Gus's World Famous fried Chicken - Lovell Rd — Restaurant in Knoxville

The reviews don’t lie- amazing fried chicken ;) I chose the 2 pc white combo with greens and mac & cheese, as well as the fried pickle spears w/ranch. My only “complaint” is not actually a complaint at all…just something I hadn’t realized before I actually visited: there’s no drive thru :’( Totally understandable as to why though! I just hate going inside places any more lol anyway detailed food review is below-

The chicken was hot, fresh, juicy, crisp (thin) exterior with a nice bit of kick to it! I’d say it would rank close to a fresh jalapeño in “spiciness” but definitely wouldn’t consider it too spicy for most people. If you’re on the fence with spice then go for the tenders instead as they’re supposed to be a bit tamer, spice wise.

The mac n cheese was good, and sure to be a hit with any kiddo! Creamy, extra cheesy, and even topped with some shredded cheese! Love that there were no “dried out” bits/edges that you’ll find at some restaurants.

The greens were ok but not my fave. This is simply a personal opinion based on the flavor and what I’m used to or prefer. While they were cooked perfectly and had a couple of sizable chunks of meat, they were a bit too sweet and lacking any salt. Again, it’s just a personal preference- nothing was actually wrong with them. I’m just not a fan of sweeter flavored greens.

The fried pickle spears (and ranch) were to die for!! If you’re a dill pickle lover then you MUST try these!! Nice crisp, crunchy exterior that is “gritty” in texture like cornmeal- not a smooth batter like some fried pickles tend to have. This helps the spears to stay on the firmer side instead of turning to mush. And the ranch is amazing!! I’m a “ranch aficionado” and super picky about my ranch- it can make or break whatever food it accompanies. Theirs is a perfect complement to the pickles. Freshly made and the correct consistency; not too thick and...

I’m from Memphis, so I’ve eaten Gus’s in the city where they started, before they became a chain. I stumbled across this newly opened restaurant during its “soft open” and—clearly—Knoxville has clearly discovered how good the Gus’s chicken is to be adding this new location.

I had a half chicken (Did I mention the chicken is good?) with the standard beans, slaw, and slice of white bread that comes with it.

(Another reviewer complained about the random piece of raw white bread served under the chicken, but that’s a southern tradition—it helps absorb chicken grease, it’s filler if you are still hungry, and handling a non-greasy section of bread after you’ve finished eating helps remove grease from your fingers.)

Despite the parking lot being packed to overflowing, and despite a long line to be seated, I was looking to grab and go. I ordered at the counter and walked out in under 5 minutes. (If the place is packed and you’re hungry, just get it to go.)

The chicken was hot, spicy, not too greasy, and moist. Perfection. The beans and slaw were ok, but you’re not going to Gus’s for beans and slaw. If you like your chicken even spicier, there’s hot sauce.

This Gus’s is serving fried chicken just like you’d get in the Memphis locations, and it was a real taste of home. Plus, it’s the easier of the two to get...

I love the other location so I was excited when this location opened alot closer to my home, I've been in here 3 times and was not impressed with the staff or the food the chicken was not fresh and my potato salad was watery and warm, they act like you're an inconvenience by coming in and are less than friendly if you're trying to place a to go order be prepared to stand there and be ignored for at least 5 to 10 minutes, this last time it was supposedly a hour prior to closing and not one staff member even spoke to me waited at the counter several minutes, another customer told me that they weren't serving anymore food so I just left, the whole place has a unfriendly vibe. I see the owner responded lol I'm sorry but if your management actually aimed to please no one would have to stand at the counter for several minutes without so much as a greeting or get out we are closing early?(several staff looked right at me and said NOTHING) so weird, I definitely won't be back, it's way too pricey for bad food AND bad service 👍p.s. I worked in food service for 30 yrs in management positions I know a thing or two about customer service and...