Feeling parched? Here in Knoxville we have a plethora of exceptional coffee spots to choose from, but there just might be more than meets the eye. Check out these five local shops that you didn’t know you needed to visit, until now. Unique roasts, locally baked munches (and other goods), and an ample community to go with it.
Life House Coffee
If you’re looking for a “small-town-&-know-everyone” feel, Life House is the place to go. Owned by Redemption Life Church pastor Michael Cox, which already offers a unique twist on the typical coffee spot, the shop serves up everything from iced coffees and pumpkin spice lattes (yes, fall is coming), to smoothies, salads, soups, and more. Here, they practice what they preach, and while you will no doubt sip on the macchiato of a lifetime, you might just also get a little something more: a place for community.
Powell
7545 Brickyard Rd | (865) 859-9218
Monday-Saturday 6:30am – 7pm
Backroads Market
We all know back roads hold the best views, so while you don’t have to travel far to get to Backroads Market, when you arrive, you’ll most definitely like the view. Not only do they serve locally roasted Vienna Coffee and other tasty noshes, they also have…furniture and home goods. Backroads combines the best of both words—coffee and shopping—so it’s a good spot to grab a drink with friends and a great space for students to study.
West Knoxville
514 Walker St NW | (865) 525-9412
Monday-Saturday: 8am-6pm
Common Place Coffee
If you’ve never been in an old bank, I highly recommend it. What an interesting setup for a coffeeshop! At CommonPlace Coffee, which has been around since 2019, you can enjoy drip coffee and espressos, along with light breakfast items like cinnamon rolls…all while seated in the vault! Originally a bank, the space came to life thanks to the Cockrum family who has made it rich instead with community.
South Knoxville
6000 Chapman Hwy | (865) 347-2177
Monday-Friday: 7am-7pm | Saturday: 8am-2pm
Cultivate Coffee
Come and smell the roses. Not only can you enjoy a variety of espressos and brews at Cultivate, but you can also buy a flower bouquet right on site. Cultivate chose their location strategically because they saw a lack of community in Fountain City and desired to be the face of change. The Cultivate team says they hope their open doors inspire others to open their own doors for conversation held over a tasty cold brew.
Fountain City
5221 N Broadway St | (865) 253-7560
Monday-Friday:6:30am-6pm | Saturday: 8am-6pm | Sunday:8am-3pm
Awaken Coffee
Complete with constant new coffee concoctions to keep an eye on, Awaken has you coming back for more than just the coffee. Live music sessions and artist showcases make up the other half of this quaint coffee shop’s activity. So it’s worth the trip in the morning, but equally worth it at night during an event. And if you haven’t tried one of their signature latte flights, you’re in for a treat.
Old City
125 W Jackson Ave | (865) 951-0427
Monday-Friday: 7:30am-7pm | Saturday: 8am-7pm | Sunday: 1-6pm