The Historic Knoxville Skyline
Knoxville is well on its way to becoming a major American city known for its iconic skyline. The Sunsphere, the Henley Street Bridge, and Worlds Fair Park are all familiar sites that Knoxvillians wholeheartedly love. What better place to enjoy all these scenic views than from a Knoxville rooftop bar?!
Nestled into hotel and restaurant rooftops downtown, these bars sport fun drinks, good vibes, and magnificent views. We’ve listed a few bars that we feel are the best in town, can’t wait to see y’all there!
Five Thirty Lounge
Five Thirty Lounge is located ten floors above at the top of the Hyatt Place. Recently renovated, this Knoxville rooftop bar brings a new kind of elegance to downtown. If you step outside, you can enjoy their unique craft cocktails while sitting by the fire pit or take in the views from their wrap around the exterior. Thanks to 15 ft glass that surrounds the interior of the bar, you can enjoy both the views of downtown Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains from inside the classy and contemporary indoor bar area.
Five Thirty Lounge offers an extensive list of cocktails, beers, wines, and whiskeys for you to enjoy as well as a small but tasty menu of sophisticated food items. Conveniently located right on Gay Street, you can stop by Monday-Thursday from 4pm-11pm, Friday from 4pm-midnight, Saturday from 2pm-midnight, or Sunday from 2pm-8pm. You can visit their page here!
Radius Rooftop Lounge
Located on the top floor of the Embassy Suites, Radius is arguably the most prominent Knoxville rooftop bar on this list. Featuring a wraparound design, patrons can bask in a 360 degree view of historic downtown Knoxville with the iconic Smoky mountains visible on the horizon.
For our of age readers, the menu includes an expansive selection of signature cocktails, wine, and spirits. Some staff favorites include the “Vagabond Shoes” which is a refreshing whiskey drink with fruity notes. Radius also now partners with local favorite, CJs Tacos, to offer a late night cravings menu.
The Embassy Suites are located right off of Gay street and the Radius Lounge is open until 12am Thursday – Friday. Make sure to stop by for either a drink or a breath taking glimpse of the city WearKnox calls home. To learn more check out their page.
Preservation Pub
If you’ve ever taken a stroll through Market Square, you may have wondered why there are flamingos and trees on the roof of one of the seemingly “normal” buildings. These flamingos live at Preservation Pub, a bar far, far from normal. Located at 28 Historic Market Square, you can find great drinks, great people, and great music until 3AM every day of the year. Yes, that means 365 days.
With four stories, you can listen to music in the Main Hall, relax in the old-fashioned Speakeasy, or meet some new faces on the rooftop’s Electric Forest. Preservation Pub standout feature is their draws for live music. This bar has seen Chris Stapleton, Cage The Elephant, The Avette Brothers, and Moon Taxi in the past several years. Whether you’re looking to jam out to some music, relax with some friends on the rooftop, or even stay out until 3AM on Thanksgiving, Preservation Pub is the spot for you. Learn more about Preservation Pub at their webpage!
Rep The Skyline At Your Favorite Knoxville Rooftop Bar
If after you visit these bars, you fall in love with Knoxville’s skyline like we have, you’re in luck! WearKnox has an amazing Knoxville Skyline t-shirt where you can rep K-town wherever you go. Featuring some of our favorite locations in Knoxville, this design has proven to be a fan favorite and inspired us to write this blog. Pick yours up today!
