Trying to find good things to say about this place isn't very hard. This was my first time in Knoxville and my first Speakeasy. The PKL is located inside The Oliver Hotel. It appears you can enter either from the interior door opposite The Oliver Royale Restaurant or from the outside. I never saw the exterior entrance but have heard there's no sign, just a red light above a door. I am not sure how the whole password thing works or where to get it.... I just know the person I was with had it. We sat at the bar and the ambiance is really intimate. I have read now after being home that I guess they hide drink recipes in some of the books? I am not sure if that is true or not. If you can get a seat at the bar, it's so fun. Trey was great, as were the ladies! Trey puts on a little show with each drink he crafts. The drinks are ridiculously good. I would not be able to choose a favorite. I have no clue what the bill damage was, but I can say that between the both of us, we had every drink on the menu. Now I need to find reasons to go back to Knoxville just to go to the Peter Kern Library! read more

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Cute little hidden library bar with great drinks. The only issue we had were some rambunctious neighbors in a booth nearby, but staff was really good at keeping the peace. We got: -Ines (my fav) -Lumiere -Maimie Mannering (very booze forward) -Harry Morgan (the banana didn't really come through, but I could see where they were going with it!) read more

Peter Kern Library - Ines - Speakeasies Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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What a fun spot! I was in town for work, and my coworker is local - took us all out here before dinner. The cocktails are fun, the vibe is amazing, and I was bummed our dinner reservation was coming up and we had to leave! And as we left, we each got matchbooks. read more

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I found this gem when I was on a business trip and wanted a cozy bar that I could also order food at. This bar is conveniently located within a hotel, but with speakeasy vibes. You can order food from the hotel, which I did--the escargot was unreal. It paired well with my dirty martini. They have a lot of neat specialty cocktails, but can also do all the traditional, too. The bartender kept me company while at the bar and I enjoyed the atmosphere. He's open a few bars in Cary, NC, so it was nice to connect with someone while traveling. read more

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A friend recommended this speakeasy so we decided to try it when visiting Knoxville. Entering through the alley with just a red light above the black door added to the charm of visiting a speakeasy. We were pleasantly surprised at the small quaintness of this establishment. The U-shaped booths added to the ambience and made it really nice to enjoy the people you were with, but also the feel of the bar. I ordered a Holly Golightly and my husband ordered an old-fashioned. Both drinks were excellent and very well made. The drinks were $16 each which seemed appropriate for the setting and the quality of craftsmanship that went into making them. read more

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Fun spot just off the main square. Good drinks, friendly people. But the painting above the fireplace is something out of a scary movie. lol. read more

Peter Kern Library - Freaky. - Speakeasies Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Super cute speakeasy in Knox! It's completely free and you don't need a code to get in. It's inside the Oliver Hotel! We walked in and were completely engulfed in a nice, dark quiet atmosphere where we could sit and talk for hours. Super cozy and vibey. I don't remember the names of the drinks we ordered but one tasted like a spiked latte/cold brew with cold foam. The taste of espresso was very strong and it was honestly very satisfying. The other drink was a blackberry tequila drink. It tasted more subtle with fruity and herbal notes. Both were solid and service was friendly. Would come again! read more

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Great atmosphere. Smaller than I thought it would be but was not crowded on. Friday night about 6:00. Had a little trouble with the password since we had 3 different ones and the third one was correct. Cocktails were fantastic. Two of us had 2 Old Fashions each. The others had town different cocktails that equally as good. Don't recall the names and can't find the current menu on line. We will definitely go back again. read more

Easily such a fun find. You may need to know a secret code or you may not you'll figure it out. Usually there is a wait but it is easily worth the wait. Step away from the typical bar scene and sneak behind doors to find such a perfect speakeasy. Once in side, you'll find yourself immersed in a beautiful and sneaky feeling escape. They have great quality drinks that have something for everyone. Always a good time if you have the patience to wait. read more

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Cool little speakeasy! They had a great variety of cocktails - I wasn't drinking so I tried two mocktails. The paper plane was very good but the NA manhattan lacked complexity. Service was on the slower side. Enjoyed the experience overall. read more

Peter Kern Library - Speakeasies Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

As advertised. A very cool experience in a pretty neat little hidden library bar. Be ready to pay pretty heavily your drinks. They are excellent, but quite pricey. The server asked my wife if shebwanted to try a specific bourbon and we did not realize it was an upsal so she said sure. The price of the drink went up by $25. That was a suprise on the bill (5 ppl, 1 drink each, $125. We had to finish our drinks quickly and leave, as we were told the ceiling had started to leak and they needed to close. Bottom line? If youve got cash to burn (or more likely, a special occasion) its pretty cool. read more

I have been to Peter Kern Library a handful of times and love the curated experience that they have to offer. It is clear that there is thought behind each cocktail which is evidenced by the extensive knowledge and care from the bartenders/staff and the cocktails named after literary characters to reinforce the library theme. They even give your check in a cute manila library pocket! I love the attention to detail. The environment is incredibly intimate and cozy, so I do recommend coming here in a date setting rather than in a large group. You can spend hours here chatting it up with these delicious cocktails- so beware. I have had nothing but lovely experiences here, and it is likely my favorite spot for a cocktail in Knoxville. read more

We visited the Peter Kern Library a couple weeks again on a Friday. We arrived fairly early and went to the back door. FYI - you'll need a code, which my friend had from the bar's Instagram page. Super cool! The speakeasy is pretty small & intimate. It's dark and moody, but feels so luxurious. There's a small bar with 4 or 5 stools. There are also 5 or 6 curved booths, each of which could comfortable seat 5 or maybe 6 people. Our party of 4 ordered drinks, and all were so delicious. We'll definitely visit again! read more

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I've stopped by this speakeasy bar on several occasions. It's hidden behind a bookshelf of a local hotel and you can also access it from the alley. My wife and I stopped in for an old fashion. We sat at the bar. The bartenders are highly skilled and take their time making you the perfect cocktail. It has a nice dark and traditional environment. If you looking for something interesting to do after dinner, this is a nice spot to check out. read more

The Peter Kern Library is a great spot for a cocktail before or after dinner. I enjoy the "speakeasy" vibe, in the heart of Downtown Knoxville. From my understanding, they frequently update their menu so you can always try something new each visit. read more

Peter Kern Library - Speakeasies Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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I could have sworn that I wrote a review for this fun and unique spot. Whoops! This speakeasy is quietly lingering in the depths of the Oliver Hotel, accessed by the nearby alley (look for the red light). I have been here a few times now and twice, there was was an employee "guarding" the door, asking for the password, accessed via their social media. This past time, my visiting friend and I were a bit bummed to have no password required and let ourselves in through the door. Takes away a tad of the mystique and experience, but still a fun spot! Usually, they have seated me and my party, but since it was a weekday evening and not busy, they had us seat ourselves. In the past, we have had to share a seating area with strangers during busy times, but my friend and I had a large, cushy seating area to ourselves this time. I always love the cozy space in dark, rich colors, and the unique, old-timey decor. There is some slightly creepy artwork (if you've been there...you know what I'm talking about. haha!) that gives it creepy, haunted library vibes. The bartenders are like mad scientists who put together magical literary-themed concoctions. Such unique ingredients that it surely takes quite an effort to perfect them. This is the saving grace with the hefty pricetag. Totally worth it for the experience alone. Note that the space is small, no probably not a place to go with a large group or loud friends, but perfect for intimate groups or date night. read more

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During the weekend of the Tennessee vs. Kentucky game (Go Cats!) as part of a guys' trip. We were really excited about the idea of a hidden, exclusive speakeasy vibe, complete with a password and an alleyway entrance, but unfortunately, the experience fell a little short of expectations. As mentioned in previous reviews, if you're impatient, this place might not be for you. (The wait to get inside, did not effect my rating. I appreciate that they do not take reservations and it's on a first come first serve basis). The vibe is definitely one to chill and hang out, but you'll need to embrace the wait. However, the thrill of finding a speakeasy fizzled quickly. Upon arrival in the alley, we were greeted by a sheet of paper directing us to the Oliver Hotel entrance--a letdown for anyone hoping for a secretive backdoor experience. For a moment, we thought it might be a trick to throw off tourists, but nope, that was the actual entrance (at least that day). Inside the Oliver Hotel, the space exudes contemporary elegance, but the line at the "hidden" door also broke any illusion of secrecy, and not being asked for the password further diminished the concept. Once inside, the atmosphere had potential with its dark and moody setting, but the multiple doors leading in and out allowed bright lights to interrupt the ambiance. Our party of four was seated, and while the staff was friendly, they weren't very attentive. Drinks took a little bit to arrive, but by this time, we found that this place lost it's excitement. The cocktails themselves were good but not "knock-your-socks-off" good. We'd hoped to try more, but because the first round took so long and no one came back to check on us mid-drink, we decided to close our tab and move on. My personal opinion, if there is a hefty line waiting to get inside upon arrival, I'd say it's probably not worth the wait. While I appreciated the concept, the execution left us wanting more of that authentic speakeasy charm. It's a cool place to visit if you're patient and curious, but for us, it wasn't the highlight of the trip. read more

Peter Kern Library - The password that evening was in fact, "1903" a nice touch from the staff - Speakeasies Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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I had Peter Kern Library on my list so I was happy when my friend Lindsay suggested we grab a drink there post-event. The unmarked door is hidden in an alley, but we didn't have to give anyone the password and just opened the door. We were told to take a seat anywhere in the cozy spot. The decor is definitely library/literary themed, which was fun. The menu is very unique and I was excited at the different options. I was immediately drawn to the Rick Deckard: gin, lemon, dijon mustard, maple-vanilla syrup. A few others sounded really good too, so I asked the bartender for a recommendation (while also spinning Lindsay's decision maker wheel, genius). He told me the Rick Deckard was really good, so I went for it! It was definitely one of the more unique drinks I've had. The dijon mustard wasn't overpowering and it actually worked well in the drink. I do love dijon mustard though. I was impressed and would definitely visit again in the future. This type of elevated cocktail experience is so fun for a special night out and I'm sure their menu changes frequently. read more

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Super cute bar, very modern and can be loud. The staff was welcoming and friendly. The drinks were amazing. First time coming here. The menu changes often but are able to make drinks from previous menus. The theme always changes. It's inside the Oliver's hotel. On their social media they give you hints to get the passcode (we didn't need it) or you can go to the hotel lobby and get it from there. The drinks were amazing. I highly recommend this place. read more

Peter Kern Library - Tab - Speakeasies Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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Pretty tame on a Tuesday around 7. I parked in the Market St Garage, it's right next door. Find the monthly password (a four digit #) on their Facebook at the end of the post. KNOCK on the door with the red light, there is no bell. You have 90 minutes and food comes from the hotel restaurant. As I came in, a party of 8 was trying to assemble. I could overhear the bartenders complaining. It's just a small spot to seat 8 (they were hanging off), and they all wanted food (no table room), and they were loud. They also ordered dumb drinks. So, don't bring your party of 8, ok? The booths fit no more than 6 comfortably. Drinks didn't take long and were good. Prices were pretty standard for a high end cocktail bar although some might complain because it's Knoxville. But I know my cocktails and these were good. No baseball caps, dress like you're leaving your house because they enforce it (more places should). I'm so tired of yoga pants, sweat pants and flip flops. read more

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Very fun atmosphere!! The drinks are inspired and the vibe is very relaxed and chill. The prices are very fair for the drink. All the employees were very nice. I read a lot of reviews about the harsh dress code. We were nervous as we were not dressed "appropriately" according to the dress code, but we had no issues with this and the other people there were also not. We went in the early evening though, so I'm not sure if that's the difference. I had a great time and I would recommend! read more

Peter Kern Library - Speakeasies Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

We were not treated well during our visit to this speak easy. Unable to speak too easy about this place. Service was poor. Standing is severely frowned upon. read more

We recently went to the Peter Kern Library for a late night drink on a Bachalorette party. The gentleman behind the bar, I did not get his name but I was absolutely mesmerized by his skill. The emotion and zest for perfecting his craft gave me literal goosebumps. I've never been so in awe of a bartender. He was even so cordial when our drunk friend was hitting on him. I would have stayed there another hour just eating him flow to the music and the ambiance. I'm so sad I don't live in this city, I would come back just to go watch him make cocktails. I see a picture of him on their Instagram page, I sure would like to give this individual credit so apologies for posting a cropped picture from their instagram. This gentleman is a true craftsman! read more

Peter Kern Library - The best mixologist I have literally ever whitnessed - Speakeasies Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Very chill place - go to the alley around the corner of the hotel to the red light. I got there early enough that the hotel staff showed me the sliding door next to the reception (in picture). It opens up right next to the bar so everyone looked. Great knowledgeable staff. Really like this place! read more

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On a scale of documentaries to romances, Peter Kern Library is the haunting of Oscar Wilde. A secret back entrance with a password set the mood immediately. We were ushered through a hallway into the most charming speakeasy. I felt like I had been transported to a time before televisions and phones. If you're ever in Knoxville, this is a must. This is the only way I want to drink alcohol. We were there around 5:30pm on a week night. read more

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This was the best overall bar we went to in a weekend of just bar hopping around Knoxville. The most innovative, interesting, and delicious drinks all around. It's a speakeasy in a hotel that really commits to the bit which is great. Smaller parties will be seated with other folks but we had 6 and got there fairly early in the night with a full day of day drinking in. Went for the Becky sharp and really had some great flavors and notes in it. We also did the violet baudelaire, Rick deckard, green point and the cheese board. The star of the show there was really the Rick deckard. I don't know how they made that Dijon taste so good without blowing out your sinuses but they did it. The vibes were really good, the bar was really well done and overall just a great experience and drinks 5/5 would recommend to a friend! read more

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There's something intriguing about a Speakeasy. However, this one in particular, located inside the Oliver Hotel is very small, but quaint. The look and feel of the library is unique. A little birdie whispered in my ear: They make the best "Old Fashioned" on this side of town. I can't attest to that - - I'm the wine lover! I found the drinks to be quite expensive and the service to be rather slow. Albeit, the mixologist at the bar did put on a great performance with their flaming drinks! Upon entry, you're told there's an allotment of 90 mins, it took the server awhile to approach, then an additional 15mins for drinks to arrive (all while the clock was ticking!) Bring your patience and your wallet. read more

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As long as you realize that you're paying for a gimmick, the Peter Kern Library is a fun, offbeat place to enjoy a cocktail. We visited before a show at the Tennessee, lured in by their themed menu highlighting the last of the Broadway season's shows (Beetlejuice). We followed the green light in the alley and waited in line for about 20 minutes before being seated with a pair of strangers in line behind us. That might not appeal to some patrons, but we didn't mind and actually enjoyed our conversation at the booth where they seated us. The speakeasy vibe just wasn't there for us because we weren't asked for a password, and the multiple doors in and out were always in use and counteracted any feel of privacy or seclusion. The waiter, who also ushered us in from the hallway, was a little pushy and seemed to be slightly peeved the whole time we were there. Our bill was brought (without our requesting it) shortly after we ordered, but we waited over 25 minutes for our drinks, almost making us late for our show. When my friend politely inquired how much longer it would be, the waiter told us our drinks were coming but that we could feel free to leave if we needed. He then walked off. A different waitress brought our drinks out a few minutes later (after delivering them to the wrong table first) and apologized for the wait, offering us a pair of complimentary cocktail vouchers (cleverly printed as bookmarks). The bar staff stayed hopping the whole time we were there, but with fewer than 20 people in the whole bar, it was never clear to us why so much was happening back there but no one was getting their drinks. I've been in huge bars that were packed and never had to wait that long for a drink, so I can only imagine that this was an off night for some reason because otherwise this place would not stay in business. The cocktails were cleverly named and inventive, but they weren't "to die for." If not for the intimate, sophisticated atmosphere, nothing would make the $14+ drinks worth it. Overall, we still had fun going and would try again, hoping for better service next time and maybe more of the subversive speakeasy feel. read more

Peter Kern Library - Speakeasies Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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This place was great. Be sure to go in the alley entrance. You will need to know the password. The drinks were great. The service was excellent. The atmosphere met my high expectation. We ordered a few appetizers and enjoyed the truffles fries and brussel sprouts. read more

This place is awesome , heard rumor of it, stumbled across the light and knocked, we were allowed in right of way , the drinks are phenomenal . The bartenders are extremely talented and the room was one of a kind. You did not hear it from me but look for the red light in the alley . read more

Don't waste your time. We waited outside by the red light (like the instructions say) in a line for half an hour just to find out that the hostess only checks inside of the hotel. The code was never needed. Inside the music is loud rap and it is freezing cold but at least it smelled better than the garbage filled alley. There is a dress code that is not mentioned anywhere before arrival. We waited another half hour at our table and never received drinks. There were 2 bartenders and it is a very small establishment. If you do decide to go, be prepared to spend most of your time waiting. read more

The ambiance is beautiful inside!! We happened to walk upon this Speakeasy while on a stroll in Downtown Knoxville. The bar is very well decorated and the vibe is perfect for a date night. Not only are the drinks one of a kind but the theme of "library" is well incorporated into each name of the drinks on the menu. The service was a bit slow due to being so busy which is not a surprise but the server was very well versed in each drink and was able to convey it to us. I also love that you don't have to stay at the hotel to experience this speakeasy!! Overall, a must try if you're ever in Knoxville! read more

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Great cocktails and cool ambiance at this tucked away college town speakeasy. A great spot for cocktail fans visiting Knoxville.

A really fascinating bar, with great staff and delicious drinks. It's easy to linger here for a while, but I could see it getting overwhelming if it's a crowded night. It was loud the night we were there even though it was very quiet that night. I can't imagine the noise level if every table had been filled. Still, I would like to get back to see another theme (there were embracing Wicked when I was there). Our group had both cocktails and mocktails and everyone was thrilled with the different choices on the menu and the drinks that ultimately arrived. I hope I'll get back to Knoxville soon so I can go back. read more

Stopped by Peter Kern Library to have drinks before dinner. Logistics - parking is very limited so leave extra time to find yourself a spot on the street. The Library is located inside the Oliver Hotel behind a sliding door right passed the reception desk. Space is smaller, so there may be a wait when it is busy. Menu is broken down into Favorites, Television Guide and Classics. Food is available from 4-9pm. The drinks were good, but the service was extremely slow even though there were only 4 tables occupied. I would likely go back when I am in Knoxville again. read more

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Ambiance was pretty good. Paid $42 for 2 espresso martinis. Coming from NY and I was still shocked at these prices. Martinis were mediocre. read more

Secret society alert. This was a fun adventure. Get the password, find the red light in the dark alley. Knock on the door, and they slide open a window and ask for the password and how many in your party. So prohibition era vibes. This is a very intimate bar and also very pricey (expect $30-40 for two drinks) This isn't an everyday I want to drink after work kind of place. Maybe 20 people will fit inside. The cocktails are crafted with care and the service is excellent. read more

Peter Kern Library - a narrow alley in a city - Speakeasies Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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Well kept secret in downtown Knoxville. Amazing creative cocktails with a super atmosphere and vibe. Super nice folks serving us as well. Will bring friends here! read more

The ambiance here is amazing! It doesn't get better. The drinks were average. I wish I would gotten more traditional drinks. Very cozy - you share booths with other people/ they fill booths. read more

Easily my favorite place I've gone to since moving to the Knox area. It's a little dark and mysterious - not only do you have to find the back door entrance in a dark alley, but you actually have to know the password to get in. After you are taken from a dingy, unassuming hallway, you're brought into a sophisticated and intimate speakeasy, adorned in taxidermy, vintage artwork and books, candlelight, and a smoldering fireplace. Service was great, cocktails were top notch. I will absolutely be back. read more