Thirsty AF: Landing House

Now that June is here, many of us are looking forward to summer events, like SoKno Pride. I want to start discussing great businesses across the river because downtown isn’t the only place for queer-friendly environments. I do need to say that just because a business is open during/near a Pride celebration does not mean it’s a business that really supports our community. I don’t want to focus on the negative though; I want to focus on Landing House, which serves Chinese and Cambodian-inspired dishes.

Landing House might’ve been mentioned in conversations lately because of a particularly unkind review left online by someone named Stephanie - we don’t know her. Landing House does feature a Pride flag year round (sorry/not sorry, Steph), so I feel the love from them and want to return it even if I’m salty that they removed knife-shaved noodles from their menu. They were so thick and chewy, but their absence has led me to branch out and try new dishes. The food can be as big or small here as you want. Their snacks are fun and delicious. The entrees will also leave you with little to be desired. In addition to these food items, there is a mocktail list and full cocktail/beer menu. We also have the option of dining inside the house-turned-restaurant or outside at one of the picnic tables on the front lawn. You know which one I’m choosing.

The drinks at Landing House are a little different from other places. I had the Dr Zaius, whose closest relative you might know is the pina colada, but Dr Zaius is more stout and to the point. I also chose the Not Your Aperol Spritz, which is fruitier than a typical Aperol Spritz thanks to the passion fruit liqueur and lychee juice. I also recommend the Rahla Abdul, a mocktail named after a friend of mine and one of Knoxville’s own drag queens. She’s sweet and spicy like any queen worth her Tajin should be.

Perhaps as you’re celebrating at SoKno Pride this year, you’ll spread the love down Sevier Ave: Maybe start with drinks at Landing House and finish with snackies at Angry Dumplings Tea just a few doors over - it’s Yummy or Die approved. Check out my pics below from a recent KGS taste test at Landing House.