Downtown Date Night Ideas
There are so many things about Knoxville that make our city unique, but one of my favorites is Downtown. The local shops and restaurants lining Market Square and Gay Street ensure that there is always something for everyone! So, whether you are on a date night with your lover, mother, bff or kids, be sure to stop by these favorite spots and tell them The Scout Guide sent you!
ADULTS ONLY // No kids in town? Here are our go-to’s for an intimate night with the hubbs…
The Peter Kern Library (407 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN) is a gem of a speakeasy perfect for a pre-dinner drink. You can find it tucked inside the historic Kern Building behind The Oliver Hotel.
Five Thirty Lounge (530 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN) is a go-to on sunny winter days. Grab an igloo on the rooftop or take in the stunning views of Downtown Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains through 15ft glass windows.
Post Modern (205 W Jackson Ave Suite 205, Knoxville, TN) is a fun, interactive option. Sign up for a distillery tour to learn how they make their signature gin, then enjoy a tasting to decide which spirit is your favorite.
Vida (531 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN) is a new favorite for us. We recently grabbed two seats at their bar for a pre-theatre dinner here and absolutely loved their tapas-style menu!
J.C. Holdway (501 Union Ave SW, Knoxville, TN) is our go-to when dinner is the main event. Featuring locally-sourced ingredients and a fantastic wine menu, the only thing better than the food and wine is the fabulous service!
The Vault (531 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN) is our go-to for a night cap. Located in a vault of the former Holston Bank, it exudes Old Hollywood speakeasy vibes.
Preservation Pub (28 Market Square, Knoxville, TN) is where we head when we’re having too much fun to go home. Dance your heart out (and dinner off), because there’s live music 365 days a year!
FAMILY AFFAIR // If your little ones are in tow, which ours often are, skip the drinks and peruse the shops…
Proper Popcorn (9700 Kingston Pike Suite 13, Knoxville, TN) is a kids utopia offering over 50 flavors of popcorn to choose from. To call it a shop would be selling it short, Proper Popcorn is truly an experience.
Mast General Store (402 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN) boasts plenty of history and fun finds for the whole family, and you can for everything from Chacos to rocking chairs. Guaranteed hours of fun!
Marble City Market (333 W Depot Ave Suite 110, Knoxville, TN) is perfect for the whole family – even picky eaters, as it offers something for everyone. If your kiddos are like mine, you’ll end up eating at three different spots. Good thing they have everything from Smash Burgers to Poke!
Kaizen (127 S Central St, Knoxville, TN) is a family favorite. The Goyza, always seasonal, are to die for and probably one of my kids favorite foods. Husband on the other hand, likes the steamed buns while l always order the fried eggplant.
Emilia (16 Market Square, Knoxville, TN) is our go-to for a special night out. A lively Italian dining room serving fresh housemade pasta and locally sourced mains, The Mitchell Family Farm market steak and Springer Mountain Farms chicken.
Maple Hall (414 S. Gay St. Knoxville, TN) is the spot to be if you’re not seeing a show or concert at The Tennessee Theater or The Bijou. If you’re bringing the kids, be sure to book before 9pm (they are 21+ only after 9).
Cruze Farm Dairy (2721 Asbury Rd, Knoxville, TN) is our choice if we’re still hungry or hankering for something sweet (usually the latter!). Stop by Cruze Farm Dairy for a seasonal soft serve!
These are just a few of our favorites! Every time we venture downtown, we find another hidden gem. We like to park and walk, that way, we can take it all in. Did I miss one your favorites? Let us know!
