Guidebook for Knoxville
Food Scene
Locally owned, great Southern style BBQ with daily specials. Closed Mondays.
43 residents recomanen
Sweet P's Barbecue and Downtown Dive
410 W Jackson Ave Locally owned, great Southern style BBQ with daily specials. Closed Mondays.
Good food, good beer, and one of my favorite brunch spots. Dog friendly outdoors.
65 residents recomanen
Balter Beerworks
100 Broadway SWGood food, good beer, and one of my favorite brunch spots. Dog friendly outdoors.
Chivo Taqueria
314 S Gay StAwesome food! One of my favorite spots to eat!
Good Southern style American food. Awesome price and the closest local breakfast spot from my house. Check out their hour online, only open for breakfast and lunch.
8 residents recomanen
Rami's Cafe
3553 N BroadwayGood Southern style American food. Awesome price and the closest local breakfast spot from my house. Check out their hour online, only open for breakfast and lunch.
A little more upscale, but not too fancy. Menu online with weekly chef specials.
18 residents recomanen
Bistro At the Bijou
807 S Gay StA little more upscale, but not too fancy. Menu online with weekly chef specials.
North Knoxville Hot Spot. This is where all the locals go for good Mexican food and strong top shelf margaritas. Less than 2 miles from the house.
16 residents recomanen
Señor Taco
3325 N BroadwayNorth Knoxville Hot Spot. This is where all the locals go for good Mexican food and strong top shelf margaritas. Less than 2 miles from the house.
Vegetarian and Vegan friendly. Locally sourced foods and a nice brunch menu.
77 residents recomanen
The Tomato Head
12 Market SquareVegetarian and Vegan friendly. Locally sourced foods and a nice brunch menu.
Sunspot
2200 Cumberland AveVegetarian & Vegan friendly. Dog friendly patio.
Knox Mason
131 S Gay StExcellent brunch spot.
Local handmade tamales. Check the website for hours of operation.
16 residents recomanen
Good Golly Tamale
112 S Central StLocal handmade tamales. Check the website for hours of operation.
Just a few miles away. Some of my favorite pizza in town. Be sure to save me some! :)
7 residents recomanen
Harby's Pizza & Deli
3718 Walker BoulevardJust a few miles away. Some of my favorite pizza in town. Be sure to save me some! :)
A Dopo Sourdough Pizza
516 Williams StLocally made, and amazing, spirits. Not a bar, just pick up a bottle & take it home.
6 residents recomanen
Knox Whiskey Works
516 W Jackson AveLocally made, and amazing, spirits. Not a bar, just pick up a bottle & take it home.
Great flats & wings. Nice selection of brews as well. A good place to sit a watch sports without being a sports bar.
Filled with local art.
43 residents recomanen
Central Flats and Taps
1204 N Central StGreat flats & wings. Nice selection of brews as well. A good place to sit a watch sports without being a sports bar.
Filled with local art.
Only a few miles away, some of the best coffee in town! Hammock chairs to sit in and dog friendly.
78 residents recomanen
K Brew
1138 N BroadwayOnly a few miles away, some of the best coffee in town! Hammock chairs to sit in and dog friendly.
Mimosas serves at 8:00am. Great food, quiet spot, amazing brunch menu!
A 15-20 minute rive from here, but well worth it.
11 residents recomanen
Holly's Gourmets Market & Cafe
5107 Kingston PikeMimosas serves at 8:00am. Great food, quiet spot, amazing brunch menu!
A 15-20 minute rive from here, but well worth it.
Burgers & the largest selection of bourbon in town. Did I mention they also have chicken & waffles? And milkshakes to die for.
84 residents recomanen
Stock & Barrel
35 Market SquareBurgers & the largest selection of bourbon in town. Did I mention they also have chicken & waffles? And milkshakes to die for.
Yassin's | Falafel House
706 Walnut StFalafel. Enough said.
Dazzos Pizzeria
710 S Gay StAmazing pizza & beer. Can't go wrong.
Best sushi around. In the heart of Downtown.
56 residents recomanen
Nama Sushi Bar - Downtown Knoxville
506 S Gay StBest sushi around. In the heart of Downtown.
Great brunch spot filled with local art, coffee and a one of a kind feel. Locally sourced foods.
Very popular spot, expect a wait time.
51 residents recomanen
OliBea
211 S Central StGreat brunch spot filled with local art, coffee and a one of a kind feel. Locally sourced foods.
Very popular spot, expect a wait time.
Great place for work or study. Filled with local art for sale.
50 residents recomanen
Old City Wine Bar
108 W Jackson AveGreat place for work or study. Filled with local art for sale.
Local coffees & lattes, Acai & dragon bowls, crepes, toast & cold pressed juices. Locally owned. Only a few miles away. A nice secret little spot.
Quiet and a great place to study.
7 residents recomanen
Java Juice Box
1324 N BroadwayLocal coffees & lattes, Acai & dragon bowls, crepes, toast & cold pressed juices. Locally owned. Only a few miles away. A nice secret little spot.
Quiet and a great place to study.
Nice selection of food and easily accessible to a River-walk along the Tennessee River. Big patio for outdoor drinking & dining.
81 residents recomanen
Calhoun's On The River
400 Neyland DrNice selection of food and easily accessible to a River-walk along the Tennessee River. Big patio for outdoor drinking & dining.
Great pizza and beer, full bar, outside patio, pool upstairs and live music almost nightly, occasional trivia. See website for schedule.
57 residents recomanen
Barley's Taproom and Pizzeria
200 E Jackson AveGreat pizza and beer, full bar, outside patio, pool upstairs and live music almost nightly, occasional trivia. See website for schedule.
Awaken Coffee
125 W Jackson AveHandcrafted Coffee, Tea, & Pastries
Broadway Market
900 East Hill AvenuePremium seafood both by the pound and ready-to-eat meals
J.C. Holdway
501 Union Ave SWGreat place to enjoy an upscale meal solo or date night.
Alliance Brewing Company
1130 Sevier AveOne of Knoxville's own brewerys!
Drinks & Nightlife
High Gravity & craft beers only! If you're hungry, try the Ramen. Arcade attached with ski-ball, darts, arcade games and pool! One of my favorite spots! If you're hungry, try the Ramen too!
39 residents recomanen
Suttree's High Gravity Tavern
409 S Gay St High Gravity & craft beers only! If you're hungry, try the Ramen. Arcade attached with ski-ball, darts, arcade games and pool! One of my favorite spots! If you're hungry, try the Ramen too!
Almost always live music here. Rooftop bar is pretty great. Con: smoking on the 1st level. One of my favorite spots, minus the smoking.
40 residents recomanen
Preservation Pub
28 Market SquareAlmost always live music here. Rooftop bar is pretty great. Con: smoking on the 1st level. One of my favorite spots, minus the smoking.
All the cool kids go here. Hip spot with a bit of class. Outdoor seating and awesome specialty hot dogs and truffle popcorn.
31 residents recomanen
Knox Public House
212 W Magnolia AveAll the cool kids go here. Hip spot with a bit of class. Outdoor seating and awesome specialty hot dogs and truffle popcorn.
Good beer and fun shows on the weekends. Comedy shows throughout the week. Rooftop bar in good weather!
Check out their website for schedule.
23 residents recomanen
Scruffy City Hall
32 Market SquareGood beer and fun shows on the weekends. Comedy shows throughout the week. Rooftop bar in good weather!
Check out their website for schedule.
Central Depot
103 W Depot AveCrafty Bastard Brewing
6 Emory PlLocal brewpub; very industrial, very chill spot.
German style pub, plentiful outdoor seating inside the "castle".
56 residents recomanen
Schulz Brau Brewing Company
126 Bernard AveGerman style pub, plentiful outdoor seating inside the "castle".
Elkmont Exchange Brewery & Eating House
745 N BroadwayLocal beer, local food. Its a win win!
Merchants of Beer
137 S Central StNice selection of beers in the heart of downtown.
Pour Taproom
207 W Jackson AvePour your own beer?!?! You can't go wrong
Craft brews only, a nice spot to wind down and watch sports. Bingo, singo & trivia on varying nights of the week.
29 residents recomanen
Hops and Hollers
937 N Central StCraft brews only, a nice spot to wind down and watch sports. Bingo, singo & trivia on varying nights of the week.
Hidden gem with upscale drinks and classy vibe. Perfect date night venue.
7 residents recomanen
The Library
401 W Summit Hill Dr SWHidden gem with upscale drinks and classy vibe. Perfect date night venue.
A local favorite with great brews and the spot for MTB fanatics.
45 residents recomanen
Alliance Brewing Company
1130 Sevier AveA local favorite with great brews and the spot for MTB fanatics.
Club XYZ
1215 N Central StGay bar and drag shows!
Parks & Nature
Paddle boarding, walks by the river, adventure climbing wall, hiking, bike trails, rock climbing wall (The Crag) and the Nature Center. You can spend all day here! Check out their website to see everything else you can do here!
273 residents recomanen
Centre de la natura Ijams
2915 Island Home Ave Paddle boarding, walks by the river, adventure climbing wall, hiking, bike trails, rock climbing wall (The Crag) and the Nature Center. You can spend all day here! Check out their website to see everything else you can do here!
A nice day hike. Its challenging and has beautiful views. A nice little spot for hiking in East Knoxville.
36 residents recomanen
House Mountain
A nice day hike. Its challenging and has beautiful views. A nice little spot for hiking in East Knoxville.
47-acres of gardens, trees & lawns amid walking paths, old walls & stone buildings. Free entry.
33 residents recomanen
Jardí Botànic i Arboretum de Knoxville
2743 Wimpole Ave47-acres of gardens, trees & lawns amid walking paths, old walls & stone buildings. Free entry.
Animal lovers unite!
"The Gentle Barn rescues animals from severe abuse and neglect who are too old, sick, lame, or scared to be adopted into homes. We are sanctuary to horses, donkeys, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, turkeys, chickens, llamas, peacocks, emus, cats and dogs. Once rehabilitated, the animals help us give hope and inspiration to children with the same stories."
The Gentle Barn
9295 Christiana Fosterville RdAnimal lovers unite!
"The Gentle Barn rescues animals from severe abuse and neglect who are too old, sick, lame, or scared to be adopted into homes. We are sanctuary to horses, donkeys, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, turkeys, chickens, llamas, peacocks, emus, cats and dogs. Once rehabilitated, the animals help us give hope and inspiration to children with the same stories."
The UT Gardens function as an outdoor laboratory to evaluate the performance and landscape use of every type of plant, from trees and shrubs to annuals and perennials. The gardens feature a children's garden, formal rose garden, a sustainable kitchen garden, perennial borders, a beautiful hosta collection as well as annual beds, huge old growth trees and seasonal displays.
27 residents recomanen
Jardins de la UT
2518 Jacob DrThe UT Gardens function as an outdoor laboratory to evaluate the performance and landscape use of every type of plant, from trees and shrubs to annuals and perennials. The gardens feature a children's garden, formal rose garden, a sustainable kitchen garden, perennial borders, a beautiful hosta collection as well as annual beds, huge old growth trees and seasonal displays.
Plenty of day hikes around. Visitor center available for suggestions/recommendations & maps.
382 residents recomanen
Grans Muntanyes Enfumades
Plenty of day hikes around. Visitor center available for suggestions/recommendations & maps.
Shopping
Rala
112 W Jackson AveAwesome local Artist work.
Want a Knoxville or Tennessee Souvenir? This is the spot hands down. Locally owned and amazing.
19 residents recomanen
Nothing Too Fancy
435 Union AveWant a Knoxville or Tennessee Souvenir? This is the spot hands down. Locally owned and amazing.
A local record store just a few miles away on Broadway. New & used records and some equipment.
Lost and Found Records
3710 N BroadwayA local record store just a few miles away on Broadway. New & used records and some equipment.
Nostalgia carries all things retro and vintage. From vinyl records and vintage clothing to mid century modern and shabby chic furniture and home decor; you are sure to find the perfect items to compliment your personal style. There are over 30 unique dealers who strive to find exactly what you're looking for. Stop by and if they don't have what you're looking for, let them put it in their want book. They will scour the country to try to find it!
Nostalgia
5214 Homberg DrNostalgia carries all things retro and vintage. From vinyl records and vintage clothing to mid century modern and shabby chic furniture and home decor; you are sure to find the perfect items to compliment your personal style. There are over 30 unique dealers who strive to find exactly what you're looking for. Stop by and if they don't have what you're looking for, let them put it in their want book. They will scour the country to try to find it!
Nostalgia Estate Sales
1401 McCalla AveSecond Nostalgia Location, this one is closer.
New and Used Music Retail Store stocked with albums from the 1940s all the way up to what plays on the radio now.
Magnolia Records
7 N Central StNew and Used Music Retail Store stocked with albums from the 1940s all the way up to what plays on the radio now.
McKay Used Books is unlike any other bookstore you’ve been to. We have hundreds of thousands of different items on our shelves on any given day for your browsing pleasure. McKay's is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience! People bring their books, movies, video games, music, etc., and they are offered cash or store credit.
7 residents recomanen
McKay's Knoxville
230 Papermill Pl WayMcKay Used Books is unlike any other bookstore you’ve been to. We have hundreds of thousands of different items on our shelves on any given day for your browsing pleasure. McKay's is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience! People bring their books, movies, video games, music, etc., and they are offered cash or store credit.
Locally-owned and operated for over 20 years in downtown Knoxville, we specialize in unique gifts and carry many local vendors, as well as vendors from across the United States and around the world!
Earth To Old City
22 Market SquareLocally-owned and operated for over 20 years in downtown Knoxville, we specialize in unique gifts and carry many local vendors, as well as vendors from across the United States and around the world!
Bliss opened in 2003 to be a part of the downtown Knoxville revitalization and to offer Knoxvillians an alternate to the standard retail experience. Bliss has been featured in a number of magazines and receives accolades for being Knoxville's best gift store, clothing boutique and jewelry store. Bliss offers chic clothing, handmade jewelry and distinct gifts for everyone.
10 residents recomanen
Bliss & Tori Mason Shoes
445 S Gay StBliss opened in 2003 to be a part of the downtown Knoxville revitalization and to offer Knoxvillians an alternate to the standard retail experience. Bliss has been featured in a number of magazines and receives accolades for being Knoxville's best gift store, clothing boutique and jewelry store. Bliss offers chic clothing, handmade jewelry and distinct gifts for everyone.
Premium pet provisions for dogs and cats, including food, treats and toys. Brands include Planet Dog, Ruffwear and West Paw.
Pets are treated like royalty and people are greeted with knowledge and enthusiasm. Offering all-natural products made in America, locally produced food when possible with as many local and unique products as possible you won’t find in other pet stores. Everything your pet can eat is made in the USA, with all American ingredients.
Offering premium pet food, innovative pet toys, comfortable beds and carriers, and essential accessories.
CitiFid-O
429 Union AvePremium pet provisions for dogs and cats, including food, treats and toys. Brands include Planet Dog, Ruffwear and West Paw.
Pets are treated like royalty and people are greeted with knowledge and enthusiasm. Offering all-natural products made in America, locally produced food when possible with as many local and unique products as possible you won’t find in other pet stores. Everything your pet can eat is made in the USA, with all American ingredients.
Offering premium pet food, innovative pet toys, comfortable beds and carriers, and essential accessories.
Entertainment & Activities
See if there is a show here, you wont be disappointed. Beautiful historic theater downtown.
112 residents recomanen
Teatre de Tennessee
604 S Gay StSee if there is a show here, you wont be disappointed. Beautiful historic theater downtown.
Bijou Theater
803 S Gay StAwesome shows and a beautiful Historic Theater
Regal Riviera
510 S Gay StSee a movie downtown, go exploring after!
A totally unique — and totally fun! — tree-based adventure park, proudly located at Ijams Nature Center. New to the United States, aerial adventure parks have been popular in Europe for a number of years. Adventure parks typically consist of a series of pole-based structures connected by different “challenge elements” and, sometimes, ziplines. At Navitat, we’ve taken the very best components of the self-guided aerial adventure park model and built it in and among the trees! When you visit Navitat Knoxville, you’ll find something truly spectacular and unique — an adventure you’ll want to experience over and over again, and one you’ll rave about for years to come!
19 residents recomanen
Navitat Knoxville
2915 Island Home Ave A totally unique — and totally fun! — tree-based adventure park, proudly located at Ijams Nature Center. New to the United States, aerial adventure parks have been popular in Europe for a number of years. Adventure parks typically consist of a series of pole-based structures connected by different “challenge elements” and, sometimes, ziplines. At Navitat, we’ve taken the very best components of the self-guided aerial adventure park model and built it in and among the trees! When you visit Navitat Knoxville, you’ll find something truly spectacular and unique — an adventure you’ll want to experience over and over again, and one you’ll rave about for years to come!
Live plays in a historical theater. Check website for ticket prices and shows.
12 residents recomanen
Clarence Brown Theatre
1714 Andy Holt AveLive plays in a historical theater. Check website for ticket prices and shows.
Aquari Ripley dels Smokies
88 River RdAbout an hour and a half drive.
Getting Around
Visitors center and daily Blue Plate Special shows, live for the early birds,
10 residents recomanen
Visit Knoxville
301 S Gay StVisitors center and daily Blue Plate Special shows, live for the early birds,
Arts & Culture
The art is always changing. Be sure to check the website for scheduling & pricing.
Exhibits of regional art & traveling shows, plus concerts & classes, in a modern 4-story facility.
107 residents recomanen
Museu d'Art de Knoxville
1050 Worlds Fair Park DrThe art is always changing. Be sure to check the website for scheduling & pricing.
Exhibits of regional art & traveling shows, plus concerts & classes, in a modern 4-story facility.
Museum with displays on local geology & fossils, ancient Egypt & other facets of natural history.
24 residents recomanen
Frank H. McClung Museum
1327 Circle ParkMuseum with displays on local geology & fossils, ancient Egypt & other facets of natural history.
Historic, sprawling space featuring galleries of local & regional artists, plus studios & offices.
11 residents recomanen
Emporium Center / Arts & Culture Alliance
100 S Gay StHistoric, sprawling space featuring galleries of local & regional artists, plus studios & offices.