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Tern Club

4.6 (67 reviews)
Closed • 4:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)

Tern Club Photos

Business Info

TERN CLUB ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Romantic
Happy hour specials
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Tern Club

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Reviews With Photos

Lindsay H.

Aloha! What a random, but much-appreciated Tiki Bar oasis directly off the busy section of Gay Street. You almost feel like you're in a different city. With tropical decor and hues and cocktails that closely follow traditional tiki recipes, this is a fun stop! We loved how incredibly warm, welcoming, and friendly the staff is. There is such an inclusive and low-key vibe to this bar, which would be great for a casual gathering or hangout. The drinks are tasty and shockingly affordable. There is a small seating area out in front, cozy seating inside surrounded by geo prints and grass green paint. The most fun is definitely the back patio, with its brightly colored furniture and lights strung overhead. It is a deceptively large area and we appreciated the water coolers both inside and out for customers to help themselves to. I highly recommend the Bubble Buddy drink, which is nice and refreshing on a warm day. Extra bonus-they use biodegradable straws.

Cass O.

Staff was great! Prices for great! We order one of the seasonal holiday drinks it was good, strong for my taste. I order the You Go Go Coco, it was good not as fruity as I was hoping. I was definitely in the mood for something more creamy and sweet! We will have to visit again and order more of the menu.

Hummus plate
Rachel R.

I LOVE the vibe here. Decor is right up my alley. Staff is great, friendly and skilled! I love stoping for a snack and NA cocktails. NA Non- alcoholic Zero Proof

Painkiller
Mary S.

I love this place! I came here a few years ago while in Knox for the first time and was obsessed! I just visited again and had to stop in this bar again! The vibes are amazing. We went on the Saturday night before Halloween and the whole place was decked out. All of the servers and staff were dressed as clowns which was kinda freaky, but super fun! It was loud and dark so I didn't catch our servers name, but he was awesome! He was great at making suggestions. I ended up getting the Painkiller. It was delicious. The coconut aftertaste was my favorite part about it. Will be back again!!!

Painkiller
Caleigh J.

Walking into Tern Club feels like you're walking out of Knoxville, TN. Inside, you'll feel planted somewhere tropical alongside their lush beverage options. Their menu boasts bursts of fresh, citrus flavors and house-made cream of coconut or crème de cocoa. Tern Club also doesn't skimp on the alcohol. Their variety of rums, whiskey, and flavored liquors perfectly compliment the fresh spices they employ. You certainly won't find drinks like these elsewhere in Knoxville. Tern Club is a novelty and worth a try when you want to change things up. However, the complex flavors aren't for everyone's palette. Finally, if testing out Tern Club, know the drinks range from $8-$16 and there is limited street parking for busy evening times. Overall, the drinks and atmosphere are unique, upper-midrange in price, and service is prompt.

Devon B.

Since my college days are behind me, I've slowly stopped going downtown except for the occasional Farmer's Market. Recently my brother asked us to double date and show us their favorite spots, and Tern Club was high on the list. As soon as we walked in, I loved it. The atmosphere was fun but chill, brightly decorated with plants and vintage artwork, and it didn't hurt that there was women-empowerment pamphlets on our table letting us know a percentage of our bill would be donated to charity. I'm pregnant, so while my brother and husband got The Zombie (a combination cocktail strong enough to earn a limit one per person), I enjoyed a mock tail that was so refreshing and just as pretty! The waitstaff was attentive and kind, and our bill came between the pages of an old paperback book... I'm telling you, I love this place.

Limelight & Wind up Bird
Megan E.

We looooove tern club.The tiki themed bar really goes all out with their vintage tiki decor & even hands you the check in an old book. The waiters are always friendly and just the right amount of attentive The drinks here are fun and creative without going overboard (which I am seeing more frequently these days). I love this place and what makes it even better is there baller happy hour that's from open to 6pm Sunday through Thursday.

Mai Tai
Rebecca W.

Incredible ambiance and drinks! Staff was friendly and the prompt service was pleasantly unexpected give how busy the place was! Highly recommend 10/10

Ceiling
Dalia M.

Love! The vibe with the plants and decor reminds me of Golden Girls Miami with a sprinkle of spa entrance. I wanted to order as many drinks because of their presentation, preparation and flavor, oh and the unique glasses they come in. Top notch service and food. Love it all.

Wind up bird cocktail
Alan S.

Great service, the bartender was very attentive and kind. The ambiance was chill and relaxed, not really the kind of bar you dance at but definitely a welcoming queer space. I got the wind up bird cocktail and it was delicious. Awesome spot

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Great little tiki bar! Outstanding cocktails and friendly, knowledgeable staff. Menu changes often so always something new to try.

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Alice In Appalachia - Macaron and delectable cupcakes

Alice In Appalachia

4.5(49 reviews)
0.2 mi

I love a kitschy bar and this is definitely it. They have fully committed to the theme and the gift…read moreshop next store is filled with Alice and wonderland themed trinkets and treasures. It's quirky and the staff is super friendly making this all around a great experience. I got a magic potion drink because you got to keep the glass bottle it came in and it sparkled which came out to $12 plus a tip. What more could you want really. The drink was some kind of party punch, it was a little stiff but pretty tasty. If you're in the area this is worth checking out. It's a one of one and the drinks were reasonably priced for it being a novelty experience.

So I didn't actually get the chance to try a drink here: I came on Thurs around 3p because Google…read morelisted Thurs hours as 11a-2a. They are wrong, they don't open until 5 on Thurs and I had to get back to the airport by then! That said, there is an adjacent gift shop store that is also Alice themed - it was quite cute! I didn't buy anything but the clerk told me all this about the hours. I could see inside the bar and it looks really cute and fun - shame I couldn't actually get a drink because the menu looks awesome! Overall even though I didn't try anything I am certain this bar would be a great spot to hang in Knoxville if trying to unwind or hang around the social scene.

Photos
Alice In Appalachia - Very Merry Unbirthday

Very Merry Unbirthday

Alice In Appalachia - The moon hatter

The moon hatter

Alice In Appalachia - Prix Fixe Brunch Tower - all the best parts of brunch!

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Prix Fixe Brunch Tower - all the best parts of brunch!

PostModern Spirits

PostModern Spirits

4.3(45 reviews)
0.1 mi
•$$

We stopped here as part of the Whiskey Trail experience, and not only was it the worst customer…read moreservice of the 28 distilleries we visited, the female bartender (red hair, black glasses) was the rudest bartender I have met in my 20 years of being in hospitality. When we walked in, she glared at us as if we had interrupted something. She didn't greet us, didn't ask what we'd like to try, only gave us one word answers to any question that we asked. Never once smiled or tried to engage us. My friend was so frustrated with trying to get information from her that he stood up and almost walked out. I kept trying to engage her and even complemented her cute dress. Nothing. Stone face. I wanted to try the amaro flight and asked for it. She prepared it, set it in front of me, and said "so you'll want to close out now?" I told her "yes, that would be great, when I'm finished with my tasting". She proceeded to lean up against the bar with her back to us and didn't say another word. I had to get up and walk to the register, and when she finally turned around, I asked her "have we done something to upset you?" She said "no, why?" I said "because you seem REALLY annoyed that we're here". Her only response was to turn the register screen around and tell me the total. I'm so sad about this because I really wanted to taste other items and get a cocktail, but she was SO unpleasant and we felt SO unwelcome., Seeing all of the other great reviews, I can only imagine that they were with other people. I wish those other bartenders had been there.

Boozy grapefruit slushy? YES. Just say yes. This cocktail bar distills their own booze right next…read moredoor (you can be a creepster and peek in!). They sell bottles of varying sizes at the bar and also at other places around town, including Total Wine. We love that they offer sampler flights with different liquors and also different size pours. They give you a tray with a sheet that describes the flavor profile for each offering. We also were given slushy samples and a customized gin sample, mixed with another shot to sip. We ordered slushies to enjoy on the patio and a flight with Hi Rye Whiskey, Ginferous Gin (favorite!), Uproot Gin, and Barrel Rested Cacoa Liqueur. I can't believe the differing flavors they can produce within the same type of booze. Masterful! The bartenders are friendly and so dang knowledgable. We purchased a bottle of Ginferous Gin and have kept the party going at home. Can't wait to go back! What a cool spot.

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PostModern Spirits
PostModern Spirits
PostModern Spirits

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Kaizen - Mushroom Fried Rice

Kaizen

4.3(372 reviews)
0.1 mi
•$$

This restaurant feels like new Japanese, a western twist. We had the crab cakes, which were…read moredelicious with a side of roasted beets and edamame. We also had the drunken noodles and the spicy chicken steamed buns. I will say that the portions feel small for the apps and buns. Entrées are filling. Some of the meat in the drunken noodles were tough, others was nice and soft. Service was good. Ambiance is small and feels quaint, they have a patio outside in the back. 8/10

You can find Kaizen at 127 S Central Ave Knoxville, TN 37902. This is in Knoxville's revitalized…read moreOld City. There's some street parking but most of it appears to be pay-to-park. There are several nearby lots also pay-to-park but some may be free on weekends. Kaizen appears to me to be more akin to an Izakaya than a noodle hosue, where you basically go for drinks and they supply some food to keep things going - it has a more expansive menu than an Izakaya (which tends to be yakitori and sushi) - Kaizen's menu features several noodle dishes which all looked very interesting. We started with the appetizers and ordered some mixed steamed buns and soup. All of the buns that I tried I liked quite a bit - some strong, distinctive flavors. For an entree I ordered the Koji-Cured Ribeye medium-rare - 12 oz sliced ribeye, gai lan, broad bean paste, steamed rice. The steak was cooked perfectly. The service was exceptional - the next night we tried Fin-Two Japanese Ale House across the street - this restaurant was my preference - the flavors seemed more authentic and the quality of the dishes better in my opinion.

Photos
Kaizen - Inside dining

Inside dining

Kaizen - Updated Mushroom Fried Rice

Updated Mushroom Fried Rice

Kaizen - Yo.

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Yo.

Monkey’s Bar

Monkey’s Bar

4.6(5 reviews)
0.3 mi

I love Monkey's bar!! It's the perfect meet in the middle between fancy cocktail bar and relaxed…read moreenvironment! Bartenders are so friendly and even let me sample a pre batched cocktail to ensure I'd like it! Will definitely be back!

If you like near downtown and own a dog, this will become your go-to spot! It is pretty bare-bones…read moreinside, with a few high-tops and bar seating, a separate space you can step up into with more wooden tables and bench seating and not much in the way of decor. They have some really fun drinks with pop-culture references, a sizable list of mocktails, booze list galore, and keep beer flowing , too. The service is friendly and the prices in line (if not cheaper) with other bars downtown ($11-12 per cocktail). We loved that people are allowed to bring in their own food (they have a few snacks you can order) and that dogs are welcome. In fact, word has it that the bar is named after the owners' dog, Monkey, so it makes sense that they pass along their pup love to our community. Note that huge (but very sweet) dogs may be freely roaming and were knocking into people carrying full drinks and begging strangers for food. Also, we were with a group across from the bar and I will say that it was absolutely deafening. We were next to each other and were yelling, "CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW!?" They could use a few items to soak up some sound like cushions on the bench seating, some rugs, etc. It would also make the space a bit more homey and inviting.

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Monkey’s Bar - Monkey likes the pizza!

Monkey likes the pizza!

Monkey’s Bar
Monkey’s Bar

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The Vault - My knockout date for the night

The Vault

4.2(51 reviews)
0.3 mi

The Vault was our second stop on our cocktail hop night, and I'm so glad we found it!…read more First off, the interior is chef's kiss. The dark, glamorous aesthetic is stunning--perfect for date night or for impressing out-of-town guests. I loved the gold accents, layered textures, and thoughtful lighting. Everything worked together beautifully. We chose to sit at the bar to watch the mixologists work their magic. They were incredibly helpful in guiding us toward drinks that matched our preferences. I absolutely loved my cocktail--even if I can't recall the name--because it delivered the spicy kick they promised. We also ordered several shareable plates, all of which were delicious. We tried the Carnitas Tamales (shredded pork, ancho mole, fresh corn, masa, cilantro, yuzu arbequina oil), the Vegetable Empanadas (house-made pastry, wilted kale, roasted sweet potato, Oaxaca and cotija cheese, black bean purée, and adobo & chile-lime aioli), and a salad. I'd happily order any of them again. I did find myself wishing for a bit more heat, but I've learned that's hard to come by in Tennessee. At least the staff gave us a heads-up that the spice level is toned down. I'm already looking forward to coming back and exploring more of the menu. The vibe is fantastic--and while they have a nice outdoor space, the interior is so eye-catching I'm not sure I'd want to sit anywhere else.

Cool atmosphere it's an underground speakeasy type of deal and had a cool list of cocktails…read more My cocktail was pretty good I wouldn't get it again but I liked it and the banana and gin was fun and new. Tapas were good the carrots were by far the best roasted perfectly and the sauce was so flavorful. The crab dip was good but typical same with mushroom truffle pizza. The empanadas were good but a little dry I was glad they had sauce. Would go again and get the carrots and new items!

Photos
The Vault - A bottle vault.

A bottle vault.

The Vault - Inside the actual vault

Inside the actual vault

The Vault - Tables in the vault

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Tables in the vault

Fiori - Lobster Ala Vodka

Fiori

3.5(42 reviews)
0.2 mi

Fiori in Old City downtown Knoxville is such a cute spot with an amazing ambiance--perfect for a…read moregirls night or a special occasion. The atmosphere alone makes it feel like a little escape. The service was good, and my friend and I both really enjoyed our cocktails and entrées--they were definitely the highlight of the meal. We weren't huge fans of the appetizers we tried, but we found out they're leaving the menu soon anyway, so that made sense. On a high note, the pistachio cream dessert was an absolute delight and the perfect way to end the night. Overall, a really lovely experience and I'd definitely go back!

You definitely are paying for the ambiance. The food itself isn't anything to right home about,…read moreespecially for the price. But I will applaud that the portions are decent sizes. I wasn't blown away and felt like the flavors were lackluster. The pasta was an alright red sauce, flavors could've been a bit more complex and boldly fresh. The Arancini tasted like a bland mushy hushpuppy in marinara. The best dish was the salmon, if I had to recommend anything! Super flaky with a crispy fish, paired nicely with the salad and potatoes. Service itself was good and the drinks were just okay. I like that they have many cocktail options to choose from, but my drink was honestly straight juice. As someone who's lightweight, I was shocked to find that the portions for drinks for the little amount of alcohol for $15 is a bit absurd (I got the st Richard ride). I'd only come once for the ambiance but it's pretty disappointing for what you pay. 6.5/10

Photos
Fiori - Some Appetizers

Some Appetizers

Fiori
Fiori

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Kefi - Buttered Lobster Pasta

Kefi

4.6(285 reviews)
0.2 mi
•$$$

Finally, a restaurant downtown that's not insanely loud. Loved the fact they had booths all around…read morethe outside of the room. Made it much easier to have a conversation. Also loved the fact there was a mocktail flight. As a sober couple this is huge for us. Portions were good sized and although a bit pricey, we'd come back and make a dinner out of like 3 apps.

Came to Kefi for a birthday treat, and may have found a new favorite in Knox!…read more For starters, we had the tzatziki dip which was fine. The souvlaki minis were basically Mediterranean street tacos. That lamb was some of the most tender lamb I've ever had. My aunt treated me to a birthday drink but I couldn't decide on a cocktail so they suggested a cocktail flight, which was a great option. I don't remember exactly which if you get my drift...but I enjoyed each one. Sea bass is my favorite fish and they did a great job with the lavraki, and the orzo pasta was light and buttery. My only criticism would be that the broccolini was still crunchy and could have used more seasoning and the dollop of saffron butter was hardly noticeable unfortunately. I also had a bite of the butter lobster pasta and really enjoyed the richness. I was surprised when the server said they don't make their own pasta because the bucatini was very tasty too. And for dessert, they brought loukomades, or Greek donuts. Very simple in concept but how can you go wrong with frying something, covering it with honey, then dipping in caramel and chocolate. While Kefi is more of a special treat-type place for me due to the cost, my real decision will be: do I go with what I know I like or do I try something else delicious next time?

Photos
Kefi - The Saganki experience

The Saganki experience

Kefi
Kefi - Tear's of Chios

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Tear's of Chios

Tern Club - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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