Knoxville offers many daytime social venues. These locations provide activities beyond drinking. They are suitable for groups and individuals. Most venues feature natural light. They align with the "before 5 PM" social rule. This guide lists the best activity bars in Knoxville.
Overview of Knoxville Activity Bars
Activity bars combine beverages with games. They focus on interactive experiences. These venues are popular for daytime outings. They offer a change from traditional bars. Use this list to plan your weekend.
1. Maple Hall
Maple Hall is a boutique bowling alley. It is located in a historic building downtown. The atmosphere is upscale and vibrant. It is a top choice for daytime things to do in Knoxville.
Quick Facts:
- Address: 414 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
- Patio: No.
- Pet-Friendly: No.
- Sunlight: Indoor venue with moderate lighting.
- Best Time: Saturday afternoons.
- Game Types: Bowling, life-size Scrabble.
Details:
Maple Hall features 10 bowling lanes. The lanes use modern equipment. The interior has exposed brick and comfortable seating. It is located in a basement but remains bright. The venue includes a full-service bar. They serve craft cocktails and local beer. The food menu includes small plates and sandwiches.
The Upstairs at Maple Hall is the Maple Room. This area is a lounge. It features life-size Scrabble. It is a quieter space for conversation. This venue is ideal for rainy days. It opens at 4 PM on weekdays and 11 AM on Saturdays. Plan to arrive early on weekends. Lanes fill up quickly.
2. Token Game Tavern
Token Game Tavern is an arcade-themed bar. It is located in West Knoxville. It caters to gamers and casual visitors.
Quick Facts:
- Address: 213 N Seven Oaks Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922
- Patio: Limited outdoor seating.
- Pet-Friendly: Generally no.
- Sunlight: Indoor neon environment.
- Best Time: Sunday 12 PM – 4 PM.
- Game Types: Arcade cabinets, pinball, consoles, board games.
Details:
Token Game Tavern offers a large selection of games. They have classic arcade cabinets. They have modern pinball machines. They also provide tabletop gaming areas. The venue sells comic books and geek culture merchandise.
The bar serves themed cocktails. The menu includes burgers and snacks. The environment is nostalgic. It is very active during the day on weekends. It opens at 12 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. This is a primary destination for gaming enthusiasts.
3. Hi-Wire Brewing Knoxville
Hi-Wire Brewing is a taproom in South Knoxville. It is known for its large floor space and games. It has a high-energy daytime vibe.
Quick Facts:
- Address: 2020 Barber St, Knoxville, TN 37920
- Patio: Yes, large outdoor area.
- Pet-Friendly: Yes, very dog-friendly.
- Sunlight: High. Large windows and outdoor space.
- Best Time: Saturday at 2 PM.
- Game Types: Ping pong, foosball, shuffleboard.
Details:
Hi-Wire Brewing features several ping pong tables. They also have foosball and other bar games. The space is industrial and open. It receives significant natural light. The outdoor patio is expansive.
The taproom serves a wide range of Hi-Wire beers. They often have food trucks on-site. The venue is located near the Knoxville Urban Wilderness. It is a popular stop for hikers and bikers. Dogs are welcome both inside and outside. It is a key location for social daytime gatherings.
4. Topgolf Knoxville
Topgolf is a major entertainment complex. It is located in West Knoxville. It focuses on competitive golf games. It is one of the best game day bars in Knoxville for large groups.
Quick Facts:
- Address: 11400 Outlet Dr, Knoxville, TN 37932
- Patio: Every hitting bay is open-air.
- Pet-Friendly: No.
- Sunlight: High. Direct sun in the bays.
- Best Time: Game day mornings.
- Game Types: Golf simulators, tracking games.
Details:
Topgolf uses microchipped golf balls. Players hit balls at targets on a field. Computers track the accuracy and distance. The bays are climate-controlled but open to the outside. This provides an outdoor feel.
The venue has a full restaurant and bar. Each bay has a dedicated server. There are many high-definition televisions. These screens show live sports. It is a popular spot during football season. It opens at 10 AM daily. Booking a bay in advance is recommended.
5. Schulz Bräu Brewing Company
Schulz Bräu is a German-style brewery. It is located in the Happy Holler area. It features a massive beer garden.
Quick Facts:
- Address: 126 Bernard Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917
- Patio: Yes, one of the best in the city.
- Pet-Friendly: Yes, dogs allowed in the beer garden.
- Sunlight: High in the courtyard.
- Best Time: Sunday afternoon.
- Game Types: Giant Jenga, board games, cards.
Details:
Schulz Bräu focuses on traditional German lagers. The main attraction is the outdoor courtyard. It is built to resemble a castle. The space is open and social. They provide various lawn games and board games.
The atmosphere is relaxed. It is suitable for long daytime visits. They serve German food like schnitzel and pretzels. The venue is very popular with dog owners. It opens at 12 PM on weekends. It provides a unique European vibe in Knoxville.
6. Pour Taproom
Pour Taproom is a self-pour bar in the Old City. It focuses on variety and casual games.
Quick Facts:
- Address: 207 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902
- Patio: Small sidewalk seating.
- Pet-Friendly: Yes.
- Sunlight: Moderate from large front windows.
- Best Time: Weekday afternoons.
- Game Types: Extensive board game library, Jenga, darts.
Details:
Pour Taproom uses a pay-by-the-ounce system. Customers use a wristband to pour their own drinks. This allows for tasting many different beers and ciders. The venue has a large collection of board games. They have classic games and modern strategy games.
The environment is quiet compared to other bars. It is good for focused gaming. It is a popular spot for remote work during the day. It opens at 12 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.
7. Harrogate’s Lounge
Harrogate’s Lounge is a dedicated barcade downtown. It is located behind Sapphire.
Quick Facts:
- Address: 428 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
- Patio: No.
- Pet-Friendly: No.
- Sunlight: Low (indoor lounge style).
- Best Time: Mid-afternoon.
- Game Types: Darts, pool, Pac-Man, skee-ball, foosball.
Details:
Harrogate’s Lounge has a classic bar atmosphere. It is filled with vintage and modern games. Skee-ball and darts are popular here. The venue is windowless but well-lit with neon. It is a good choice for escaping the heat.
They offer a selection of craft beers and cocktails. It is located in the center of Gay Street. It is easy to walk to from other downtown locations. It opens in the late afternoon. Check daily hours as they can vary.
8. Knox Brew Hub
Knox Brew Hub is a central point for Knoxville beer culture. It is located downtown near Market Square.
Quick Facts:
- Address: 421 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902
- Patio: No.
- Pet-Friendly: Yes.
- Sunlight: Moderate.
- Best Time: Wednesday afternoon for game nights.
- Game Types: Rotating games like GeoGuessr, Scrabble, Jackbox.
Details:
Knox Brew Hub functions as a concierge for local breweries. They have a variety of games available at all times. They host specific game nights during the week. This includes trivia and digital party games.
The staff is knowledgeable about local beer. They offer flights and full pours. The location is very central. It is a good place to start a daytime tour. They open at 11 AM most days.
Game Day Bars in Knoxville
Watching the Tennessee Volunteers is a major daytime activity. Many activity bars double as game day hubs.
- Topgolf: Best for large groups wanting to play while watching.
- Downtown Grill & Brewery: Large brewpub with many TVs and pool tables.
- Main Event: Good for families and multi-activity groups on game days.
Planning Your Visit
These venues are designed for interaction. They prioritize real-world social experiences. Most are located in the Downtown, North Knoxville, or West Knoxville areas.
Transportation:
- Downtown/Old City: Most venues are walkable.
- South Knoxville: Accessible via the Gay Street Bridge.
- West Knoxville: Requires a vehicle or rideshare.
Scheduling:
Knoxville venues often open earlier on weekends. The "before 5 PM" timeframe is less crowded. This allows for better access to games like bowling and ping pong.
For more information on local events, visit our Events page. You can also learn more About Us and our mission to find the best daytime vibes.
Conclusion
Knoxville has a diverse range of activity bars. These spots ensure your daytime hangouts are not boring. Whether you prefer bowling, arcades, or lawn games, there is a venue available. These locations offer great atmospheres for millennials and Gen X looking for authentic local vibes.
Visit the DayDrinking HQ Blog for more guides. Explore DayDrinking HQ to find your next favorite spot.
