Visiting a new city means new coffee shops to explore – but with so many options, how to decide? We guarantee you can’t go wrong with any of Knoxville’s shops, but you might be looking in a certain part of town (did you land here with a classic Google search of "Coffee near me"? Welcome!), a particular vibe, or even on the hunt for a certain roast if you really know your stuff. This post shares all kinds of coffeehouses, we want to help you find the perfect cup!
Vibe - Awaken Coffee is located in downtown Knoxville's historic Old City. The building is over 100 years old and has the most incredible morning light – perfect for creating your own little reading nook and hunkering down with a book. They've got a second spot inside Kern's Bakery in SoKno on Chapman Highway.
Roast – Awaken features an excellent regional roaster: Quills based out of Louisville, KY.
Visitor Recommendations – Explore the Old City itself with handcrafted coffee to help fuel your adventure.
Vibe - If you're into the thought of going camping and you need to stock up on coffee and provisions, then this is the shop for you. You'll be prepared to picnic with a stop here.
Roast – A local favorite for matcha, they even have a barista dedicated to the art of this popular beverage!
Visitor Recommendations – Lakeshore Park, one of Knoxville's largest parks, is right across the street. Grab some snacks and head over to get your steps in, sprawl out on the grass, watch the kids play, or simply enjoy the views.
Vibe – Capybara is a Specialty Coffee Shop with a laid-back environment with quality products and friendly service. They have great coffee (and craft teas from Smith Teamaker) and focus specifically on Brazilian coffee culture. Coffee is a major part of Brazilians’ identity, and everyday life revolves around the bean. From morning "cafe com leite" (drip coffee and milk) to afternoon "cafezinho" (strong brewed plain black coffee) and after lunch espresso, the day starts and sometimes ends in coffee.
Roast – Their goal is to bring more of the Brazilian Specialty Coffee scene to the spotlight, partnering with two roasters who have great relationships with Brazilian farmers: Panther out of Florida and Casa Brasil out of Texas. Panther is an influential roaster in Miami and elsewhere, you’ll find this roaster used in their everyday coffee blends. Casa Brasil is a highly specialized roaster with a focus on direct fair trade with Brazilian small farmers, who’re responsible for the microlots (small farms, small batches) that Capybara serves using multiple brewing methods (V60 Pour Over, French Press, Chemex).
Visitor Recommendations – The University of Tennessee, the UT Gardens, and so much more is nearby, read more about this area!
Vibe – This super cozy chill spot in the heart of downtown has all one needs in life: coffee AND chocolate. They’ve been serving up the goods since 2005. You’re sure to run into locals with their regular customers that keep coming back for more. They also have a shop in Powell and another in West Hills. At any location, you'll have to pick up some macarons or truffles – you deserve it!
Roast – They use locally roasted beans that will have you ordering a drip (hot, black, no cream, trust!) and an afternoon cold brew. Perfect day.
Visitor Recommendations - They’ve got the foodies covered: “If I was new in town I would recommend stopping in the Visitor Center of course (we didn’t pay them to say that!) then eat at J.C. Holdway, Kaizen, and Lonesome Dove.”
Vibe – A casual little shop in the Fort Sanders neighborhood adjacent to UT Campus. Expect students studying or hanging out. Indoor and outdoor seating for guests to enjoy.
Roast – Known for their rotating seasonal lattes and other drinks that will keep you coming back.
Visitor Recommendations – You're close to UT Campus, go explore!
Vibe – This shop in SoKno feels like you’re walking into a warm and welcoming living room. For an extra bit of cozy, enjoy your bevvie in the vault room (the building was once a bank). This one has great bagel and other drink options too. Drive through if you're on the go!
Roast – You’ll find ShareWell Coffee Co. out of Hendersonville, North Carolina. The owners have loved their coffee for years and they’re excited to bring their beans to Knoxville. Oh, and they make all their syrups in-house so they’re always tweaking recipes and experimenting to get those flavors just right. They generally introduce a new drink every Wednesday, so you’ll have to keep coming back for more.
Visitor Recommendations – You’ll notice a giant SoKno mural map done by local illustrator Paris Woodhull, take a look and enjoy all the outdoor options this part of town has to offer!
Vibe – Fresh flowers meet fresh coffee shop. Pick up both to start your day the right way (and a drive-thru if you're in a rush!)
Roast – The coffee they serve is roasted locally in East Knoxville at Likewise Coffee. Both Likewise Coffee and Cultivate Coffee are wholly owned by the non-profit Raising a Voice, located in East Knoxville. 100% of the proceeds from both locations contribute directly to anti-trafficking efforts in Knoxville + Globally.
Visitor Recommendations – This shop is in Fountain City, north of Knoxville. It's a residential area centered around Fountain City Lake with local restaurants, shops, and parks scattered throughout. Happy exploring!
Vibe – This shop in west Knoxville near Cedar Bluff is the closest you'll get in Knoxville to that 90s Friends Central Perk vibe. The exterior is in an assuming strip, but the interior is full of mismatched furniture and mismatched cups for you to choose from. Cozy couches from grandma's house and lots of tables for gathering is the name of the game here.
Roast – Here's how they describe themselves: "The Empty Cup is a kind of coffeehouse that is a gathering space with excellent coffee, local food, a market place, and live music. But it goes beyond that. The goal is to rethink how adoption fundraising is done. The Empty Cup will become a sustainable source for adoption fundraising. As people pour into The Empty Cup, they will pour back out to local families in the form of adoption grants."
Visitor Recommendations – Lots more dining options in this area that are sure to surprise you. In the same strip you'll find Pho 99, and nearby you'll find Potchke Bagel, Aroma Indian, Q Korean Steakhouse, and Tuk Tuk Thai Fusion. Around the globe in less than a mile in any direction!
Vibe – The name combines the last names of co-founder Tyler Fivecoat and his friend/former partner Aaron Hoekstra (pronounced as Five and Hook). A clean, modern shop on the north side of the Old City. Brick + Millennial Pink = let's go! If you're a sucker for well-designed packaging, you'll immediately be "hoeked" on theirs.
Roast – They are a specialty coffee roaster focused on roasting ethically sourced coffee, direct trade coffee, and the top 1% of coffee in the world. They partner with importers & farmers directly who care most about quality coffee, organic coffee, and caring for the farmers involved in growing & processing the coffee, and assuring that the coffee is sourced responsibly.
Visitor Recommendations – You're steps away from all the Old City has to offer!
Vibe – What started as an airstream trailer in 2014 has two physical locations. Their West Shop (Kingston Pike/Lovell) features lots of natural lighting, a modern design, and a welcoming feel. Their SoKno Shop on Sevier Avenue is quiet and laid back with lots of comfy seating.
Roast – They roast their own at the West Shop for use at their own shops and wholesale clients. Lots of options from beans sourced from around the world – something for everybody!
Vibe – Airy yet cozy, how do they do it? Their first shop is in Bearden, and their second shop is in Hardin Valley.
Roast – Familiar with nitro beer? Nitro coffee is kinda similar. Nitro is cold brew infused with nitrogen and either served from a keg or canned. The tiny nitrogen bubbles give the drink its famous creamy texture. This shop is super friendly and allows customers a sample - perfect if you've never tried it before. Plus some of the best chai lattes around.
Visitor Recommendations – Lots of adventures to be had in the surrounding Bearden neighborhood!
Vibe - K Brew has been a local favorite since 2013. Originating in the Old North neighborhood, K Brew now has four locations across Knoxville: one on Broadway, one in west Knoxville near West Town Mall, one in west Knoxville on Ebenezer, and one inside the Embassy Suites Downtown. They’re known for their unique hammock seating, friendly staff, and laid-back atmosphere – perfect for hangouts with friends or meetings with colleagues.
Roast – They offer their signature Marble City Blend, as well as several rotating single-origin coffees, expertly roasted espresso, and delicious decaf.
Visitor Recommendation – Enjoy the nearby outdoors; Sharp’s Ridge is just up the road from the north location. Don’t forget to snap a selfie at the Greetings from Knoxville Mural on the side of the building of the north location.
Vibe – Likewise is set in a spacious, cozy 100+-year-old house in East Knoxville, just east of Downtown and the Old City off Magnolia. Each room is filled with different types of seating ranging from couches to velvet chairs to normal tables. The shop displays art from local artists and includes a beautiful interior mural. If the inside isn't enough, Likewise also features a peaceful, shaded outdoor seating area that has an Instagrammable fence showing love to their East Knoxville community. They’re owned by a local nonprofit called Raising a Voice, with 100% of proceeds going to support their local work with vulnerable women.
Roast – Likewise carries ethically sourced coffee from multiple origins. It’s all roasted in-house to make sure each cup is flavorful.
Visitor Recommendations – Likewise is near several East Knoxville staples such as Zoo Knoxville, The Muse, and Caswell Park. Read more about this part of town: In the Neighborhood – East Knoxville.
Vibe – You’ll really catch a coastal feel when you walk into Mahalo, after all, “Mahalo” means Thank You in Hawaiian. Bright whites and crisp blues and a signature surfboard adorn the chill layout in their Powell location (which also has a drive-thru). Their downtown location just off bustling Market Square on Union Avenue in the Daylight Building. Pick up a book next door at Union Avenue Books and you’ve got yourself a delightful spot to relax.
Roast – Mahalo has put an emphasis on showcasing coffees from farmers they’ve established real, in-person relationships with, many being bright, “fruit-forward” natural coffees from Costa Rica and Colombia. Their mainstay blend “Dawn Patrol” is a combination of coffees from Ethiopia and Brazil and is the go-to for their espresso-based drinks. You will usually find light-roasted single origin coffees on batch brew. For a darker roast, they've added "Night Surf" to their lineup, a Guatemala origin bean roasted darker than anything else they have.
Visitor Recommendations – Need an outdoor fix? The Powell location is super close to Tommy Schumpert Park in north Knox County. A disc golf course, an excellent dog park, and a paved greenway await! Their downtown location is close to, well everything downtown!
Vibe – Pop-up coffee cart turned into two locations: find their first inside Southside Garage on Sevier Ave in SoKno. Super chill vibes with patio table seating. This spot is known for its rotating food trucks and often has pop-markets, especially in the vintage department. Their north location is on Broadway, taking what was the original K Brew spot. Intimate would be a good word for this neighborhood-forward spot.
Roast – Expect a tight an concise menu brewed with care here, plus a few baked goods from Flour Head Bakery. Specialty coffee is top shelf, partnering with Nomad Roasters.
Visitor Recommendations – Hang out at Southside Garage and sloooow down in SoKno. At the north location? You're guaranteed to rub elbows with locals here at this community hub in 4th and Gill neighborhood. Start a conversation and ask for recs!
Vibe – Established in 1991 (that’s 35 years y’all!), Old City Java has a cozy old-world feel to it. With warm wood tones and old brick, this local favorite really captures the historic feel of one of Knoxville’s oldest neighborhoods. Their sister coffee shop and bakery Wild Love Bakehouse is in Happy Holler and is almost the opposite. It’s open and airy with lots of natural light, modern without feeling cold. There’s a big glass wall that gives guests a peek into the kitchen to watch the pastry team hard at work. Pastries from Wild Love are served at both locations – and this would be a good time to mention that WLB was dubbed “Best Bakehouse in America” by AFAR Magazine.
Roast – Both cafes offer a full espresso menu in addition to rotating single-origin coffees from Counter Culture Coffee out of Durham, North Carolina.
Visitor Recommendations – Old City Java is as described, in the heart of the Old City, so you’ll find plenty to do within walking distance. Wild Love is in Happy Holler on Central, get to know that neighborhood.
Vibe – Bright shop known for being a welcoming shop below Knox Base, popular co-working space. Belly up to the bar for an intimate look at your latte being made, bring your laptop, or sit outside.
Roast – Their slogan is "a little bit of everything every now and then" which sums up their offerings perfectly. Gloom Coffee out of Seattle? Rowan Coffee out of Asheville? Passenger Coffee out of Lancaster, PA? YES.
Visitor Recommendations – This shop is on Broadway in North Knoxville, so pick a direction and you've got all KINDS of stuff to do. If you're into antiques, you're in luck with Architectural Antics right next door. Perfect place to start a new-to-you treasure hunt!
Vibe – You’ll know you’re somewhere unique before you walk in the door. Their lime green and charcoal gray color scheme is funky and a welcome change of pace. This shop in East Knoxville has a relaxed, welcoming feel, with nods to the neighborhood They have made in-house baked goods and quiche – and are well known for their “incredibites” – their version of monkey bread. If you’re in around lunchtime, they have yeast rolls with your choice of chicken/egg salad. They also care about their community with their “Pay it Forward” board, where anyone can pay for someone else’s coffee – how nice it feels to give a cup or get a cup!
Roast – They carry a few different roasts from Vienna Coffee, a roaster south of Knoxville in Maryville.
Vibe – You're in the suburbs, but you want that "downtown" vibe? PPC's got you. This side street off Northshore is perfectly shaded with cute bistro tables out front and a clean look inside.
Roast – Enjoy Counter Culture and Stumptown here, plus local pastries from VG's Bakery and Small Comforts Kitchen.
Visitor Recommendations – This shop is far west Knoxville, close to Farragut, parks, and water access. In fact, Admiral Farragut Park is just down the street. After some espresso, you'll be saying, "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!"
Vibe - Remedy is a third-wave coffee shop in North Knoxville, just a stone’s throw away from downtown. If you like natural light and plant bb’s, this is the shop for you. If you were to ask them their thoughts on themselves, they’d say their goal is to be serious about coffee, but they don’t take themselves seriously at all. They’d love for everyone to be educated and drink great coffee, but know that you don’t have to be pretentious about it! Their advice would be to enjoy what you like – whether a caramel latte or a naturally processed Ethiopian pour-over.
Roast - They regularly carry Methodical Coffee out of Greenville, South Carolina. The other guest roaster rotates every three months or so; check their social to see what's brewing!
Visitor Recommendation - “Paysan. Paysan. Paysan. Paysan is our next-door neighbor and they have a variety of baked goods, with a focus on bagels and bagel sandwiches. Everything they touch is amazing and they pump out some killer food and bread.” With coffee and bagel in hand, you can take a stroll in the adjacent Old Gray Cemetery. Sounds weird but it’s peaceful and full of history – check it out on the Divided Loyalties Civil War Driving Tour.
Vibe – Industrial meets rustic in this Hardin Valley shop. The word "sunago" is Greek-derived, meaning "to gather," offering a welcoming and comfortable feel.
Roast – The coffee is roasted in Powell, the milk comes from Weigel’s Dairy, and the ice cream comes from Mayfield.
Visitor Recommendations – In need of some relaxation? Work your way around the corner of this shopping plaza and find Pure Luxe, a fantastic place for a massage or facial!
Vibe – Modern, warm, and colorful with retro touches. They’ve got a clean and simple look with pops of color and comfy furniture.
Roast – Follow their social to see their guest roasters they showcase!
Visitor Recommendations – Cherokee Boulevard is steps away – enjoy the Sequoyah Hills Greenway through this incredible neighborhood as it runs along the Tennessee River. HIGHLY recommend walking this greenway in autumn as the leaves are falling or following the Dogwood Trail in the spring.
Vibe – Dark academia living room meets coffeehouse. This shop is one of the most unique on the list, because YOU are doing the brewing. The center island has instructions from start to finish, from getting your water and heating your kettle, to picking the beans, grinding them, and choosing your brewing method.
Roast – This is the fun part – you get to pick! Check out their wall which rotates regularly with various roasts from around the world. They're all pre-measured so you can select the one you want and brew a cup, customized to your palate.
Visitor Recommendations – This shop is in Bearden, in between Sutherland and Kingston Pike. So much to do in this entire area!
Vibe – This shop in Powell leans into its former life as a mechanics garage on Clinton Highway. "We embody the spirit of cafe racer motorcycles - crafting amazing coffee and beverages with speed, grit, and flavor." Feeling extra speedy? They've got a drive-thru!
Roast – As the name implies, they roast their own with beans available for purchase.
Visitor Recommendations – Powell is an expanding neighborhood north of downtown. Primarily residential, you'll find loads of restaurants, parks, and shopping nearby.
This post focuses on coffeehouses where coffee is the main deal (i.e. not cafes where food is more the core offering/no donut shops/other retail that serves coffee onsite). But we’d be remiss to leave out the mobile coffee carts and trucks around town, including Three Bears Coffee and Refill Coffee. Find a full list of shops.
We hope this helped you get to know Knoxville’s coffee scene better, we think you deserve a great cup on your next visit here!
Author
Kristen Combs
Kristen Combs is the Director of Communications & Social Strategies for Visit Knoxville. With an extensive knowledge of Knoxville as a tourist destination, Kristen is also the author of 100 Things to Do in Knoxville Before You Die, published by Reedy Press and available in the Visitors Center Gift Shop. Find Kristen on Instagram at @100thingsknoxville.
