Hungry before kickoff? Try these restaurants and bars before walking to Neyland Stadium

It's busy in Knoxville on game days. Really busy.

But how can you cheer on the Vols and walk to Neyland Stadium on an empty stomach? It's not a problem when you and your crew have a plan.

Fortunately, there are plenty of options near the University of Tennessee campus, in downtown Knoxville and in nearby neighborhoods. From plain old fast food burgers to bars to more traditional sit-down restaurants, give these places a try on a Knoxville game day.

On the Cumberland Avenue Strip

The Strip of Cumberland Avenue is the natural spot for Vols fans to congregate before the big games. It's walkable and has tons of options, even some you might not have considered.

Starting from the west end of Cumberland Avenue and moving toward campus:

• Sunspot - This community favorite sit-down spot has burgers, tacos and booze to match the game day vibe. Entrées and brunch also are available early on Saturdays.

• Cook Out - It's Southern fast food with a to-go window right on the outdoor patio. If it's not swamped, it's perfect place to get a quick bite! And those milkshakes are killer on a hot day.

• Victor’s Taco Shop - It's one of the Strip's best restaurants. You can never go wrong with a taco!

• Mellow Mushroom - You might want to get to Mellow Mushroom as soon as it opens at 11 a.m. Saturday so there's plenty of time order, dine and walk to the game. A full bar is available.

• Zaxby’s - It's one of two fried chicken places nearby. A quick Big Zax Snak meal is great on the go.

• Crave865 - One of the newer additions to this list, Crave865 serves gourmet hot dogs in a short amount of time. You can even pregame with drinks.

• Taco Bell - You already know the drill. But don't forget about the Mountain Dew Baja Blast freezes to beat the early season heat.

• McDonald’s - Honestly, you can't go wrong with a classic McDonald's hamburger before a game.

• Oscar’s Restaurant - Pizza, pasta and sandwiches. What more could you want?

• Poke Bros - A great protein supplier with fresh ingredients.

• Moe’s Southwest Grill - If you're craving Tex-Mex, Moe's on the Strip hits the spot.

• D.P. Dough - If you don't want pizza outright, D.P. Dough has you covered with its signature calzones.

• Aladdin Grill and Pizza - If you really can't make up your mind as you head toward campus, Aladdin Grill and Pizza has a huge menu.

• Saloon 16 - The most unapologetically Vols-focused restaurant and bar. Who knows, maybe you'll see Peyton Manning himself!

• Brenz Pizza - Another pizza option closer to the action. Plus there's a slew of specialty pizzas, wings, salads and sub sandwiches.

• Chipotle - If you want to feel full to avoid stadium prices, Chipotle is just right, though the wait might be a bit.

• Firehouse Subs - If you're looking for a good sub, Firehouse has you covered.

• Jai Dee Thai Kitchen - If you're craving Thai food or boba tea, you need to stop here before you finish the trek to Neyland Stadium.

• Gus’s Good Time Deli - It embodies the old guard of the Strip and campus, Gus's has American deli favorites. Plus there's beer!

• Raising Cane’s - The only location in Knoxville, the Raising Cane's on the Strip is a cult favorite.

• Panda Express - When you're feeling slightly exotic.

Wherever you start on the Strip, it's easy to get to Neyland Stadium. Head east on Cumberland Avenue until you reach the intersection with Phillip Fulmer Way and the Student Union, then turn right down that street until you arrive at the stadium.

On the fringe of Downtown Knoxville

There are, of course, tons of restaurants and bars in downtown Knoxville, but a few in particular are closer to Neyland Stadium.

On Saturday mornings, Matt Robb's Biscuits has breakfast fare. Other options on the west side of downtown are the French Market Creperie and Yassin's Falafel House. They're away from action in Market Square and all you have to do to get to the stadium is cross Henley Street via the pedestrian bridge nearby.

After crossing Henley Street, follow the crowds through World's Fair Park to campus and the stadium.

Another classic option is Calhoun's on the River right near the stadium. There's a full menu, a full bar and more orange-clad fans than you could ever count. Walking from here, follow the Neyland Drive greenway until you reach the Tickle College of Engineering buildings and the stadium.

A few options at University Commons

The four restaurants that are farthest out but still within walking distance are on University Commons Way where Publix is located (it's the grocery store that's great for tailgate supplies and beer). These four are Silvia's Mexican Restaurant, Jersey Mike's Subs, Domino's and Fieldhouse Social.

How to get to the stadium from here: Walk south along University Commons Way and then turn left on Joe Johnson Drive. Then head straight toward Andy Holt Drive, which leads to the pedestrian walkway, or turn right on Volunteer Boulevard.

Keenan Thomas is a higher education reporter. Email keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com. Twitter @specialk2real.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Restaurants near Neyland Stadium to try on a Tennessee Vols game day