10 Knoxville bars we wish made USA TODAY's bars of the year list

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6 days ago

Knoxville knows a thing or two about drinking culture, whether it's a local dive where you become part of the bar family or a trendy cocktail sport perfect for a first date. The Scruffy City has it all, and its bars are garnering national recognition as must-try places on a national scale.
Brother Wolf, an aperitivo bar in the Old City, was among 29 bars in the country that made the 2025 USA TODAY Bars of the Year list. It was chosen for its low-proof cocktails that have worked to expand Knoxville's palette, an atmosphere that uniquely matches the intricacy of the drinks and decor that is a nod to the Italian cocktail bars that directly inspired Brother Wolf.
Not every local bar could make this year's list, curated by USA TODAY Network food writers across the country, but there are plenty of places in Knoxville that should be considered next time.
Here are 10 Knoxville bars we wish made the list.
Bernadette's Crystal Gardens
Bernadette's Crystal Gardens is truly one of a kind and shares its roof with Preservation Pub, which made last year's USA TODAY list. Just like Preservation Pub, it's also owned by Scott and Bernadette West, whose reputation for the eclectic helps explain why other West concepts could be considered.
Bernadette's has three levels, all offering a different experience. The first level is intricately designed with crystals on the ceiling, walls, bar tops and booths that transport you to a magical place. The second level often has international dance nights, but the roof is here the bar really shines with an other-worldly vibe. Here you will find even more crystals, flowers and a perfect view of Market Square
Info: scruffycity.com | @bernadettescrystalgardens | 865-524-2224 | 26 Market Square
Fiori Bar & Lounge
From the outside looking in, Fiori Bar & Lounge looks like the perfect cocktail lounge for an Instagram story. It's trendy and has an aesthetic that matches what most people look for at cocktail lounge: beautiful decor and beautiful drinks. The best part about Fiori is that it actually lives up to the hype, with faux blossom cherry trees, pink neon lights and intimate booths providing a quality drinking atmosphere.
Fiori provides an extensive menu of classic and creative drinks, from the perfect dirty martini to a crisp pinot grigio. Among its signatures is the "Violet Whisper" (Empress gin, St. Germain, Creme de Violette and lemon). Fiori also has a full dinner menu that features appetizers like lobster rolls, oysters and duck wings, along with entrees such as an eight-ounce filet, seasonal gnocchi and scallops romesco.
Info: fioribar.com | fioriloungeknox.com | 865-200-4928 | 111 E. Jackson Ave.
Five Thirty Lounge
Five Thirty Lounge is 10 levels above the rest, literally. This bar is on the rooftop of the Hyatt Place hotel in downtown Knoxville and offers a full view of the city's growing landscape that reaches nearly as far as the eye can see. Five Thirty Lounge has both outdoor and indoor areas, with interior seating along floor-to-ceiling windows that allow East Tennessee sunsets to pour into the space. At night, enjoy the twinkling lights of the downtown skyline.
Five Thirty Lounge has a list of signature cocktails, including a few mocktails, to lift your spirits. There is also a full list of beer, including a rotating selection of local craft options, along with wine and whiskey. Some small plate options include prime angus sliders, teriyaki chicken skewers and an alder-smoked salmon dip.
Info: fivethirtylounge.com | @fivethirtylounge | 865-544-9977 | 530 S. Gay St.
Fly by Night
If you're longing to return to the good vibes and great style of the 1970s − or to experience the iconic decade for the first time − the answer is Fly by Night, a '70s cocktail bar that opened in South Knoxville in 2023. Whether you're dropping in after a hike at nearby Ijams Nature Center or dressing up for date night, the atmosphere is for everyone.
The cocktail bar hosts a variety of events, including karaoke nights, DJ sets and trivia. Fly by Night also has a popular brunch menu that includes a "Brunch Smorgasbord" with jammy eggs, local babka and bialy, sourdough, speck ham, avocado, whipped butter, cheese, fruit and pickled vegetables. Signature cocktails include the "Godfather Part II" (blended and Islay scotch, amaretto, Fernet Branca, extra dry vermouth, Pernod and cherry wood smoke) and the "Nite Lite" (bourbon, campari, hisbiscus grenadine, passionfruit, vanilla and lemon).
Info: flybynightknox.com | @flybynightknox | 865-247-5022 | 906 Sevier Ave.
Monkey's Bar
Monkey's Bar is a cozy spot on the edge of the charming Old City neighborhood. Its website highlights the prominence of the apostrophe in the unique name, saying the bar has nothing to do with either monkeys or monkey bars, but rather the name of the founder's golden retriever. The spot has a beautiful bar top, plenty of indoor seating and a few outdoor seats to take in a warm Knoxville evening.
Monkey's Bar also duals as a rentable event space. It has a full drink menu, as well as a long list of creative mocktails like the "Hot Boyfriend" (NKD whiskey, giffard aperitif, orange juice and orange peel) and "The One for Matthew Perry" (NKD gin, lyres Italian orange, giffard aperitif with a dehydrated orange).
Info: monkeysbarknox.com | @monkeysbarknox | 103 W. Depot Ave.
The Public House
The Public House is a true neighborhood bar near the Old City. Its bright yellow exterior starkly contrasts its dimly lit bar area, where you'll find deep booths and quiet corner seating perfect for catching up with old friends. But where The Public House really shines is a few more steps toward the back exit. Just outside is a patio space that opens up to the Knoxville sky, filled with long picnic tables for big groups and two-person tables conducive for an after-work date.
The bar has a full list of beer, wine, seltzers and ciders, as well as signature cocktails like the "JazzMaster" (Suntori Toki Japanese whiskey, jasmine, orange bitters, lime and Amaro Montenegro) and the "Sage Advice" (Letherbee gin infused with sage, Jack Rudy tonic concentrate, lemon, citrus-rose bitters and sparkling wine). The Public House has a tasty food menu that features pretzels, dips, cheese boards and seven different hot dogs. The out-of-the-box hot dog toppings include shredded gruyere, roasted corn, bacon pimento cheese, jalapenos and caramelized onions.
Info: knoxpublichouse.com | @knoxpublichouse | 865-247-4344 | 212 W. Magnolia Ave.
Tern Club
Tern Club is the firstborn child of owners Jocelyn Morin and Ryan Shanley, who later opened Fly by Night. Tern Club is a tiki-themed cocktail bar in downtown Knoxville, located in the 100 block of Gay Street. It is a cocktail oasis − an escape from the bustling city − with an array of plants hanging on the ceiling and creeping over the walls.
Tern Club has a cozy outdoor patio surrounded by greenery in the center of the city. A few of the bar's quirky cocktails include the "Tamela Anderson" (blanco tequila, tamarind, Sfumato Rababaro, pamplemousse liquor, cinnamon and lime) and the "Bubble Buddy" (vodka, lemon, cucumber, cardamon syrup and soda). Communal drinks also are available.
Info: ternclub.com | @ternclub | 865-312-5530 | 135 S. Gay St.
Urban Bar & Corner Cafe
Urban Bar & Corner Cafe may not have the same kind of glitz and glam that the other bars on this list provide, but this Old City bar is a comfortable go-to all the same. Urban sits on the busiest corner of the Old City, just down the road from the newly built stadium for Knoxville Smokies baseball and One Knoxville soccer.
A massive front patio sits under the shade of surrounding trees, and seating galore is available inside the smoke-filled dive. Urban can be a reliable start to a night out, with cheap food and even cheaper drinks, but is an even better finish to a long night, whether you're looking to shoot pool, play darts or listen to some tunes on the jukebox. If anything, Preservation Pub making the USA TODAY list in 2024 proves that a grungy place like Urban deserves a shoutout.
Info: urbanbarknoxville.com | @urbanbarknox | 865-546-2800 | 109 N. Central St.
The Vault
The Vault is an upscale cocktail lounge built inside the former Holston Bank. History seeps through the building itself, as part of the lounge includes a real bank vault. It leans into a classic 1930s theme, paying homage to Old Hollywood. The lounge is open to the public, but what really sets The Vault apart is its exclusive membership program that grants keyholder perks, concierge service and unparalleled access to the lounge.
There is a list of classic cocktails like a negroni, Manhattan and old fashioned, as well as a unique "Build Your Own" martini list and lounge-specific creations. Some of the creative cocktails include the "Italian Brad Pitt" (Singani 63, bitter fusetti, acid of lemon and mandarin, egg whites, essence of saffron and vanilla) and the "Full Irish Breakfast" (Teelings small batch whiskey, Wiseacre stout cordial, acid of lemon and orange, maple, bacon fat wash, whole egg and essence of coffee).
Info: thevaultknoxville.com | @thevault_knoxville | 865-544-9564 | 531 S. Gay St.
Zero/Zero Wine Bar
Zero/Zero Wine Bar was the first of its kind in Knoxville. Zero/Zero is a natural wine bar in the Happy Holler neighborhood about a mile north of downtown The bar sells wine by the glass, cheap beer and delicious snacks. The bartenders have extensive knowledge of the offerings and are eager help you navigate the menu to find a perfect match.
You can order a snack platter with something pickled, two meats and two cheeses of your choosing. Also on the menu is assorted tinned fish served with focaccia crisps. Zero/Zero also has a few non-alcoholic options.
Info: zerozeroknox.com | @zerozeroknox | 865-985-0743 | 1211 N. Central St.
Joanna Hayes is the restaurant and retail reporter. Email: [e-mail].
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: 10 Knoxville bars we wish made USA TODAY's bars of the year list
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