There’s just something about a coffee shop that makes me immediately more productive when I’m working or in the past, studying. And as a Knoxville local, I’ve been on a mission to find all the best coffee shops in town based not only on their coffee, but their ambience, amenities, and location. I guarantee you’ll find your new favorite from this list, or if you’re in town visiting, I’ll do my best to steer you to the best choice for you! 🫡
A disclaimer before we get started, I’m usually a tea drinker 🙈 but I promise I’ve tried the mochas from every spot on this list, and while some were certainly better than others, I’ll be sure to share the vibe of the shop so you know what you’re in for regardless of the coffee itself. Anyway, let’s dive into my local’s favorite coffee shops in Knoxville, TN including some in Old City, Downtown Knoxville, the Happy Holler neighborhood, and beyond!
Map of the Best Knoxville Coffee Shops
This is a travel blog afterall, and ya girl loves a map. This will hopefully help you decide which location is most convenient for you.
Best Coffee Shops in Knoxville, Tennessee
1. Awaken Coffee
While they now have two locations (more on that in a bit), Awaken Coffee’s original location in Old City is adjacent to downtown Knoxville. In a beautiful brick building with tall ceilings, you’ll find plenty of corners to relax with a community space in the back for events.
I had their Valentine’s special Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Mocha and a chocolate croissant, which was warmed up perfectly and topped with powdered sugar. I especially loved their seasonal items and coffee flights, where you could try multiple items on their menu in one shot.
My favorite part, though, was how they supported local artists by displaying their art on the walls that you could purchase. The first time I visited, they had work by Peyton Tolleson, a Knoxville artist who features wildlife, pets, and even does live wedding paintings!
I mentioned they recently added a second location, which is Kern’s Food Hall. This food hall opened in April of 2024 in two phases and Awaken Coffee has a location there, too! If you happen to be closer to that end of town, it’s a great option if you need a more full meal with your coffee.
Address:
- Original Old City Location: 125 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902
- Kern’s Food Hall: 2201 Kerns Rising Way, Knoxville, TN 37920
Hours: weekdays 7:30 am – 7 pm, Saturday 8 am – 7 pm, Sunday 10:30 am – 8 pm, Kern’s Food Hall location hours may vary
Food?: yes
2. Coffee and Chocolate
Coffee and Chocolate is one of the longest running coffee shops in Knoxville and was founded in 2005 in the heart of downtown. They also just opened a second location!
Not only do they have a fantastic coffee menu, but they have artisan and fine chocolates including truffles, carmels, and macarons. Let’s just say when you walk in, the decadent smell is like a warm hug of comfort scents.
Plus, the exterior decor is always STUNNING with beautiful window paintings and flowers on the overhang.
And, you know how I said I tried mochas everywhere I went…well it comes at no surprise that Coffee and Chocolate did this coffee and chocolate drink best. Theirs features Ghirardelli chocolate and they also have other varieties like a spicy mocha with cinnamon and cayenne, a black and white mocha with multiple kinds of chocolate, and a peppermint mocha. YUM.
A note on the space. The interior at their original location downtown is a bit small, so it might not be the most comfy place to spread out and work.
However, they have a new second location in Powell, which is in Knoxville county and north of the city of Knoxville. This location is larger and more spread out, so if you need more space, want the best mocha in town, and don’t mind a little drive, this spot is for you!
Address:
- Original Downtown Location: 327 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902
- Powell: 3531 W. Emory Rd. Powell, TN 37849
Hours: 7 am – 10 pm daily (downtown), 7 am – 7pm daily (Powell)
Food?: dessert only
3. The Empty Cup
I’m actually writing this blog post right now from The Empty Cup (for research purposes of course 😉)! And I’m loving it!
If you want your coffee funds to go to a good cause, this is the spot for you!
The Empty Cup is named such because as you pour in, they pour back out to adoption and foster care programs. This means that as you support their business by buying coffee, meeting up with friends here, enjoying some Bluebell ice cream from their counter, or what have you, they are able to donate more to foster care and adoption support.
And I’ll just tell you the vibe of this place is cozy community. The space is large (certainly large enough for events and larger meet ups), and the furniture is a hodge podge of comfortable couches, plush dining chairs, and large tables to sprawl out. In fact, when I was there, a women’s knitting group met up and it was the sweetest thing.
Their menu is full of interesting drinks including my Bavarian Chocolate Iced Mocha (it’s fantastic by the way), a toasted butterscotch latte, and food items including pizza bagels, baked goods, and ice cream.
Address: 9111 Executive Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37923
Hours: 7 am – 1 pm weekdays, 8 am – 1 pm Saturdays, closed Sundays
Food?: yes
4. Honeybee Coffee and Brewery
With three locations in Knoxville and serving both coffee and 10 rotating beers, you have lots of options with Honeybee Coffee and Brewery.
I went to their West Knoxville location, which was in a repurposed auto shop, so the garage doors could be opened letting in lots of light. And, even if they were closed, the windows were massive to still let in plenty of natural light.
My favorite part was that you could easily relax and work there, or grab a beer and play their board games. The vibe was chill, fun, and modern.
I worked from the bar seats and I was pleased that there were LOTS of outlets everywhere!
If you need somewhere for a coffee pick-me-up and finish your last couple hours of work, then transition to a post-work 5 pm drink, this is the spot!
They also have two other locations in Knoxville — in South Knoxville (colloquially called SoKno) and at the West Town Mall.
Address:
- West Knoxville: 10716 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934
- South Knoxville: 700 Sevier Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920
- West Town Mall: 7600 Kingston Pike Space #1556B, Knoxville, TN 37919
Hours: vary by location
Food?: pastries only
5. Jacks
This one is my new favorite! They’re called Jacks because they’re “jacks of all trades.” They have coffee, plants, and goods in two locations.
And a note for their coffee. Second to Coffee and Chocolate, they make the best mocha! I was sad to finish it haha!
I’m obsessed with the vibe of Jacks. It’s modern but not a blank, white void. Rather it’s full of art, cute goods like “Yes Chef” Jeremy Allen White notepads, and so many beautiful plants that you can purchase or simply admire.
The bathroom even had a little mural that said “You Look Incredible” which was readable in the mirror. So cute!
I went to the location on Central, which is in Knoxville’s Happy Holler district. It’s kind of like Knoxville’s revitalized hippie area with breweries, coffee shops, and casual restaurants. There’s even a bakery next door.
This location had an outdoor patio and huge windows (the plants need light!) and light food like croissant sandwiches and bagels.
They have a second location in downtown Knoxville on Gay Street across from some of the city’s best art galleries.
View this post on Instagram
Address:
- Downtown Knoxville: 133C S Gay Street, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902
- Happy Holler: 854 N Central Street, Knoxville, Tennessee 37917
Hours: vary by location, but Central location is open earlier at 7:30 am on weekdays
Food?: yes
6. K Brew
This is Knoxville’s staple and likely the most popular coffee shop on the list. AND they have homemade bagels with insanely delicious flavors like pesto and hot honey. SO GOOD.
I’ve been to a few locations and no matter which you visit, you can’t go wrong.
Their location in downtown is inside the Embassy Suites on Gay Street. It’s small and not the best for working, but perfect for grabbing something to go if you’re on your way to do one of the fun things to do in Knoxville (like exploring downtown’s Market Square or the murals nearby. Be sure to stop next door to Ham ‘N Goodys for a lemon cookie (your first ever is free!).
I like their North Knox location on Broadway for getting some work done. It’s in an old Texaco station so again with the wonderful open garage doors and lighting!
There’s a few rooms with different style tables including couches with coffee tables, stand alone tables and chairs, and a long high top table good for groups. Plus, they have hammocks (be careful with your hot coffee though haha).
For extra value, they have daily power hour from 5 pm – 6 pm where bagels, cappucinos, and drip coffees are only $1 and a bakers dozen bagels is $6 (that’s 13 bagels!).
Address:
- Ebenezer: 1000 Ebenezer Rd, Knoxville, TN 37923
- West Hills: 7822 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
- North Knox: 1138 N Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917
- Downtown: 507 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Hours: 7 am – 6 pm Monday through Saturday, 8 am – 6 pm Sundays at all locations
Food?: yes (bagels!)
7. Likewise
If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy home with lots of corners to hide away and work, this will be your new favorite, because the space used to be an actual house with a closed floor plan. Naturally, Likewise is also a perfect meeting space because of all the rooms.
It’s also one of the most dog-friendly spots with free dog treats and water bowls.
My favorite part was the beautiful mural inside depicting Knoxville by a local artist.
Also, just as a disclaimer, their menu online said they had bagels, but when I went in, they had crossed out all the bagels and only had small pastries like muffins. All this to say, don’t expect full meals here just in case! And don’t worry, the muffin was wonderful!
Parking can be a bit tricky. They have some behind the shop or in the Gibbons Corner lot, which is just across the street.
Address: 1209 E Magnolia Ave Knoxville TN 37917
Hours: 7 am – 5 pm Monday through Friday, 8 am – 3 pm Saturday, closed Sundays
Food?: yes (pastries)
8. Mahalo Coffee Roasters
With two locations in Knoxville, Mahalo Coffee Roasters brings the beach to the mountains. It was created by Nascar driver, Trevor Bayne, to bring the west coast east, where the name Mahalo is a constant reminder to be thankful.
I’ve been to the location in Halls (a north suburb of Knoxville) and the vibes were indeed beachy. While I didn’t LOVE the coffee (reminder that I’m not a coffee conoisseur), I did love their cheddar bacon scone and surf-inspired feel. With light blue and white colors, comfy chairs, a crackling fireplace, and lots of places to work with ample outlets, I couldn’t ask for more!
I’ll definitely be checking out their second location in downtown Knoxville.
Address:
- Halls: 1317 East Emory Rd, Knoxville, TN, 37918
- Downtown Knoxville: 513 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN, 37902
Hours: 6:30 am (Halls) or 7 am (downtown) – 5 pm on weekdays, 7 am – 3 pm (Halls) or 6 pm (downtown) Saturdays, closed Sundays both locations
Food?: yes
9. Maker Exchange Coffee Shop
Calling all crafty coffee lovers! The coffee shop within the Maker Exchange is unique because it is in support of the arts in conjunction with the entire Maker Exchange building. It is curated by the Dogwood Arts, Knoxville’s local non-profit dedicated to promoting the arts. (Take a sip of espresso every time I said arts).
Within the building, you’ll see lots of art installations including the Curio section, which is a workshop space surrounded by display cases which feature many mediums including ceramics, leather works, metal works, paintings, glass blowing, and more!
Needless to say, the coffee shop may seem ordinary and minimalist, but it’s in support of the arts as well. In fact, you can purchase a ceramic mug made by a local artist and they’ll serve your coffee order in that cup. Then they’ll wash it for you and you can keep it!
They also have small pastries like muffins (the apple cinnamon is my favorite)! If you need a full meal, consider going to the Tavern within the same building. I’ve had brunch there and it’s delicious!
You can also work easily from here as they have outlets under each table.
A note that valet parking is free if you get your voucher validated by your barista or server. In my experience, they didn’t have a lot of experience doing this, so everyone was a bit confused. When in doubt, be persistent and show them the parking section of the Maker Exchange website here.
Address: 710 Clinch Avenue, Knoxville TN 37902
Hours: 6:30 am – 2 pm (Maker Exchange building has separate hours)
Food?: yes (pastries + more at the Tavern)
10. Remedy Coffee
I ended up at Remedy Coffee on accident, but I’m happy to say it was a happy little accident (shoutout Bob Ross).
I was actually intending to only visit Paysan Bread and Bagels, which happens to be a window right next door to Remedy with the best cacio e pepe bagels! Since they’re neighbors, Remedy Coffee is happy to accommodate bagel customers in their shop. I took my bagel right over to Remedy to eat and got to experience the coffee shop as well.
I love that their logo features a little skull because they’re located just across from the graveyard!
The vibe inside is grungy hippie modern (if that makes sense?) with white bricks and plants everywhere. There’s lots of space for working, great lighting, and a simple, no-fuss menu.
Parking is a bit annoying for Remedy in my opinion as there’s extremely limited street parking. Otherwise, you kind of have to drive around until you find something and pray its close enough to the coffee shop to be good enough. I parked in the parking lot for St. John’s Lutheran Church across the street and I still have no idea if that was allowed, but I survived to tell the tale.
Address: 800 Tyson St., Knoxville, Tennessee 37917
Hours: 7 am – 5 pm weekdays, 8 am – 5 pm weekends
Food?: sort of (bagels right next door – individual hours though)
Spending more time in Tennessee? These will help:
- Best things to do in Knoxville from a local
- Where to stay in Pigeon Forge for adults
- Top things to do in Gatlinburg for adults
- Ultimate 3 day Great Smoky Mountains National Park itinerary
- Travel guide to Johnson City, Tennessee
- Things to do in Clarksville, Tennessee
- Conrad Nashville hotel review
- Weekend in Memphis itinerary
- Fun and cheap activities in Chattanooga
My Travel Essentials
- Travel Insurance – Going on an international trip? Don’t forget travel and medical insurance with SafetyWing.
- Travel Card – If you’re new to travel hacking, fear not! My favorite card for beginners gives you $750 in rewards when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months, plus lounge access, 10x points on hotel bookings, and free TSA pre-check!
- Get Your Guide – Check out Get Your Guide for a one-stop-shop for booking travel activities.
- Booking.com – This is my favorite hotel search aggregator, specifically for reading reviews. On Booking.com, the reviews can be searched for keywords like WiFi, breakfast, pool, amenities, etc.! So helpful!
- Anti-pickpocket bag – Worried about having your valuables swiped? PacSafe makes the best travel bags with zippers and straps that lock and with mesh steel enforced fabric.
- Give the Gift of Travel – This is the perfect gift for travelers in your life! Tinggly allows you to gift experiences around the world, perfect for birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries.
- Staycation Idea – Check out Resort Pass, which gives you day passes to resorts so you can use their pool, spa, and fitness center, a great staycation idea!
Save to Pinterest
The post Local’s Favorite Coffee Shops in Knoxville, TN appeared first on Periodic Adventures.