We visited the Peter Kern Library a couple weeks again on a Friday. We arrived fairly early and went to the back door. FYI - you'll need a code, which my friend had from the bar's Instagram page. Super cool! The speakeasy is pretty small & intimate. It's dark and moody, but feels so luxurious. There's a small bar with 4 or 5 stools. There are also 5 or 6 curved booths, each of which could comfortable seat 5 or maybe 6 people. Our party of 4 ordered drinks, and all were so delicious. We'll definitely visit again!
Rocky Vy
It is such a great vibe here. The cocktails are innovative and delicious and the bartenders are very friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hunter Carlheim
The Library is 10/10 one of my favorite bars in Knoxville. If there's a wait - worth it. Inside there are great bar tenders, amazing drinks, and very casual unique seating (sometimes community seating). Hotel guests do get preference, wo just be prepared (don't be a Karen about it). Bouncer guy is great, too, so tip well.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
albert aguilar
My fiancé found this place while we were visiting. The ambience and the drinks were more than we could ask for! We will definitely be coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Emily Ballesteros
What a lovely hidden gem! We visited for Valentine's Day yesterday and it was such a nice evening.The space is small and intimate, but there are only six tables so you have plenty of room to spread out. We arrived at 5:30 and walked right in and got a table, but it quickly filled up shortly thereafter. I can imagine it gets packed on a Friday night!The Galinda and Count Olaf drinks were delicious. Not too strong with lots of flavor! There wasn't any food on the menu like I'd seen online, so I'm not sure if they're still offering the charcuterie board that I was looking forward to trying. The staff were very friendly and attentive. Prices are steep, but that's to be expected in such a classy spot!Looking forward to going back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sheldon Watson
Very intimate and true to the speakeasy tradition of high end craft cocktails. The Alexander Beetle was complex and perfectly balanced. Staff are friendly and know their craft .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
L T.
A really fascinating bar, with great staff and delicious drinks. It's easy to linger here for a while, but I could see it getting overwhelming if it's a crowded night. It was loud the night we were there even though it was very quiet that night. I can't imagine the noise level if every table had been filled. Still, I would like to get back to see another theme (there were embracing Wicked when I was there). Our group had both cocktails and mocktails and everyone was thrilled with the different choices on the menu and the drinks that ultimately arrived. I hope I'll get back to Knoxville soon so I can go back.
Alexandra Howell
The vibes are immaculate, strong craft cocktails and friendly staff in a unique setting in downtown Knoxville. We will be back!
K H
Loved the Wicked pop up and trying to find my way in the door! The drink was fantastic! Can’t wait to go back on a non Wicked night and try more!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Kristina C.
Stopped by Peter Kern Library to have drinks before dinner. Logistics - parking is very limited so leave extra time to find yourself a spot on the street. The Library is located inside the Oliver Hotel behind a sliding door right passed the reception desk. Space is smaller, so there may be a wait when it is busy. Menu is broken down into Favorites, Television Guide and Classics. Food is available from 4-9pm. The drinks were good, but the service was extremely slow even though there were only 4 tables occupied. I would likely go back when I am in Knoxville again.
Love this place. Service is great. The drinks are great. Vibe is also great. Worth the price. Also brunch at The Oliver restaurant is amazing and so many ppl aren't aware! It's a go-to brunch spot for sure.
Ken Baker
Small bar in the hotel. Drinks were good. Service was slow and it is hard to get in.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 3
Anisha D.
The ambiance is beautiful inside!! We happened to walk upon this Speakeasy while on a stroll in Downtown Knoxville. The bar is very well decorated and the vibe is perfect for a date night. Not only are the drinks one of a kind but the theme of "library" is well incorporated into each name of the drinks on the menu. The service was a bit slow due to being so busy which is not a surprise but the server was very well versed in each drink and was able to convey it to us. I also love that you don't have to stay at the hotel to experience this speakeasy!! Overall, a must try if you're ever in Knoxville!
Seth Gilliam
Absolutely a must do place in Knoxville. The atmosphere is unique. I love that it is always busy. It's always friendly. The drinks are mixed by the best! Thanks Meg! Our service was and has always been amazing too. The drinks are unlike anything you'll experience in any other places. Their uniquely crafted cocktails are carefully made with a labor of love and indulgence for perfect presentation and experience. You'll never regret going you'll only regret that you had to eventually leave.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Josh Klemp
Very cool and authentic speakeasy in downtown Knoxville. You may not even find it.
We visited the Peter Kern Library a couple weeks again on a Friday. We arrived fairly early and went to the back door. FYI - you'll need a code, which my friend had from the bar's Instagram page. Super cool! The speakeasy is pretty small & intimate. It's dark and moody, but feels so luxurious. There's a small bar with 4 or 5 stools. There are also 5 or 6 curved booths, each of which could comfortable seat 5 or maybe 6 people. Our party of 4 ordered drinks, and all were so delicious. We'll definitely visit again!
It is such a great vibe here. The cocktails are innovative and delicious and the bartenders are very friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The Library is 10/10 one of my favorite bars in Knoxville. If there's a wait - worth it. Inside there are great bar tenders, amazing drinks, and very casual unique seating (sometimes community seating). Hotel guests do get preference, wo just be prepared (don't be a Karen about it). Bouncer guy is great, too, so tip well.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
My fiancé found this place while we were visiting. The ambience and the drinks were more than we could ask for! We will definitely be coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
What a lovely hidden gem! We visited for Valentine's Day yesterday and it was such a nice evening.The space is small and intimate, but there are only six tables so you have plenty of room to spread out. We arrived at 5:30 and walked right in and got a table, but it quickly filled up shortly thereafter. I can imagine it gets packed on a Friday night!The Galinda and Count Olaf drinks were delicious. Not too strong with lots of flavor! There wasn't any food on the menu like I'd seen online, so I'm not sure if they're still offering the charcuterie board that I was looking forward to trying. The staff were very friendly and attentive. Prices are steep, but that's to be expected in such a classy spot!Looking forward to going back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very intimate and true to the speakeasy tradition of high end craft cocktails. The Alexander Beetle was complex and perfectly balanced. Staff are friendly and know their craft .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A really fascinating bar, with great staff and delicious drinks. It's easy to linger here for a while, but I could see it getting overwhelming if it's a crowded night. It was loud the night we were there even though it was very quiet that night. I can't imagine the noise level if every table had been filled. Still, I would like to get back to see another theme (there were embracing Wicked when I was there). Our group had both cocktails and mocktails and everyone was thrilled with the different choices on the menu and the drinks that ultimately arrived. I hope I'll get back to Knoxville soon so I can go back.
The vibes are immaculate, strong craft cocktails and friendly staff in a unique setting in downtown Knoxville. We will be back!
Loved the Wicked pop up and trying to find my way in the door! The drink was fantastic! Can’t wait to go back on a non Wicked night and try more!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Stopped by Peter Kern Library to have drinks before dinner. Logistics - parking is very limited so leave extra time to find yourself a spot on the street. The Library is located inside the Oliver Hotel behind a sliding door right passed the reception desk. Space is smaller, so there may be a wait when it is busy. Menu is broken down into Favorites, Television Guide and Classics. Food is available from 4-9pm. The drinks were good, but the service was extremely slow even though there were only 4 tables occupied. I would likely go back when I am in Knoxville again.
Restaurantji Recommends
Love this place. Service is great. The drinks are great. Vibe is also great. Worth the price. Also brunch at The Oliver restaurant is amazing and so many ppl aren't aware! It's a go-to brunch spot for sure.
Small bar in the hotel. Drinks were good. Service was slow and it is hard to get in.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 3
The ambiance is beautiful inside!! We happened to walk upon this Speakeasy while on a stroll in Downtown Knoxville. The bar is very well decorated and the vibe is perfect for a date night. Not only are the drinks one of a kind but the theme of "library" is well incorporated into each name of the drinks on the menu. The service was a bit slow due to being so busy which is not a surprise but the server was very well versed in each drink and was able to convey it to us. I also love that you don't have to stay at the hotel to experience this speakeasy!! Overall, a must try if you're ever in Knoxville!
Absolutely a must do place in Knoxville. The atmosphere is unique. I love that it is always busy. It's always friendly. The drinks are mixed by the best! Thanks Meg! Our service was and has always been amazing too. The drinks are unlike anything you'll experience in any other places. Their uniquely crafted cocktails are carefully made with a labor of love and indulgence for perfect presentation and experience. You'll never regret going you'll only regret that you had to eventually leave.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Very cool and authentic speakeasy in downtown Knoxville. You may not even find it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5