Balter Beerworks — Restaurant in Knoxville

Buckle in -- this review is important. We are on a 13 hour road trip from Cape May, NJ to Nashville, and back again in 2.5 days. This stop was totally unnecessary because we were determined to stay on the major roadways and not deviate (to save time), but needing a sit-down stop from this crazy long drive, we chose this brewery because it was close to the major roadways, it was one of the few breweries open in the area, and the reviews were great.

First: Kolton, our server, was one of the best, most upbeat, positive, and thoughtful servers we've encountered in a long while. He thought of everything, made excellent suggestions, exclaimed when we ordered something that was a favorite of his (I love when servers do this because it makes me feel like I'm choosing wisely in a new place!), and was at the ready refilling drinks before I even noticed I was close to asking for it. 10, glowing, enthusiastic stars for Kolton and the servers.

Second: The beer was delicious. We are road tripping, so we can't so our usual flight and extensive taste test, but the Wazacca was DELICIOUS. It's their hazy, and was not too tart or grapefruity, and it went down smoothly and easily. Seriously SO good.

Finally: The. FOOD. I don't know what wizardry is happening in that kitchen, but holy Ancho Chicken Quesadillas, Batman! We started with the Guacamole -- very tasty, and the tortilla chips were thick and held up super well, and had a yummy seasoning. Recommend. We had: Ancho Chicken Quesadillas, Fish and Chips, Club Sandwich, and Grilled Chicken Sandwich. If you aren't getting the Ancho Chicken Quesadilla, you're doing it wrong. It was SO perfectly seasoned, and with the dirty rice and beans?! Pure magic. Make sure you add on the queso to dip it in!! MUST. Seriously. The Fish and Chips had the perfect batter and cook to them that I almost had order envy. Flaking and ((moist)) Fish inside, crunchy yummy on the outside. The cole slaw was even incredible! The Club sandwich is so thick my teenager almost couldn't take a bite! Amazing. And the chips were thickly sliced and crunchy and incredible. The Grilled Chicken Sandwich had flavor and tenderness, and the sweet potato waffle fries were thick, seasoned magnificently, and crunchy.

All in all, PIN THIS PLACE to your map! You will find yourself doing what we did all lunch: wondering how on earth we could force another mandatory trip to Knoxville just so we could...

Driving through Knoxville on a 9 hour trip, we decided to stop for a relaxing meal at this dog-friendly patio. My partner enjoys trying local brews everywhere we travel, so this seemed like just the place for us.

We were seated immediately, and our dogs were given a bowl of water. It's a nice patio, and it was moderately busy for a Sunday brunch/lunch time.

Our orders were taken in a reasonably timely manner. Beer was served and is actually pretty good.

That's where the good times end at Balter. After waiting an hour (or more-we lost track) for our orders, and watching surrounding tables being served their orders, (placed well after ours), our patience had expired. My water was never refilled. I attempted to make eye contact with our server as she passed us multiple times, saying nothing, and apparently trying to ignore us.

When we finally asked what was taking so long, we were given the typical excuse about being busy. When I pointed out how others that arrived after us had received appetizers AND entrees already, she said she'd get a manager. He doubled down on the canned excuses, claiming a "bottle neck in the kitchen". Not buying it. That was clearly not the case.

I understand things happen in food service. Orders get dropped in the kitchen, servers forget to input or any number of other things can happen. What I don't get, and cannot accept, however, is lying and making excuses. Yes, I would have still been upset for long service times, but an honest and forthright answer would have softened a very disappointing experience there.

Service means a lot. This place is poorly managed. Customers and their time are neither respected nor...

Visited here on several occasions, think I just wanted to like this experience. Great location, enjoyable atmosphere, but just can't overlook the table service or the food. The bartenders are very attentive, but their limited to their seats. Once you're sat at a table the service is very slow and lacking. Hard to find your server when you need something unless they want to check on you. Now the food...can't honestly say I've had anything that I would brag about or rush back to have again. Some experiences were ok, but the food always took way too long and came out lukewarm. The last meal we attempted here, we had a special they had on the menu. The whole thing was stone cold, pasta was clumped, the top-end beef was way, way, way overcooked it didn't even look appetizing. Even with how hungry we were, we sent it back, finished our drinks and left. We've also tried several of their beers, which have not been bad, but not so much to our liking. Most recently, we went to have their Irish Stout, came across more like a really dark ale. While drinking it we heard several customers complaining about their food orders. Too many other local breweries that have, in my opinion, better options. Can't say I would recommend going here, but if you don't try it for yourself you won't know if you...