K Brew North Broadway

This past week I had the opportunity to visit K Brew Knoxville on North Broadway. This was really expanding my coffee horizons as I am typically incredibly dedicated to Starbucks, Einstein's Bagels, and my Keurig. I did not purchase anything this time around as funds are low toward the end of the month, and surprisingly they don't take dining dollars. However, I did enjoy the experience, and relaxed for a few minutes in one of their hammock/chairs? I would honestly worry that I might spill coffee all over myself if I were to swing in a hammock while sipping on a hot beverage, but I did like that they had such unique seating. I plan to revisit K Brew and fully experience all that it has to offer after receiving my next pay check!

For He Who Doesn't Drink Coffee

Coffee has never been something that made it to my routine when it comes to what I'm eating and drinking. Maybe it's because my mother always kept me away from caffeine as a kid (for reasons I just can't understand). In any case, K Brew on North Broadway is a place I've come to enjoy on a sporadic basis for meetings or other miscellaneous reasons. It was good to go back this weekend and sit and enjoy a cup of hot tea. I don't use their trademark hammocks that make them a social media favorite among UT students. Because of it's unique layout, serene atmosphere, and great menu, it is truly a destination spot for Knoxvillians of all ages. Whether you want a spot for a quiet morning business meeting or you want to go study for finals with fellow students, you can't go wrong with K Brew.

First Time for Everything

I can't/don't drink coffee so I am not a frequenter of coffee shops, but my friends and I were looking for something to do yesterday afternoon so we ventured off to K Brew!  I had never been to K Brew (or any Knoxville coffee shop for that matter), but I had heard a lot about how cool it was so I was excited to experience it for myself.  Like I said, I'm not a coffee drinker, and I was hoping to get a chai tee latte or maybe matcha tea, but there weren't many non-coffee options so I went for the Jasmine tea. It was not my favorite, but I did, however, enjoy the chia seed pudding they had! When we went the garage type doors were open so you could sit inside and still have fresh air! We went with the intention of playing cards, but all of the tables were taken.  Honestly, K Brew was pretty packed! We looked around because none of us had been there, but didn't end up getting to stay.  I really liked the hammocks and wished I had brought homework or a book to read.  Even though we did not get to play cards or stay like we had hoped, I liked the atmosphere at K Brew and plan to go back soon with homework in tow!  All in all, it was a fun experience and made me realize I should really try out other local coffee shops even if coffee is not my thing!

2 Coffee Shops, 2 Friends, Endless Memories

Although I am not one that drinks a whole heck of a lot of coffee (I survive on diet coke and sour patch kids), I really enjoyed getting to go around Knoxville and experience not one, but TWO great coffee shops our community has to offer. On Monday after class, my roomie Patrick and I decided to check out Remedy Coffee Shop. While many students have been here, as a non-coffee drinker, this was my first time. Coffee shops usually give me some anxiety as I feel clueless on what to order; however, at Remedy, the assortment of options was simple and easy to understand, and the barista couldn't have been friendlier. We stayed a bit and checked out the place, tried to get a donut from Makers (who knew they are only open from Thursday through Sunday?! Not us, sadly.), and we went back to our humble abode off campus. Fast forward six days, add some stress, and sit me down next to Madison McKinsey Patterson, and you bet we will find something fun to do to take our minds off of all the problems in the world (and on campus). We went today to K Brew and had an amazing conversation in such an eclectic and welcoming atmosphere. Not only did we enjoy some great tasting drinks (Mine included chocolate and whipped topping, a little extra- I will admit), but we also enjoyed some great people who were at the coffee shop as well. McKinsey got to introduce me to a woman named Kelly who she met through her connections in the Knoxville fellows program which has been a topic in our class discussions. It was great seeing people we know and meeting new faces in such a great environment. Also, who knew they can make cool designs in your drinks with cream?!? For a new guy at a coffee shop, you can bet I was surely amazed. 

Awaken Coffee

If you have been in the Old City of Downtown Knoxville, you have probably seen and/or been to some of the hidden gems that occupy the sidewalks of Central and Jackson Avenue. One of my favorites of these places is Awaken Coffee. When I say it's a hidden gem, I mean it literally. Unless you have been to its former shop Remedy Coffee, then you more than likely have walked passed the location several times before you actually found it (guilty).

Located on Jackson Avenue, directly across from JFG Flats and The Daniel, Awaken coffee is a warm, welcoming space consisting of soft music, happy people, and yummy drinks and treats. Before it became Awaken, it was Remedy, which is now located in North Knoxville. Once the space opened up, a family bought the space in hopes to expand their church family to the downtown area. The family partnered with other locals to create what is now know as Awaken Coffee. The vision behind Awaken is create a strong sense of community by bringing the love of coffee and Jesus to everyone who stops by. Whether you are a person of faith or just want a cup of Joe, the people at Awaken make you feel welcome no matter who you are.

When you enter the shop, there is the barista bar and several seating areas for studying and conversing with friends. There is also a neat loft space above the bar if you need some quiet time. If you walk toward the back of the shop you will see two large double doors that separate the shop and a large event looking space. This is where they hold a church service every Sunday morning. The husband of the family that owns the shop is also the Senior Pastor of Awaken City Church in West Knoxville.

As far as coffee and treats go, they partner with local companies such as Cruz Dairy Farm and Dale's Fried Pies. They get their coffee from Quills in Louisville, KY. When I go the Awaken, it's usually not for the coffee (although the coffees and teas are excellent), but I go for the quiet, kind atmosphere. Whenever I need a place to study or just time to sit and relax, I always go to Awaken because it is usually always quiet and not too filled with people (and their Chai Latte is YUM).

Awaken coffee is one of my all time favorite coffee shops because they not only have great coffee, they have great people and a welcoming environment. If you ever need a place to study, read, meet, or just relax, I will always recommend this place.

First Time for Everything

Up until now, the only "local" coffee shop I had been to was when I was in Spain, so this was a new experience. I drink coffee on occasion but when I do it is based on lack of sleep and I would take advantage of the free coffee my apartment complex offers. I decided to give the small coffee and chocolate place located in downtown a try because I've heard it's really great and it's a short trip from home. The experience I had was about what I was expecting, seeing lap tops and headphones to accompany nearly every customer, myself included. However, the coffee was much better than I had imagined, most likely due to my lack in experience with high quality local coffee. I purchased a basic cappuccino, with a few pieces of chocolate to compliment it of course. The cappuccino was rich and smooth and could almost compare to the great homemade Colombian coffee I have had. It turns out, coffee and chocolate are quite the combo. While I was there, the atmosphere was professional and productive, but just outside was the fun vibe of market square and shoppers making their way around town. The reviews of this place have rung true and my first experience at a Knoxville coffee shop will thus most definitely not be my last!


                                                                                           -Chris Catri

Rebeka Carson- Honeybee

 was eager to visit Honey Bee Coffee as I had graduated high school with one of the owners. Recently, they opened their second location downtown, further encouraging me to get it a try. The quaint brick building on Sevier Ave is only advertised by a small "Honey Bee Coffee Co." sign. Walking inside, however, you can smell and feel the legitimacy of this small coffee shop. Their menu is limited, making is easy for me to decide what I would like. I find that too often, coffee shops overcompensate with a vast menu, leaving me feeling overwhelmed.

I was on my way to work, so I ordered a latte to go. There were a few couples enjoying coffee at their small tables. The barista who made my coffee was very welcoming and had my latte ready for me in what felt like 30 seconds. I felt a sense of pride for my classmate as I enjoyed my latte on the route to work. It's so satisfying to see one of your own succeed in what they love to do. For anyone who is looking for a humble, friendly coffee shop, I would recommend Honey Bee.