Knoxville is hot. Humidity is high. Standard beer sometimes fails to lower the internal body temperature. You need ice. You need alcohol. You need a boozy slushy.
A boozy slushy is the peak of human achievement. It is a frozen cocktail that reminds you of childhood, but with the adult benefit of social lubrication. This guide identifies the best spots in Knoxville to acquire these frozen delights before the sun goes down.
We prioritize natural light. we prioritize patios. We prioritize being home before the streetlights come on.
1. Southside Garage
Southside Garage is located in South Knoxville. It is a beer garden with a full bar and a rotating lineup of food trucks. It is the spiritual home of the daytime frozen drink.
They typically feature two large frozen drink machines behind the bar. One usually contains a Margarita. The other often contains Frosé or a rotating fruit-based vodka slushy. The machines are always running. The drinks are consistently cold.
The patio is expansive. There is plenty of space for large groups. It is an ideal location for a Saturday afternoon that involves multiple tacos and at least two brain freezes.
Quick Facts:
- Patio: Large, open-air beer garden.
- Pet-Friendly: Yes, very.
- Sun Hit: Full sun in the afternoon; bring sunglasses.
- Best Time: 2:00 PM on a Saturday.
- Vibe: Social, loud, and sun-drenched.
2. Fly By Night
Fly By Night is a 1970s-themed cocktail bar. It is also located in South Knoxville. Do not let the name fool you. While it excels at night, the atmosphere transitions perfectly from the late afternoon.
They specialize in creative cocktails. They often have at least one high-quality frozen option. In the summer, expect something tropical or a riff on a classic disco-era drink. The quality of the ice is superior. The flavors are balanced.
It is stylish. It is nostalgic. It is where you go when you want a slushy that feels more like a culinary experience than a gas station snack.
Quick Facts:
- Patio: Limited outdoor seating available.
- Pet-Friendly: Yes, on the patio.
- Sun Hit: Indirect light; good for those who burn easily.
- Best Time: 4:00 PM for the early bird crowd.
- Vibe: Groovy, relaxed, and aesthetically pleasing.
3. Brother Wolf
Brother Wolf is an Italian aperitivo bar in the Old City. It is sophisticated. It is European. It also understands the utility of a frozen Negroni.
During the warmer months, they frequently offer frozen versions of Italian classics. A frozen Negroni or a frozen Spritz provides the bitterness of an adult beverage with the texture of a snow cone. It is the perfect companion for people-watching on the sidewalk.
This is the place for a "sophisticated" day drink. You can wear linen and pretend you are in Milan while actually being in East Tennessee.
Quick Facts:
- Patio: Sidewalk seating in the historic Old City.
- Pet-Friendly: Sidewalk area is pet-friendly.
- Sun Hit: Afternoon sun hits the Jackson Ave sidewalk directly.
- Best Time: 3:30 PM for a pre-dinner cool down.
- Vibe: Upscale, trendy, and vibrant.
4. Schulz Bräu Brewing Company
Schulz Bräu is a massive German beer garden in North Knoxville. It looks like a castle. It feels like a castle. Usually, people go for the Lagers and Hefeweizens. However, they are known to experiment.
Seasonally, you may find "Beer Slushies" or Radler-based frozen drinks. These are surprisingly refreshing. They combine the crispness of German beer with a frozen fruit component. It is a unique experience.
The courtyard is one of the best in the city. It is spacious. It has large communal tables. It is designed for long afternoons spent with friends.
Quick Facts:
- Patio: Huge cobblestone courtyard.
- Pet-Friendly: Yes, dogs are everywhere.
- Sun Hit: The high walls provide some shade, but the center is open.
- Best Time: 1:00 PM for a long lunch.
- Vibe: Communal, traditional, and energetic.
5. Tern Club
Tern Club is located on Gay Street. It is a tropical-themed bar. Tropical bars and frozen drinks are natural partners.
They use fresh juices. They use quality spirits. Their frozen drinks are often more complex than your standard margarita. Think frozen painkillers or blended tropical punches. The interior is bright and airy. The vibe is permanently "on vacation."
It is a small space, so getting there early is recommended. It is a great starting point for a downtown crawl.
Quick Facts:
- Patio: Small outdoor area on Gay Street.
- Pet-Friendly: Limited.
- Sun Hit: Afternoon shade from surrounding buildings.
- Best Time: Right when they open.
- Vibe: Tropical, intimate, and cheerful.
6. Hi-Wire Brewing
Hi-Wire Brewing in South Knoxville features a large taproom and a rooftop deck. They are known for their easy-drinking beers, but they also have a penchant for seltzer slushies.
A frozen seltzer is a dangerous thing. It tastes like juice. It feels like air. It goes down very quickly. It is the ultimate fuel for a game of ping-pong or soccer pool in their massive warehouse space.
The rooftop offers some of the best views of the Knoxville skyline. Drink a slushy while looking at the Sunsphere. It is the Knoxville version of the American Dream.
Quick Facts:
- Patio: Massive indoor/outdoor space and a rooftop.
- Pet-Friendly: Extremely pet-friendly.
- Sun Hit: The rooftop is a sun trap. Wear sunscreen.
- Best Time: 2:00 PM.
- Vibe: Athletic, casual, and fun.
Strategy for the Perfect Slushy Crawl
Planning is essential. You cannot simply walk into a bar and demand a slushy. You must verify the machine is operational. You must verify the flavor is acceptable.
- Check Instagram: Most Knoxville bars post their daily frozen flavors on their Stories. If you see a flavor you like, move immediately. These machines have limited capacity.
- Hydrate: A boozy slushy is cold, but it is still alcohol. Drink water between slushies. The DayDrinking HQ events page often lists gatherings where hydration is encouraged.
- Start South: South Knoxville has the highest density of slushy machines per capita. Start at Southside Garage and walk your way toward Fly By Night or Hi-Wire.
- Know Your Limit: Brain freeze is a real medical condition (probably). Sip slowly.
Why We Do This
Day drinking is about quality time. It is about seeing your friends' faces in the sunlight rather than the glow of a smartphone. It is about enjoying a frozen beverage and being home in time to watch a movie and fall asleep by 9:30 PM.
The boozy slushy is the ultimate tool for this lifestyle. It is refreshing. It is fun. It is temporary. Much like summer itself, the slushy will eventually melt. Enjoy it while it lasts.
For more guides on Knoxville's best patios and daytime hangs, visit our blog. If you want to learn more about our mission to save your weekends, check out our about us page.
Stay cool. Drink frozen. Go home early.
