About
The Historic Old City
There is nothing “old” about Knoxville’s historic Old City except for its exceptionally beautiful architecture and deeply rich history. This creative corridor is a vibrant borough of artisan commerce and boutique local businesses by day, and a sparkling boulevard of music, food, drinks, and dancing by night. The old world scale and walkability have cultivated a haven for creative individuals and professionals who call these streets home.
Old City creativity is also highly consumable! From piping hot ramen, hand-made tamales, curious hot-dogs, kosher babka, fantastical cocktails, and flaming Greek saganaki, these culinary alchemists are mixing things up and keeping it delicious.
Historically, the Old City was a twilight saloon town that came to life after dark — and that remains true over 100 years later. This nocturnal playground features unique galleries, distinctive music, lively dancing and eclectic bars — some with cigars. Whether you visit during the day or night the Old City is brimming with new opportunities.
oh my!
Once known as the Bowery, the Old City has a bit of a dark past, filled with stories of crime and murder. It held the region’s highest density of saloons and Knoxville’s red-light district.