The Coffee Shop Awards

Most people know by now my obsession with coffee. This hot, delicious bean juice is a much needed part of my daily routine. I wouldn’t say I’m a coffee snob because I will happily take a Pilot coffee, but I would describe myself as more of a coffee enthusiast. Over the past couple of years I have learned a lot about the process of making coffee through classes, trips to coffee producing countries, and visits to multiple locally owned coffee shops. While I have been to coffee shops all over the country from visiting friends, my fascination with independent coffee shops started in Knoxville, Tennessee. 

While in graduate school, I created an excel spreadsheet entitled “The Ultimate Coffee Shop”. This was a fun project between me and my friend, Alex, to distract us from school. Once a week, we would go to one of these coffee shops and catch up or study. This was a great way to not only connect with her, but other friends in town as well. Alex and I were able to make it to almost all of them, and by the end of it had created legitimate categories and winners. I would like to note that this list was last updated in 2022. There have been a few shops that have opened up since then, and I hope to try those new spots very soon. Now, I would like to present to you what no one has waited for: the ultimate Knoxville coffee shop list awards. 

Best Regular Coffee

Golden Roast: This coffee shop by campus has a special place in my heart since it was my go to place to meet the Deja Brews, but in my humble opinion it also has the best drip coffee. There are many fantastic places in Knoxville to get a quality cup of joe, but I really like the variety of drip coffees that are offered. My personal favorite is the Southern Pecan, and don’t forget to buy a bag on your way out!

Best Specialty Drinks

Capybara Coffee: I firmly believe that Capybara is a hidden gem in Knoxville. The owners of this shop are such kind people, and I found myself walking there several times since it is nestled right between main and ag campus in a shopping center. What makes the specialty drinks top tier to me is that the flavors are well balanced and make sure to not use artificial flavors. Their seasonal pumpkin spice latte is made with real pumpkin and is absolutely divine. 

Jacks: I am constantly amazed by the creativity at Jacks. Besides being a coffee shop and artisan store with plenty of plants to choose from, they will also from time to time do themed beverages. These themes are not limited to holidays, but can be anything from Barbie to Taylor Swift to Dolly Parton. Jacks is always ready for a celebration, or at least a little gift to treat yourself.

Best Food


K Brew Coffee and Bagels: How can you go wrong with freshly made bagels and smear!? There are so many great flavor combinations at K Brew, but I personally prefer the asiago or jalapeno cheddar bagel with bacon and chive cream cheese.

Honorable Mentions- Mahalo Cinnamon Roll and Coffee &Chocolate: While K Brew has a great variety of bagels and bagel sandwhiches, it would be a disservice not to mention the addicting cinnamon rolls at Mahalo. These beautifully toasted rolls are topped with cream cheese and actually come from the Tomato Head bakery. In addition, if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, coffee and chocolate downtown is the perfect place to pop in for a treat. I personally love turtles shaped like turtles and kona coffee caramels. 

Best Seating

K-Brew: While we made this category initially for study seating, it quickly turned into a “unique seating” and “comfortable seating” category as well. That being said, if you are a Knoxville native it comes at no surprise that the K-Brew hammocks make the list. Not to brag, but we were witnesses as to why the “no pulling on the hammocks” sign was put up. We saw one very interesting guy snap the hammock attempting to do pull ups on the hammock bar. Just relax with these people and enjoy your coffee with bagels and smear.


CommonPlace Coffee: This newer coffee shop on Chapman Highway was originally a bank and one of the main reasons I felt it needed to be highlighted in the seating category. Instead of removing the old bank vault, it was converted into a lounge and small meeting room. For being a vault, it is actually quite cozy and enjoyable. Plus, it is a great quiet area.

Best Study Spot

Backroads Market: This home decor and coffee shop combo is pretty infamous amongst the college students during finals, but it is crowded only because it is fantastic for studying. The free snacks certainly bring in the students during that dreaded week, but they are actually available all year long. In addition, there are tons of tables, free flavored water, and even a mug trading station. Plus, if you need a study break you can check out all the beautiful furniture and trinkets. 

Treetop Coffee Shop: This coffee shop also has a relatively new storefront, but is not necessarily new to the Knoxville coffee scene. This mission centered business originally started out as a coffee truck that traveled around for events. While the truck is still very active, I personally love the 70s aesthetic of the shop and how it is quiet and serene.

Best Bang for Your Buck


K-Brew Bagel+Cappuccino: I constantly ordered the $6 coffee and bagel combo at K-Brew and left fully satisfied. In addition to the combo deals, K-Brew also has a “Power Hour” from 5-6pm every day. At this time you can get $1 cappuccino or drip coffee, $1 bagels, or $6 bakers dozen of their leftover bagels from the morning.

Wrenhouse: This bakery and coffee shop combo doesn’t necessarily have any special deals going, but I personally found the prices to be very reasonable for the quality of their products. I loved the homemade oatmeal cream pie cookies paired with a coffee, and you can also order in large quantities. 

Best Accessibility and Inclusivity


The Empty Cup: I became aware of this coffee shop not because of the list, but because of a class I took at the University of Tennessee. As part of my foreign language credits, I was able to take American Sign Language Classes. Through some credit requirements, I found myself at a coffee hour with the deaf and hard of hearing population doing my best to chat and drink lattes. The Empty Cup is consistently having events for several types of communities, and has the space for groups to reserve parts of the shop.

South Press: After having a conversation with the owner of this shop, I learned the purpose of this coffee shop was built with the intent of opening an alcohol free safe space for those in the LGTBQIA+ community. The decor is so eclectic and fun, and I loved picking out my own mug for my coffee order. 

Best Proximity

Mahalo Downtown: The staff knew us by heart during graduate school at Mahalo downtown. Since my last years of school were spent downtown in the basement of the conference center, we would make any excuse to get out and see the sunshine. Since this location is just off Market Square, it makes it so easy to stop by if you need caffeine to pick me up before a game, show, or before dinner plans.

Capybara: This was another walkable location from campus, but is also located in a strip mall type center. This makes parking abundant and easily accessible and a midpoint in Knoxville coming from east or west.

Overall All Around Favorites


With multiple locations around Knoxville, delicious specialty coffee options, and overall chill atmosphere, Mahalo and K-Brew come out on top when it comes to the ultimate coffee shop. While living in town, you could find me at one of these places weekly. Overall, Knoxville has some amazing locally owned coffee shops and I am so happy to have embarked on this coffee shop journey.

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