5 Underrated Cafes in Downtown, Knoxville TN Worth Trying
Updated 11 October 2026 · 9 cafes in Downtown, Knoxville TN considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This list covers cafes in Downtown Knoxville TN rated 4.4 or higher on Google but with fewer than 400 reviews. Nine qualifying businesses were considered, and the entries follow the order of the ranked list. Each entry shows the address, opening hours, accessibility details from Google, and themes reviewers mention about drinks, food and service. Use it to find smaller cafes worth a visit, and check hours with each business before going, since they can change.
#1
The Flying Biscuit Cafe
★ 4.9 (242 Google reviews)Restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
The Flying Biscuit Cafe is a restaurant at 327 W Summit Hill Dr SW, rated 4.9 from 242 reviews. It opens at 7 am every day, closing at 9 pm on Friday and Saturday, at 3 pm on Sunday, and at 2 pm Monday through Thursday. Google lists wheelchair-accessible seating and toilet. Reviewers mention a cute, relaxed setting, a server who made the visit feel nice, and food they describe as great. One reviewer says the food took a while to arrive.
Best for: Relaxed bite with friendly service
- Address
- 327 W Summit Hill Dr SW, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7 am–9 pm; Mon 7 am–2 pm; Sat 7 am–9 pm; Sun 7 am–3 pm; Thu 7 am–2 pm; Tue 7 am–2 pm; Wed 7 am–2 pm
#2
Mia Piccola — South Knoxville
★ 4.9 (115 Google reviews)Coffee shop$1–10 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Mia Piccola in South Knoxville is a coffee shop at 1014 Sevier Ave, rated 4.9 from 115 reviews. It opens at 7 am on weekdays and 8 am on weekends, closing at 2 pm on weekdays and 3 pm on weekends. Google lists outdoor seating, takeaway, dine-in, breakfast, lunch, dessert, Wi-Fi, space for laptop work, and wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance and toilet. Reviewers mention a tiramisu cold brew, high grade matcha, and staff who helped with drink choices.
Best for: Coffee, matcha and laptop-friendly seating
- Address
- 1014 Sevier Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7 am–2 pm; Mon 7 am–2 pm; Sat 8 am–3 pm; Sun 8 am–3 pm; Thu 7 am–2 pm; Tue 7 am–2 pm; Wed 7 am–2 pm
#3
Seed Coffee Co
★ 4.8 (174 Google reviews)Coffee shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
Seed Coffee Co is a coffee shop at 2558 Sutherland Ave, rated 4.8 from 174 reviews. It opens at 7 am Tuesday through Friday and closes at 5 pm on those days, is open until 1 pm on Monday, and runs from 8 am to 3 pm on weekends. Google lists wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating and toilet. Reviewers mention a cozy interior with plenty of seating, scones, a cold drink they enjoyed, and regulars who come in to read or meet. Some say it can be busy and parking is limited.
Best for: Cozy seating for reading or working
- Address
- 2558 Sutherland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37919, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7 am–5 pm; Mon 7 am–1 pm; Sat 8 am–3 pm; Sun 8 am–3 pm; Thu 7 am–5 pm; Tue 7 am–5 pm; Wed 7 am–5 pm
#4
Mia Piccola — North Knoxville
★ 4.7 (92 Google reviews)Coffee shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
Mia Piccola in North Knoxville is a coffee shop at 1328 N Broadway, rated 4.7 from 92 reviews. It opens at 7 am on weekdays and 8 am on weekends, and closes at 5 pm every day. Google lists wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating and toilet. Reviewers mention coffee served in cans, a lavender honey latte, morning buns, and a cozy space that can feel crowded on weekend mornings. Reviewers describe the staff as friendly.
Best for: Canned coffee and a cozy small space
- Address
- 1328 N Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7 am–5 pm; Mon 7 am–5 pm; Sat 8 am–5 pm; Sun 8 am–5 pm; Thu 7 am–5 pm; Tue 7 am–5 pm; Wed 7 am–5 pm
#5
Jacks
★ 4.6 (118 Google reviews)Coffee shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
Jacks is a coffee shop at 133 S Gay St in Unit C, rated 4.6 from 118 reviews. It opens at 7:30 am on weekdays and 8 am on weekends, closing at 5 pm daily. Google lists wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating and toilet. Reviewers mention plant-filled decor, chai and espresso that taste well, friendly staff, and a back porch seating area. One reviewer says the cold foam on a matcha was an off color, though the drink itself tasted good.
Best for: Plant-filled decor and back porch seating
- Address
- 133 S Gay St Unit c, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7:30 am–5 pm; Mon 7:30 am–5 pm; Sat 8 am–5 pm; Sun 8 am–5 pm; Thu 7:30 am–5 pm; Tue 7:30 am–5 pm; Wed 7:30 am–5 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 9 cafes in Downtown, Knoxville TN with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then rated 4.4 or higher on Google but with fewer than 400 reviews. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 11 October 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- For an early start, The Flying Biscuit Cafe opens at 7 am.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated cafe on this list?
The Flying Biscuit Cafe ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.9 from 242 reviews. Mia Piccola — South Knoxville is second at 4.9 from 115 reviews.
Which cafes in Downtown, Knoxville TN are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is The Flying Biscuit Cafe, at 9 pm.
How much does it cost at these cafes?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Mia Piccola — South Knoxville $1–10. The others do not list a price range.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Mia Piccola — South Knoxville.
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