Nightlife in East Tennessee: Bars, Clubs, and Entertainment Venues

Nightlife in East Tennessee: Bars, Clubs, and Entertainment Venues

June 15, 2023
Discover the vibrant nightlife scene in East Tennessee with our guide to the best bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
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If you're looking for a night out on the town in East Tennessee, you're in luck. This region is home to a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene with something for everyone. Whether you're in the mood for craft beer, live music, or high-energy dance clubs, you'll find it all here. In this article, we'll explore some of the best bars, clubs, and entertainment venues in East Tennessee.

Exploring East Tennessee's Vibrant Nightlife Scene

One of the things that makes East Tennessee's nightlife so unique is its charm. From cozy pubs to upscale nightclubs, each venue has its own character and atmosphere. No matter where you go, you're sure to find friendly locals and a welcoming vibe.

The Unique Charm of East Tennessee's Nightlife

For a night out in East Tennessee, you don't have to break the bank. Many bars and clubs in the area offer affordable prices on drinks and food. If you're a fan of live music, you'll be happy to know that several venues feature local musicians and bands. And if you're in the mood for something more low-key, there are plenty of cozy pubs and wine bars to relax in.

One of the best things about East Tennessee's nightlife is the variety of venues available. Whether you're in the mood for a lively dance club or a quiet wine bar, you'll find it here. And with so many options to choose from, you're sure to discover a new favorite spot every time you go out.

In addition to the great atmosphere and variety of venues, East Tennessee's nightlife scene is also known for its friendly locals. Whether you're a local yourself or just visiting, you'll feel right at home in any of the area's bars or clubs. And with so many friendly people around, you're sure to make new friends and have a great time.

Popular Cities for Nightlife in East Tennessee

Some of the most popular cities for nightlife in East Tennessee include Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Gatlinburg. These cities have a wide variety of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues to choose from. Whether you're looking for a high-energy dance club or a laid-back pub, you're sure to find it here.

Knoxville is known for its vibrant downtown area, which is home to numerous bars and clubs. You can find everything from upscale cocktail lounges to dive bars in this bustling city. And with a thriving local music scene, you're sure to catch a great live show while you're out and about.

Chattanooga is another great city for nightlife in East Tennessee. The city's Southside district is home to several popular bars and clubs, as well as a variety of restaurants and shops. And with its stunning views of the Tennessee River, you can enjoy a beautiful backdrop while you're out on the town.

If you're looking for a more laid-back nightlife experience, Gatlinburg is a great option. This charming mountain town is home to several cozy pubs and wine bars, as well as a variety of family-friendly attractions. And with its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the country while you're out and about.

Top Bars and Pubs in East Tennessee

If you're a fan of craft beer, whiskey, wine, or simply good company, then East Tennessee has plenty of options for you. From sports bars to craft beer hotspots, there's something for everyone in this vibrant region of the United States. Here are some of the top bars and pubs in the area:

Craft Beer Hotspots

East Tennessee is home to several craft breweries and beer bars. Some of the top spots to grab a cold one include the Casual Pint, The Public House, and Last Days of Autumn Brewing. These venues offer a variety of locally brewed beers and ales, as well as tasty bar snacks to go along with them. At the Casual Pint, you can enjoy a pint of your favorite beer while playing a game of cornhole with friends. The Public House, on the other hand, is known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff who are always happy to recommend a new brew for you to try. Last Days of Autumn Brewing is a great spot for those who love IPAs and stouts, with a rotating selection of seasonal beers that are sure to please.

Whiskey and Bourbon Bars

For fans of whiskey and bourbon, there's no shortage of options in East Tennessee. Venues like Old City Wine Bar, Suttree's High Gravity Tavern, and Merchants of Beer offer a wide selection of bourbon, whiskey, and other spirits. These bars also feature knowledgeable bartenders who can recommend the perfect drink for you. At Old City Wine Bar, you can enjoy a glass of bourbon while listening to live music on the outdoor patio. Suttree's High Gravity Tavern is known for its extensive selection of rare and hard-to-find whiskeys, while Merchants of Beer is a great spot for those who love trying new and unique craft beers.

Wine Bars and Tasting Rooms

If you're in the mood for a glass of wine, then East Tennessee has plenty of options for you. Venues like Blue Slip Winery, Corks Wine and Spirits, and Ember's Tavern and Grille offer a variety of wines from around the world, as well as wine tastings and pairings. Blue Slip Winery is a great spot to enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the stunning views of the Tennessee River. Corks Wine and Spirits, on the other hand, is known for its knowledgeable staff who can help you find the perfect wine to pair with your meal. Ember's Tavern and Grille is a cozy spot that offers a variety of reds, whites, and sparkling wines, as well as craft beers and cocktails.

Sports Bars and Taverns

If you're a sports fan, then you'll love East Tennessee's selection of sports bars and taverns. Venues like Buffalo Wild Wings, Wild Wing Cafe, and Scoreboard Sports Bar & Grill offer plenty of TVs and a lively atmosphere for watching the game. At Buffalo Wild Wings, you can enjoy a plate of hot wings while cheering on your favorite team. Wild Wing Cafe is known for its extensive beer menu and live music events, while Scoreboard Sports Bar & Grill is a great spot to catch a game while enjoying a burger and fries.

Themed and Specialty Bars

If you're in the mood for something a little different, then East Tennessee has plenty of themed and specialty bars to choose from. Venues like Preservation Pub, Latitude 35, and The Peter Kern Library feature unique atmospheres and specialty cocktails that will transport you to another time and place. Preservation Pub is a cozy spot that features live music and a rotating selection of craft beers and cocktails. Latitude 35 is a tiki-themed bar that offers a variety of tropical drinks and delicious small plates. The Peter Kern Library is a speakeasy-style bar that is hidden behind a bookcase and features a selection of classic cocktails and a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

Best Nightclubs and Dance Clubs in East Tennessee

If you're looking for a night of dancing and high-energy fun, then East Tennessee has plenty of options for you. From high-energy dance clubs to exclusive and upscale venues, there's something for everyone. Here are some of the best nightclubs and dance clubs in the area:

High-Energy Dance Clubs

Venues like NV Nightclub, The Edge, and New Amsterdam offer high-energy dance floors and thumping music for those who love to dance the night away. The Edge, located in downtown Knoxville, is a popular spot for college students and young professionals, with a spacious dance floor and a variety of drink specials. NV Nightclub, located in the heart of Chattanooga, is known for its state-of-the-art sound system and impressive light show. New Amsterdam, located in Nashville, is a trendy spot with a rooftop bar and a variety of themed nights, including 80s and 90s dance parties.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Nightclubs

East Tennessee is also home to several LGBTQ+ friendly nightclubs, including Club XYZ in Knoxville and Alan Gold's in Nashville. These venues provide a welcoming and safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community to come together and let loose on the dance floor. Club XYZ, located in the historic Old City neighborhood of Knoxville, is known for its drag shows and themed nights, including "RuPaul's Drag Race" viewing parties. Alan Gold's, located in the heart of Nashville's gay district, is a popular spot for dancing and socializing, with a spacious dance floor and a variety of drink specials.

Live Music and Performance Venues

For music lovers, East Tennessee has plenty of live music and performance venues to choose from. The Bijou Theatre, located in downtown Knoxville, is a historic venue that has hosted a variety of famous musicians and comedians over the years. The Signal, located in Chattanooga, is a newer venue that has quickly become a popular spot for live music, with a spacious dance floor and top-notch sound quality. The Tennessee Theatre, also located in downtown Knoxville, is a beautifully restored venue that hosts a variety of musical acts and Broadway shows throughout the year.

Exclusive and Upscale Clubs

If you're in the mood for an exclusive and upscale experience, then East Tennessee has several options for you. The Standard, located in downtown Knoxville, is a sleek and sophisticated venue that offers VIP bottle service and a variety of specialty cocktails. The Social, located in Chattanooga, is a popular spot for young professionals and celebrities, with a luxurious atmosphere and a variety of themed nights. Lounge 9, located in Nashville, is a trendy spot with a rooftop bar and a variety of high-end cocktails and spirits.

No matter what kind of nightlife experience you're looking for, East Tennessee has something to offer. From high-energy dance clubs to exclusive and upscale venues, you're sure to find a spot that suits your style and taste.

Unique Entertainment Venues in East Tennessee

If you're looking for something a little different than drinks and dancing, then East Tennessee has some unique entertainment venues to check out:

Comedy Clubs and Open Mic Nights

Venues like Side Splitters Comedy Club and Scruffy City Hall offer stand-up comedy and open mic nights for those who enjoy a good laugh. These venues often feature local comedians and up-and-coming talent from around the country.

At Side Splitters Comedy Club, you'll find a cozy atmosphere with a full bar and menu. The club is known for its hilarious acts, including comedians like Josh Blue and Colin Mochrie. Scruffy City Hall, on the other hand, is a rustic venue with a laid-back vibe. The venue's open mic nights are a great opportunity for aspiring comedians to test out their material.

Karaoke Bars and Sing-Along Spots

If you love to sing, then East Tennessee has plenty of karaoke bars and sing-along spots for you to show off your skills. Venues like Southbound Knoxville, The Drake, and Birdhouse on the Greenway offer karaoke nights and sing-along events.

Southbound Knoxville is a country-themed bar that offers karaoke on Thursday nights. The Drake, located in the heart of downtown Knoxville, is a popular spot for karaoke and sing-alongs with its extensive song selection and lively atmosphere. Birdhouse on the Greenway, situated in a charming historic building, offers a unique karaoke experience with its outdoor patio and fire pits.

Gaming and Arcade Bars

If you're a fan of video games and arcade classics, then East Tennessee has some gaming and arcade bars that you'll love. Venues like Token Game Tavern, Game On, and Level Up offer classic arcade games, console games, and board games for patrons to enjoy while sipping on drinks.

Token Game Tavern, located in Knoxville, is a popular spot for gamers and non-gamers alike. The tavern offers a wide selection of board games, video games, and classic arcade games, as well as a full bar and food menu. Game On, located in Johnson City, is a gaming bar with a cozy atmosphere and a variety of console games to choose from. Level Up, situated in Chattanooga, is a retro arcade bar with classic games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong.

Outdoor and Rooftop Venues

Last but not least, East Tennessee has some beautiful outdoor and rooftop venues for those who prefer to enjoy the nightlife under the stars. Venues like The Rooftop at Ole Red, Pour Taproom, and Lonesome Dove Knoxville offer breathtaking views and a unique atmosphere for enjoying a night out.

The Rooftop at Ole Red, located in Gatlinburg, offers stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains and a lively atmosphere with live music and a full bar. Pour Taproom, situated in downtown Knoxville, is a unique self-serve beer bar with an outdoor patio that overlooks Market Square. Lonesome Dove Knoxville, located in the historic Old City, offers a rooftop bar with a cozy fireplace and views of downtown Knoxville.

In Conclusion

East Tennessee's nightlife scene offers something for everyone, from cozy pubs to high-energy dance clubs and everything in between. Whether you're a local or just passing through, be sure to check out some of the top bars, clubs, and entertainment venues in the area. Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite spot!