The best bars & nightlife in Knoxville

8 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Nightlife · 8 places · showing the latest additions first

The Urban Bar

Nightlife

The Urban Bar does the important stuff right, with beers on tap and ridiculously satisfying nachos, chimichangas, and tacos in a laid-back…

109 N Central St · ✓ checked Jul 31

The Urban Bar does the important stuff right, with beers on tap and ridiculously satisfying nachos, chimichangas, and tacos in a laid-back hangout locals swear by. Perfect for catching up with your people, settling in for a chill night, and letting the food be the hero.

From the Knoxville newsletter, August 6, 2026

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Schulz Bräu Brewing Company keeps the good times flowing with on tap beers, live music, and an event calendar that jumps from Maifest and…

126 Bernard Ave · ✓ checked Jul 31

Schulz Bräu Brewing Company keeps the good times flowing with on tap beers, live music, and an event calendar that jumps from Maifest and Ritterfest to Oktoberfest and Christkindlesmarkt. Grab a pint, order schnitzel, and let your week level up the fun.

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Cocktails, beer & classic Irish fare served in a traditional setting inside a century-old building.

602 S Gay St

Cocktails, beer & classic Irish fare served in a traditional setting inside a century-old building.

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Live-music venue and bar featuring local bands and beers on draft, plus a rooftop area with views of Market Square.

32 Market Square

Live-music venue and bar featuring local bands and beers on draft, plus a rooftop area with views of Market Square.

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The Vault

Nightlife

Upscale haunt serving creative cocktails in an old bank vault, plus desserts.

531 S Gay St

Upscale haunt serving creative cocktails in an old bank vault, plus desserts.

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Local Smokey

Nightlife

Sports bar featuring beer, cocktails, pizza and other casual eats, plus pool tables, dart boards and TVs.

404 Williams St

Sports bar featuring beer, cocktails, pizza and other casual eats, plus pool tables, dart boards and TVs.

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Flights of wine paired with cheese boards and charcuterie offered in a laid-back setting.

141 West End Ave (Farragut)

Flights of wine paired with cheese boards and charcuterie offered in a laid-back setting.

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The Oak Room

Nightlife

Cool cocktail bar offering flights of beer, along with spirits, wine, and charcuterie boards.

109 W Anderson Ave

Cool cocktail bar offering flights of beer, along with spirits, wine, and charcuterie boards.

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