Many cultural establishments can be found in or close to Knoxville’s downtown. They include galleries dedicated to the arts, natural history, and the railroad, as well as local history museums.One benefit of residing in a major college town is that, if you choose it, there is frequently a vibrant nightlife available. There are more than 60 bars, a half-dozen dance clubs, and a number of live music venues in the Downtown and West neighborhoods. There are twenty breweries in this same area, most of which are locally owned, and over 250 eateries. The fact that Knoxville’s overall cost of living is 15% less than the national average is one of its most alluring features. Knoxville Real Estate is the most significant low cost. Read on for some of the best bars and restaurants in Knoxville.
Schulz Bräu Brewing Company
With so many breweries along Knoxville’s Ale Trail, Schulz’s enormous beer hall (located inside a warehouse decorated to resemble a genuine European castle) or expansive outdoor biergarten are great places to start. Regular live music performances and activities are also held in the lively, pet- and family-friendly area. After enjoying schnitzel, brats, and a few beers at Schulz Bräu, if you still have room, cross the street to the Central Filling Station Food Truck Park and pick up a few extra nibbles.
The Brass Pearl
Although oysters might not be your first thought when thinking about Knoxville, it’s hard to believe you’re in a landlocked state when you huddle up in the Brass Pearl’s elegant banquettes with freshly shucked oysters on crushed ice, crispy shrimp po’boys, and creamy lobster dip. You may buy and take home a bottle of the homemade hot sauce that is offered with little droppers at this Market Square boite.
Kaizen
Kaizen is a laid-back Asian fusion eatery with a covered terrace that is fashioned after Japanese izakayas. It serves small meals such as tamari-glazed potatoes and spicy mapo tofu in addition to steamed buns loaded with Thai sausage or fried eggplant. Also, the restaurant frequently serves specialities like Chana Dal Loup de Mer or fried rice with steak. The second local restaurant owned by chef Jesse Newmister that specializes in street food, Tako Taco, has live entertainment.
Sweet P’s Barbecue and Downtown Dive
The Downtown Dive is a laid-back BBQ joint with the low-key atmosphere of a dive bar in the Old City’s arts quarter. It also has a sizable beer garden. Experience a wide selection of wine and craft beer along with everything smoked, from Boston butts to brisket, as well as soul cuisine staples like collard greens and cornbread. Interesting fact: Sweet P’s is stuffed with tacky memorabilia and is the owner of the World’s Fair emblem.
Pretentious Beer Co
Drink connoisseurs frequently contend that the glass is just as significant as the contents inside. Old City’s Pretentious Beer Co., one of the few establishments that produces its own beer and glassware on-site, is a quirky-cool spot to experience that difference firsthand. Seltzers, Czech-style pilsners, and pale ales are among the excellent beverages available, and the containers are striking and unusual. At the Pretentious Glass Co. next door, even the tap handles are hand-blown. Go there to observe the skilled glass blowers create the pieces of art that elevate the experience; of course, you can also purchase glassware to go.