There’s more to Knoxville’s coffee scene than Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts. In fact, the Scruffy City is the home of an array of independent coffee shops. Never ventured to these spots before? The Daily Beacon can guide you on your way.
Blue Mason Coffeehouse: 2920 Sutherland Ave.
Jenna’s Take: One of Knoxville’s newer additions, this little blue house turned coffee shop seems quaint on the outside, but the drinks pack a huge punch. Pair your favorite espresso drink with any of their homemade pastries, and you’ve got a match made in coffeehouse heaven. When the weather’s nice, snag a spot on the front porch for fraternity and warm drinks.
Best Drink: Iced Americano
Coffee and Chocolate: 327 Union Ave.
Jenna’s Take: Smaller than most of the other shops out there, it’s difficult to grab a seat. Luckily, it’s location right on Market Square makes it an ideal first stop before wandering the city. True to their name, anything they make with chocolate is worth your time. Personally, I grab a peppermint mocha with one or two of their house-made chocolates, and I’m ready to take the town.
Best Drink: Mocha
FLOW: A Brew Parlor: 603 W Main St.
Jenna’s Take: Adding more options to downtown outside of Market Square, this coffee shop mixes your caffeine addiction with a college student’s blossoming love for alcohol. You can grab just a plain ole latte (which is delicious, by the way), or they can make you a latte with chocolate stout. If you’re 21, love coffee and love alcohol, FLOW’s the after class coffee place for you.
Best Drink: Latte
Golden Roast: 825 Melrose Place
Emilee’s Take: Home of the king of all coffee cakes, The Golden Roast is a convenient campus oasis to recharge between classes. What’s more, this coffee shop doesn’t stop at coffee; the lunch menu is superb, with daily soup specials and sandwiches that could compete with Panera. The Golden Roast has been sating the needs of caffeine-addicted college students and professors seeking a change of scenery for 19 years, so it must be doing something right.
Best Drink: London Fog (earl grey tea, lemon, vanilla, steamed milk)
K Brew: 1328 N Broadway
Emilee’s Take: Sitting just on the outskirts of the adorable Fourth and Gill neighborhood, this tiny coffee shop boasts some bold atmosphere. So if you don’t mind perfect strangers unavoidably listening in on your coffee shop conversation, then head to Historic North Knoxville for a K Brew cup, but I’m sure the only thing you’ll be able to talk about is the perfectly crafted cup of coffee resting on the wooden bar in front of you.
Best Drink: Black Coffee
Old City Java: 109 S Central St.
Jenna’s Take: It’s easily the quietest coffee spot in town, making it perfect for studying. Even better, the coffee is always on point. Strangely though, the non-coffee based drinks are what makes them stand out. Java’s hot tea always gets rave reviews. Next time you’re looking for somewhere to caffeinate and get some work done, make the trip to Old City Java.
Best Drink: Chai Latte
Remedy Coffee: 125 W Jackson Ave.
Emilee’s Take: Grab your favorite flannel, your favorite beanie and your favorite friend. Spacious by coffee shop standards, Remedy is a great place for conversation over a cup of Joe without feeling like you’re disturbing the deep, philosophical thoughts of the hipsters around you. Grab a spot in one of the cozy armchairs close to the windows, order a latte, pretend it’s raining and enjoy.
Best Drink: Dirty Chai Latte
Café de la casa
Emilee’s Take: There’s no place like home … for a great cup of coffee. As wonderful as coffee shops are, it’s also nice to curl up in your own chair with your favorite mug and a cup of coffee that only cost you about 15 cents. Invest in a pour-over brewing cone (around $5 on Amazon) and some good grounds from your local grocery store for a delicious single cup. So help yourself to a cup of the day’s select blend and relax. This one’s on the house.
Best Drink: Pour-over Coffee
The Golden Roast: Karen Strang has been working with coffee for 6 years. Her favorite coffee to make is a cappucino, and her favorite to drink is a hazelnut cappucino.
