We stumbled into this because of Facebook posting that there was Bunco today at 3 pm. It was in the 90's outside with a humidity to match, so figured inside a air conditioned bar was the way to go, This is about 5 miles from home by car. We had a blast playing Bunco and may of found a sweet, neighborhood bar. We have lived in Knoxville over 4 1/2 years and was looking for a nice comfortable place to have a cocktail or two. This maybe our place. Not close enough to walk to, but an easy Uber or Lyft ride.We look forward to returning for Bingo on Wed. evening. read more

Lady bartender not at all friendly. Maybe four people there. My Dad used to go there after work sometimes in the 60's. Just wanted to go in. It was so much better back then. Friendly staff. Not now. read more

The bartender here last week had a higher power attitude.... This is another downtown Knoxville overpriced establishment... It must be from all the Axle logistics employees, because it was frat bro'd up in here. There is only a small amount of taps, probably only 3 that are any good on them. The scene was better 5-10 years ago honestly. read more

The bartender shenna is great! We had been many times with her before we met the bar manager (Jason), we had recommended all our friends here! He was so rude and yelled at our friends saying he was the bar owner which he isn't and followed them around, we didn't come again for months and tried again but the owners wife was there this time and when the bar manager screamed at a customer she re-assured us that she didn't want to micro-manage him and let him act like that to guests. Please don't recommend to your friends unless you want to be screamed at or followed for the entire visit. read more

Have been here a handful of times with pretty pleasant experiences. They are the only bar I know of in Tennessee with Birra Moretti which I love. After my last visit, I will not be going back. I acknowledge and take responsibility for breaking a rule I was not aware of. Since it is a dive bar, I assumed vaping was okay as I did not observe any no vaping signs and have seen people vape in there before. There were only four people, including me, in the bar at this time. I did not blow any smoke anywhere and hit my vape very discreetly as to not disturb anyone. Instead of coming over to me and speaking to me like a human, the bartender LARP a TSA agent and pointed at me while yelling "NO. OUTSIDE ONLY". I just looked at him and put my vape away as I did not understand the reason for making a scene in front of three other people. instead of continuing on considering I put the vape away, he tried to backpedal and say "I appreciate the discretion though". the experience was so uncomfortable that I got up and left my beer. I totally acknowledge and take responsibility for breaking a rule unknowingly, but making me a spectacle instead of saying "hey so sorry but you have to do that outside" was an unpleasant and unnecessary experience; especially as a woman sitting alone at the bar and especially considering that was the first time anything was said to me about the vape. He acted as if I'd disrespected the no vaping rule multiple times prior to his last confrontation. Edit: after looking at the other reviews about this place, my experience seems common. Having a no vaping rule is totally okay and should be respected. However, Despite having the appearance of a dive bar, having no "no vaping" signs, and being smoke filled on certain occasions, they still treat you as a criminal if you happen to assume vaping is okay. They are incredibly rude and multiple people have that same experience read more

we walked into this place and their first words to us were: We are not playing the game today. I find that very unprofessional and very rude because it would not take much effort to turn the game on the TV, nor make a difference to use just trying to get some drinks. But also assuming that we're only here to watch the game I think was diabolical. They proceeded to not serve us and so we decided to leave because they were very rude. I think it's also important that I add and we are ages 23 to 40. read more

Attending the Butcherbird recital, which was excellent! Great food, drinks and people. Love it. read more

I work as security across the street from The Corner Lounge and was planning on going in to grab lunch. Despise me going in there plenty of times before with no issue as soon as I walk in the bartender (Justin) immediately told me to leave in one of the most rude ways possible (could have at least been a little nice about it) because I have a gun on me. Despite TCA allowing me to be in there armed as long as I don't plan on consuming alcohol if he didn't want me there he could have been a bit nicer about it. I have assisted them plenty of times with homeless people sleeping around their business in the mornings and I can tell you right now I will no longer assist them. read more

The Corner Lounge is a small quaint establishment in downtown Knoxville. It is literally on the corner. I went there for karaoke on a night that my friend Adam with Knoxville Mobile Karaoke was there and it was a good night but the service was subpar at best. The bartender was a complete jerk. There was no service with a smile, he was rude and abrupt and charges for refills of soft drinks!!! Who does that? The only way I would go back is if my friend Adam was there doing Karaoke. I wouldn't purposely go there because of the place. No way no how! read more

A total surprise based on the exterior of the building. Beautifully decorated inside, an awesome friendly staff, and a very cool uncovered patio with tables and umbrellas along the street. They even have their own dog mascot! This is really a hidden gem that I think few people would venture into. read more

See all

Gotta preface with that I've known Steve, the co-owner, forever. He always runs a good bar, and the Corner Lounge may be the culmination of all those years. I remember going to the old Corner, when Bud and his family owned it. It was always a neighborhood bar, with great music. I loved popping in there, having a beer, and not knowing who I'd run into. Steve has recaptured that magic, and done so with the best of the best in Knoxville bartenders. ESPECIALLY good ole "NO" Ian. As much as I love the drinks, it's the atmosphere, and that neighborhood bar feel that makes this a mainstay. I love seeing friends and acquaintances every time I go in. Whether it's having a cocktail with Peggy from Magpies, seeing art from local favorite Tracy Jackson, or hearing Mac Harrison & The High Score performing on a Friday night, there's always something going on at the Corner...and I wouldn't have it any other way. read more

The Corner Lounge - A delicious stout! - Lounges Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

See all

Great bar for happy hour and a laid back environment. The new lunch menu is delicious! I will 100% be back.

This could be the perfect neighborhood bar. Comfortable, relaxed interior. Not too light or too dark. Clean, but not sterile. Good beer selection and a solid cocktail menu. Imaginative but not precious. The best bartender, welcoming and clever but not intrusive. Yes Ian. It is the sort of place that can be the hub in the community. I wish every knoxville neighborhood had a Corner like this one. (I'm told the food is great too. Next time I'll come hungry.) read more

Fantastic service! The Corner Lounge has a very friendly environment including the patrons - most likely regulars. The beer was cold and reasonably priced. Just what I was looking for. read more

Great sandwiches & drinks. Food is simple, but options for vegans & meat lovers alike. Love that they have live music. Atmosphere is superb! So glad the space has reopened as a classy, yet casual bar. read more

See all

I had high hopes for this place. First time here we walked into a smoky lounge - great vibe... until... The bartenders were immediately judgmental. Over heard the red headed bartender complain about having to serve us to the other bartender. If you're not a regular here don't expect to be treated as a paying customer. They were nice enough at the bar but kept serving rude looks and comments and laughs throughout the night. A friend of mine was HOLDING not even vaping later on (not know it wasn't allowed as there was no signage and we walked into a smoke filled bar originally) and the main male bartender with the big beard came up to say "don't let me see you doing that shit in here again". Entirely too aggressive for our first time not knowing much about the place also not even actively vaping. Overall, if you're not a regular do not even waste your time. It's upsetting because the bar itself seems to have a wonderful atmosphere but the service was disgustingly rude to people new to the area. Just embarrassing for old ass bartenders with a bar that had less than ten people circulating. Take what you can get. Don't recommend at all. Would never go back and would give 0 stars if I could. read more

Terrible bar service from an older gentleman with a beard and beret on. Very short when asked questions and rude when I was closing out. Won't go here again read more

I live less than a block from this place, but hadn't been until about a month ago (my loss!) when I was invited to an event held here. Corner Lounge catered the event, so I was able to try several menu items in smaller portions. The food menu is short and to the point; definitely not fussy in the least. We're talking sandwiches, soft pretzels, and popcorn...but also WE'RE TALKING SANDWICHES, SOFT PRETZELS, AND POPCORN. The caprese sandwich and the lounge's take on a ham and turkey sandwich (everything has fun names, but I can't remember them) are both SO delicious. The popcorn (which I love as a bar food!) is fresh and seasoned with your choice of fun blends like bbq or Cajun spice. The absolute stars of the menu, however, are the soft pretzel sticks. They're served with a house made mustard, but you probably won't ever get to it because they're also served with a BRIE CHEESE DIP. It's sooooo yum. Okay, this IS a bar, so I suppose I should mention the drinks. The bar situation is more than solid. Lots of options, and the bartender always seems knowledgeable and flexible (and is happy to make anything you request). There's a chalk board with some house specialties listed, and I have to say, the Lounge's version of a gimlet is superb. The bartender actually recommended it to me, and I'm glad she did! In conclusion: drink what you like, but gin lovers should try the gimlet. Eat what you like...but the pretzels are non-negotiable. read more

Great Bar! The staff are so nice and good at what they do. The food is awesome! Love the fresh to order popcorn. Great prices and daily drink specials. Love the neighborhood feel! read more

Great place! Cool vibe in a vintage-chic part of Knoxville. Stop in for a cold Miller High Life Pony and cheap delish app. Nice bartender, great drink specials and Happy Hours. read more

Cool place. Food was good. Ian bartender under pours terribly it was so obvious-so do NOT order anything from him. Go with Natalie she is not as bad but still not up to standard of 1 1/4 oz. He pissed me off as to how he was shorting/stealing from people. I will come back-band was great but NO IAN. He is a cheat in a huge bad way. He must be paid by liquor cost at customer expense. Drink beer or NOTHING but water. Like I said earlier food was good and reasonable. Band good. Short pour rip off should really get no stars. read more

Stopped by with my wife for a drink Monday around 6pm. It happened to be martini Monday. I never could wrap my head around vodka or gin mixed with dry vermouth. You could throw a handful of olives in the glass and it's still tastes like turpentine. The bar was almost empty so I asked if I could get the special with just vodka or gin with a mixer. The bartender said "NO", forcefully with a lot of attitude, like I just kidnapped her first born child. So I looked around the bar again and quickly counted less than 10 people in the entire bar. Wow, I couldn't believe it. We are talking Luksusowa vodka which could be found for like $17 for a 1.75 litre bottle. So let me do the math for you. If they are giving you a 1 1/2 ounce shot then they'll get almost 40 drinks out of that one bottle. And one shot is costing them about 43 cents. So a little 7 up or tonic water with a shot of Luksusowa is not costing them more than 75 cents total. No more expensive than making a martini but it had to be a martini to get the special. Maybe they got a deal on those funny glasses and wanted to use them. Guess what?... we don't like martinis and don't know anybody that does except maybe Dean Martin or James Bond. When did North Knoxville turn into Paris oolala France?... seriously?... North Knoxville is like the least pretentious place on the planet earth... GMAFB!!! read more

Loved everything about this place! The bartenders made you feel like old friends, the drinks were delicious, and so were the apps we ate. It was quiet and cozy. I look forward to my next visit! read more

Favorite bar in north Knoxville! Owner is amazing and super great bartenders. Ian is stellar, Natalie awesome. And Brooklyn, the owner, is incredible. Seriously what it would be like if I opened the bar of my dreams. read more

Great food, beer and atmosphere! I had the muffuletta and it was the best I've had outside of NOLA. A local bakery supplies all the bread-a major plus in my book. Lots of small plate choices. Go for the pretzels-awesome dip. Was too full to have dessert, but can't wait to try the Della Mae. Another bonus- a carefully curated craft beer selection. Looking forward to my next visit! read more

A comfortable bar that's not too small or big with excellent cocktails and ever evolving food. The staff are great and the owners are locals trying to revive a piece of Knoxville history. We come here weekly and it never disappoints. read more

Good to see a neighborhood bar re-established. The beer is cold and the bartenders are friendly. They have simple bar food that is really great. This place is ideal for a nice quiet drinking place. A true vanishing breed. read more

I have not been to a bar like this in a long time. The staff were unbelievably friendly which contributed to an amazing atmosphere! It reminded me of days when I would go to my regular bar and every one knew me. Best times! The food was great and customer service was such that you rarely experience anymore - top notch and about the customer not the employees! Thank you Brooklyn, Natalie and Yes Ian for reminding me of what a home town bar should be. Great parking too! read more

Owner is a total sweetheart. Great staff. Great dart boards. Nice beer selections. Good wine pours.

Super tasty Brooklyn sandwich drinks rock and the bar tender is easy on the eyes. Real cool atmosphere and great service!

Great place kept waiting for Norm from "Cheers" to walk in Was downtown early afternoon n was asked where I would like to go in all of Knoxville and I choose here read more