As a vibrant business hub and home to one of Tennessee’s leading universities, you’ll have little trouble finding some of the best coffee shops in Knoxville. This guide uncovers the best coffee in the area from downtown Knox and beyond. Here’s where to find the best coffee shops in Knoxville, TN.
Wild Love Bakehouse - Old North Knoxville Cafe
Located on North Central Street in Old North Knoxville, Wild Love Bakehouse is one of the best coffee shops in Knoxville for superior espresso drinks and baked goods.
As you step inside, you’ll be welcomed by the aroma of freshly baked goods, enticing you to pair your coffee with their famous croissants or mouthwatering scones.
A visit to Wild Love Bakehouse is practically incomplete without getting a coffee and a pastry. However, that often depends on visiting before noon. They often sell out of nearly all of their pastries by the afternoon.
That’s the only downside to this coffee shop. They are one of the best bakeries in Knoxville TN but they sell out so early in the day, despite being open until 4 p.m. But hey, if you’re just coming for coffee, they’ll still have plenty of that on offer.
And if you can get there in the morning, then you should have no problem sinking your teeth into one of their delectable almond croissants or seasonal goodies. And trust me, their coffee is phenomenal.
Plus, they have an industrial-rustic vibe and it’s a great spot for getting work done, either inside or out on their outdoor patio.
WiFi: Yes | Location: 1625 N Central St, Knoxville, TN 3791
Remedy Coffee - coffee shop in downtown Knoxville
For an amazing coffee shop in downtown Knoxville, Remedy Coffee is a tasty pick. Set in a brick building with an industrial aesthetic, Remedy serves up a great cup of the good stuff with a selection of pastries.
They also have WiFi, a sun-kissed sofa great for reading and sipping a cappuccino, and friendly staff that make it a special place to visit in downtown Knoxville.
I particularly love to visit Remedy Coffee in fall because it’s right across from the Old Gray Cemetery between Broadway and Tyson Street. Grab a coffee to-go (preferably in your own reusable cup) and take a stroll through the cemetery with the crisp leaves creating a moody experience this fall!
WiFi: Yes | Location: 800 Tyson St, Knoxville, TN 37917
Likewise Coffee - unique coffee in east Knoxville
Likewise Coffee is one of the most unique coffee shops in Knoxville TN as it’s set in a 100-year-old house in East Knoxville. They’re also a favorite for their great prices compared to specialty coffee in downtown Knoxville.
It’s a cafe with a strong sense of community and commitment to sustainable practices. All of their proceeds go to a non-profit called Raising a Voice which fights against human trafficking in Tennessee, Kenya, and Argentina.
There are several different rooms with cozy and laptop-friendly seating areas. Plus, its laid-back atmosphere and delicious coffee make it a must-visit on Magnolia Avenue.
They also serve breakfast bagels and quick eats like muffins and danishes.
WiFi: Yes | Location: 1209 E Magnolia Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917
Old City Java - popular downtown Knoxville coffee shop
Old City Java is a true Knoxville institution and a beloved fixture in the historic Old City neighborhood. This family-owned coffee shop in downtown Knoxville is known for its exceptional quality and commitment to fair trade practices.
They have everything from signature espresso drinks to specialty pour-over coffee, and each one is divine. And you can usually score an amazing almond croissant or other delicious pastry or cookie during your visit.
Plus, the interior is leafy with a true downtown architectural feel. There’s also an inviting alleyway with a mural that offers outdoor seating.
You’ll find this Old City Knoxville cafe on the vibrant South Central where you’ll find nearby bars and restaurants and cool local boutiques.
WiFi: Yes | Location: 109 S Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Jacks - community-based Knoxville coffee spot
For coffee on Gay Street in Knoxville, head to Jacks! They actually have two locations, and you’ll find the other on North Central Street.
What makes this coffee shop special is how leafy and community-focused it is! Each of their locals is sprawling with plants (many available for purchase) and a shop where you can buy local and sustainable goodies like artwork and earrings or candles and soaps.
Of course, their specialty coffee is stunning, too! They have standard drinks like lattes and cappuccinos but they also serve seasonal drinks like strawberry matcha in summer and spiced lattes in fall.
Whether you’re on Gay Street or North Knoxville, a visit to Jacks does not disappoint.
WiFi: Yes | Old City Location: 133 S Gay St unit c, Knoxville, TN 37902 North Knox Location: 854 N Central St, Knoxville, TN 37917
Things to do in Knoxville, TN
If you want to have some quintessential Tennessee experiences while visiting Knoxville, check out this guide on what Tennessee is known for.
And for those traveling, Knoxville might not be as a big as Nashville, but there’s still so much to do and see. Get to known Downtown Knoxville and it’s lively Market Square, see a show at the Tennessee Theatre, or visit the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum for a lush walk.
There’s also great cuisine options. Some of my favorite places to eat in Knoxville are Emilia for upscale Italian food on Market Square, Nama on Gay Street for sushi, and Tomato Head for delicious sandwiches.
So, wonder around Old City, great head to a local coffeshop in Knoxville, grab a beer at a local brewey, and soak up the good times in this great city.
For more things to do in East Tennessee, see my off-the-beaten-path guide to Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.
Which of thest places for coffee in Knoxville is calling to you? Do you have other recommendations? Drop them in the comments below. 🙂
