🥂🥃 Hotel Bars - Scruffy City Unexpected Gems 🥂🥃

 

If you have traveled a bit, you may know that in some cities, the hotel bar is a destination and a part of the experience. That’s true in places like Las Vegas, Miami Beach, and as we discovered recently, even in Chattanooga. But Knoxville?  Yes - there are hotel bars here in the Scruffy City that we would recommend for a date night!

Now it’s also true that you can find a spot for a basic drink at many chain hotels these days. But we’ll focus here on the ones downtown that we think elevate the experience in one way or another.

And if we’re talking elevated experience, how about a rooftop at a historic downtown hotel to start with! Five Thirty Lounge is an indoor/outdoor bar and lounge at the top of the Hyatt Place, which used to be the Farragut Hotel back in the day. They have done an excellent job of creating a welcoming space that also features some of the best rooftop views around. And they have fantastic cocktails and small bites! Five Thirty has one of the best Old Fashioned cocktails in town, and a good wine selection. We even brought in 2022 here with their masquerade party. The only downside is the “Liquor By The Drink Tax” they tack on to each drink. That is a bit out of the ordinary since other hotel bars on the list do not charge the tax. But, it’s worth it for the experience!

The other “elevated” hotel bar downtown is across the street at the Embassy Suites. Radius Rooftop Lounge is going for that upscale experience as well … they have fantastic views in a cool space and solid cocktails, but it’s a bit more of a party atmosphere with loud music most of the time. Check it out for a drink and the views! It’s definitely not a typical hotel bar.

 

Speaking of not typical … did you know that Knoxville has an authentic speakeasy? Peter Kern Library is located in the Oliver Hotel just behind Market Square. (We’ll let you figure it out but look for the red light!) You’ll need the passcode to enter, but you can find it on their social media platforms. This has been one of our favorite cocktail spots for years. The space is a tribute to former Knoxville Mayor Peter Kern, as he used to own and operate the bakery in this space. They stay true to the library theme with drinks named after literary characters and books like the “Holly Golightly.” Their bourbon selection is extensive and their classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan are worth the visit alone.

Another hotel bar that’s been here a while before we visited (how did we wait so long?) is The Drawing Room in the Tennessean Hotel. Located next to the Sunsphere, it’s definitely a destination rather than a stop. But it is so worth it!  The Drawing Room occupies a space on the second floor of the luxury hotel and is furnished like (surprise) a parlor or drawing room in a grand mansion. The Smoked Old Fashioned is as good as we had heard and the small bites like the charcuterie board were a nice addition. Make this one a date night destination!

You have to look a little harder for the rest of the hotel bars downtown … maybe even #offthetipsypath 😊.

This next one would get the “best newcomer” award, if there was one. Tussie Mussie is in the lobby of the Cumberland House Hotel, which overlooks World’s Fair Park. The vibe is classic and retro – look for the shelves full of old Singer sewing machines!  And while it is laid out like a normal hotel bar, the cocktails are a step up for sure. Try the “Cold Fashioned,” a take on the classic with coffee-infused bourbon. The small plate bites are excellent as well. We will be back here.

 

We also visited the new lobby bar at the recently opened Marriott hotel downtown. The Maker Exchange is a concept to highlight local artists and vendors. The bar is fairly typical of what you’d expect at a large hotel. The drinks were good, especially the Baked Manhattan, which was a tasty twist on the classic. And it was one of the few places in town we’ve found blanc de blanc champagne. Better than average for a hotel bar. 

And finally, we couldn’t go without making a stop at the much-hyped hotel bar owned by Peyton Manning – Saloon 16. Located just off the strip in the Graduate Knoxville hotel, this is a must for Vol fans and anyone who wants to get a look at some of the Manning memorabilia that surrounds this watering hole. However, be warned that it is definitely a “saloon,” which for us would be great for game days and if you find yourself in the area otherwise. Go Vols!

 

And go get a great cocktail at one of these hotel bars in Knoxville!

Tipsy Picks:         Peter Kern Library is the standard for other hotel bars (and cocktail bars) in Knoxville

Five Thirty Lounge is a great spot for a date night

Best drink goes to The Drawing Room for the Smoked Old Fashioned

As always, let us know if we missed anything and where we should go next!