From wood‑fired dining to glassblowing-with-a-beer, Knoxville’s indie spirit shines. Here’s a balanced mix of essential hits and under-the-radar spots—each locally owned, culturally rooted, and operating now—so you can taste, hear, and paddle the city.
Things to Do in Knoxville (2025)
11 Places
From wood‑fired dining to glassblowing-with-a-beer, Knoxville’s indie spirit shines. Here’s a balanced mix of essential hits and under-the-radar spots—each locally owned, culturally rooted, and operating now—so you can taste, hear, and paddle the city.
J.C. Holdway
Restaurant
Chef Joseph Lenn’s wood-fire kitchen is a defining Knoxville meal: seasonal Southern dishes, house pastas, and a thoughtful wine list. Frequently praised by national food writers and led by a James Beard Award winner, it anchors downtown’s dining scene.
A Dopo Sourdough Pizza
Pizza restaurant
Dinner-only, naturally leavened pies and small-batch gelato have earned national acclaim. Recognized in 2025 by USA Today and celebrated by Bon Appétit and Food & Wine, it’s a reservation-worthy taste of Knoxville’s craft-minded, less-is-more ethos.
Kaizen
Asian restaurant
Owner-chef Jesse Newmister channels an izakaya spirit with playful Asian-inspired plates, buns, noodles, and a strong whiskey and cocktail program. Frequently recommended by Southern Living, it’s an Old City staple for shareable, high-flavor dining.
Pretentious Beer Co
Brewery
Drink small-batch beer from handblown glass while watching the glass made next door. Featured by Southern Living and Forbes, this locally owned combo fuses Knoxville’s maker culture with a lively Old City patio and weekly releases.
PostModern Spirits
Permanently closed
An independent distillery tasting room in Old City with inventive gin, whiskey, and bitters-forward cocktails. Highlighted by Tennessee’s official travel site and local critics, it’s a polished stop before or after dinner and shows.
Maple Hall
Bowling alley
Boutique bowling tucked beneath Gay Street pairs leather sofas, Southern snacks, and cocktails with 11 lanes. A frequent local recommendation for groups and date nights, it captures the city’s playful side in a restored downtown space.
Knox Brew Hub
Restaurant
The community living room for Knoxville beer. Expect local taps, brewer meetups, and ties to Knox Brew Tours for behind-the-scenes visits. A friendly downtown base to sample what the city’s indie breweries are making now.
Pilot Light
Live music bar
Intimate, artist-run venue championing experimental and independent music for 25 years. Beloved by musicians and locals alike, its nightly calendars prove Knoxville’s DIY scene is alive and evolving in the Old City.
Wild Love Bakehouse
Bakery
Meg and Shaun Parrish’s North Knoxville bakery draws national praise for meticulous croissants and seasonal pastries. Frequently cited by Food & Wine and Afar, it’s a morning ritual that showcases stellar local dairy and produce.
Knoxville Adventure Collective
Canoe & kayak rental service
See Knoxville from the water with kayak, canoe, or SUP rentals and guided sunset paddles from a downtown dock. Recommended by local travel editors and partners with regional outdoor groups, it’s an easy way to meet the river.
RALA - Gifts + Local Art
Gift shop
A beloved Old City boutique devoted to regional makers—prints, ceramics, jewelry, and rotating First Friday exhibitions. Featured by Visit Knoxville and arts writers, it’s a smart stop for gifts that actually come from here.
