Knoxville

Top 4 Craft Breweries in Knoxville, Tennessee

This is some text inside of a div block.

Craft breweries continue to have a big moment across the country.

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 4 of the best that Knoxville has to offer.

1. Downtown Grill & Brewery

Trendy craft brewery located in a historic building.

Sip a house-brewed beer while diving into hearty grill favorites. Image courtesy of Yelp.

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!

"We arrived at this eatery on a Sunday at noon. Big mistake! Parking was a bit of a challenge and the wait was about 20 minutes. So, we learned it's best to come around 1:00 pm for lunch. 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

Purchase a GiftYa card for Downtown Grill & Brewery.

2. Last Days of Autumn Brewery

Image courtesy of Yelp.

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

Purchase a GiftYa card for Last Days of Autumn Brewery.

3. Blackhorse Pub & Brewery

Craft brews and tasty eats in a trendy downtown location.

Stop by for outdoor dining and cold craft beers on a hot day. Image courtesy of Yelp.

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 tastebud. 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. We ordered the hot tenders and spinach dip  for appetizers and I loved them both. The chicken was juicy and tender, and the dip was so creamy! I ordered the volcano burger--they have lots of burger options to choose from--and it was a delIcious and spicy new take on a classic with pineapple and jalapeño jam, peppercorn bacon, pepper jack cheese, and creamy sriracha. The Brussels were crispy and salty.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

Purchase a GiftYa card for Blackhorse Pub & Brewery.

4. Smoky Mountain Brewery

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

Sip a homemade craft brew while digging into delicious pizza, burgers, and more. Image courtesy of Yelp.

11308 Parkside Dr | Knoxville | 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.  Hellas is the absolute best beer I've ever had.  Their other beer offerings are good too but nothing beats Hellas for me.  You can even buy kegs, mini kegs, growlers and bottled beer of your favorite.  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

Purchase a GiftYa card for Smoky Mountain Brewery.

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 four craft breweries and grills are the perfect spot to tip one back or nosh on tasty, hearty meals and snacks!

Back

Written by

Trae Bodge

Trae Bodge is the shopping expert here at GiftYa. Trae helps people find the best deals and ideas on popular new items to purchase.

Learn more

Related Articles

All Related Articles

Related Articles

All Related Articles