In a city where craft cocktails often cost more than the steak they accompany, Knoxville’s best bar & grills are the unpretentious sanctuaries we’ve been craving. We’ve never encountered heartier burgers or more generous pours than during our research. These are places where the sizzle of the grill drowns out the day’s frustrations, and the first bite of a perfect ribeye feels like a standing ovation for your taste buds.
Wings Etc.
$ | (865) 392-1021 | WEBSITE
A battalion of buffalo wings commands attention at this Knoxville bar and grill. Take it as a sign to also order the garlic parm wings. But before that, savor the complimentary basket of funnel cake fries, which they always bring you even if it’s not game day. Aside from the exceptional wings, the restaurant makes great sweet chili cha cha wings with ternary sauce, honey mustard wings, and fried mushrooms. You can count on this place for a last-minute lunch or dinner.
Show up in your weekend casual and you’ll still be treated with exceptional kindness by the attentive staff. Plus, the reasonable prices mean you can revisit without breaking the bank.
Token Game Tavern
$ | (865) 770-3870 | WEBSITE
You’re heading here for specific cravings of bacon cheeseburgers, cheese curds, or tater tots alongside classic video games like Frogger and Robotron. This Knoxville tavern serves burgers—actually, more like nostalgia bombs—with fries and creative cocktails where they really shine. Other than those satisfying eats and the quirky, creepy decor perfect for promoting CreepyCon, there’s not much sophistication going on inside.
The free-form seating is as anxiety-inducing as your first day at a new school. Still, it’s worth going for the fun, especially during Monday night dice rolls to pick drinks, which they host with friendly staff. The arcade games, pinball, and even Pac-Man on the tabletop add a fun twist to the relaxed vibe, making it a good spot to nerd out with friends or bring the kids until 11pm.
Tennessee Taphouse
$ | (865) 394-9425 | WEBSITE
Tennessee Taphouse is the sports bar hangout your friends have been waiting for. The clean, cozy restaurant in Knoxville has live music every night starting at 7pm (except Mondays, when performances happen during lunch). This can include upbeat acoustic sets, weekend cover bands, and, for the sports-obsessed dads, games on every screen if they’re so lucky.
The grill portion of this place is solid and reasonably priced, but you’re mostly here to watch your buddy cheer a touchdown while devouring a Philly cheesesteak.
Just 1 More Bar & Grille
$ | (865) 769-1500 | WEBSITE
This Knoxville bar’s Death Sauce Jumbo Smoked Wings, lively happy hour, and friendly bartender Matt bring a burst of energy to the city’s after-work scene. Just know that they’re being modest when they say the wings are shareable—they actually feed three hungry industry workers after a long shift. Still, it’s a pleasant shock when the steaming platter of smoked wings arrives at your table and you can already picture your late-night snack plans for tomorrow.
Despite being surrounded by upscale downtown spots and pricey cocktail lounges, Just 1 More serves massive smoked wings for $16, and cold draft beers for $5 during their extended happy hour. Knoxville desperately needs a place like this.
Cheers At Choto
$ | (865) 392-6311 | WEBSITE
Do people in Knoxville ever leave the lake? We wonder this when we pull up to Cheers At Choto, which is always buzzing at sunset on any given weekend. But this lakeside spot feels so much more relaxing than your typical rushed dinner. Staff cheerfully explain their focused menu. Drinks come in mason jars and the servers greet you with the same warmth of a summer breeze. For a satisfying and flavorful meal, try the Mahi Mahi mango chutney tacos.
They’re expertly prepared with fresh fish, tangy chutney, and come with a crisp side salad for only about $16. All of the appetizers are solid, but definitely order the calamari—its texture is like an unexpected smooth sail across the water.
Rooster’s Bar & Grill
$ | (865) 691-3938 | WEBSITE
Walking into Rooster’s Bar & Grill is like walking into your favorite uncle’s man cave on game day. The TVs are playing every major sport imaginable and there’s an alluring smell of fried chicken wings coming from the kitchen. They make Asian-style wings that taste like the loving labor of 100 sauce experts. They also make a crispy, flavorful soft pretzel with Rotel cheese dip, which you should start the meal with.
Before leaving, check out the pool table, shuffleboard, and dart boards providing entertainment for guests—or challenge your friends to a game while you finish your beer.
Twisted Mike’s Tap Room
$ | (865) 212-5619 | WEBSITE
Twisted Mike’s Tap Room is a small bar that shares its lively atmosphere with the surrounding neighborhood, so a visit here is likely to come with a side of live music and friendly chatter. The place is great for a middle-aged crowd looking to catch a game or hang out at a local spot while sipping on expertly crafted drinks. The bartenders are friendly and attentive, and the owner is a great dude who truly cares for everyone.
On themed nights and special occasions, the outdoor section provides a cozy backdrop and the bar turns into a full-blown party, featuring epic times that draw locals and visitors back again and again.
Armstrong’s
$ | (865) 546-8895 | WEBSITE
Armstrong’s is a great spot for people who love to unwind. The casual dive bar in Knoxville specializes in all things nostalgic. Classic decor is displayed, with wood paneling and a corkboard featuring regulars’ pictures. Our favorite is the cheesesticks, which come with a side of laid-back ambiance. It’s fun to hang out and might result in a friendly competition to see who can score higher on Golden Tee. They also have a welcoming atmosphere where the staff goes above and beyond.
If things do get too loud, cool down with a beer that comes in straightforward glasses without frills.
The Stillhouse Tavern
$ | (865) 851-9503 | WEBSITE
Even though The Stillhouse Tavern stays open late for football games, this Knoxville bar peaks during the afternoon. That’s when the western chicken rolls are fresh, and the smoky haze hasn’t yet settled into the otherwise warm, welcoming dining room. But the pork rolls will taste great no matter the time you show up. They’re juicy and come with a side of crispy fries. Unlike the majority of bar and grill spots in this city, The Stillhouse Tavern actually makes a great selection of drinks.
The attentive staff serves them with a smile and keeps the prices fair. After a long day of work downtown, this is the perfect hearty meal to relax your tired body.
Rogers – Our Neighborhood Dive Bar
$ | (865) 693-9180 | WEBSITE
Rogers is our favorite dive bar in Knoxville. Because not only does the classic neighborhood spot have the same charm as a loyal dog waiting by the door, but they make fantastic hotdogs, some of which are hard to find anywhere else in town. You can do a lot with $15 here, but whatever you do, make sure it involves their $8.50 signature hotdog. Every inch of the bun is filled with delicious toppings, mustard, relish, and kraut.
The cold beer alongside also means that it’s fair game for game day, which is also a great time to come here, even if you just want pretzels and cheese and a series of interactions that almost always end in “buddy.” They don’t always have it, but ask for the extra cheese on the side. It’s like eating comfort food for dinner—only significantly better.
Cool Beans Bar and Grill
$ | (865) 522-6417 | WEBSITE
Cool Beans Bar and Grill is a popular spot in Knoxville known for its lively atmosphere and friendly staff. The bartenders are especially praised for their attentive service, particularly Kevin, who is considered the undefeated GOAT of bartending. He’s famous for his legendary Purple Hooter and for making each drink a full-blown performance, pouring more than just drinks—he pours vibes. Whether you want to sip something sweet, dance, or forget your ex’s name, Kevin’s got your back.
Levi is also recognized as the best bartender in Knoxville, creating a fun and energetic environment with affordable drinks that keep guests coming back. The grilled chicken sandwich remains a highlight of the menu. Even though it’s open late most nights, it’s best to come here in the evening or for a night out, when the energy is still buzzing.