Litton's serves award-winning burger

If you like hamburgers, you probably want to try Litton's Market and Restaurant in North Knoxville. A local landmark in Fountain City, this small restaurant has been known to serve a mean hamburger. In previous years and again this year, the Knoxville News Sentinel has given the East Tennessee's "best hamburger" award to Litton's. And there's a reason for this award.

A Litton's hamburger is not a your typical, fast food burger. The Litton burger is made from U.S.D.A. choice top round only that is ground fresh daily. If you've ever traveled abroad, you may have longed for a thick, juicy, American burger like I did. In fact, the day I left to study abroad in Wales, I made sure that Litton's would be where I ate my last meal in the states. Why? Because I knew I would not find another burger quite as good as a Litton's burger for a long time. After 3 1/2 months traveling in Europe, I was correct.

I am not alone in my love of the Litton's burger. Just read some of the reviews from Litton's customers. The restaurant received an overall 4.5 out of 5 stars, and nearly everyone commented on the great tasting burgers. For example, one yahoo.com reviewer says, "The hamburgers are amazing and the workers are so welcoming and helpful! All of the food is made in house! The cookies are the best. It is family owned. They are there for their customers and actually care about you. Great family atmosphere."

Burgers are not the only thing Litton's has to offer. Their menu includes sandwiches, blue plate lunches, salads and market favorites such as steak and fresh fish. The chicken salad sandwich is one of my personal favorites, as well as another yahoo.com reviewer's. She writes, "My husband has been addicted to Litton's for years. I'm not a big red-meat eater, but they do have a good cheeseburger and an excellent chicken salad sandwhich."

The bakery cannot be overlooked, which offers a variety of desserts sold in whole or single servings. Their moist, red velvet cake topped with real cream cheese icing is a very popular choice. Their big chocolate chip cookies are also worth trying.

In addition to the food, the Litton's atmosphere is a special experience. It is a family-owned restaurant, so there is a charming character to the place. It is somewhat reminiscent of a 1950s diner. When inside, customers find that it is a small, laid back restaurant that makes you feel welcome and at home. All the waiters and waitresses are very friendly and express strong 'southern hospitality.' There is an old, glass bottle coke machine in the front. Most all the tables display old, local advertisements from the Fountain City area.

If you decide to try Litton's however, make sure you are prepared to wait if you go during peak lunch and dinnertime hours. There is often a line because it is a popular, but small restaurant. If you arrive and there is a wait, you or a waitress will write your name on an old chalkboard to add your party to the list.

Although the Litton's menu may not offer everything and lacks the variety of other restaurants, what is on the menu is done right. While other restaurants may offer many different choices, there may not necessarily be anything special offered. If you are going to Litton's though, you know that their burgers are going to be the best around.

For more opinions on Litton's restaurant, take a look at some more customer reviews. Most all reviews praise this little treasure in Fountain City. If you visit Litton's, please leave comments on your experience.