Nikki and I briefly visited Knoxville during our trip through Tennessee, and spent some time in their downtown area. While there, we dropped into a swanky oyster bar called "The Brass Pearl," that had Lobster Mac and Cheese on the menu.

The Brass Pearl seems to be a popular spot. Nikki and I didn't come with reservations, but were lucky to find 2 seats by the bar. Our bartender was amazing, and happily chatted with us about menu recommendations and the like, as well as put on a show when whipping up some of their fancy cocktails.

The Mac and Cheese came out pretty quickly, and honestly, this dish hit all the right notes for me. The cheese sauce (Tillamook cheddar and smoked gouda) was rich, creamy, and just perfectly cheesy! The butter-braised lobster was a delight. And the restaurant did not skimp on the lobster either! Almost every bite had a solid chunk in it.

So yeah, if you're ever in Knoxville, be sure to try out the Brass Pearl! The Mac was amazing, and if you're in to oysters, they also had a good number of fresh oysters available. (The couple next to us seemed to be really enjoying theirs.)