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Knoxville, TN

Best Bars in Knoxville: College Town Energy Meets Craft Culture

Peter Kern Library
Top Pick

Peter Kern Library

407 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902

Hidden inside The Oliver Hotel, Peter Kern Library is Knoxville's premier speakeasy-style cocktail bar. The intimate space features floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, leather seating, and expertly crafted cocktails in a sophisticated atmosphere that feels like a private gentleman's club.

Craft Cocktails
Date Night
Speakeasy
Special Occasions

Insider Tip

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. Request a booth for the most intimate experience.

Pretentious Beer Co.
Top Pick

Pretentious Beer Co.

131 S Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902

A beloved local brewery known for creative, hop-forward beers and a welcoming taproom atmosphere. Despite the tongue-in-cheek name, Pretentious Beer Co. is anything but, offering approachable staff, great beer, and a dog-friendly patio.

Craft Beer
Dog-Friendly
Local Favorite
Casual Atmosphere

Insider Tip

The patio is one of the best in Knoxville - perfect for warm evenings with your pup.

The Casual Pint
Top Pick

The Casual Pint

26 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902

Located in the heart of Market Square, The Casual Pint offers 40+ rotating taps featuring local and regional craft beers. The laid-back atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and prime location make it a perfect starting point for a night out in Knoxville.

Craft Beer
Market Square
Beer Flights
Outdoor Seating

Insider Tip

Grab a seat on the outdoor patio for prime people-watching on Market Square.

The Tennessean Hotel Rooftop
Top Pick

The Tennessean Hotel Rooftop

531 Henley St, Knoxville, TN 37902

A stylish rooftop bar offering panoramic views of downtown Knoxville and the Tennessee River. The modern space features craft cocktails, local beers, and a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for sunset drinks or special occasions.

Rooftop Views
Sunset Drinks
Date Night
Hotel Bar

Insider Tip

Visit during UT football season for game day specials and an electric atmosphere.

Preservation Pub
Top Pick

Preservation Pub

28 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902

A Knoxville institution featuring three floors of bars, multiple stages for live music, and a rooftop patio. This eclectic venue offers something different on each level, from intimate acoustic sets to DJ dance parties, all under one historic roof.

Live Music
Multiple Bars
Rooftop Patio
Diverse Crowd

Insider Tip

Each floor has a different vibe - explore all three to find your favorite spot.

The Open Chord
Top Pick

The Open Chord

116 S Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902

An intimate music venue and bar showcasing local and touring artists across various genres. The cozy space features a full bar, excellent acoustics, and a music-first atmosphere that attracts serious music lovers.

Live Music
Intimate Shows
Local Artists
Music Lovers

Insider Tip

Check their calendar for songwriter nights featuring multiple artists in one evening.

Barley's Taproom & Pizzeria
Top Pick

Barley's Taproom & Pizzeria

200 E Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915

A beloved dive bar and late-night pizza spot that's been a Knoxville staple since 1991. Barley's offers cheap drinks, great pizza, pool tables, and an unpretentious atmosphere that attracts everyone from college students to longtime locals.

Dive Bar
Late Night Pizza
Pool Tables
Cheap Drinks

Insider Tip

The pizza by the slice is legendary - perfect for soaking up drinks at 2am.

Elkmont Exchange
Top Pick

Elkmont Exchange

131 S Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902

A spacious beer garden featuring local craft beers, elevated Southern cuisine, and one of Knoxville's best outdoor spaces. The modern industrial setting includes communal tables, fire pits, and a lively atmosphere perfect for groups.

Beer Garden
Groups
Outdoor Seating
Southern Food

Insider Tip

The outdoor space is heated in winter and has misters in summer - comfortable year-round.

Sapphire
Top Pick

Sapphire

428 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902

Knoxville's premier nightclub featuring DJs, dancing, and a high-energy atmosphere. The multi-level venue includes a main dance floor, VIP areas, and multiple bars serving craft cocktails and bottle service.

Dancing
Nightclub
VIP Service
Late Night

Insider Tip

Arrive before 11pm to avoid cover charges and long lines.

Schulz Bräu Brewing Company
Top Pick

Schulz Bräu Brewing Company

126 Bernard Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917

A German-inspired brewery offering authentic lagers and ales brewed according to traditional methods. The spacious taproom features communal tables, a beer garden, and a menu of German-inspired food perfect for pairing with their beers.

German Beer
Beer Garden
Authentic Brewing
Groups

Insider Tip

Try the pretzel flight paired with a beer sampler for the full German beer hall experience.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best area for nightlife in Knoxville?

Market Square is the epicenter of Knoxville nightlife, offering the highest concentration of bars and restaurants in a walkable pedestrian plaza. The Old City is best for live music and dive bars, while Gay Street offers more upscale options including rooftop bars.

Is Knoxville's bar scene just college bars?

Not at all! While UT students contribute to the energy, Knoxville has a sophisticated bar scene including craft cocktail lounges like Peter Kern Library, award-winning breweries, and upscale rooftop bars that appeal to all ages.

How expensive are drinks in Knoxville?

Knoxville offers excellent value. Dive bars and brewpubs charge $4-7 for beers, while craft cocktails at upscale venues run $10-14. The overall cost is significantly lower than Nashville or Atlanta.

Can I walk between bars in Knoxville?

Yes! Market Square, Old City, and Gay Street are all within a 10-15 minute walk of each other. The downtown area is very walkable, and rideshare services are readily available for longer distances.

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