National Coffee Day 2023: Try these great Knoxville coffee shops for your caffeine needs
National Coffee Day is Sept. 29, 2023. Time to get caffeinated!
While you can certainly get some tasty drinks at major coffee chains, you won't find that special, local touch that can upgrade your coffee drinking experience.
Knoxvillians love their local coffee and this city is full of options. Here's a guide from Knox News to finding your new favorite coffee, whether you like a Pumpkin Spice Latte or just plain ol' black coffee. There are great coffee shops all over town, from downtown to South Knoxville and all along Interstate 40.
What's your favorite coffee shop? Did we miss it? Email keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com.
Coffee near the University of Tennessee campus
The Golden Roast
Right off of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville campus, The Golden Roast has been serving professors and students since 1994.
It roasts all of its coffee in-house, meaning you'll find a slew of original drinks on the menu, like the Big Orange Mocha and the Bavarian Chocolate Cold Brew, two customer favorites.
Locations: 825 Melrose Place, 2250 Sutherland Ave., Suite 125 inside Cherokee Mills
Website: tgroast.com
Capybara Coffee
Capybara Coffee brings authentic Brazilian brews to University Commons.
Owner Leticia Fernandes and her husband opened Capybara Coffee in 2018 and have put everything into creating a comfortable space with great drinks.
While they can make sweeter drinks such as mochas and lattes, the store specialty is the Brazilian black coffee.
Location: 2457 University Commons Way
Website: capybaracoffee.com
Seed Coffee Co.
Located in the former The Golden Roast location on Sutherland, Seed Coffee Co. serves coffee with part of the proceeds going to Haitian businesses.
If you're not familiar with the space, it's located in a former church. The exposed brick and comfy lounge seating make it a great place to chill out while drinking some good coffee and munching on a bagel.
Location: 2558 Sutherland Ave.
Website: seedcoffee.co
Coffee shops in West Knoxville
Treetop Coffee Shop
Treetop Coffee Shop in Sequoyah Hills is the passion project of Courtney Peters and Rachel Casstevens. The two first opened Treetop as a coffee truck in March 2019, then expanded it into a brick and mortar shop in Aug. 2021 next to The Plaid Apron.
Each month, Treetop sets aside a portion of its proceeds for nonprofit organizations such as Restoration House, The Bottom Knoxville, Gideon's Army and more.
Location: 1206 Kenesaw Ave.
Website: treetopcoffeeshop.com
Coffee shops in downtown Knoxville
Mahalo Coffee Roasters
Mahalo roasts its beans at its main location in Powell, focusing on light and medium roasts.
As for Mahalo's vibes, they don't get much better than its downtown location. If you are able to grab a seat, you'll likely feel right at home. There are multiple spots outside the shop, allowing for guests to people watch.
Locations: 513 Union Ave.; 1317 East Emory Road
Website: mahalocoffeeroasters.com
Coffee & Chocolate
Perhaps the smallest coffee shop in all of Knoxville is Coffee & Chocolate, a go-to spot for those looking for a quick sugar or caffeine pick-me-up downtown.
One glance at the artful sweet treats lining their display case is enough to make anyone drool. The hand-painted chocolates look so beautiful that it almost feels like a waste to eat them.
There's also a new location in Powell slated to open in October.
Location: 327 Union Ave.
Website: www.coffeeandchocolate.com
Coffee shops in the Old City
Old City Java
Old City Java is the quintessential cafe. Its vintage building, cozy atmosphere and artistic appreciation (take a look at the ceiling when you're inside) make it a must-visit shop.
If you're looking for a great European vibe, take a seat in the alley as you sip on your coffee.
Location: 109 S. Central St.
Website: oldcityjava.com
Awaken Coffee
Right around the corner from Old City Java sits Awaken Coffee, a cozy little shop that opened in 2016. It's part of Awaken Old City Church, a nondenominational congregation that hopes to spread its message through coffee.
Though the bulk of the space is reserved for the church, those looking for a place to relax or study with a coffee will still find a few spaces near the shop's entrance.
Location: 125 W. Jackson Ave.
Website: awakendowntown.com
Coffee shops in North Knoxville
Five and Hoek
One of the newer additions in town, Five and Hoek serves up quality coffee in North Knoxville.
Opened early this year, the coffee shop is a family-owned business with the original located in Illinois. The space on Magnolia Avenue is sleek and modern, perfect for a quick cup or to sit and relax.
Plus if you don't feel like having coffee, the milkshakes are fantastic!
Location: 200 W. Magnolia Ave.
Website: fiveandhoek.com
Remedy Coffee
Remedy Coffee has been operating for more than 10 years, aiming to highlight brews you won't find anywhere else in the city.
Remedy tries to change its roasts every few months to keep things interesting for customers.
It's easy to take a seat in Remedy and stay for hours. It features a ton of windows, meaning that the space is always full of light.
Location: 800 Tyson St.
Website: remedycoffee.square.site
Partial Coffee & Wine
Opened in August, Partial Coffee & Wine is the newest coffee shop on the block.
The café will feature wine in the evening after permits are finalized. But in the morning, it's all coffee and pastries.
Partial's coffee is ethically sourced with a rotating list of roasters from all over the world.
Location: 828 N. Broadway #201
Website: partialcafe.com
Jacks
Jacks has downtown and Central Street locations.
Those looking for a unique spin on a traditional coffee shop will feel right at home in Jacks. While you might just stop by for a coffee or a bite to eat, it's very possible you could leave with a piece of local art or a new plant.
Location: 854 N. Central St. and 133 S. Gay St.
Website: jacks-of-knoxville.square.site
K Brew
Originally operating out of an extremely small location in 2013, K Brew quickly became a Knoxville staple, moving to its location at 1138 N. Broadway in 2016. It has added two locations since then.
K Brew began roasting its own beans in 2019.
It features traditional tables perfect for working or studying, couches for lounging, and a covered outdoor area with hammocks and picnic tables.
Location: 1138 N. Broadway, 7822 Kingston Pike West, 507 S. Gay St. inside Embassy Suites
Website: knoxvillebrew.com
Coffee shops in East Knoxville
Likewise Coffee
Nestled on Magnolia Avenue, Likewise Coffee opened its doors in late 2020. All its coffee is roasted in house.
Likewise is owned and operated by Raising a Voice, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting human trafficking both locally and nationally. All of the proceeds from Likewise go to Raising a Voice.
Likewise operates out of an old house, giving the entire place an incredibly homey vibe.
Location: 1209 E. Magnolia Ave.
Website: likewisecoffee.com
Perk City
Perk City is a down-to-earth shop built in the Chilhowee Park neighborhood that opened in fall 2019.
Perk City is full of heart, with a friendly atmosphere great for coffee runs or local meetings.
Location: 3229 E. Magnolia Ave.
Website: facebook.com/perkcityknoxville
Coffee shops in South Knoxville
Honeybee Coffee Company
After opening its first permanent location in early 2017, Honeybee Coffee Company has become a staple of the South Knoxville community and has since expanded into West Knoxville and Sevierville.
Honeybee roasts all of its beans in house, focusing on medium to light roasts. They make an effort to roast coffee using ingredients that go straight from farms to customers.
Honeybee has a friendly vibe and can be the perfect place to get some work done.
Location: 700 Sevier Ave., 10716 Kingston Pike, 7600 Kingston Pike, 101 E. Main St. in Sevierville
Website: honeybeecoffeeco.com
South Press
South Press is located at 3615 Chapman Highway.
A friendly, safe place for Knoxville's LGBTQ community, South Press has a welcoming, homey vibe. The shop features tons of mugs, figures, books, flags and more that make you feel as if you've just stepped into the home of an eccentric collector.
If you're looking for a cute space to relax, hang out with friends and get some work done, South Press is a great place to spend a few hours.
Location: 3615 Chapman Highway
Website: facebook.com/southpressknoxville
CommonPlace Coffee & Community
CommonPlace Coffee & Community is a space for people to gather in South Knoxville.
The space that CommonPlace now occupies was once a bank. From the large mural of South Knoxville on one of the walls to the dining area inside a vault, CommonPlace has a distinct look.
CommonPlace gets its coffee from Sharewell Coffee Roasters in North Carolina but makes all its syrups in house.
Location: 6000 Chapman Highway
Website: commonplaceknox.com
Other coffee shops in Knoxville to try:
Wild Love Bakehouse: 1625 N. Central St. in Happy Holler
Matt Robb's Biscuits & Brew: 800 Market St. in downtown Knoxville
https://www.facebook.com/mattrobbsbiscuits/
The Empty Cup: 9111 Executive Park Dr. in Cedar Bluff
Back Roads Market: 514 Walker St. NW in Marble City
Life House Coffee: 2100 W. Emory Road
facebook.com/lifehousecoffeeknox
Cultivate Coffee + Flowers: 5221 N. Broadway St.
https://www.cultivateknox.com/
Wrenhouse Coffee & Bakery: 7404 Tazewell Pike in Corryton
Frothy Monkey Downtown Knoxville: 419 S. Gay St.
Keenan Thomas reports for the Knox News business growth and development team. You can reach him by email at keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: National Coffee Day 2023: Knoxville coffee shops and cafes
