Knoxville. It overlooks the waterfront to provide a great view while you dine outside of downtown.

The menu features steak, fish and chicken. Signature dishes include shrimp and grits, chicken pasta and Mediterranean pasta. Salads, burgers and pizza to order also are listed.

Lakeside Tavern is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Seating is available when you walk in or by calling ahead at 865-671-2980.

Radius Rooftop Lounge

Radius Rooftop Lounge is right in the heart of downtown at the Embassy Suites Hotel at 507 S. Gay St.

It doesn't serve any food, but it makes up for that with a view of the entire city and an extensive drink menu made to order at the circular bar.

Radius is open 5-11 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, until midnight Wednesday and Thursday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday and 2 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday.

Reservations for a private cabana can be made online at radiusrooftopbar.com.

Five Thirty Lounge

Located across the street from Radius, Five Thirty Lounge can be found in the Hyatt Place Hotel at 530 S. Gay St.

This is another elevated bar overlooking Knoxville. Its menu features cocktails, mocktails, wine, beer and whiskey. Those looking to eat are in luck as Five Thirty Lounge has a food menu, too, with poke bowls, Wagyu sliders, chicken satay and hand rolls.

The bar is open 4-11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, until midnight Friday and Saturday and 2-8 p.m. Sunday. Reservations can be made online at fivethirtylounge.com.

Keenan Thomas reports for the Knox News business growth and development team. You can reach him by email at keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com. Support strong local journalism and unlock premium perks at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knoxville restaurants and bars with a view from downtown to Smokies