Tag: beer

Uptown Girls Don’t Eat Well

When you want the good eats in Knoxville, Downtown is where you need to be. More specifically, Downtown Grill & Brewery, a staple in Knoxville’s Downtown dinning scene. Perched in the middle of South Gay Street, it is the spot to go after a movie at the Regal Cinemas, a show at the Tennessee Theater or before going to an event in Market Square, like Shakespeare plays or movies on Market Square. The menu boasts many different plates from burgers, pasta, appetizers, salads, and of course a wide variety of beer.

I have a favorite for every course from this restaurant as it has been across the street from the office I have been interning for. Their $5 lunch specials are not only amazing deals, but since they differ every day one can try many things! These lunch specials also include percentages off a meal for different downtown offices. Sundays include a brunch with waffles and mimosas.

My favorite items from this restaurant could be a long list but I’ll spare you and tell you my top two picks! For an appetizer, the beer cheese and pretzels are delicious. In the happy hour version, the pretzels come in mini bites, and when served at other hours, the appetizer comes with whole pretzels. For a main meal, the classic Dan’s Pasta is my absolute favorite meal every time I have it. Dan’s Pasta is a twist on chicken Alfredo, served with grilled chicken, mushrooms, and penne pasta.

If the draw of great food wasn’t enough DGB offers Poker Night ever Monday, Trivia every Tuesday, and a Jazz themed happy hour doing the previously mentioned brunch on Sundays. And to keep up with these events their Facebook is the place to go to stay informed, and see their cool pics like the one posted with this blog. Like them on Facebook to see what’s coming next! (https://www.facebook.com/downtowngrillandbrewery/?epa=SEARCH_BOX)

Merchants of Beer (and Good Times)

Merchants of Beer is quite possibly THE COOLEST building in Knoxville, located at 137 S. Central Street. This retro 1950’s dinner on the outside turned sleek modern bar on the inside, has over 50 taps of wine, cocktails, and beers. The unique venue also is a local hot spot for cigar lovers to enjoy!

Merchants of Beer, or MoB as locals call it, is welcoming from the moment you walk in. The retro bar is still there but has been updated with a glossed wood bar top that I imagine a skilled bartender has slid a pint across. As you sit at the bar, your choices await as all 50 taps are listed on the chalkboard above the massive line of taps that take up the wall behind the bar.

If you are like me and STRUGGLE to find a beer you like, then this is the place to go for experimentation. From lagers, IPAs, stouts, pilsners, and ciders (my favorite), the list of 43 brews MoB offers is not only listed on the chalkboard but on a menu that goes a little more in depth about the products. But if you are as uneducated on beer as I am, then the staff could be your new best friend.

 The MoB staff assisted me in finding an adult apple juice the Tailgate Sweet Cider – 9, but also let me sample some local brews like the Shield Series: Imperial Stout- 38, the Tessellation IPA – 24, and the Dunkel lager – 36. With they have a plethora of 38 unique beers as well as a few staples MoB also offers a few select wines and craft cocktails which make up 1-6 on the 50 taps numbered.

Another cool feature to this Knoxville only joint is its market! If you find your new favorite IPA or ale, MoB keeps a walk-in fridge stocked with 6-packs and singles that you can purchase. The walk-in has three walls, with five shelves each, full of the local and staple beers offered.

MoB is active on Facebook, and Instagram rarely going two days without posting about their variety of events, the cool exterior, google reviews, or their amazing customers. They are hot on the hashtag trend and have created one of their own #mobknox. Hosting a weekly Wednesday Wine and Cheese Party, and multiple watch parties from sports like soccer to the currently #1 ranked University of Tennessee Men’s Basketball team, the bar shows their support.

This local spot is soon to be one of my favorite places in Knoxville, and I cannot wait to go back!