Best Cafés of Knoxville

1. Hey Bear Café 

I was present for this cafe's opening more than 5 years ago, and I still go there to this day. 

Hey Bear Café has some of the best boba I've ever had and the most amazing atmosphere. This welcoming bubble tea shop is complete with an indoor café and plenty of outdoor seating. Their entire menu is made in-house and is completely customizable from fruity teas, to matcha milk teas, to coffee drinks. Moreover, they have instant ramen noodles (and a microwave) and other snacks to buy like chips and mochi. Whether you like boba or not, there is something there for everyone. 

If you're not in the mood for any of their snacks or just want to hang out outside, the café partners with many local food trucks that reside in Hey Bear's private park. With many picnic tables, shade trees, tents, and umbrellas, it's the perfect spot to get some fresh air. For the kids, there is even a playground equipped with a sandbox. To add to the fun, Hey Bear also hosts events like trivia and live music every week, and they hold summer markets for local vendors to show off their crafts. 

Lastly, I can't say enough great things about the owner (who I've met multiple times) or the workers (who had my order memorized when I was in high school). They are all the most amazing people who are extremely supportive of all walks of life and just want the best for their customers. 

website: https://heybearcafe.com/

2. Honeybee Coffee

The rest of these aren't going to be as in-depth. I am just extremely passionate about Hey Bear. 

Honeybee Café has two locations in Knoxville: one in Farragut and one downtown. I've been to both, and to be honest, the best thing about this café is the environment. In both locations, it is extremely peaceful with an aesthetically pleasing layout. They also have fun seasonal drinks, but I hear their coffee is just ok. I wouldn't really know, though.

website: https://www.honeybeeusa.com/

3. Summer Moon Coffee

This is a very adorable café across from the forbidden Starbucks on Camble Station.

Summer Moon was a coffeeshop founded in Texas and made its way to Tennessee. They have fun tea drinks that I enjoy as well as great coffee (or so I've heard). For a lovely environment paired with great drinks, I'd pick this place.  

website: https://locations.summermooncoffee.com/locations/north-campbell-station-road-knoxville/

4. Hello Tea House

I've only been here a couple times, but it is so fantastic. 

Hello Tea House is a hidden gem in Downtown Knoxville. With a modern feel and a cutesy style, it promises delicious boba and tasty deserts. While there are other bubble tea cafés downtown, I definitely recommend giving this one a try. 

website: https://www.helloteahouse.com/

5. The Empty Cup

This fun little coffee house is filled with old-fashioned décor and has a homey feel.

The Empty Cup is located in Cedar Bluff and has a fun-loving environment. 

Story-time: one time, during my senior year of high school. I skipped my stats class (just the one time) with my friend, and we went to The Empty Cup. I had the hot chocolate, and it was amazing. My Catholic school administration was not pleased. 

website: https://www.theemptycup.org/

6. K Brew

With multiple locations around the city, this café is always one of my go-to's. 

K Brew's setup is modern and fun with hammock chairs and professional-looking tables. It's perfect for business meetings, gossip sessions with your friends, and entertaining a younger sibling. Again, I've only had their tea, so that is all I can attest to, but their tea is really good! And, they do have extremely delicious bagels. 

website: https://www.knoxvillebrew.com/

7. Kung Fu Tea

I couldn't not add it in.

I know Kung Fu Tea is a franchise, but I just love it. The environment is always so awesome, and the workers are always so kind. Back at Purdue, there is a KFT, and I would spend hours there studying, talking on the phone, painting, eating dinner, watching Netflix on my iPad, or playing Dragonvale. It has such a sentimental place in my heart, and even though their boba may not be the very best, I think it is still great for what it is. And, I do recommend giving it a shot if you haven't. You can earn rewards from anywhere!

website: https://www.kungfutea.com/about-kung-fu-tea

Anyways, that's my list! However, Knoxville is ever-changing so, as more great cafés pop up, I'll be sure to add them to this list.