The famous cotton eye joes! It was very fun to come here with my friend. It makes you want to learn all the dance steps and I'm sure they have classes but since I do not live in Tennessee I wouldn't be able to attend any classes. Although I would if I lived here. The service was like a normal bar type where they had multiple places where you can order drinks, they had a fun little Photo Booth. Plenty of seating and places to stand near tables for your belongings. It was a pretty young crowd which was fine since I really don't look my age anyways. Hahaha. Overall it was a fun place to experience. read more

Dancing was fun, good lessons and good crowd. But do not go in summer, they don't believe in air conditioning here it's hot as shit in there. read more

Bouncers are wack. If your hand stamp washes off or smudges and you leave then they make you pay the $5 cover again. This isn't really a "country" bar, more so a line dance bar. There are some country songs, but a good mix of pop songs that also have line dances associated with it. This is the ONLY bar I've ever been to where they do a different version of Copperhead Road?? Wack. Not a lot of CWS so was disappointed. 95% line dancing. Drink prices are fair, and it is a big space and has a nice atmosphere with pool tables a mechanical bull, and an outdoor smoking area. read more

They need to stop advertising as a "country dance hall" only thing country about the place is the decor. Definitely not the music Employees have different prices at the bar, not so nice employee. read more

First time visitor, this place is fantastic! Not sure where to begin but the line dancing and the deals are definitely a lot to hoot and holler about! Went on a Sunday night for the free line dance lessons and ended up having a blast. The crowd turn out on a Sunday was definitely a lot and you can tell this place is a Sunday night community staple. I would recommend swinging on by read more

Cotton Eyed Joe - Line dancing - Bars Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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I came here by myself visiting from Cali. Covid killed our 2 country bars. So I came at 10pm and was completely shocked that there were literally only 2 handicap spots total in the whole place. There was probably at least 600 cars there and all in the field behind the place. When I got to the door I asked the door guys about handicap spots and he said "Well you could have paid here for parking. Oh wait its full." The place was fun and upbeat, didn't play a lot of country while I was there. I only stayed for an hour because the dances were completely different than what I know. Also I didn't really blend well. The crowd is all young so anyone over 30 definitely stands out. The female regulars weren't too friendly to people trying to learn the dances. People trying to learn dances would stand on the edge out of the way and try to pick up the steps. The regulars would just yell at them. Not too welcoming read more

This isn't a country bar! It was very disappointing. If you are looking for modern line dancing, then this is your spot.

If you're going to insist on having a dress code, you need to make it trans inclusive. Non-binary people exist, and your bouncer insisting that I dress like the men in there is absolutely ridiculous. read more

if i could give this zero stars I would. i've been here plenty of times, and i wanted to show my little sister (19) how much fun this place is! i'm 21 and my other friend is 21. immediately when we entered, there were staff on top of us like crazy. they had 2 staff escort us out IMMEDIATELY after we got out of the bathroom. they checked out ids again and then gave me stamps all the way up our arms? they would stare at us while we sat and drank water. never felt so uncomfortable here. i knew they would be watching us the entire night, so we left after 20 min. read more

So fun! Good drink specials. Service was fast and friendly. Big place and fun atmosphere! Bubba is the line dancing instructor and he made it easy to learn. My friends and I had a great time and will be back for more dancing! read more

Welllllll..... I am a huge people watcher, and this is the best entertainment you'll find anywhere in Knoxville! They have great music, if you like country, and plenty of pool tables! The bull is always a fun ride, as well! Drinks are pretty good, but the guys have to watch out for being overcharged. Definitely order the fried pickles! They are the best! read more

So I've been coming here a long time, but I'm starting to get really discouraged with the way it's run. First, this is an 18+ club (which on its own, isn't necessarily a bad thing) but for some unknown reason they've made "college night" the same as line dance lesson night, so they allow a ton of really young kids in, then proceed to play everything BUT country music. That's hard for me to figure out, since most of them are underage and, unlike the older adults, can't spend money on drinks or contribute to overall revenue once they're inside. Second : I've lived in a lot of different areas, and most country night clubs have a night (usually Sunday or Monday) that's like a family night where you can bring your tweens or teens, and maybe get some dinner and do some dancing together. I would also really love to see a night where they play ACTUAL country music, and have couples dancing (like 2 step, swing, etc.) and line dancing that's not just all repackaged hip hop. That kind of gets old. There are plenty of other places to go for that kind of music, but CEJ is supposed to be a country nightclub. I just think that the way they run their business drives away the people who have the money to spend (like myself and many others like me), but also want a true COUNTRY nightclub experience, and not a glorified frat party with subpar music. I've been coming here off and on since the 90's, and it's disappointing to see the direction it's gone now. I will say that the positives of this venue are: good security team who are on the ball, huge roomy dance floor, food has gotten much better, convenient location, and ample places to sit (whether you want to be right "near the action" or tucked away somewhere quieter). Hopefully the owner/operators will listen to the input of not just me, but so many of this area's residents, and return to a true country nightclub experience. We are out here, and we have a lot of money to spend and would love a place to dance. There's nothing better than walking into a nightclub and seeing a hugely diverse crowd of ALL ages and types enjoying themselves to real country music. read more

Was worried about visiting due to all the negative reviews, but my wife and I had a great time! The staff was friendly enough and the place itself felt safe and clean. A good mix of ages and personalities in attendees. Drinks were mad cheap too! May have been a certain promotional night or something but we got a couple whisky pours, two G&Ts and three beers for 25 bucks. I'm sure there are better country dance bars out there and I'm not discrediting those who may have been treated poorly, but we had a great night and would recommend! read more

Came to Knoxville specifically to visit this place. Did a bunch of homework and research before I came down to make sure I wasn't wasting my time. I like to country line dance and it's hard to find places who still revel and thrive with the art of it. This place has got its quirks and it's different from my local honky tonk back home but Cotton Eyed Joe is the epitome of a true modern day honky tonk. The dances were authentic, there were people of all ages, pool tables, darts, mechanical bull, at least 4 bars, and a big dance floor. If you're a dancer this place is definitely for you! We went on Saturday but learned the best night is college night on Sundays. My only complaint was the DJ played from CD's and wasn't familiar with other music we listen to back home. I didn't expect him to play an entire playlist, but one song when it was early before it was busy would have been fine. People dance different everywhere and it's fun to learn what others do and how they do it. If I lived around here I'd be on the dance floor every day they were open. Will be back for sure. read more

Cotton Eyed Joe - Outside - Bars Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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unsafe place to go. My son was walking out of bathroom and almost killed by the bouncers. We called knox police to help We are still in emergency room just our family at a table going to leave and attacked by the bouncers 6 on 1 almost killed my son in law and we have no idea why read more

Friendly staff, lively environment, and good music! We drove all the way from Gatlinburg.

How are you going to charge people to come in and then tell them if they aren't line dancing or following the exact "dance" they have to leave the dance floor? Try again. Most ridiculous shit I've ever heard. Enjoy your underage patrons. read more

I had high hopes for this place. My fiancé and I met up a friend here for the first time.. we were let down. It was about 2130 on Sunday, we managed to get a close parking spot even though there wasn't a lot of parking room. The bouncer at the entrance was very nice. Checked our ids, stamped us and let us in. Next you have to stop and pay a cover charge, understandable, the bar has a huge line dance floor in the center. Only $5, everything's going good. We go straight to the bar, grab a drink, and I just think, damn it's hot in here! How can a dance club not have air conditioning?? I wasn't even dancing and I was sweating bullets. They have big fans in a couple of spots but it doesn't help. We found a table and sat under a ceiling fan and watched the line dancers. After we finished our drinks we head over to the pool table. It was $1.50. The pool table was right next to the bathroom in the back corner of the bar, the only bathroom. It makes it for a high traffic area... right where we're trying to play pool. A nice waitress stopped by to check on us and got us another drink. I barely finished the game I was so hot. I left and went towards the dance floor because I enjoyed watching and it was the coolest place in the bar since there were the majority of the fans were there for the dancers. I was having fun watching the dancers but I couldn't sit in this bar any longer. I was so hot and uncomfortable I had to leave. I wasn't even there for 40 minutes before I HAD to bail. The interior of the bar was nice for the most part, a lot of the stools had ripped cushions but that's the only thing I really noticed. Must of been the HEAT! They have bands come in which I'm sure is fun and all but I will not go to this bar again in the summer. I might try again when it's late fall but that was crazy uncomfortable. PUMP UP THE AC! read more

Cotton Eyed Joe - Bars Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Guys, the reviews on here don't do this place justice. My wife and I were nervous to even give this place a shot because of the reviews but we did last night and it's great! Huge dance floor, a good combo of top 40 and country. This is a bar, so I'm sure stuff happens, but the bartenders and bounces were polite to us, and we had zero issues. The only thing we didn't love was that it is a 18+ place and the younger crowd is just not our jam, but there are a lot of those here due to the college, so definitely not a deal breaker. read more

We went and the dude at the front door was so rude and said my boyfriend couldn't get in for wearing sweat pants but they were not sweat pants they were khakis so the dude was a dick and wouldn't let us in and ruined date night we will not be back read more

Don't forget your ID, even if your 18-20. No matter how old you look and if your with your parent, they will send you back home to get it. Bouncer is a bit of a jerk too. read more

Great atmosphere, good food, LOTS to do - pool tables, mechanical bull, beer pong, gift shop and even a roping area. Tried this place for the first time tonight. Being a Sunday, it was college night, so between 10:00-10:30, it really filled up with the young crowd. Line dancing to EVERYTHING, even slow songs and hip hop, but fun to watch. Earlier, they played some traditional country songs and I was able to line dance to ones I hadn't danced to in many, many years! I was really impressed that before they officially kicked off the college portion of the evening, they requested everyone take off their hats and stand for the national anthem. Everyone stood, and many had hands over hearts. read more

Rudest bartender ever. Dismissive, passive aggressive, and just straight up disrespectful to paying customers

Bouncers are the Gestapo. Only a few good bartenders(2). And there is a definite discrimination factor built into their "dress code". You can have an ok time if you're lucky, or you could have a miserable, shocking, and scarring experience. Depends on what you look like and the mood of the Waffen SS with flashlights and 2 size too small T shirts. read more

Bouncers get paid 8.50 to harrass you and stand over top of you while you drink a beer they are very pathetic. The bouncers there run off paying customers and it only hurts the staff there working for tips. This place isn't fun anymore, I'm a 44yr old Veteran and I don't need supervision while trying to relax ,have fun,and drink a beer. read more

Cotton Eyed Joe - a man in uniform carrying a rifle - Bars Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Had a good experience! Went with some friends and we had a great time. I will definitely be returning.

I been here twice in the last several months and each time it gets worse. Over the course of visiting both times I saw these actions or experiences. A) Nest of Roaches in men's bathroom behind picture above toilet. B) A waitress brought to my attention a dead fly in my drink. C) I noticed the ceiling insulation coming down in tiny -floating- bits that people are probably inhaling. No wonder why I sneeze in here and can't breathe. D) A fight broke out of course. Bar fight, really! E) Rude, complaining, nagging, unfriendly, drama Queen waitresses. Inconsiderate rude security guards. F) The floor of bathrooms was wet making it to where you can easily slip, stumble and fall. Also, no one cleaning bathrooms while they are busy. Of yeah, of course, no toilet tissue in men's bathroom either. G) Over serving patrons alcohol after they visibly had way, way too much to drink. In summary, I promise I will not be back. I recommend just going to a restaurant, and sitting at a bar - like Twin Peaks. You will have better entertainment and scenery there too. This has been my experience at this business. I am nice and usually give everybody 4 and 5 stars. Just look at my other reviews. But, this (Joe) has proved otherwise. read more

I have so much fun when I'm here. It's a "night club" but you don't have to be drunk to have a good time. Has that home feel and great songs/dances. Ceilings could be cleaned once every few years and staff could be a little nicer, but will be coming back regardless. read more

I'm rating this place as a 35 year old man. I want to preface with that as I don't think a 35 year old man really should have an opinion of a dance club for college kids lol. The drinks were reasonably priced but I'm too old to go past a door man and pay a cover fee. The pool tables were 1.50 a game which is robbery and the bouncers inside were constantly on us about every little thing. We left shortly after arriving. read more

Pretty disappointed in the staff. From the security guards at the door to the bartenders, almost every person we encountered had a piss poor attitude. The staff at the door were not friendly, not sure if they were real security as nobody was patted down, just carded. Bartenders were very slow and seemingly had no rhyme or reason on how to take care of customers. Some people got helped, others didn't. Some people lined up and got acknowledged, some bartenders said there were no lines and laughed at those waiting in ones. If I did learn one thing, it's to bring cash. The girls working the area around the stage with beers were a lifesaver and probably the only way I was able to get through the night. There are also staff members that carry around shots, though we didn't try those. The music was awesome (Dierks Bentley always puts on a good show), it sounded pretty good, but outside of that I wouldn't ever really recommend this place. Spend the extra money and see your favorite bands at a real venue. You're definitely getting a place that caters to the good ol boys and unfortunately it shows. read more

HORRIBLE bar. I had lost my phone so I was trying to locate it outside in the smoking section and there bouncer told me I was in the way and to move I nicely told him what I was doing and he responded rudely by saying I told you to move your blocking the way when I said no I am looking for my phone they called security on me and escorted me and my friends out. when we were outside four more guards came out and treated us so inappropriately and made us feel as though we did something so horrific when all we wanted was the chance to find my phone. When the bouncers left the man at the door said we could go back in to look for It we then were harassed and the large bald security guard grabbed my arm so hard he left marks and told me that he said I was not allowed back in despite what the door man said. Long story short I was forced to leave and they will not give me my phone back even though I can see my location showing its still there. They are disgusting rude and disrespectful. I have never felt so violated in my life do not go to this bar unless you enjoy being treated like trash. read more

First time I've been to a southern bar and it was the best experience!! I loved this place and everything about it. It was exactly what I imagined a country bar to feel like. The vibes were great, the service was great, and the people were greattt. I've never seen line dancing..this was so fun to watch! If I was a local, this would be my go to bar for sure that's how much I loved the vibe. The drinks were also good and great prices. They have several pool tables, bull riding, lancing and more. read more

Do not go to this bar. I spent $30 for Uber to get there they closed an hour early, 5 minutes after last call announcement made us put down drinks we just spent $45 on at last call and leave. Sapphire downtown was much better wish I would not have wasted money to come here. read more

I had a whistle in my mouth, security guard comes over to tell me don't blow it before I even got the chance to & grabs me by my arm to do so .. I asked if he could chill & stop being so physical & he called that resisting. He then switched over to choking me out to the point I couldn't breathe & I'm trying to cling onto anything I can to prevent him from what he's doing, reason why my hands are scratched up. I dropped my phone & everything while he literally drug me out by my neck in the middle of everyone. Drove 2 1/2 hours to this dance place. Same bouncer WALKED a guy out for having a hat on him during national anthem & even took the hat off the mans head, but felt the need to choke me out on the dance floor & drag me out.... read more

Cotton Eyed Joe - Bars Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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The bouncers here are absolutely ABSURD. I never encountered a more racist experience than here and I lived in Tennessee my whole life. I was clearly charged before I came in here and when I asked to go back to use the restroom and I had a very clear stamp on my wrist I was denied re-entry when I witnessed other (Caucasian) couples allowed re-entry. I said please and thank you and kept my voice and a house level and they still continued to say I had an attitude at them even though I didn't. I called my friends out who were all confused at why this bouncer wouldn't let me back in because I was polite and asking if I can pay to re-entry fees then. We asked to use the restroom and if it's that big of a deal then I can be escorted there and they literally said, "your boyfriend is allowed to use the restroom but you're not." Wow, I'm speechless that the bouncers can deny me basic human rights like this and I'm certain I have a reasonable cause to sue this place because of that. Luckily my Uber was quick to arrive because there were no bathrooms near since this building is pretty isolated. I've heard the bouncers here are super selective in who they're nice to and the best advice is to record the conversation if you think they're being unreasonable to you because my biggest regret is that I didn't have this on tape. The bartenders and DJ inside were super nice but this whole experience dealing with these bouncers who were raising their voices at me was totally uncalled for. There were other bystanders that also agreed the bouncer needed to calm down bc I was being level-headed and simply asked why I couldn't re-enter. read more

Cotton Eyed Joe - AVOID these rude bouncers at all costs, they're extremely disrespectful and prejudiced against minorities. - Bars Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

I had a great time. The only reason why I give it a 3 star is because they play a lot of songs using the wrong dance. It throws me off a bit. And it's not all country, I just wish they played more country than pop and rap. But I had a blast everyone was very friendly. And the party doesn't really get started until close to 10pm then people start coming in especially on a Saturday night. Floors are slick you don't have to have cow boy/girl boots to dance. read more

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I just felt the need to add an accurate review of this establishment since no one else seems to have seen it through sober eyes. I was there for an hour and a half and I saw: 1) A fight that was never broken up by security, 2) A patron leaned over at his table, mouth agape, vomiting on the floor, 3) A Jersey Shore audition reject 3-way kissing two underage looking girls, and 4) A girl peeing in a beer cup. Not only that but I ordered 2 extremely weak amaretto sours at the bar, which took an eternity. I saw the disclaimer that unopened tabs would be charged a 20% gratuity. After spending a short time there I decided it was worth the gratuity not to have to be there any longer. I woke up today to find a $50 charge on my bank account from them. Were my drinks seriously $20 each?!!!! This place is a cesspool. It's got to be one of the only places on earth that you can contract a venereal disease just from breathing the air. They'll rob you blind and you will regret going, mark my words. read more

I came here with a group of friends and about an hour after I got there a female bouncer pulled me aside and told me I had to go with her. I asked why and she would not say. When I got outside they refused to let me back in because they said "I looked like I had been drinking." This was on a night when minors were allowed in and I had NOT been drinking while there or prior to going there (mind you the bouncer clearly saw I was sober when he put my wrist band on). They threatened to call the police and when my (white) boyfriend asked why the female bouncer pulled me aside the bouncer refused to tell him but said that he could stay if he wanted to. My boyfriend got into it with the bouncer because everyone else was clearly intoxicated yet they kicked me out when I was sober. I hate to say it but the staff was blatantly racist and I will not be returning. read more

Listen, I realize some might cry foul at my 5-star rating, but Cotton Eyed Joe is the SHIT for its genre of night club, that being a hole in the wall, honky tonk country establishment. Yes, a man with eyes looking in different directions asked me to dance here. Yes, a man with a shocking resemblance to Chuck Norris is a regular. Yes, tacky bachelorette parties with confetti in the shape of penises frequent here. So f-ing what. This place is a BLAST. It's always packed on Friday and Saturday night. Drinks are cheap. They have a gigantic dance floor and music has three modes while circle through the night. Mode 1 - outdated booty dancing, Usher - Yeah, Nelly Furtado - Promiscuous, etc. Mode 2 - Linedancing music, including yes, the Cotton Eyed Joe, the Electric Slide, Tush Push, Cowboy Cha Cha, etc. Mode 3 - Country Slowdancing aka time to get a drink if you're single. Most of the linedancing is relatively simple and easy to jump into after you've watched everyone else for a while. If not, the advanced dancers are a ton of fun to watch. There is something for everyone at this bar - a mechanical bull, karaoke, four lengthy bars with bartenders, trashy waitresses that will let you do shots off their boobs (ok, not a selling point for me, but in an effort of full disclosure, I'll include it), obviously dancing, pool tables, and a ton of TVs with sports on. Annie's Tips: Ladies - stick to the bathroom on the right when you walk in Liquor drinks can be watered down, BUT ask for a rodeo - $8 for a myriad of cheap liquors and some cherry stuff. Redneck, but good. Beware the parking lot out back. It's not well lit and though there are staff on horseback, a friend had her car window smashed. Thursday night you can go in and learn the steps to the line dances. Get cash for a $5 cover on the weekend nights. The nights with bands are boring. They take up the whole dance floor so you can't dance and they're usually one-hit wonders and not that great. Ok, I've said enough. If you want to go line dancing in Knoxville, this is the place. read more

A free country concert. Only reason im giving 5 stars this visit. Makes me think this establishment might be losing business. I'm all in for the "country" part of it. After the concert Im outa here. read more