Knoxville Breweries: Where to Enjoy Local Brews and Chill Vibes
Home to more than 25 breweries, many with outdoor seating, Knoxville has become a top place in Tennessee for local craft beer. Visitors even have the opportunity to explore the growing Ale Trail, which includes many of the top producers in the area. For those who want to start sampling, here are some raved-about Knoxville breweries to visit.
Knoxville Breweries: Craft Beer, Pets and Families Welcome
Schulz Bräu Brewing Company
Called Knoxville’s beer castle, Schulz Bräu Brewing Company offers a genuine German experience complete with a beer garden. Plus, Schulz Bräu Brewing Company is family and pet-friendly.
Guests will enjoy sampling craft beer in the taproom or garden made from grains imported from Germany. In order to create an authentic atmosphere, all tables, chairs and benches in the garden are also imported from Germany. After selecting a beer, visitors should try homemade schnitzels, sausages, pretzels or specialty pizza. The brewery does not offer tours but hosts live music in the evenings.
Abridged Beer Company
Abridged Beer Company is located in a 1950s auto garage. This creates a more industrial environment but is still safe for kids and pets.
This brewery makes all beers on-site and offers a large selection of IPAs, lagers, ales and ciders. On the food menu, visitors will find Southern fare such as fried green tomatoes and springer mountain wings. They also serve nachos, pretzels, burgers, chicken sandwiches and BLTs.
Downtown Grill and Brewery
Located in downtown Knoxville on historic Gay Street, beer lovers will find Downtown Grill and Brewery. This spot has ranked among the best Knoxville breweries since the 1990s, and it sits in a building that dates to the late 1800s.
At Downtown Grill and Brewery, all beer is made on-site. Guests may select from ales, IPAs and stouts. They may even see them being made in the brewhouse that attaches to the dining room. Bourbon drinkers should order from the certified Bourbon bar. Those staying for food will find salads, pizza, steaks, pasta, seafood, chicken entrees and handhelds.
Crafty Bastard Brewery
Crafty Bastard Brewery has two locations – one downtown and one in west Knoxville. They focus on small-batch brews with different flavors at each one.
No matter the location, the breweries create traditional and bold beers with locally sourced ingredients. Those visiting downtown will find sours, IPAs, stouts, lagers and ales. For food options, local food trucks partner with Craft Bastard to offer grub. The other location offers lagers, stouts, IPAs and features local restaurants throughout the month.
Next Level Brewing Company
Next Level Brewing Company sits in the Old North neighborhood. Guests come here for flavorful brews and fun-loving vibes. It may be one of the newest spots in the region, but it’s a must for anyone visiting Knoxville.
The brewery has more than 15 Next Level beers on tap and guest beers from other Tennessee producers. Types include ales, IPAs, lagers, stouts and hard seltzer. While there is no restaurant, some days have food trucks. In addition, Next Level Brewing Company hosts trivia nights, open mic nights and live music.
Knoxville Ale Trail
In addition to these Knoxville breweries, the city has an Ale Trail great for visiting families, couples and groups.
To get started, grab a map and passport from a local brewery. Then enjoy a pint and ask for a stamp. Afterwards, head to the next brewery on the list and do the same. Once the trail is complete, bring the passport to Knox Brew Hub for a special reward. The Knox Brew Hub is located at 421 Union Avenue in downtown.
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