user
Old City Java
109 S Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States
Appearance
Old City Java
Comments
M
Review №1

This place was so cute!The mocha was different....a little thicker than what Im used to but I really enjoyed it!Great and friendly service!

Ti
Review №2

Really kind, attentive service! If you look at Apple Maps, it will look like it’s on the pointy corner of the block, but it’s on the other side of the block and you’ll pick up from the alleyway. Fantastic iced decaf! (Many places have stale or lower quality decaf but not here! :D)

St
Review №3

Java is a local fav spot you don’t want to sleep on! If they have any baked goods from WildLove Bakehouse, treat yourself to that too!Side alley has tables for sipping, snacking, and working. Also a perfect pit stop if the wait list is long over at OliBea.

Ch
Review №4

Great little place with a very unique decor/ambience. They have a small case of homemade bakery items. All of them looked delicious (see pics). Several types of coffee, plenty of seating. There are two rooms. One of them has the Starry sky on the ceiling. (see pics)

Ti
Review №5

Best atmosphere. Wonderful Coffee.

Ar
Review №6

Still no in door seating but coffee is great and the little alley way they have set up for outdoor seating is cool.

Ca
Review №7

I had been wanting to try this place for a while, but between being newer to Knoxville & COVID-19 restrictions, it took so long to get to. I finally did, but it was alright. Their handmade pies are super delicious. They’re coffee is alright, but a tad higher than other similar coffees. My biggest reason for the 3 stars is the complexity of ordering from here. You have to do online ordering only. They have the option for curbside pick-up, but I had to call to double check, & it seemed they wouldn’t have known, despite me clicking that option online. I don’t know. I just feel like there’s an easier way to order. I understand we all want to be safe during the pandemic, but I feel like there could be a way to make ordering a littler easier. I think it’d be much better if they allowed indoor ordering with limited capacity, & no dine-in.

Am
Review №8

Wonderful pour overs, super cool + knowledgable staff. Not a snobby coffee environment at all! Just a great place to chill and work from my laptop.

Mo
Review №9

Yummy and as local as possible. Supports the local economy with every product they use/sell and make as much as they can in house

An
Review №10

This was a great stop in Old City for coffee! Plenty of space, great outdoor seating and beautiful interior design and colors. If youre walking around Old City make sure you stop in here to grab some coffee/tea!

Pa
Review №11

Walk up orders taken in a cute area for you to sit and relax while enjoying people watching in the Old City.Dolly Fest is this weekend with businesses contributing part of the proceeds to the Imagination Library founded by Tennessees own Dolly Parton.

Sa
Review №12

Great coffee, friendly staff. Very limited seating cuz they arent allowing people inside right now.

Em
Review №13

The scones were really great! I had iced coffee which was also very good. I would recommend this place for the food alone, but its also worth mentioning that local art is displayed on the walls and the cieling is painted in a van Gogh style.

Au
Review №14

Very disappointed. I made the mistake of walking up with cash wanting to get coffee. I was told through the door that I had to order online using the Toast app and should scan a QR code. The QR code didnt work so I plugged in the long url at the door listening to the employees chat through the door. When I finally got through and plugged the order in, I found out they wont accept cash. I cant remark on the quality of the coffee because I gave up and walked around the corner to another coffee shop and got the simple drip coffee I wanted with less trouble.

Ch
Review №15

Extremely impressed by this coffee shop! It ranks high on the charts in Knoxville TN regardless of the steep competition in the area. The cappuccino was smooth and classic. The coffee was a little fruity for my taste but definitely good quality. Great place to relax with ALL the Old City character!

Lo
Review №16

Great coffee served in a beautiful location. My only wish was that they had larger cups for lattes (they limit it to 12 oz)! I need more espresso to get me going in the mornings 😉

Sa
Review №17

Java has been around for years! Meg, Shaun, and the entire staff are the best in Knoxville (in my humble opinion). They are engaged with countless local initiatives and are a pillar in the community. They help their neighbors and support local. If you want the best cappuccino in town AND you want to feel good about it- go there!!

Gv
Review №18

Quick service. Good coffee. Good outdoor seating.

Re
Review №19

This was my first stop in Knoxville. I love this space! If I lived here, Id be a regular! Good coffee and treats!

Ke
Review №20

Java is consistent and is an Old City staple. They make the best coffee drinks and use the highest quality ingredients. All of the staff is very friendly and helpful. Definitely a must if you’re going to be in the area.

Th
Review №21

Great service, great espresso, and an amazing little hangout!

He
Review №22

Old City Java has been my go-to coffee shop for 16 years. They’ve only gotten better with time, and the precautions they are taking during this pandemic to keep their staff and patrons safe is admirable. Being unyielding to grown children throwing tantrums for abandonment of caution has guaranteed them my business for as long as their doors are open.

Je
Review №23

Seldom do I find a real croissant, let alone get to have one in the same place as a deliciously smooth cappuccino. Very nicely done.

Ni
Review №24

A very comfy and peaceful place with amazing coffee and good service

Sa
Review №25

Coffee was so good!! Perfect temp and smooth flavor!

Ho
Review №26

Super cool place, I loved the ceiling art, water station, etc. that were all classy touches. And the oatmeal bar was so tasty!!!

Sa
Review №27

They serve up a delicious triple shot latte with almond milk and berry hand pie.

Su
Review №28

Good coffee, yummy pastry, friendly & fast service. Has a outside seating on the small alley, indoors is super pretty too. Perfect place to chill or work.

Su
Review №29

Delicious coffee and tea!

Ji
Review №30

Great coffee and wonderful homemade pastries! Nice people!

Wh
Review №31

Cozy and delicious, a nice place to hang out if you need to get a little work done or just want some peace and quiet while you read. Staff is friendly and they actually care about the health and safety of their customers ❤☕

Ch
Review №32

I was in Knoxville for a couple of days for work and stopped here a few times - the coffee is delicious and the aesthetic is just the right balance of gritty, elegant and comfortable. The spot is divided into two halves as of it was originally two shops made into one so there is plenty of seating for reading, work or chit-chat. Its located on a the corner of an alley with fantastic graffiti art and bistro tables for outdoor seating. The coffee is really good, serving a very palatable flavor profile thats not too acidic or over-roasted...its simple and delicious

Ma
Review №33

My favorite coffee shop in Knoxville. Iced Coffee and a Hand Tart are my favs.

Na
Review №34

Friendly staff thats always willing to accommodate. Amazing coffee and espresso quality from the bean to the baristas

Ka
Review №35

This is my new favorite coffee spot to visit. They have an oat milk option that definitely changes the way the drinks taste which works really well. Their latte and vanilla latte are very smooth and rich in flavor. Their America is really good. The temperatures the drinks are served at are adequate and not burning hot. The environment is upbeat yet relaxing. I love the art work they display and the colors of their walls. Its spacious despite the initial appearance. This is a great place to visit & get some work done while youre at it. Plus the location is great.

Wi
Review №36

I was in Knoxville for a couple of days for work and stopped here a few times - the coffee is delicious and the aesthetic is just the right balance of gritty, elegant and comfortable. The spot is divided into two halves as of it was originally two shops made into one so there is plenty of seating for reading, work or chit-chat. Its located on a the corner of an alley with fantastic graffiti art and bistro tables for outdoor seating.

Je
Review №37

Weve been trying out so many coffee shops while visiting Tennessee and I was super impressed by this place. I used to come here all the time before I moved to LA and its one of a few places that still holds up. The espresso and milk texture were great. Definitely would recommend to anyone. Side note: The pastries are great, but the chocolate chip cookie is the greatest. 🙌🏼

Vi
Review №38

These guys know what they are talking about when it comes to coffee! They gave me this coffee tea thing that was actually pretty good! Their coffee is from Counter Culture Coffee which is the same coffee used in other cool quirky places around Knoxville. Parking isn’t always easy to find there unfortunately.

La
Review №39

Very quaint nook in the old city. Super cute, and clean, really gets the creative mind flowing while you let the lovely lattes warm you up as the tasty flaky pastries tingle your taste buds

Jy
Review №40

Great coffee place!

Le
Review №41

Pretty good cappuccino. Most of their item are not sweetened.

Ad
Review №42

I was pleasantly surprised by one of the best cortados Ive had in a long time. Great job! Your care and attention to detail does not go unnoticed.

Wi
Review №43

Excellent coffee and pastries. Very covid safe ordering process and the barista was a pro.

Ke
Review №44

Best coffee in downtown, knowledgeable baristas, plus awesome house-made pastries. Kudos to the staff for taking extra precautions during the global pandemic.

La
Review №45

Cute little place.

Ca
Review №46

Limited parking options, orders accepted online only. Clerk refused to accept an order for drip-carryout despite the shop/street being empty.

Ju
Review №47

Great place to unwind when you can . . .

Di
Review №48

Not very good espresso. Nothing close to what you would have at a decent Italian/Cuban/French cafe. Place is nice inside though. I like the sparkling water on the side too.

Fr
Review №49

Great coffee.

Do
Review №50

All great coffee shops do not only have great coffee, but they must also have a great vibe. Java has great coffee, and an amazing vibe. The squeaky wood floors and local art work on the walls make the space feel special. The tables and chairs in the alley outside are fantastic for the cool weather in the spring and fall. This has become my favorite place to go to read, work, or chat.

Ju
Review №51

Hand crafted and each bean chosen with love. Think I’m kidding? Not even close to a joke my friends. Most thoughtful brews and mouth watering flavor, this owner/barista knows how to make java! You’ll want to keep coming back for more.

Ka
Review №52

The latte I got had a little bit different taste that Im used to but it was all right. Theyre a bit pricey for what you get. The atmosphere of the shop is really cute though and has outdoor seating as well.

Ra
Review №53

Favorite coffee house. Very calm vibes and really good espresso. Simple selection lends itself to quality. Perfect place to have a pour over or cappuccino and take a few minutes for yourself.

Ja
Review №54

This is my favorite coffee shop in Knoxville, mostly because they serve Counter Culture coffee, but also because they always have wonderful morning pastries. The staff is welcoming, friendly and ever helpful with explaining all their selections.

Pa
Review №55

I have visited this coffee shop on 1 occasion. It was a good experience. I will have coffee here again.

Ge
Review №56

Wonderful, service. Very friendly. I dont come here often, but when I do it is always a great experience. Very good coffee and tea, (havent tried their pastries yet). Love their atmosphere. Good place to meet with a friend, read, or write. You can sit inside or outside.

Yv
Review №57

Unfortunately we didnt get to try the pastries as wed just eaten, but we enjoyed coffee and tea in the fabulously painted room. Service was quick, people were friendly, and WiFi was strong. There was a ton of artwork up, and the room we sat in had huge windows, false doors lining one of the walls, and the starry night painted on the ceiling

La
Review №58

A consistent local presence in Knoxville that has remained excellent and unchanged for over a decade. Always a great place for coffee, studying, and conversation. Ive never been disappointed in their handcrafted drinks or section of baked goods. The ambience is stellar. One of Knoxvilles classic local businesses.

Je
Review №59

Great espresso and coffee. Best in Knoxville. Exceptional baked goods (made by wild love bakehouse, ocjs sister shop). Owners are super nice people. Cozy shop in our scruffy little city. Check out the graffiti artwork in the adjacent alley.

Ga
Review №60

Amazing coffee at moderate prices, made up for by the friendly staff and relaxing atmosphere. Espresso, cappuccino, latte, drinks available with some pastries, this is a nice spot to catch up on work emails. Plenty of outlets available and indoor and outdoor seating allows for 3 rooms to choose from.

Fo
Review №61

Java is my favorite (and the best) coffee shop in Knoxville. The owners, Shaun & Meg, take an enormous amount of pride in their business and they strive to bring the best to their customers. Java has a low key, hip Knoxville vibe, with a great selection of homemade baked goods, coffee and teas. They are also great supporters of local farms, such as Cruze dairy, and other regional business. I also respect Javas support of local charities and causes that include everything from local art events to Equal Rights. A great place to work on your computer (they have a ton of electrical outlets), meet up with friends, read a book or just to grab a quick cup on your way to work, Java is the place to go!

B
Review №62

Old city Java! A staple of coffee lovers in ktown for over 20 years. Warm soft lighting, original hard wood floors and brick walls give this place a great vibe. They support local artists, and you can buy the pieces right off the wall if you like it. Great coffee also.

Sa
Review №63

Excellent venue to spend time chatting with friends. My companions seemed to enjoy their drinks, and I enjoyed sitting under the incredible ceiling. The counter is small, leaving most of the space for people trying to do work, or just chatting in a group

An
Review №64

Wonderful coffee shop. Very fresh espresso and crafted nicely. Pastries were unique in flavor and tasted great! Friendly staff!

ch
Review №65

Truly the best coffee Ive been to in the country. The coffee they have for sale by the bag are amazing. It costs about the same as a national coffee chain but better by far. If you consider yourself a conisuer of traditional and black coffee then this is the place.

Co
Review №66

As the name indicates, this coffee shop is located in the old city area of Knoxville, Tenn. Its surrounded by other shops and restaurants and bars, so its a great area. The ambiance of this place is super chill and inviting. The baristas brew a quality cup of coffee and theyve got a yummy looking selection of pastries and treats.

Jo
Review №67

Old City coffee was quite an lovely experience. There drip coffee was quite good and served in a real mug. The artwork was a great addition. The drip was a tad expensive ($3) but it was well worth it for the location and atmosphere. I will come agin next time Im in town.

Ty
Review №68

I work at a sweet coffee shop back home and came here for the first time while visiting my girlfriend in Knoxville about a month or two ago. Old City Java is about 50% of the reason I keep coming back to Knoxville. This place is one of the best coffee joints Ive ever been to. And you dont even have to pay 7 or 8 bucks a drink!!!

Xz
Review №69

The Valrhona Mocha is a tasty, foamy, lightly sweetened cappuccino. (I ordered mine with the addition of vanilla flavoring.)The presentation was very enticing—filled nearly to the brim with the foam having a cool little design in the center. I usually expect to add plenty sugar to any coffee treat I buy at your typical coffee shop; however, the Valrhona Mocha did not lend me the same reflex. It wouldve been totally fine as-is. (My crave for sugar couldnt resist the sugary addition, though!) Clear sugar syrup was a cool option on the side to my own taste. I will definitely be returning, and will be sure to take great photos next time!

J.
Review №70

Great coffee expertly made (though sometimes with a dash too much attitude) and awesome Wild Love pastries. Seating can be tight at times, which is my only real reservation. Love their booth at the Saturday farmers market.

Ba
Review №71

Best coffee in the world and best employees. Always bright and cheery when I am draggin in the morning!

Mi
Review №72

We stopped into Old City Java Sunday morning. We were originally going to try Olibea, but the wait there was 1 hour for a table. Im glad we tried Java because we had a great time. Java is a cozy little coffee shop with lots to offer. Great atmosphere and the staff are wonderful. Josh, the barista who took our order and prepared our drinks, was awesome. He went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed. I highly recommend Old City Java.

Ha
Review №73

Always my spot since I was a teen. They make the best London Fog in town. Love the atmosphere.

Ma
Review №74

At 7:30 a.m. they let me taste the coffees on tap to see which I preferred. Yes, I love choices. GREAT coffee and excellent customer service.

Do
Review №75

Nestled in the center of the Old City, this coffeeshop is in a fantastic location for an afternoon cappuccino and pastry. With a large seating capacity, its a perfect place to meet with friends. The rustic, generally quiet interior also provides a great atmosphere to relax and read or study.

As
Review №76

Delightfully Yummy Experience! I also Love the Local Arts and Starry Night Sky in the Back Room!!! ♡♡♡

Ca
Review №77

Tasty coffee in, you guessed it, Old City. Its just down from OliBea making it darned convenient if youve got a wait. Theyve got some cute little tables in the alley out the side.

ch
Review №78

Very down to earth and delicious coscado.....I have a favorite bistro that I love to see when I come in the place;)

Vi
Review №79

Had meeting with an old friend here. Cozy environment. I saw lots of students coming here to study. I got a cappuccino, and it was great. It is a good study/meeting spot.

Ke
Review №80

Definitely one of the best places for coffee in the area! The other best one would be the one that is owned by the same owners, Wild Love Bakehouse! Great owners and great staff! Amazing coffee!

An
Review №81

I love this place. Great atmosphere. Friendly staff. Chill vibe.

Ch
Review №82

Australians are real coffee snobs and are very fussy about their espresso. The coffee here was so good, I had to have two! Best coffee in America and we have travelled extensively throughout USA. Congratulations Old City Java, you have put Knoxville on the map, coffee wise.

Ja
Review №83

I liked the feel of the place! Really cool outside seating, just didnt much like the Capachino. Will definitely try again though!

Su
Review №84

The best coffee shop in Knoxville.

M.
Review №85

Good house blend. Limited seating, had to sit in the alley.Good selection of pastries. All in all not a bad experience.

Jo
Review №86

I had one of the best pour overs of my life here. The coffee and pastries are always great. Only complaint is that there often arent enough seats.

Ka
Review №87

Nice place, very friendly. Late was a bit hot, and not as smooth as I prefer. Price was good.

He
Review №88

Cool local place to visit. Latte and americano were good. Ordered most if their pastries and they were all good. Flourless peanut butter oat bar was delish!

Ju
Review №89

Got a honey soy latte and loved it. My wife got a soy iced mocha with their house made chocolate sauce. A great stop.

Ll
Review №90

Unfortunately we didnt get to try the pastries as wed just eaten, but we enjoyed coffee and tea in the fabulously painted room. Service was quick, people were friendly, and WiFi was strong. There was a ton of artwork up, and the room we sat in had huge windows, false doors lining one of the walls, and the starry night painted on the ceiling. This coffeeshop is a hip(ster) and unique hole-in-the-wall - definitely come here if you get the chance

Ke
Review №91

Quaint, cozy place for coffee. So quiet it reminds me of a library. Excellent mocha.

Fr
Review №92

Great atmosphere and rotation of coffees. Offers several coffee based drinks, baked goods, and other drinks. Locals artists work adorns the walls of vastly different styles and the customers and employees are very interesting people.

AJ
Review №93

Really pleasant place to grab a cup of joe. Good beans and careful preparation mean good flavor. Glad we were pointed in this direction!

Au
Review №94

Great people, calm environment, secure wifi and great coffee

Te
Review №95

Even though the dont have Cubans on the menu they made me one, and my buddy loved his mocha with the excellent French baking chocolate. One of the best places in town to enjoy of coffee experience.

36
Review №96

Nice historic setting. Staff is a little stiff though and should be more inviting. You feel comfortable hear because of the building, not the staff.

Br
Review №97

You wont find a better coffee shop anywhere in Knoxville. Friendly atmosphere, knowledgable staff and high quality coffee and pastries. My only complaint is the Internet can be very slow at times.

To
Review №98

My dog is getting radiation treatments at UT Knox for a brain tumor and I decided to Google coffee near me after dropping him off one morning. I found this little place and LOVE it.If you like smooth coffee thats not too sweet, try the Cafe Miel. This is my second time here and I legit crave the Cafe Miel when Im home in Nashville!

An
Review №99

Great coffee/espresso drinks in a cool old building. What more can you ask for?My personal favorite coffee house in the Knoxville area.

St
Review №100

This place screams coffee shop as soon as you walk into the place you can tell theyre going to have at least pretty decent coffee. I first ordered a shot of espresso. The shot wasnt sour but it was a tad bitter on a scale from 1 to 5 on bitterness Id give it a 2, it was definitely a solid shot, not real impressive but solid. I was impressed by the choice of coffee beans they were using, which most coffee shops who carry counter culture usually pull big trouble which in my opinion the flavours are just to round and chocolaty to be really enjoyed. The espresso blend they were pulling is called hologram and on the other end of the espresso flavour wheel it is quite a delightful experience. The shot was chocolaty,nutty,slight sweet with hints of citrus and blueberry, it was very nice indeed. I also ordered a cortado which was absolutely perfect. First of all they used the right size glass,the milk was steamed to perfection, the latte art was a delightful touch as well, flavours were on point. Overall Old City Java isnt following a coffee trend theyre just making coffee right. Definately a place I would recommend for all walks of coffee people from inexperienced to coffee snobs. 5000

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.6 Rating
  • Address:109 S Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States
  • Site:http://oldcityjava.com/
  • Phone:+1 865-523-9817
Categories
  • Coffee shop
  • Espresso bar
  • Tea house
  • Wi-Fi spot
Working hours
  • Monday:8AM–2PM
  • Tuesday:8AM–2PM
  • Wednesday:8AM–2PM
  • Thursday:8AM–2PM
  • Friday:8AM–2PM
  • Saturday:8AM–2PM
  • Sunday:8AM–2PM
Service options
  • Outdoor seating:Yes
  • Takeout:Yes
  • Delivery:No
  • Dine-in:No
Highlights
  • Fast service:Yes
  • Great coffee:Yes
  • Great tea selection:Yes
Popular for
  • Breakfast:Yes
  • Solo dining:Yes
  • Good for working on laptop:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom:Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible seating:Yes
Offerings
  • Coffee:Yes
  • Quick bite:Yes
Dining options
  • Dessert:Yes
Atmosphere
  • Casual:Yes
  • Cozy:Yes
  • Historic:Yes
Crowd
  • College students:Yes
  • Groups:Yes
  • Tourists:Yes
Payments
  • NFC mobile payments:Yes
Similar organizations
  • OliBea211 S Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States
  • Krispy Kreme6201 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919, United States
  • Time Warp Tea Room1209 N Central St, Knoxville, TN 37917, United States
  • Starbucks7803 Montvue Center Way, Knoxville, TN 37919, United States
  • Perk City3229 E Magnolia Ave, Knoxville, TN 37914, United States
  • Wild Love Bakehouse1625 N Central St, Knoxville, TN 37917, United States
  • Dunkin423 N Cedar Bluff Rd, Knoxville, TN 37923, United States