Top 6 Coffee Shops in Knoxville, Tennessee

When you're on the search for a gift that even the pickiest recipient will love, gift cards often come to mind. Gift cards make it easy to ensure that your friend or loved one can purchase exactly what they like, removing the guesswork for you. Or, at least, most of the guesswork.

You'll still need to decide where to purchase a gift card for.

Restaurants are a great choice, because, well, everyone eats. But if you don't know what type of food your gift recipient likes, this can be a challenge. Enter the coffee shop. Almost everyone loves coffee, tea, or other sweet or caffeinated drinks. And many coffee shops also offer food or sweet treats like chocolates and pastries.

With a virtual GiftYa card, you can purchase a gift card to a local coffee shop, and instantly deliver it to your friend or loved one. Add a personalized note, hit send, and they could be enjoying their favorite brew by later today.

If you're ready to start searching for the right coffee shop to purchase a gift card to, keep reading to learn 6 of the best coffee shops that Knoxville, Tennessee has to offer.

1. Pete's Coffee Shop Restaurant

Diner style breakfast and coffee shop

540 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902 (https://petescoffeeshop.com/)

This may not be your typical basic coffee shop. But Pete's Coffee Shop Restaurant is the perfect place to sip a hot cup of coffee alongside some delicious breakfast. This modern diner serves up classic breakfast favorites like omelets, pancakes, potatoes, and waffles. The food is always fast and fresh, and the friendly atmosphere is a great spot for starting your day.

Not in the mood for a meal? You can also enjoy your caffeine fix with a sweet treat, like a slice of chocolate, lemon, or coconut pie.

"Whenever I'm downtown this is my go-to breakfast place. They have a nice long bar to sit at as well as a great assortment of tables. They're usually pretty busy but they get people in and your food out to you rapidly." -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/petes-coffee-shop-restaurant-knoxville?hrid=kKoXt7XUhCSNKQiPGmylHg&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card for Pete's Coffee Shop Restaurant.

2. Awaken Coffee

Trendy urban coffee shop

125 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902 (https://order.joe.coffee/awaken-coffee)

Located in Old City, a trendy downtown area of Knoxville known for its recent urban redevelopment, Awaken Coffee is cute, hip, and known for great brews. They have a full menu of classic coffee shop favorites, like pour-overs, drip coffee, lattes, and teas. There's also a rotating seasonal menu of flavorful cold and hot drinks.

Awaken offer a few food options, like breakfast sandwiches and even a build-your-own s'more option. Their pet-friendly dining room is great for hanging out with friends, studying, or just for a relaxing start to your day.

"Before I say anything you NEED to come to Awaken Coffee! This is absolutely my favorite coffee I've ever had and I'm wishing I didn't live in Texas just to come back. The coffee is not overly sweetened (perfect in my book) and they have super cute names for a lot of their drinks!" -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/awaken-coffee-knoxville?hrid=RpHmHlqYwxaHmY3s2O0S6g&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card for Awaken Coffee.

3. Vienna Coffee

Coffee shop and gathering spot in the heart of downtown Knoxville

318 N Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37917 (https://www.viennacoffeeregas.com/)

Located in the heart of downtown Knoxville, Vienna Coffee was designed to be more than just a coffee shop; it's also a gathering place. Their large dining room offers plenty of tables and comfortable spots to relax, to meet with a coworker, or to study or work.

Vienna Coffee roasts their own beans, for a smooth, delicious cup of coffee. Of course, if you prefer something sweeter, you'll have a variety of tasty cold and hot beverages to choose from.

"Vienna is a magic little (actually big) spot in town. Not only is their coffee great, but the size of the coffee shop is perfect for all sorts of meetings, studying, or just hanging out. I love when I go and they have the fireplace going. It is just so cozy." -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/vienna-coffee-at-the-regas-building-knoxville-2?hrid=guJjGwUJBveHEXTue2IK0g&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card for Vienna Coffee.

4. The Empty Cup

Cozy coffee shop with a mission to raise money for families looking to adopt

9111 Executive Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37923 (http://www.theemptycup.org/)

The Empty Cup is part-coffee shop, part humanitarian mission. With every cup of coffee and tasty treat they sell, they raise money to help families looking to grow their family — and fill their cup — through adoption. Besides feeling great about making a difference through your daily caffeine fix, you'll also enjoy plenty of cozy spots to relax, work, or chat with friends. An eclectic selection of couches, tables, and plush chairs fill the large, yet cozy space.

Their menu offers classic coffee house favorites, as well as a selection of unique flavor options. They have a rotating selection of sweet and savory snacks as well, including vegan options.

There's even a drive-thru perfect for grabbing your favorite caffeinated drink and a snack when you're on the go.

"Friendly, fast and a drive-through!  Coconut caramel and butter me up iced both were great and not too sweet!" -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-empty-cup-knoxville?hrid=rNGMg1kjV_5wu8XCJCfkkQ&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card for The Empty Cup.

5. Coffee and Chocolate

Decadent desserts and a full coffee menu make a sweet combo

327 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902 (https://www.coffeeandchocolate.com/)

When you're in the mood for a sweet treat with your coffee, head to Coffee and Chocolate. As the name suggests, this coffee shop also specializes in sweet desserts. They're best known for their beautiful painted chocolates you almost won't want to eat — but do, because they taste even better than they look.

In addition to chocolates, they also have a rotating selection of other desserts, like macaroons, cheesecakes, chocolate tartes, and more. Their coffee menu has all of your favorite classics, as well as plenty of flavored drinks. Their Lavender Lattee is one unique option that's always a hit with visitors.

"best. coffee. ever. the atmosphere and the service were both great as well! a must have if youre searching for a good latte. there's a huge selection of cute sweet treats" -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/coffee-and-chocolate-knoxville?hrid=I_o_u7T1ktLOZ-ggTFbkPg&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card for Coffee and Chocolate.

6. Honey Bee Coffee

Bright, airy coffee shop with an urban feel

10716 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934 (https://www.honeybeecoffeeco.com/)

This bright, airy urban coffee shop immediately brings to mind a business that likes to push the boundaries of what a modern coffee shop can be. At Honey Bee Coffee, they do that by roasting their own beans in-house, combining interesting and unique flavors for their lattes and iced drinks, and cooking up fresh, healthy breakfast and lunch options. Of course, if you're looking for something more sweet than healthy, you'll also find plenty of options for cookies and pastries.

Their latte flavors including interesting options like Maple Himalayan Sea Salt, Golden Tumeric, Honey Lavendar, and Brown Sugar. With a big dining room, there's plenty of room to enjoy your drink and snack or to spread out to work or meet with friends. There's even an outdoor patio perfect for sitting outside on a warm day.

"Incredible coffee and options.  Iced latte is incredible.  The staff are so friendly and helpful.  Very easy to talk to. Love this place!!!!  They roast their own coffee!!!!!" -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/honeybee-coffee-knoxville-3?hrid=P9WduPj3g0t3Wb72hTH6WQ&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card for Honey Bee Coffee.

Whether you're looking for the perfect gift for a friend or maybe somewhere to pre-purchase a gift card to for your own upcoming trip to Knoxville, any of these coffee shops can be a great choice. Try one — or all 6 — on your next visit to East Tennessee!

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