Top 8 Craft Breweries in Knoxville, Tennessee

Tennessee is often overlooked on the craft beer map but offers a number of incredible house-made brews.

Knoxville in particular is home to many craft breweries. Whether you love trying new brews or enjoy the friendly atmosphere of a brewery and grill, you know how fun these craft breweries can be. This also makes them a great choice when you're choosing the right gift card for a friend or family member!

If you're celebrating a birthday or just sending someone a small token to remind them that you're thinking of them, you can't go wrong with a virtual GiftYa card to a craft brewery. Add a special touch with a personalized note, and you've got the perfect gift for any occasion.

Ready to find the perfect craft brewery to buy a gift card for a friend or loved one? Keep reading to learn of the best breweries that Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee region have to offer.

1. Downtown Grill & Brewery

Trendy craft brewery located in a historic building

424 S Gay St | Knoxville | downtownbrewery.com

This popular gathering spot is located in a historic building that has previously housed the department store, Woodruff's. Downtown Grill & Brewery specializes in not only crafting the perfect brews but also in providing a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for everyone who visits. Their brewmaster, Al Krusen, is constantly honing his craft. One popular current brew is their White Mule Ale, a refreshing pale ale that's meant to evoke the feeling of sipping a pint in a classic English pub. For a more full-bodied glass, opt for their Alt, an early German ale in the Düsseldorf style, which is created using malts imported from Germany.

On their food menu, you'll find both bar classics and a variety of unique features, like a chicken cordon bleu sandwich and cajun pasta. This spot is popular among both tourists and locals alike, so expect a wait if you go during prime dinner hours!

"The beers (ale & lager) were outstanding. We both had bacon cheese burgers. The best burgers ever. They were perfectly cooked, generous and flavorful. The staff were friendly, attentive, knowledgeable and respectful of COVID19 protocols. This restaurant is clean  and airy.  The bar is closed but they are serving beer and cocktails to your table.  This is a super cool place and definitely one worthy of return visits." – Yelp Review

2. Last Days of Autumn Brewing

Any season is the right time of year for delicious craft brews

808 E Magnolia Ave | Knoxville | lastdaysofautumn.com

Don't let the unassuming exterior fool you; once you get inside, Last Days of Autumn Brewery is warm and welcoming, and the perfect spot to enjoy a few tasty beers with friends and family. This nano microbrewery crafts both classic and special beers in small batches for a unique taste and experience. Because everything is produced in small batches, their selection varies, so you'll likely get to try different brews each time you visit!

Their menu, while small, features delicious dishes perfect for eating alongside a cold beer. BBQ, nachos, and warm pretzels are just a few of the meals and snacks you can choose from.

"With the craft beer booming here in Knoxville, it's great to see each brewery develop their own style. Last Days of Autumn Brewing's style appears to be quality beer, with a neighborhood bar feel. It's wouldn't surprise me in the least that the folks there would shout out "NORM!" as George Wendt sauntered in.Their beer is all solid, and there's constantly and consistently a wide array of styles. I love that they don't focus on one particular kind, letting that overtake their taps. It's cool to be able to go in in the height of summer, get a tasty stout.The venue itself is so inviting! We recently went in, had a lazy Saturday there, sat around reading...and it was absolutely delightful." – Yelp Review

3. Blackhorse Pub & Brewery

Craft brews and tasty eats in a trendy downtown location

430 S Gay St | Knoxville | blackhorsebrews.com

With more than 20 homemade brews to choose from, Blackhorse Pub & Brewery has a craft beer for every taste bud. Military veteran Jeff Robinson returned home from Desert Storm with a dream to open his very own pub. A year later, he and his wife brought his dream to reality with a small pub in downtown Clarksville, Tennessee. A few years later, they built their first brewery in the same city. Today, they've expanded to a Knoxville location, with a third location on the way.

Blackhorse Pub & Brewery has a line of year-round beers, including their signature IPA and other popular favorites like their Barnstormer Red Ale and their Vanilla Cream Ale. They also brew some seasonal and special beers. Their brews are so popular that they now have a distribution network, bringing cans of Blackhorse Brewery beers to liquor stores throughout the area. Burgers, flatbreads, sandwiches, and appetizers make this the perfect spot for dinner and a drink.

"First  time here and MAN LET ME TELL YOU--this place has got it all! I started with a flight of their Vanilla Cream Ale, Green Apple Cider, Brainstormer Red Ale, and the Blonde. I loved every sip! Each variety is well-balanced, flavorful, and honestly just  delicious..Our server was nice and attentive, the atmosphere is laid back, and the music is  great!  Can  you beat $5 double well drinks during happy hour? NOPE." – Yelp Review

4. Smoky Mountain Brewery

The region's first craft brewery continues creating popular brews and delicious eats

11308 Parkside Dr | Turkey Creek | smoky-mtn-brewery.com

The oldest craft brewery in East Tennessee, the Smoky Mountain Brewery was at the forefront of the craft beer trend in the mid-1990s. They opened up their first location in Gatlinburg in 1996, and have since opened three more, including one in Knoxville, or more specifically, the Turkey Creek area.

They have a line of signature beers that they make in-house and serve on tap or bottled to take home with you. Customer favorites include their Black Bear Ale, a sweet, nutty light brown ale, and their Appalachian Pale Ale, an American pale ale with a caramel malt sweetness. They also create some special brews from time to time, including seasonal options. Besides their signature, homemade brews, visitors can also enjoy a wide variety of menu items. Their pizzas are a staple, but burgers, sandwiches, wings, fish and chips, and more round out this great family-friendly grill.

"This place is my absolute favorite for years since I first discovered them years ago in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The Knoxville location is just as great. Located in a very nice part of the shopping district. The food was great and the service was outstanding. My ultimate favorite craft draft beer is the main reason I go. . Great and clean restaurant, delicious food and craft beer to die for. What else could I ask for! A definite favorite for me!!" – Yelp Review

5. Crafter’s Brew Market & Social 

A nice little spot to drink and chat with your neighbors

Buy a Crafter’s Brew Market gift card

856 Oak Ridge Turnpike | Oak Ridge | craftersbrew.us

This lowkey little establishment is a haven for lovers of craft beer and good company. Serving twenty-four delicious beers on tap in a spacious venue with outdoor seating available, Crafter’s Brew Market & Social is a cozy gathering place that brings the local community together. 

In addition to their diverse selection of craft beers on tap, Crafter’s Brew Market offers select bottles and cans, a full-service kitchen, and live music and entertainment. The setting of the establishment is a comfortable blend of bar, pub, and backyard to help make patrons feel as relaxed as possible. Crafter’s Brew Market & Social regularly hosts different events for customers to join in on, so it’s worth keeping an eye on their events calendar in case anything interesting pops up. With a lively atmosphere accented by tasty drinks, good food, and engaging entertainment, this craft brewery is a fantastic spot to take a friend or significant other for a night out. 

“We went as a group on Tuesday evening for trivia night. The ambience was great. A lot of street parking spots available. I got the pineapple cider which is super light and refreshing. My colleague's dark chocolate beer is so special. The pool is definitely the highlight, although the dummy is interesting. The trivia was so fun! It was a little chilly outside after it got dark and the manager guy helped us got a table indoors. Would love to come back during summer time to get some splashes. And next time will for sure get some good food.” – Yelp Review

You can pick up a gift card for Crafter’s Brew Market & Social on GiftYa when you follow the link!

6. Schulz Brau Brewing Company

The best German brews you will find in the whole city 

Established in 2016, Schulz Brau Brewing contains the very first German Biergarten in the city of Knoxville. Their rich, authentic German beer is crafted from only the finest imported grain to achieve a drinking experience that is malty and delicious. And with a variety of live events and scheduled entertainment to pair your drinks with, you couldn’t ask for a better time anywhere else in the city. 

Schulz Brau Brewing doesn’t only offer authentic, specially crafted German lager to get lost in the taste of – they have a whole menu of genuine German cuisine to pair with your brews for the ultimate combination of flavors. Check out a modest spread of menu items including pretzels, wood-fired pizza, schnitzel, authentic German sausages, and plenty of handcrafted sides. For those who want more than beer and lagers, Schulz Brau Brewing has options like whiskey, bourbon, brandy, liqueur, and wine varieties to choose from. Non-alcoholic beer and wine beverages are also available. 

“Schulz Bräu's beer garden has the coolest vibe. The night we were there, it was packed. It's also huge. They have a ton of seating outside and an outdoor bar, and then they also have inside. They have cornhole boards that we had a good time playing. Definitely check it out if you're looking for places to go in Knoxville!” – Yelp Review

7. Hi-Wire Brewing

Enjoy fun activities and cool events while sipping on fantastic beer

2020 Barber St | Knoxville | hiwirebrewing.com

Located in the hip neighborhood of South Knoxville directly across the Tennessee River from downtown, Hi-Wire Brewing is a trendy taproom housed on the second floor of a mixed-use building. Indoor and outdoor deck seating gives customers access to spacious settings and beautiful sights of downtown Knoxville. 

Hi-Wire Brewing has twenty-four beers on tap to choose from at any given time, including year-round, seasonal, sour, specialty, exclusive one-offs, and guest brews from neighboring breweries. If you have a taste for something other than beer, try out their selection of wine or local cider listings. Hi-Wire Brewing is a great Knoxville joint that is appealing for groups of friends and families, and it is even a dog-friendly establishment. The activity-centric taproom is wonderful for folks of all ages and includes soccer pool tables, foosball, table tennis, shuffleboard, and more. 

“Love this place! Such a large, open space with fun games that has a rooftop patio, and both indoors and outdoors are dog and kiddo-friendly. They host quite a bit of events and activities, including trivia, markets, etc. The restaurant downstairs will bring you food to pair with the fantastic beer on tap. SouthCoast pizza is also a few doors down. To top it off, you can enjoy the locally-created murals on the walls and the fantastic service from the bar staff. Two thumbs-up, y'all! Note that parking is tricky when busy. You can park in front of the elementary school across the street when not in session.” – Yelp Review 

8. Abridged Beer Company

Have a night out to remember at this upscale brewpub 

100 Lockett Rd | Bearden | abridgedbeer.com

Operating out of a former twentieth century auto garage, the Abridged Beer Company is a quirky spot just outside of the city. This upbeat brewpub has a focus on sharing the communal love of beer, good food, and spending time with family and friends. 

Abridged Beer Company may have a reputation for being a great craft brewery local to Knoxville, but it also offers a full bar and has a quality selection of wine. This brewery has an attractive dining room in a pub setting and offers a perfectly laid-back atmosphere for those seeking reprieve from life’s stressors. Enjoy an ample menu at the brewpub with burgers, nachos, wings, sandwiches, and more to pick from. 

“We stopped by here for lunch and a beer on our way through Knoxville. I ordered the maple crispy chicken sandwich and asparagus and it was incredible! I ate the entire thing! My husband ordered the house chicken sandwich which was super flavorful and the potato salad which we split. The beer was right up my alley with fruity sours that are more like drinking juice than anything. Would definitely recommend.” – Yelp Review 

Knoxville may not be widely known for its craft beer scene, but that doesn't mean you won't find delicious brews here. Any of the craft breweries and grills featured above are the perfect spot to tip one back or nosh on tasty, hearty meals and snacks!