by Emily Stooks | May 31, 2023 | All Articles, Downtown, Emilie Stooksbury, Food & Drink
If you’ve hung out with us before on this lil corner of the internet, you know two things: 1.) We LOVE Knoxville. 2.) We HATE picking favorites. Here’s another thing we love: a cool cocktail on a warm summer day. So just be aware that these are just some of our many favorite spots for a fun mixed bevvie in the Scruffy City 😂 If you too are on the continuous hunt for the perfect place to wet your whistle and raise a glass to good times, we are your peeeeople! Go put on your party pants and then come back and explore these must-try spots for cocktails in Knoxville, Tennessee. (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER, have we mentioned it’s hard to pick favorites? 😅)
1.) Public House
We will never get over Public House. Are they here to impress you with bells and whistles? No. There website states, “We are a neighborhood bar with no TVs, no live music, and no smoking inside.” We’ve never heard of trivia or comedy or fill-in-the-blank happening there. They will not care one iota that they made this list. AND YET. Their drinks are consistently delicious – experimental and yet palatable. They easily made our favorite patios list. Landing that coveted spot under the greenery leaves us blissful for days. And they serve bomb hot dogs. Y’all, we love hot dogs.
2.) Tern Club
On the quieter side of Gay Street lies an elevated tropical oasis: Tern Club. When we say every. single. detail of this spot has been intentionally curated… from receipts coming to you inside thematic books to glasses being carefully thrifted – everything has been carefully and lovingly chosen. But it’s not just cute. The tropical cocktails – from the classic faves to ones they dreamed up all on their own – are almost dangerously delicious.
3.) Monkey’s Bar
The newest bar on this list is our current casual ✨obsession.✨ Monkey’s Bar is owned by, well, Monkey. Monkey is the sweetest bestest golden retriever/bar owner there ever was. His human, Elle, is also an absolute delight and has created a friendly, delicious cocktail bar – somehow being both un-pretentious and un-divey (a difficult feat to manage, as I’m sure we all know). We love their pop-culture-inspired drink names, their specials to go alongside any and every show at the Mill & Mine (they’re next-door-neighbors), and their long and thoughtful mocktail menu. While we shouldn’t be surprised, it turns out dogs do, in fact, make excellent bar owners!
Image from @brotherwolfbar
4.) Brother Wolf
Speaking of dogs, their ancestors own the bar a couple blocks south. Brother Wolf has stormed the Knoxville cocktail scene with their lengthy Negroni menu (yes, they do in fact serve the famous “Negroni Sbagliato” from that momentarily viral sound 😂) and what many are calling the best espresso martini in Knoxville 👀 We’re personally smitten by their festive pop-up bars. Brother Werewolf pops up during October, Miracle in the Old City takes up residence during the Christmas season, and for one magical moment each year they turn into “Jolene’s” during Rhinestone Fest.
Image from @fivethirtylounge
5.) Five Thirty Lounge
If you prefer to take your cocktails in the skies rather than on the rocks (we do), our fave place to do so is the Five Thirty Lounge. This spot is just classy… (so classy, in fact, that we chose to NOT say “elevated” which would have been the perfect rooftop pun). Take advantage of their Happy Hour specials and deeefinitely round up some friends to have the whole rooftop igloo experience when winter rolls back around 🤩 Want to rooftop hop? Check out four more rooftop bars in Knoxville right here!
6.) Fly by Night
SOUTH KNOXVILLE
Remember Tern Club from a couple spots up? Those drink & design MASTERMINDS just recently opened up another brilliant concept. While Tern Club is a mid-mod moment, Fly by Night seeeeps of the seventies. From the disco ball in the center to the porcelain cats in the corner to the wallpaper that can only be described at groovy, it is all, as they say, far out ✌️ The menu even fits the vibe, offering popular drinks of the decade like dirty martinis, rusty nails, and (my personal favorite) grasshoppers. Needless to say, we are smitten & will be flying (😉) over to the south side frequently.
Image from Peter Kern Library
7.) Peter Kern Library
Last but not least, we couldn’t let a list like this slip away without a nod to Knoxville’s only speakeasy. If you turn off Market Square and slip into the alley between The Oliver Hotel & Knox Brew Hub, you’ll spot a red light. That’s your cue, babes 👀 The Peter Kern Library is open and ready to sneak you in for an evening of literary-themed (and excellent, for the record) sips. PRO-TIP: There is a loose dress code (namely, no hats, guys!) so take this as a rare opportunity in the Scruffy City – when your friend texts, “Are we getting cute?” you can answer with a hearty, “Yes!” 😉 There is also a password to get in, but in an effort to respect the scared secrets of The Library, we won’t just throw it out here on the world wide web. Shoot us a DM on Instagram and we’ll tell ya how to find it 🤫
Hopefully this helps wet your whistle as we whip up another 7! 😉 In the meantime, where is YOUR favorite spot to grab a cocktail?? Let us know over on the ‘gram & maybe it will make the next list!
by Emily Stooks | May 22, 2023 | All Articles, Lifestyle
by Emily Stooks | May 19, 2023 | All Articles, Caitlyn Tate, Downtown, Food & Drink, Our Writers
Written By: Caitlyn Tate
One thing we Knoxvillians sure love is local coffee. And though Knoxville is teeeechnically the second Five and Hoek location for owners Beth and Tyler Fivecoat (the original location is in Illinois), we have of course welcomed them as our own in true southern scruffy city fashion! Does the word “pivot” give you flashbacks to 2020? 😂 We’ll be kind and use the word “reroute” instead. SO the pandemic forced the Fivecoats to reroute (😉) their original business plan concept in Wheaton, Illinois. To accommodate safety concerns and health mandates, they converted their new and thriving shop to a walk-up window and it was a hit! So much so that she continues to operate today. However, they missed the community aspect – having people gather together over coffee. This desire for community led them to their next adventure…. Searching for a new city to open a brand new spot to match the dreams they originally envisioned!
How adorable are those dreamin’ owners, Tyler & Beth??
Thankfully, the mountains, warm temps and plethora of outdoor activities to choose from here in cute ole Knox enticed the Fivecoats. (I mean, we get it 😉) They officially decided to move to Knoxville and make this Scruffy City their brand newww home – a home to raise their kids and use their creativity and expand their passion project (Hint: that passion project is Five and Hoek!).
Speaking of Five and Hoek, how do you even pronounce this super aesthetic coffee shop’s name? Are we thinking [hoke] as in rhyming with [joke]? Or maybe [hook] as in the loved-to-be-hated Captain? Turns outtttttt it’s pronounced like that mustache-twirlin’ scoundrel! Hoek is a combination of the first part of their last name (Fivecoat) combined with the friends whom they first started the shop with. Five is the street the original location was on – and the rest is history! (In their defense, the big ole “Hoeked on Coffee” sign that greets you as you enter could have probably been a clue… 😂)
Do you see the sign in the left hand corner?👀
While the original location has been a walk-up only spot since 2020, we in Knoxville get to enjoy the BEAUTIFUL walk-in-and-stay-awhile space. (And once you’re ready to get up and go, she’s also within walking distance to the Mill and Mine’s entertainment and Public House’s deliiiicious patio and Marble City Market’s endless convenience!)
Tyler and one of the baristas chat easily with customers as they whip up those caffeinated bevvies
When you walk into Five and Hoek, you’ll feel like family – inevitably greeted by the friendliest baristas or Beth and Tyler Fivecoat themselves. Definitely try one of the housemade caramels that make this little shop unique in your latte (salted beer caramel, anyone?!), the Knoxville chai blend, ORRR if black coffee is more your jam, you’ll definitely be in good hands with quality beans roasted in-house to perfection 🤤
Where the roasting magic happens✨
It’s safe to say we’re HOEKED on this cute little coffee shop 😉 Let us know youuur fave drink order at Five + Hoek! DISCOVER MORE LOCAL COFFEE HEEEERE
by Emily Stooks | Apr 24, 2023 | All Articles, Blake Trent, Downtown, Food & Drink
Fable Hollow Coffee and Bookshoppe is ✨Magical✨
WRITTEN BY: BLAKE TRENT
Is there anything more magical than coffee (okay, or tea) and a good book? We think not. Thankfully, Fable Hollow Coffee and Bookshoppe in Fountain City (North Knoxville) is on the same page (pun very much intended) and is here to provide all kinds of magic for everyone. This locally owned and operated fantasy themed bookstore is everything you could want in a bookstore – from the thoughtful and fun decorations that transport you to another world to the fantastic selection of coffee, tea, and books. I went by in early April to talk to the owners (Alissa and Casey – they’re wonderful) to find out what inspired them to open a bookstore for their local community to enjoy, as well as what menu item from their coffee tea shop they would be if they could choose. Yes, I asked that. We don’t shy away from the hard hitting questions here, people.
Tell us a little bit about you & your business!
Alissa: So, we’re a coffee shop and bookstore. We are fantasy themed, but we carry all genres of books. We’re a frontlist and a little bit of a backlist bookstore, which means that we carry good books that are either just now coming out or some favorites that are still in print.
What made you want to open a bookstore?
Alissa: We both love stories. We’re both writers too. I was in college as an English major; I switched to creative writing as soon as I could. I didn’t want to be a teacher, but I wanted something with books. I grew up in a family that ran their own business, so I thought I would enjoy running a bookstore. I went down that trail when I was 19 or 20 and hit a dead-end when I was discouraged by a mentor figure. I then went into corporate life. When I was furloughed in 2020, I went back to the bookstore idea. Casey and I met around this time in 2020. I always wanted a coffee shop element to it, but I knew nothing about coffee and I’m more of a tea drinker. Casey had experience with running and opening a coffee shop for someone else. She didn’t own it, but managed it. So, when we met and became friends, we found that our futures and skills aligned with what we wanted.
I love the serendipity there.
Alissa: Yeah, we actually met in our last in-person meeting (pre-covid) of the writing group that my husband and I run. It really was a serendipitous meeting.
Are y’all from Knoxville?
Alissa: I am. I’m from Fountain City, which is a big part of the reason for our location. I always wanted to open a bookstore here because I felt like it was something that Fountain City was missing.
Casey: I’m from Sweetwater, and I always wanted to live in Knoxville. So, this was an opportunity to move here and make it my home. I found a house close to the store, so it really worked out!
I’m impressed by that determination. I’ve been following you on Instagram for a while, and I’ve seen the hiccups along the way. It came across that nothing was going to stop you from making this store a reality.
Casey: We feel that is the only way to get something done like this. Just knowing that no matter what, you’re going to do it.
What sets you apart/makes you different from other businesses in this field?
We wanted to make sure that our store wasn’t just a shop, but a place to enjoy the space. We wanted it to be very community based. So far, we haven’t gotten the chance to do many activities with the community, but we want to start book clubs and reading times, things like that. Some have happened on their own. They didn’t know each other and started a group chat and now come together here. We want anyone who feels like an outsider to be comfortable coming here.
This sweet sentiment greets you as you walk in the doors of Fable Hollow
What are your wildest hopes & dreams for this business?
We would like to gradually have more space to invite the community into. We want to be a safe space – the perfect medium between being a big corporate space like Barnes and Noble, but having enough rooms and space for communities to come in and enjoy.
What are you each personally excited about with your new business?
Casey: Our coffee shop will have different homemade syrups, so we get to play with flavors. We name our flavors and specials on books that we want to draw attention to, but sometimes having that done and ordering books at the same time can be a bit stressful. Being creative with the flavors and names is consistently fun though. For example, we’ll have a special flavor for our grand opening (April 29th).
Alissa: We also make our own chai concentrate, which Alissa is more passionate about as she’s not as big of a fan of coffee. Casey is also so creative and was able to make this place feel magical, which is probably my favorite part.
Why do you love your specific Knoxville neighborhood?
Alissa: There are aspects of Fountain City that feel like being in a small town, but it’s still part of a big city. One thing that made me happy to be in Fountain City is that, being a lover of books, I always had to go downtown or out west for a bookstore. So, I knew there were people that are here that wanted a bookstore here. We’re happy to be a family bookstore that provides that. Even having a coffee shop that is locally owned was something our community wanted. We’re so happy to be able to provide both for Fountain City.
If you were a menu item in your coffee shop, which one would you be & why?
Alissa: We both actually have an answer to that! I would be an iced vanilla chai. Vanilla is one of my favorite scents and flavors, but it’s sweet and the spices of the chai just create this warmth. It’s what I drink often.
Casey: Mine’s boring, but I’d probably be an Americano. You can have a bunch of it, which I do 😂
After chatting with Alissa and Casey, of course I had to peruse Fable Hollow. The fantasy theme provides a real vibe throughout the whole store (you honestly have to come see for yourself!). There are several comfortable nooks and corners to sit and skim a story before you commit, and plenty of books for all ages – the selection is curated, but still very broad in appeal! (I ended up getting Acting Class by Nick Drnasso from the graphic novel selection. It was recommended by a friend and has been a great read!) As I was grabbing a coffee on my way out the door, a group was gathering at a table near the front of the store to hang out. It perfectly reflected what Alissa and Casey dreamed of creating for this Knoxville community. As an English teacher, there’s a special place in my heart for bookstores, and Fable Hollow would have had me content for hours as a kid. Come experience the magic for yourself at their Grand Opening on Saturday, April 29th!
DISCOVER OTHER COFFEE SHOPS AROUND TOWN RIGHT HERE!
by Emily Stooks | Mar 14, 2023 | All Articles, Downtown, Emilie Stooksbury, Food & Drink
It’s award season, babes, and when award season coincides with Daylight Savings, we are much more interested in bestowing the nation’s highest awards to coffee rather than cinema. Coffee is working so hard for us these days 🥲 That being said, we’re certainly not here to tell you what kind of coffee to like! SO without further ado, here is the official ceremony of Knoxville coffee shops ranked on everything but coffee. Think of it as local coffee superlatives. Okay let’s gooooo!!!! (That energy? Yeah, that’s the coffee talking.)
The award for BEST INSTAGRAM AESTHETICS goes tooooo: Remedy Coffee (North Knox)
We’ve taken photos of literally every corner of Remedy. That fan in the corner? Yep. That menu list? For sure. The bar seating facing the window? You betcha. She’s got great style, great lighting, and she overlooks a cemetery which is just the artsiest thing we could ever imagine. So snap away, pals, no judgement here.
The award for the BEST PLACE TO GO IF YOUR FRIEND WANTS TO MEET FOR COFFEE BUT YOU’VE ALREADY LOWKEY HAD FIVE CUPS goes tooooo: Honeybee Coffee (Farragut)
Honeybee Coffee takes this one by a landslide because of their brewery side aaaand their legit food menu. They will not be boxed in by your baked goods! (PS. They have other locations scattered around town as well, including their OG spot in South Knoxville!)
The award for FEELING TRENDY WHILE SHOWING YOUR FRIENDS AROUND TOWN goes tooooo: Old City Java (Old City)
Why, you ask? Well, why is the grass green? Why do birds sing? Old City Java is just cool. Maybe it’s the painted ceiling, maybe it’s the historic building, maybe it’s the spots to sit in the alley. Either way, it’s great (and the Old City neighborhood is the cutest place to stroll on a weekday morning… though on a weekend at midnight, “cute” is maybe not the word we would choose… IYKYK 😂)
The award for WHERE TO GO WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE TO GO goes toooooo: Likewise Coffee (East Knoxville)
Likewise Coffee is in an old renovated house which means it has SOooo many cozy corners to choose from. If you’re not sure what vibe you’re lookin’ for in the moment, just go to Likewise – they’re dripping with different vibes. Let future-you make that decision. (Their proceeds also go straight to their non-profit, Raising a Voice, which fights to end human trafficking locally and globally soooo that’s another pretty decent reason to go to Likewise 😂)
The award for BEST PLACE TO BRING YOUR MINI BFFS goes tooooo: The Empty Cup (West Knox)
The Empty Cup embraces your kiddos and all kiddos! First, their profits go to supporting adoption efforts. Second, they have kid-friendly areas all around the shop. (Really, the whole place is pretty kid friendly – so many comfy couches!) And third, they have a drive-thru if you’re just not ready to deal with your wild babes in public today, period. Other Nominees: Mahalo in Powell & Jack’s!
The award for MAKIN’ YOU FEEL ALL GOOD IN YOUR SOUUUUL goes tooooo: Treetop Coffee Shop (West Knox)
The last two coffee shops were in the running for this one, but Treetop took the top spot! (Say that last line five times fast.) Treetop Coffee Shop is woman-owned & purpose-driven as they set aside funds each month to go towards helping kids around the world in a variety of ways. They also have “Do Good, Drink Good” on their wall so you’re inspired to jump in and help too 😍 (Also, unrelated, but it’s just dang CUTE and in the cutest lil corner of Sequoyah Hills.) Other Nominees: Empty Cup & Likewise Coffee
The award for MOST MYSTERIOUS NAME PRONUNCIATION goes toooo: Five & Hoek Coffee (Downtown)
Is it Five & HOKE? Is it Five & HECK? No, my friends, Five & Hoek is Five & HOOOOOK. They are very friendly in there (like literally SO sweet 😭🙌) and will definitely tell you how to pronounce it if you ask… Or – hear us out – we can collectively decide to keep the mystery alive, thus allowing them to win this award for year’s to come.
The award for MAKIN’ ME NEED TO BUY NEW PANTS goes toooo: Wildlove Bakehouse (North Knox)
I’m sooooorry but those baked goods & pastries from Wildlove are just too good. We cannot and will not say no. Y’all, you can literally watch the magic being made through the window into the kitchen. And trust us when we say, every single doughy bite is magic. Enjoy everything they offer because you can always buy new pants, people! Other Nominees: KBrew for that cappuccino + bagel combo
The award for BEST STUDY BUDDIEEEES goes toooo: Awaken Coffee (Downtown/Old City)
Awaken Coffee is good for studying, period, but you can elevate the experience (literally 😉) and pop up the stairs to their peaceful “treehouse” or head into the back for even more space & quiet! Other Nominees: Backroads Market cuz sometimes they have SNACKS
The award for PRETENDING TO GO FOR THE COFFEE BUT DEF STAYING FOR THE SHOPPING goes tooo: Backroads Market (West Knox)
Backroads is half coffee shop and half home goods store and fuuuuuull cozy goodness. It is theeee perfect spot to hang on a rainy day because once you’ve finished your coffee, you can simply stroll & shop as you inevitably make it back to the counter for another cup. Other Nominees: Jack’s but in reality we go for the shopping & appreciate the coffee
The award for CAFFEINATION RELAXATION goes tooooo: Mahalo Coffee Roasters (Powell & Downtown)
Have you had one too many cups but you’re still jonesin’ for another? We feel this deeply in our bones (no, seriously. We can feel the caffeine coursing through our veins). Thankfully, Mahalo exists! They roast and brew and serve all kinds of caffeination… but the Hawaiian Island vibes in which they do it is aaall relaxation, baby.
The award for BEING TRANSPORTED INTO MYTHICAL, MAGIC LANDS goes toooo: Fable Hollow (Fountain City)
This brand new bookshoppe/coffee shop is fantasy themed and was liiiiterally built to whisk you away to foreign lands. The vibes alone will do the trick, but you can also go the extra mile and read a book – the classic way to be whisked away to foreign lands. That’s two magical, mythical world transportations for the price of one coffee, babyyyyy!
The award for BEST SUMMER VIBES goes tooooo: K Brew (North Knox)
Is it because of the hammocks? MAYBE. But tell us what’s more summery than swingin’ on a hammock with a dog at your feet & an iced coffee in your hand. NOTHING. And it’s all possible at K Brew on N Broadway. (They have other locations but the oldest one in North Knox is our favorite 😊) On the nicest days, they’ll also open all the garage doors for an easy-breezy-caffeinated-summer experience.
The award for LOVIN’ YOU NO MATTER WHAT, YES, EVEN BEFORE YOUR COFFEE goes toooo: South Press (South Knox)
South Press Coffee in South Knoxville has made a name for themselves for being one of the safest, most inclusive spots in Knoxville, period. No matter who you are or who you love, you can walk through those doors, grab a mug off the wall, and enjoy a cup of unlimited coffee in a space with unlimited quirky decor.
The award for FEELING FANCY LIKE A DOWNTOWN DWELLER goes toooo: Frothy Monkey (Downtown)
Popping into Frothy Monkey for a to-go coffee or sipping it on the dreamy front-patio just feels slightly elevated when doing it right on the hustle & bustle of Gay St. We suggest enjoying your coffee with sunglasses on your head and a chihuahua on your lap.
The award for CUTEST MASCOT goes tooooo: Capybara Coffee (Campus)
Have you seeeeen a capybara?? They are adorable (especially for a rodent *shudders*). You know who else is adorable? The owners of Capybara Coffee who will make sure seasonal drinks have appropriately themed garnishes. (We die over a themed garnish 😭🙌) They’re truly the sweetest and will tell you all about their coffee, their journey to Knoxville, and their love for capybaras – just ask!
The award for BUILDIN’ COMMUNITY goes tooooo: Golden Roast Coffee Roasters (West Knox + Campus)
Y’all KNOW building community is our absolute favorite thing & apparently Golden Roast is pretty into it too! 😂 They host book clubs and markets and concerts and craft nights and all kinds of community-centric goodness. In fact, even when they had to change locations, they made sure to stay in the same neighborhood so they could keep servin’ that community (*wipes forty-five tears*). Other Nominees: CommonPlace Coffee – it just feels like a warm hug in there! And South Press Coffee – it feels like a colorful, fun, inclusive hug in there!
The award for FRIENDLIEST NEIGHBORS goes tooooo: Coffee & Chocolate (Downtown)
Speeeaking of community! We may be biased (okay, we definitely are), but Coffee & Chocolate is our neighbor and we adore them. They’re so sweet (the people and the truffles) and they will even pick up our packages sometimes or let us borrow a trash bag now & then. (I wish I could say they let us borrow a cup of sugar but alas, we’ve never asked. Trash bags though? That we’ve needed 😂) Thank you so much for attending this year’s Knoxville Coffee Shops Ranked on Everything But the Coffee awards! Now go home and enjoy the rush only taking off heels after a long night at an awards show can give you. OR, hear us out, rally and get some coffee 😉
