17 Knoxville cafes and restaurants with warm, cozy vibes, since we know you're chilly

Now that colder weather is here, what better way is there to appreciate it than being bundled up indoors sipping on something warm?

You could just make some chicken noodle soup or hot cocoa at home. Or you can fight off cabin fever and visit cozy places around town.

Knox News is showcasing three main categories of coziness. First, there's the hearty and filling nature of a good bowl of soup. Next is the warmth of a nice cup of coffee. Finally, there are places that just give off cozy vibes for those who want to relax, drink or read a book while avoiding the cold.

Here are 17 places around Knoxville you can visit to warm up during a cold day out on the town.

Good soup to try in Knoxville

A great way to warm yourself up is with a nice bowl of soup. Fortunately, there are places in town with some excellent soups to try.

If you're close to downtown Knoxville, Potchke at 318 N. Gay St. has some crave-worthy dishes. The "borsch(t)" is a must-try even if you don't like beets, or there's the matzoh ball soup served in two styles: Bubbe's way or fuss-it-up. Already a local favorite, Potchke has been named among the best new restaurants by Southern Living, and owners recently confirmed the deli is not only staying put but may even expand.

Out west are two great options to try. Bida Saigon at 8078 Kingston Pike dishes up delicious pho dishes that are warm and filling. Or there's Sticky Rice Cafe at 120 Jack Dance St., with a set soup menu including pho, Kow Poon, Kow Pek and Mee Ka Tee.

In South Knoxville, Angry Dumplings Tea at 1119 Sevier Ave. serves boba tea, along with dumplings and noodles. The braised beef noodle soup is incredibly popular, so you'll need to order it early to get some.

A small surprise, but Central Flats & Taps at 1204 N. Central St. has a great Soup of the Day option, and for only $5 it can't be beat. The tomato basil is a must try if it's available, and goes well with the pita bread provided.

Warm up at these Knoxville coffee shops

There's a myriad options for coffee fans looking to warm up around Knoxville, so here's a short list of spots that either have great coffee or offer a comfortable café.

Perhaps the quintessential café, Old City Java at 109 S. Central St. serves quality coffee and atmosphere. From the hardwood floors to the ceiling mural, there's a lot to love about Old City Java. It's a great spot to read, study or work, especially as the weather gets colder.

Heading North, Remedy Coffee at 800 Tyson St. has a cool spot near the Old Gray Cemetery. There's plenty of room to chill out and enjoy a warm cup of coffee. Plus, Paysan Bread & Bagels is right next door for a quick bite - if it's not sold out!

One of the newer spots is Seed Coffee Co., but fans of The Golden Roast will recognize its location at 2558 Sutherland Ave. The space inside the old church is one of the best in town, especially on a rainy morning or afternoon. It's a great way to settle into the coziness of the day.

Treetop Coffee Shop provides a nice little oasis in town with its location at 1206 Kenesaw Ave. Hidden away in Sequoyah Hills, Treetop feels like a home away from home with a great cup of coffee and a comfortable space. There's also Bear Den Books next door, so you could buy a book and start reading!

Finally, there's South Press coffee shop located at 3615 Chapman Highway. It acts as a safe space, community center and coffee shop for Knoxville's LGBTQ+ community. It's also nice and cozy, which makes it great for the colder season.

Find that cozy vibe in Knoxville

If you're just looking to warm up, these locations around town have the perfect cozy vibes.

Fable Hollow Coffee & Bookshoppe at 2910 Tazewell Pike is one part bookstore and one part café, but all cozy with lounge areas and quiet reading spots. You can buy a book, get a hot chocolate and settle in to read all in one location.

To say that Schulz Brau offers cozy vibes might sound ludicrous, if you picture loud music and crowds. But it can be shockingly cozy. The upstairs portion inside of the brewery at 126 Bernard Ave. features a lot of tables, chairs, lounge seats and a fake fireplace. Even during Oktoberfest, there often aren't too many people up there, so you can enjoy a liter of beer in peace.

If you're looking for silence, there's a booky option at Addison's Bookstore at 126 S. Gay St. It features a huge collection of used books and collectors items. There's a tea bar inside, making it a great place to sit down, relax and soak in the coziness.

Wild Love Bakehouse offers up a comfy spot filled with the wonderful smell of baked goods at 1625 N. Central St. If you get there in time, you can still order a pastry. There's coffee too, but the fluffy croissants are where it's at, plus there's enough room to take a few minutes to enjoy the atmosphere.

For more of a late night drink, Peter Kern Library offers super cozy vibes, especially during the winter. The speakeasy at 407 Union Ave. (look for the red light in the alleyway to the left of The Oliver Hotel) has a nice cocktail menu to be enjoyed inside its hidden lounge area complete with a fireplace. The dim lighting helps make it a quiet and fancy way to enjoy a cozy night in Knoxville.

Two extra spots for the wine drinkers in Knoxville and Farragut are Zero/Zero and Sparrow Wine Bar. Located at 1211 N. Central St., Zero/Zero offers wine, beer, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks in a classic building featuring thrifted decorations. Across town at 141 West End Ave., Sparrow Wine Bar has a cozy space to enjoy wine and cheese.

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: Knoxville restaurants and coffee shops for when it's cold outside