Potchke Bagel — Restaurant in Farragut

Simply put, go. Try something new from the menu that you wouldn't normally order. The chefs here have crafted really beautiful flavors in their sandwiches that surprise and delight.

If you want to know why that's my review, read on:

I've been in a "healthy" amount of times but usually with a 3 year old. So, my normal order was the Potchke Delight as it has the perfect amount of comfort flavors for a 3 year old with a dip into an elevated egg sandwich for me. (And, we'd get a sweet bagel too because we can't - and won't - miss out on a good thing.)

Through the alignment of all the things in the universe, I was able to go to Potchke Bagel with my bestfriend without any of our children. I didn't have to get the Potchke Delight! Her and I split the Beets Me and a cinnamon raisin bagel with cinnamon schmere.

When I tell you we didn't speak for a good 7 minutes, I'm not exaggerating. The Beets Me made the world go silent (and the restaurant was busy). The sandwich was glorious- we were in awe of the flavors that mashed and danced and surprised with every bite! We were really disappointed that we didn't have more once our halves were finished. And no offense to the sweet bagel that was waiting for us, but it was a let down- which is saying something because it's also incredibly good. Just, not as good.

Then today came. About 2 weeks after that mind altering sandwich (one that my friend and I called and talked about for days after), I went in to order a whole one for myself. It's no longer on the menu.

I think my sadness was recognized by the cashier and the manager (he had all the answers so I'm thinking that's who he is). They explained the local farmer (from whom the beets were supplied) had no more beets to give as Potchke had used them all. Which is great for Potchke and the farmer, sad for me.

Nevertheless, they recommended the cauliflower sandwich and I will say... it's freaking good. Like real good. Like, OK, if I had this instead of the beets me 2 weeks ago- this would have altered my mind. (Don't read this part if you haven't seen Ratatouille: this sandwich to me is like the scene where the critic tries the ratatouille from Remy and is transported back to his childhood cottage where he's eating his mom's version.) This tastes like the Indian food my mom used to make when I was little... but inside a jalapeño bagel which tastes way better than rotli (sorry, mom).

Also, the people working here are so genuinely nice. They take a moment to recognize you, help you navigate the very exciting menu, and make sure your food is lovingly made from ordering to creating to delivering.

However they are able to make this magic needs to...

It’s Finally Here! We’ve been eagerly waiting for Potchke to open in our neighborhood, and we couldn’t be happier that they’ve finally arrived! As a huge fan of the original Potchke location, I was thrilled to hear about this new spot opening just a few minutes from our house.

Potchke Bagel, the younger sister to Potchke, does not disappoint! The space is perfect for a quick breakfast or lunch, or even as a cozy spot to work. We really needed a place like this in Cedar Bluff! There’s plenty of seating, lots of outlets, Wi-Fi, and beautiful natural light streaming through the large windows. Plus, you get a peek into the kitchen to watch the magic of babka-making and bagel-baking – I love it!

We visited on opening day, Wednesday morning. There was a short line of about six people ahead of us, but it moved quickly. I ordered the whitefish sandwich on a sesame bagel and a slice of cinnamon babka, while my husband got an everything bagel with plain schmear and an oat milk latte. Everything was packed to go and packaged perfectly.

The whitefish sandwich was absolutely delicious – a generous portion and big enough to share since it was neatly cut in half. My husband’s everything bagel with schmear was excellent, with a generous amount of creamy schmear. I also loved that the bagel was packed open-faced, making it easy to share or add your own veggies at home. The babka was the cherry on top – a generous slice, perfectly sweet, with those wonderfully caramelized, slightly burnt edges that are irresistible.

We’re beyond happy to have Potchke Bagel in our neighborhood and are confident in their success. We’ll definitely be...

I was so happy to have a new bagel place in West Knoxville. Sadly, the five star experiences described by other reviews were nowhere to be found today.

We waited 30 minutes for 2 bagels and a slice of babka. That's the time from ordering to getting the food. The line is another matter. By the time we left, people were having to ask those in line to move just they could throw away their trash at the only trash can available. When we went to leave (as there was limited seating, with much of it blocked by others waiting), we had to push through a crowd to reach an exit. Seriously close to fire hazard levels of crowding.

The crazy part is I don't get why there's such a line. The menu is INCREDIBLY limited, with like 5 bagel and shmear options. No Asiago, Whole Grain, or Chive spread options (they had a dill and leek one, if you don't mind dill). The prices for anything more than the most basic options are quite high ($15 for a bagel sandwich?!). Also, expect to get prompted for a tip before you wait half an hour for food you'll pick up at the counter and then clean up yourself.

When our order finally arrived, we rushed home to enjoy it. We got one good bagel that was a little burned on bottom and one uncooked bagel that was also inexplicably burnt on the outside. The plain spread was also so thin that it was runny. The chocolate babka was so dry and bland that it was like eating a microwaved pastry from Starbucks.

The best thing I can say about the place is the kitchen is open and gorgeous. It's part of the reason for the cramped dining room.

We were so excited to try this place. Sadly, we won't...