There are coffee shops you stop at because you need coffee, and then there are places that make you…read morewant to sit down and actually enjoy it. Primo Passo Coffee Co. is the latter. I came here three mornings in a row while in Knoxville--which, for me, says a lot. The coffee is fantastic. It's thoughtful, well-made, and feels created with purpose. The menu reads like it was put together by someone who genuinely likes coffee and wants you to experience something beyond the standard routine. I tried the Iced Vanilla Cloud Latte, and you can taste the difference between something simply flavored and something actually crafted. Then there are the bagels. Next level. They're sourced through a local sourdough bakery and are exactly the kind of addition that completes the experience. Good enough that instead of grabbing your coffee and inhaling breakfast in traffic, you actually want to sit down, eat, and stay awhile. And that's really what makes Primo Passo work: the place has a vibe. It's young, vibrant and genuinely local. Sitting here in the mornings, I watched people come in who clearly knew one another. They'd grab coffee, talk about their day, discuss business, catch up for a few minutes and then head out. I watched that happen over and over again. It feels less like a business trying to manufacture a neighborhood coffee-shop atmosphere and more like one naturally becoming part of the neighborhood. It's also truly tucked away. Located beneath residential housing in a mixed-use development, this is the kind of place you can drive right past if you aren't specifically looking for it. Trust me: look for it. There are bigger names and plenty of convenient options nearby, but convenience isn't really the point here. Primo Passo is about the coffee, the process and the experience. Places like this become local staples because people support them while they're still becoming one. If you're in Knoxville for business, live nearby and want to change up your morning routine, or simply appreciate genuinely good coffee, put Primo Passo on your radar. This could easily become my go-to coffee shop if I lived here. Maybe it's the coffee. Maybe it's the bagels. Maybe it's the atmosphere. After spending three consecutive mornings here, I think it's a little bit of all three. Whatever they're doing, it works. And it works very well. There is more to the coffee experience than ordering through an app and getting a thank-you message written on your cup. Sometimes it's about the taste, the process, the people and taking the time to actually enjoy the experience. Primo Passo reminded me of that.

Primo Passo is doing something special. I got a drink with a double shot of espresso, house-made…read morecherry syrup, milk, and a cherry cold foam dusted with sakura powder--honestly one of the most unique drinks I've had. Super well-balanced and felt like a really elevated coffee experience. Seating isn't the most comfortable, so maybe not a long hang spot, but the coffee alone makes it worth it. Definitely coming back.

While in Knoxville we found this cute coffee shop tucking into a small plaza. I love that it was…read moresuper easy to get to. Plus they had ample parking. Side note the walk up window was so cute. Immediately upon walking in I was in awe. The attention to detail in this shop was top tier design. The ladies working when we went were so sweet and very helpful. I also really love the swag that they have. I am kicking myself for not buying the denim hat! Now onto the coffee. I tried the Blueberry Crisp Latte. The notes of the blueberry were good. Not overpowering and just the right bit of top and bottom. I love to taste the flavor as a finishing note as well. My daughter had a Vanilla Frappe which she enjoyed. I definitely will return whenever I am in Knoxville.

We were driving while in Knoxville and searched for a good coffee shop nearby, and Summer Moon…read moreCoffee caught our attention. The space is surprisingly large, with a beautiful, inviting interior and a really nice atmosphere. I had never tried fire-roasted coffee before. I usually order a plain latte or cappuccino because I like to truly taste the coffee and appreciate its boldness without added flavors. The coffee here had a distinct smoky flavor, which personally wasn't my preference, but I definitely appreciated how unique and different it was. My husband ordered a vanilla latte and loved it! The service was great. A very friendly young lady took the time to explain the different coffee options and helped us understand what makes their coffee unique. The only thing I wish they offered was a little more variety in food. I was hoping for something like avocado toast or another healthier breakfast option rather than primarily baked goods. A beautiful coffee shop with great service, a welcoming atmosphere, and a unique take on coffee. Definitely worth trying, especially if you enjoy a smoky, fire-roasted flavor.

The Empty Cup House is SUCH a cozy little spot! They have soooo many tables and chairs, and they're…read moreall different, which gives the place a really cute and unique vibe. It feels like somewhere you could easily come to work, read a book, study, or just hang out for a while. They also have separate rooms, which I thought was really cool! I'm not sure if you have to book them or if you can just use them when they're available, but I love the idea of having a little private space. I can't remember the exact name of the drink I got, but it was raspberry + cold brew and it was ABSOLUTELY delicious. It still had a really good coffee flavor, which I loved because sometimes fruity coffee drinks can completely overpower the actual coffee. The staff was also nice and friendly. Overall, I really liked the cozy atmosphere and would definitely come back!

I've been back to Empty cup a fews times since my first review, but I would not change my original…read morereview from 4 years ago. Still slow and I just get a negative vibe from them. I've never found them friendly.

Delicious latte! And any place like this that makes their own syrup gets bonus pointsread more

Honeybee is a great spot to study and gather with friends. The space is open and even has an…read moreoutdoor space option. The bar seating is nice if you like to stand while studying as well. The staff is great. They are super nice & pretty fast. The espresso is delicious. Though, I must admit that the flavor is diluted as a latte. I recommend an iced cappuccino if you prefer a coffee forward drink. I love it with the brown sugar syrup! I like trying the seasonal flavors, especially since they make syrups in house. My favorite right now (spring 2026) is the banana bread latte. Parking does get tight during peak hours, but something always opens up or you could try the neighboring lots if you're doing a quick stop.

What a great coffee and tea bar addition to Harding Valley. I love the fact that you can sample…read moretheir tap-served nitro, especially those made with bourbon barrel roasted beans. My friend's blueberry bourbon nitro smelled incredible and tasted just as good. I was surprised that they serve hot nitro too, and alcoholic drinks. I got a matcha latte and the whisking was done perfectly and professionally. I'm obsessed with their commitment to all natural ingredients, no sweeteners or artificial flavors. I would love to come back and try their espresso martini or masala chai with a pastry next time.

I really liked Intrepid! The decaf coffee nitro paired really well with maple syrup & the french…read morevanilla tea went nicely with the honey. I loved the foam that comes with nitro--lends to a smooth finish & pleasant mouthfeel. Next time, I would probably get half sweet, but I still enjoyed it. The service was great, too. The barista was super helpful & friendly. I wish I caught her name! The space was great for hanging out with friends & doing laptop work. A bit loud though to study or do deep work. All in all, I'd love to come back!

This place was SO big and spacious, and I absolutely loved the atmosphere! They even had these…read morecute swing chairs in the back, which were such a fun little touch. I got the banana pudding latte and WOW. It was the perfect amount of sweetness, not overly sweet, but still sweet enough to satisfy my sweet tooth. Definitely a fun drink if you're a banana pudding girlie! I also got the jasmine green tea, which was pretty good as well. Overall, such a cute spot with plenty of space to hang out and relax. And the staff really got it all done quick we were in and out of there is a jiffy.

Walking into this place, I was surprised by how huge it is! There's plenty of seating and so many…read morespots where you could work or study. It's also really pretty inside and has such a cozy atmosphere. Sofia took my order and was also very nice and welcoming, which made the experience even better. They even have these swings that feel like they're literally hugging you. I sat in one and immediately thought, "I need a blanket and a book, and I could stay here forever." We tried the Pumpkin Pie Sweet Foam Cold Brew and the Banana Pudding Sweet Foam Cold Brew. The cold brew itself is VERY strong, so the coffee flavor definitely overpowers the sweet foam a bit. You can still taste hints of the pumpkin pie and banana pudding flavors, but the cold brew is definitely the star of the show. That said, the cold brew itself has a really good flavor--it's just STRONG. If you like your coffee bold and caffeinated, this is definitely the place for you. And honestly, I'd come back just for the atmosphere and those cozy swings.

Cute and will serve a hot beverage…read more I'm a tea drinker. Can't speak to the coffee. My London fog was the best I've had in years. Tea, milk, vanilla balance were perfect. Here's the thing. Many places I go will serve a Luke warm tea beverage. This was hot drink bliss. Bonus for sticker offering at register. 75cents. Lots of space. Only possible draw back is the thumping gym music next door. Doesn't bother me, but ruin a more zen type. Customer service with a smile. Will stop by again when I'm around. Note. Some food offerings. Looks like they go fast. Display was close to empty by 1000

Accidentally met the owner, he was behind the counter and was super sweet. Very cute and spacious…read morecoffeehouse. I tried their Italian iced coffee and it was amazing! In a cat lover as well, so this place was super cute!

The doughnuts were fresh and they tasted great. The service was Terrific. The place was very clean…read more We will be back for more.

Love the donuts. The most delicious I've ever had!!! The staff is very welcoming too!!!read more

I have been to every coffee shop in Knoxville and I can tell you that this is the best bar none…read morefrom amazing bagels to amazing coffee. It really has it all plus there's no better place to stop and do some work or just hang out with friends.

Good coffee. Bagel sandwiches were great but not like a true bagel as it wasn't very chewy.read more

The old fashioned buttermilk was excellent. Perfectly moist, crisp, not too sweet, with a…read moredetectable buttermilk tang. The cake donuts were also very good, but would still go all in on the old fashioned - one of the best I've ever had!

Always my bad for being later in the morning so lower selection. Doughnuts were kind of heavy, but…read moreflavors were great. Didn't try the coffee but it smelled glorious!