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Spring & Summer Coffees, Teas & Lemonades in Downtown Knoxville

Food & Drink

Downtown Knoxville's creative coffee shops have decadent lattes, fruit teas, and lemonades, all perfect for warmer weather. Check out these seasonal drinks to quench your thirst!

Awaken Coffee

Awaken is THE spot for seasonal drinks with a coffee and tea menu that's ever-changing and always creative. We're excited to try their Berry Hibiscus Reviver, which is floral, fruity, and fun. 🍓🫐 Also worthy of a try: Irish cream, blackberry dream, and rose latte!

Café 4

Pinky up when you order Café 4's delicious Iced Vanilla Latte topped with whipped cream. It's an after-lunch or dinner indulgence that's sweet, creamy, and bold. Whether you're dining inside, upstairs, or on the patio, you won't regret taking a break from your day with this iced coffee!

Calhoun's on the River

Enjoy views of the Tennessee River on Calhoun's deck with a freshly-squeezed lemonade! With flavors like Pomegranate, Strawberry, and Blueberry Thyme, you'll find a refreshing flavor that hits the spot.

Coffee & Chocolate

Around the corner from Market Square (and right by Downtown Knoxville's seasonal mural), you'll find Coffee & Chocolate. They're a small store that punches out big flavor, like the iced Vanilla Lavender Latte. It pairs perfectly with the lavender macaron. If you want to try something a bite more unique, try the Dancing Blue Shirt Guy's recommendation: Cold Brew + Lemonade.

Cruze Farm

Ice cream or coffee? Why not both! Order up Cruze Farm's Affogato, a shot of espresso poured over ice cream. The perfect pick-me-up, and really, we can't think of a better pair. They also carry iced lattes and coffee-flavored ice cream. We can feel the caffeine energy coming from here!

The French Market Creperie

The French Market is known for their perfect crepes, but did you know they also have delicious lemonades, coffees, and teas? Y'all, they are so good! Try their refreshing Sparkling French Soda with your choice of flavor (we recommend rose), a Paris Fog with blackberry syrup, or a Peach Lemonade. Choices are endless!

Frothy Monkey

Frothy Monkey has several seasonal drinks to put on your list. The all-day cafe is in the heart of Gay Street and boasts an awesome patio! Try the Salty Siren – a perfectly balanced cortado mixed with vanilla, drizzled with house-made caramel, and topped with sea salt; the Joanne – acold brew coffee with blackberry syrup and a zesty lemon whipped cream float; or the Lavender Haze – a fruity, floral latte with deep flavors of mascarpone, pear and lavender!

Photo Credit: @coffee.travel.history

Hello Tea House

Hello Tea House has delicious flavor combinations. The classic brown sugar bubble tea is always a good choice, but branch out and try their cheese foam fruit tea slush. It's a surprising drink that's both sweet and tart, creamy and bright. Another good one is the Strawberry Latte with fresh purée!

Photo Credit: @jalexisphoto

K Brew Coffee & Bagels

K Brew has a huge selection of refreshing drinks, and they're known to be creative! Their signature iced drinks are the famed Cinnamon Vanilla and Honey Lavender lattes. This season, we can't get enough of the Sweet Foam Cold Brew. We could drink it everyday!

Mahalo Coffee Roasters

One sip of Mahalo Coffee Roasters' Iced Coconut Mocha will take you straight to the ocean. It's rich, smooth, fresh, and oh so yummy. Treat yourself to a drink, pair it with a cinnamon bun, and pop into all the surrounding Union Ave shops!

Matt Robbs Biscuits

Tucked away in a perfect little shop on Market Street, Matt Robbs is good on three things: brilliant biscuits, personal service, and great coffees. Cool off with an Iced Brown Sugar Latte on the patio paired with a build-your-own-biscuit with unique toppings like peanut butter, bacon, cinnamon, and honey.

Old City Java

At Old City Java, you'll find some of the best espresso, teas, and pastries in town made with exceptional attention to detail. You can't beat a warm day on their patio with an Iced Coffee (brewed hot and flash chilled over ice to preserve and highlight the character of the coffee) and a shot of crème fraiche caramel. Or, enjoy their Hibiscus Rooibos, a rejuvenating and tropical tea blend with tart hibiscus and zesty lemongrass.

Ruby Sunshine

Ruby Sunshine hails from New Orleans, and their Creamy Vanilla Spiced Latte is just as sweet and spicy as the city itself with bold espresso, vanilla syrup, milk and cream topped with whipped cream and nutmeg. Pair your iced drink with their perfect, and we mean perfect, all-day brunch (we see you, blueberry & lemon beignets).

Status Dough

What goes together better than iced coffee and doughnuts? We'll wait. Swing by Status Dough's Gay Street location for a seasonal lemon poppy seed doughnut paired with an iced Honey Lavender Latte. Another must-try on the menu is a blueberry paczki paired with Kilogram Earl Grey Tea.

We've Got Seasonal Cocktails Too.

Some are refreshing, some bright, others a little naughty, but all are nice. Sip easy on a rooftop, patio, or swanky lounge — there's a craft cocktail for everyone.