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    The Empty Cup

    4.4 (115 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

    Services - The Empty Cup

    Community Service/Non-Profit

    The Empty Cup Photos

    Business Info

    THE EMPTY CUP ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Good for working
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - The Empty Cup

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    Reviews With Photos

    Hours as of 2/4/22
    Lindsay H.

    Heyyyy, coffee flight! Where have you been my whole life? While not on the menu, we heard through the grapevine the rumor of this majestic, caffeine delight. There are an abundance of picnic tables outside and a drive thru lane. My friend and I arrived at this former bank spot that has been wonderfully warmed up with cushy chairs and couches, large wooden hutches holding varied coffee cups. There is even an old bank vault that apparently used to be used as a kid room but is now filled with more couches and chairs. This is a bit of a bummer, as I would have loved to come back with my young kiddos and corral them in the kid room while I sipped on coffee and flipped through my Travel and Leisure magazine to dream of trips I realistically won't take for 15 years. I digress...COFFEE FLIGHT: options of their 4 hot coffees (decaf, reg drip, pecan pie, Bavarian chocolate) or cold brew. I opted for the pecan pie, chocolate, and two cold brew. The flight of four, 2-oz cups was incredibly cheap (in $4 range!)...seriously, they could charge double and I wouldn't have batted an eye. There is no self-serve area for doctoring your coffee, so be sure to tell them if you want cream or sugar/sweetener, so they can bring it out with your order. The workers were so sweet, friendly, and helpful with explaining options and giving opinions when asked. My friend and I split a mixed berry scone after the worker explained that scones are very filling. We needed to remind them to bring it out when it was forgotten, but they were very apologetic, heated it for us, and brought two forks. Not sure that I would get a scone again (VG's Bakery scones have spoiled me for life), but I would definitely get coffee flight again. The chocolate was my favorite, followed by the pecan pie. Subtle flavor and you could still taste the actual coffee. I was surprised that I didn't like the cold brew more, as that is my go-to. It was still good, but the warm varieties better. What a wonderful spot that also uses its profits to provide adoption grants and funding to local families and foster care. Amazing!

    One of the meeting rooms available at the Empty Cup
    Courtney G.

    I loved the ambience of The Empty Cup. I especially loved how they support adoption fundraising. Our coffee wasn't very strong- but it was such a great community coffee shop.

    Fun. Donated furniture.
    Rebecca M.

    This wonderful non profit supports human adoptions! If you have time to sit, you can pick out a coffee cup and get endless empty cup refills for a super cheap price. Gluten free food and drink. They are super careful with cross-contamination. I enjoyed a coconut carmel latte and a sausage and cheese scone they carry from a local gluten free bakery! The service was impeccable!

    coconut caramel macaroon iced latte
    Mayra B.

    I'm an ice coffee lover and am quick to judge a watery iced latte. This latte had the right amount of coffee flavor at the end. As you are sipping you get the notes of the flavors you got and for me it was coconut caramel macaroon. It was a sweet treat that took me back to eating a macaroon in Italy no lie! It is a macaroon in drink form. If you are both a coconut and caramel lover well you are in luck. I had heard great things about this coffee shop and wasn't expecting much but first impression was incredible. I plan to try their hot coffees in the winter.

    Canny F.

    I've been eyeing this coffee shop for so long but every time I get a chance to come, it's closed. They need to have longer hours! Besides the fact that I shouldn't be having coffee since I have a hypersensitivity reaction to it, I told myself it's for yelp and ordered the cold brew latte, to stay of course, and it cost about $5. I wanted to order the chai tea freeze but it's a frap and fraps have a ton of sugar. I asked if they could customize the amount of pumps like Starbucks but their mix for fraps are prepackaged. Drinks are served in tiny mason jars and they bring it to you! How was the drink? Full of ice but I'm sure if you wanted less they wouldn't mind. They also serve pastries that looked delicious! So why was I so eager to come here? The sofas! I love the layout of this shop! There were a ton of pillows on the various different sofas with coffee tables and regular tall tables with chairs and even meeting rooms! I'm not sure what the booking policy is but this is a first! The meeting rooms were a decent size too with doors! I also never understood why people would go to coffee shops for dates but I would if it's here! This place is so spacious! We took up an entire L-shaped sofa and boy was it cozy. He even admitted he enjoyed it too! Whenever I ask him to go with me to check out one of my bookmarks, he says I get way too excited about everything but realizes afterward why - so that means if you check this place out with excitement, you won't leave disappointed! Well, it could also be because I went with him haha. To create a better visual for you, this reminded me of the coffee shop sofa scenes from the TV series, Friends. Not only is it great for dates, meeting with study groups, hanging out, but they also have a kids section with coloring books and games! And when you get hungry, I recommend grabbing food at Pho 99 because the food and bubble tea are mouthwatering plus the price to portion ratio is a steal. Before exiting, place your finished cup in the wash bin! I'm not sure if it's scattered every where but there's one in the back above a trash can.

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    1 month ago

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    2 years ago

    Spectacular. Blueberry coffee was great. Kind workers. They donate money to charity/adoption cause. Loved it.

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    4 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Wonderful meeting spot and good coffee mugs. Owner was a gem super friendly and kind.

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    3 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Great latte and they have alt milks. A hidden gem and a great local alternative to cedar bluff Starbucks.

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    2 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Love their mission and their vegan choc chip scone is delicious! I'm definitely coming often to support their goals!

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    5 years ago

    Such a sweet cozy place with great people and great coffee. Would recommend the unique specials they offer

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    9 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Friendly, fast and a drive through! Coconut caramel and butter me up iced both were great and not too sweet!

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    4 years ago

    I kinda like this place but they're kinda slow..so need a lot of time if you are stopping for a "quick" cup.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - The Empty Cup

    Review Highlights - The Empty Cup

    It's so nice to have a coffee shop with a relaxed atmosphere.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Summer Moon Coffee

    Summer Moon Coffee

    4.5
    (89 reviews)
    4.9 mi
    $$

    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.

    How in the world have I not been here yet until now?! I blame only myself, ha…read more What a great morning treat - I stopped by here recently to network with a local colleague and thought the conversation would be what I enjoyed the most - HOWEVER, the "Cinnamoon" coffee distracted me with every sip! The staff was super friendly, the inside was super clean, all the things you'd hope for in a coffee shop. It was also nice to not feel herded along like you would at a Starbucks or donut shops that happen to sell coffee. I cannot vouch for any other flavors yet, I need more time to really get into it - see you soon! Get here!

    Photos
    Front counter
    Front counter
    Cozy sofas
    Cozy sofas
    Almond Croissant

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    Almond Croissant

    The Empty Cup - coffee - Updated July 2026

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