Cru Bistro and Wine Bar (Downtown)

The menu at Cru represents both new and exotic flavors as well as beautifully executed yet familiar selections. Small plates to savor are inspired by the Cru chefs’ wide-ranging experience: Sweet Cherry Pepper Calamari, Fried Chicken and Waffle, and the inimitable Cru tenderloin sliders with sautéed mushrooms and Boursin cheese. Diners who prefer a full entree will find choice selections like grilled salmon with blue crab butter, broccolini, and roasted grape tomato; or Dijon pork tenderloin with Benton’s bacon and Yukon potato hash and roasted corn. Then there are stone-fired bistro pizzas, a bit of Nama Sushi, sandwiches, and even a Cru Health menu, which is all gluten free. Plus, there’s an extensive selection of over 100 global wines by the glass, the flight, or the bottle.

From YUMMM!, the Metro Pulse restaurant guide:

Can it really be two years since Cru Bistro pioneered this area’s Small Plate and Wine Bar concept for those with curious palates and an appreciation for global cuisine? We’ve grown to love the Cru approach: a showcase of its chefs’ culinary repertoire—new and exotic flavors as well as beautifully executed yet familiar selections for one and all to enjoy.

But Cru corporate chef Anthony Fowler was never one to rest on his laurels, so he and the culinary team led by Cru Executive Chef Geoff Kenney expanded the menu to include full-size entrees with the same passion for flavor, texture, and impressive ingredients. Small plates to savor and socialize are inspired by the Cru chefs’ wide-ranging experience: a mere sample of the offerings includes Sweet Cherry Pepper Calamari, Fried Chicken and Waffle, and the inimitable Cru tenderloin sliders with sautéed mushrooms and Boursin cheese. Diners who prefer a full entree lose nothing in execution or inspiration: a few choice selections include grilled salmon with blue crab butter, broccolini, and roasted grape tomato; or Dijon pork tenderloin with Benton’s bacon and Yukon potato hash and roasted corn. Then there are stone-fired bistro pizzas, a bit of Nama Sushi, sandwiches, and even a Cru Health menu, which is all gluten free without sacrifice: wild mushroom and pesto pasta anyone?

Cru’s global wine program offers an exceptional complement to all its menu items, satisfying the casual explorer and seasoned aficionado alike. Staff at Cru are committed to finding the perfect pairing of food and wine for every palate. Cru also offers a extraordinary selection of wine by the glass, creative wine flights, and hosts wine dinners throughout the year. And for beer enthusiasts, there are 15 drafts in house.

What could be better than Cru? How about more Cru? Look for the opening of the second location at the newly renovated 100 Block of South Gay Street, situated directly next to Shuck Raw Bar and Ale, which is the newest concept from the Nama management group. In a few weeks, Cru Bistro looks forward to providing a memorable dining experience to guests in Downtown Knoxville as well as its original location in the Turkey Creek area—it’s all in the chef-inspired family. Cru is open every day for lunch and dinner, with a full brunch menu served every Sunday.

Restaurant Details

Locally Owned	Wifi	Patio	Live Music	Accepts Reservations	Party Room (20+)

Kids Menu	Delivers	Buffet	Waterfront	Vegetarian Dishes	Vegan Dishes

Bar Details

Happy Hour	Hard Liquor	Dance Floor	Live Music	Karaoke	Glow Sticks

Darts	Foosball	Pool Tables	Shuffleboard	Trivia Night	Outdoor Seating