The 5 Best Cups of Coffee in Knoxville
*Updated May 2020*
Knoxville, Tennessee isn’t the coffee capital of America. It’s not even the coffee capital of the South. So why am I talking about coffee in Knoxville at all?
I grew up in Knoxville. After living in Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York, I’ve been spoiled with some pretty fantastic cups of coffee. Each time I return to Knoxville I scope out the coffee scene. And lately, I’ve been surprised by the options. There are some awesome coffee shops in Knoxville!
So, if you find yourself in Knoxville, be sure to check out these 5 great coffee shops!
K Brew Coffee & Bagels
7822 Kingston Pike, 1138 N. Broadway, and 507 S. Gay Street
This place has been a North Knoxville institution for years. But now they also have a gorgeous West Hills Store. The space is large + they have a cute outdoor patio. There are plenty of tables for working inside and hammock seats if you are just there to relax.
The baristas are knowledgeable and friendly. I spoke to a barista for a while about their unique pour over machine. If you have any questions about the menu they will be happy to help.
I tried K Brew for the first time during a long weekend in Knoxville. I promptly returned the next morning because I was hooked. They make a dang good vanilla latte! But don’t skip the chocolate whipped cream (made with Cruze Farm milk) that is available on the iced mocha. If you have to, order a cup of this on the side. Seriously, you won’t regret it.
Honeybee Coffee Co
700 Sevier Avenue Knoxville and 10716 Kingston Pike Knoxville
Honeybee is another Knoxville coffee institution that recently expanded into West Knoxville. Their original location was in South Knoxville, but you can find their coffee at cafes around the city. I recently visited the West Knoxville spot (which is near Turkey Creek) and enjoyed every second! The space is huge. There are large windows that let in a ton of light. It is a really relaxing place to work, study, or play games with friends.
Just like at K Brew, the baristas here were very helpful and knowledgeable. I met the owner of this shop years ago and he is very passionate about all things coffee. As quoted on their website, the owner believes, “coffee is the platform we use to care for others.” Honestly, I couldn’t agree more.
P.S. Don’t skip Honeybee’s brown sugar latte. Yum!
Remedy Coffee
800 Tyson St
Remedy was one of the first coffee shops I tried in Knoxville. I don’t like it as much as the first two places on this list, but it is still definitely worth a visit. They offer some great espresso drinks + a fun selection of hot teas.
There are plenty of tables and seatings areas for you to work or relax. If you are up for it, take a quiet walk through the nearby historic Old Gray Cemetery after enjoying your coffee. This cemetery was established in 1850 and includes some beautiful Victorian architecture.
Status Dough
6535 Kingston Pike and 418 S. Gay Street St 101
Come for the doughnuts, stay for the coffee. Or something like that!
Of course I tried Status Dough the first time for their doughnuts. Their Strawberry Old Fashioned is no joke. But I was also very impressed by their coffee drinks. Personally, I love unsweeted coffee with my doughnuts. It really balances out the sugar of a doughnut. And Status Dough coffee nails it.
The West Knoxville space isn’t quite as large as the other spots on this list, but you shouldn’t have trouble finding a table to sit and enjoy your coffee + doughnuts. They also recently opened a new location on Gay Street. Status Dough has a full espresso bar, but here I opt for their drip coffee. Simple and delicious!
Coffee and Chocolate
327 Union Ave SW
Coffee and Chocolate is a must-visit when you are in Downtown Knoxville. They have been serving locally sourced coffee and yummy chocolate treats since 2005. The walls are lined with art from local artists. When you are here, you immediately get a sense that it is an ingrained part of the community.
The shop is small, so order your coffee and a few chocolates and head out to Market Square. Find a spot on a bench and soak up the atmosphere. You will probably hear some live music and can enjoy some good people watching. Market Square is one of my favorite spots in Knoxville and I always make it a point to spend time here when I am in town.
I hope you enjoyed my list of the 5 best cups of coffee in Knoxville, Tennessee. Which one would you want to visit?
If you are planning a trip to Tennessee, check out my other posts for inspiration:
Where to Eat in Knoxville, Tennessee
25 Free & Cheap Things to do in Chattanooga
How to Visit the Jack Daniel’s Distillery
If you liked this post, feel free to share it or pin it!
