Walked in tonight to celebrate daughter with family. Spent $65 on drinks and tipped 18%. Accidentally spilled a drink in front of bartender. Asked him for another and he said he would charge us full price as we didn't tip him enough to comp us the remake. Never been treated like that before and honestly left upset. Money hungry - no customer service. read more

Me and my friends are taking a class at UT and wanted to come downtown and this place wouldn't let us in. We are all over 21 but from a bunch off different states. Please teach the bouncer what different ID's look like read more

The food is pretty mediocre, even on their best day, and I've been there when it was downright inedible. The service is totally hit or miss. I've had good service, and I e had some of the worst. The dive nature is the only redeeming quality, but the undergrads ruin that a lot of the time too. Last resort IMO read more

Been visiting this place for years. Top notch dive bar experience, with good burger and wings (yes they are small, but they give you a pound of them and they're tasty). GREAT gameday and weekend atmosphere. Always a party at half barrel. Plus you can smoke. Staff is all helpful and hilarious, but they'll knuck if you buck. If you wanna act like a jackass, go to Applebee's. Half Barrell isn't a corporate establishment and the customer isn't always right. IMO it's part of the charm. read more

Terrible mean staff working here. I was cussed out by a bartender after waiting 20 minutes just trying to get a drink. My wallet was stolen and no employees would even listen to try and help me, I called the next day and was hung up on. I wouldn't be surprised if the bartender is the one who took it. Do not recommend , even the security is very rude. read more

Worst bar on the strip. Denied me twice even though I'm 21. All their bouncers are mean and inconsiderate

Worlds smallest wings. When we told the bar tender about it he got all defensive and finally refunded us then kicked us out. Terrible service. Terrible experience. read more

If I could give half barrel negative stars I would. The service is absolute trash and they are rude to all of the college student who come in. We had just tipped 25% and forgot to order something, then got refused service. We have been waiting for close to 30 minutes and they continue to serve only their regulars. Openly speaking badly about all of the people here bar crawling. So rude and unprofessional. Be glad we are coming to your shit bar anyway read more

Had a bite squad order delivered to me. My driver was awesome let me put that there but the rest was awful my sandwich I ordered and plainly says in the order no salad and guess what's on my salad with heavy mayo. Also got an order of the cheesy fries pictured below. What is this. When I call to speak with a manager she says there nothing she can do and hangs up. Tried the fries and let me say they were absolutely dreadful. Do not recommend this restaurant at all read more

Half Barrel - a person holding a container of french fries - Bars Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

My friend found a rubber mat on the ground, and the bartender grabbed her thinking it was her who took it even though she found it. He aggressively walked her across the bar and took her drink while cussing her out even while being fully cooperative. He still maintained an aggressive manner and dragged her across the bar even when she knew she found it on the floor. Totally unethical staff and expensive drinks, go to cool beans read more

This restaurant and/or bar has the most disrespectful bartenders I have ever experienced. As a woman, I wish I never stepped foot into this establishment. The way the bartender spoke to me was appalling. The misogyny I experienced in this bar is something I hope no woman experiences in her lifetime. I'm not sure of the bartenders name, but he is shorter with dark brown hair and facial hair. I will never go back here again! read more

I went into Half Barrel tonight for my friend's 22nd birthday and was excited to check the place out. After sitting at the table for 5 minutes, the waitress came up and took our order. We ordered food and drinks and then were asked for our IDs. My girlfriend is from Arizona which means her ID does not expire until 2062, once she turns 65. This is the standard for all Arizona residents, so we were upset when her ID was rejected. The waitress said she could not accept it because of the expiration date, so we were all denied service. This is frustrating for us due to her lack of knowledge ruining me and my friends' celebration and evening as a whole. Would not go back and do not recommend to people looking for a good time and knowledgeable staff. read more

Great relaxing spot on the Cumberland Avenue "Strip". Great bourbon selection as well as beer. Drafts and bottles. Best part is the staff. I've been many times and have always been professionally taken care of. read more

I always enjoy heading to Cumberland Ave and reliving the times of yesteryear. The Half Barrel was one of the bars I would always go to back in the day. (Geez, I just said back in the day) This is one of the first places on the strip that had a great craft beer selection. You can find the local beer, Saw Works, plus other great beers like Abita, Fat Tire, and much more! If beer isn't your fancy, they have a pretty big selection of other things. I have to say, on a game day, I am a big fan of the VOL BOMB. Stoli Orange and Red Bull....ahhhhh tastes like college! I did nibble on the pretzels and the house made hoppy beer cheese dip. You totally have to get it! Very additive and has a great price point for two people to share! read more

3 Stars for the beer selection on tap. Degraded for so many smokers inside. Maybe the secret it to brew a beer that tastes like a dirty ashtray, then they wouldn't have to ruin all the awesome beer flavors for the rest of the non-smoking patrons. read more

First MAJOR plus...they are smoker friendly!!!! A TON of beer on tap and collage game day Saturday the serive was awesome!!!!! Definitely must visit in Knoxville, especially if you love beer, smokes, and UT VOLS football as much as I do!!!!! Good Ole Rocky Top, Rocky Top TENNESSEE!!!! read more

Half Barrel - Bars Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

I'll preface this review with I am extremely sensitive to cigarette smoke (asthmatic) and came here with large group who I was visiting with for the game so really didn't have much of a say in going elsewhere. Came here during my first ever visit to Knoxville post Vols win. Was looking forward to experiencing the Strip, but the cigarette clouds ruined it. Typical college bar but a bit cleaner (no sticking to the floor!). Pros of Half Barrel: -Bartenders are very friendly, knowledgable, extremely efficient- even on crazy post-game wins. -Drinks are strong & cheap; awesome beer selection too. -Food is bar food, nothing special but decent selection. -Large place with a lot of seating options -On point with water refills! Cons: -Cigarette smoking is out of control...know it is legal in TN but eating next to a guy blowing right in your face is just...horrible. Plus their ventilation system wasn't very ideal either. Would have been nicer to have it confined to a specific area of the bar/restaurant to appeal to everyone. Yes I know, if I don't like it, leave. -Line Management: liked that it's one in & one out; however I couldn't leave the bar to get a few minutes of fresh air without having to go to the back of the line. But the girl that was going in and out for a cigarette was totally fine. Just annoying. read more

They have the best bartenders in town!!! Ask for logan!!! Great local place, plenty of tvs, and great drinks! You'll never have a dull time here. read more

Looking for the college crowd? Then you have found your haunt. Cumberland gets kind of lonely at night so keep that in mind. If you are I to bar food then this is your place. Lits if greasy bar food. read more

Service was good. Can never go wrong with their boneless wings-order frequently when at their sister bar Tapp'd. Was finally able to try out their poker game. Much more enjoyable elsewhere as the guy hosting was not very welcoming or friendly. Dark, smoky, and hot. See for yourself if you'd like. read more

Love this bar!! Such a cute and cool place! Is always buzzin on the weekends with people meeting the through BUMBLE!! So excited to have a bumble event here this month! read more

Originally I was glad this bar teas operating during Covid hour however the bar was sub par due to operating standards and kicking people out for no given reason. read more

I want to give this bar a higher rating because I love the atmosphere and the bartenders are always good. However, they are consistently out of items. Tonight they were out of much ultra and chicken patties (half their menu is chicken). Their drafts are not very cold so I suggest getting a bottle. Also, I find it infuriating that you charge 75 cents for a tiny side of ranch. Okay most places give this for free but if you must charge for it, then just charge a quarter to cover the cost. If these types of problems didn't exist every time I went, I'd def want to go more often. read more

Saw a mouse. Told waitress and staff and they all shrugged their shoulders. Food is normally good but will not be eating there again

One of the last surviving bars on the Strip, Half Barrel is nothing special. The food is classic bar food and there is a good beer selection as long as nothing is out of stock, which is a reoccurring phenomenon. Trivia Night is fun, service is nothing to be astounded with. read more

Place was smoky, waitresses r slow, lazy, more concerned about their phones and friends/regulars at the bar, decent craft beer selection and music read more

A group of friends and I stopped in on a game day and spent a few hours hanging out. We were seated near the bar. Our service was good and prompt. We ordered food and was surprised when it arrived no more than 10 min after ordering. We were shocked at how good the service was on a busy game day. If I lived in Knoxville, this would be one of my game day stops! read more

Great place to just chill and dink but the waiters can be straight dicks. Don't fuck with the guy with the white bandana.

My favorite bar in town! Great bartenders and attentive servers! They have great daily specials and trivia. I loved the adult trivia but they changed it a few months back to general trivia. Still fun! My only negative is the food is hit or miss with it being on campus. But they've always tried to fix it if there is an issue. read more

Although they have many microbrews they didn't have many dark beers other than traditional Guinness. We got lucky and they had just added Terrapin Liquid Bliss! Our fave! We will be back liked the environment for sure hopefully have more dark beers soon! read more

Fun establishment. Terrible front door staff. Bouncers have consistently questioned my friend of her age simply because she has a Kentucky ID. Despite us coming here once a week at the minimum, we always are greeted with a sour taste in our mouth. I understand the bouncers wanting to be sure the ID's are real because of the issue we have on campus with underage drinking; however, they should be more educated because being forced to bring up your Facebook page to prove you are 21 is slightly annoying and puts a poor taste in our mouth for the rest of our time at this establishment. read more

Visited earlier before today's game; was able to secure a table in the bar relatively quickly. The service provided however by our waiter was horrendous; he had mixed the tab up with guests at our table and had considerable overcharged-ringing up drinks not ordered. This was the second time being waited on by him; previously have had better results ordering at the bar rather than ordering a drink through him. (McGuire)He was very unprofessional and rude. I would like to be contacted by management to further discuss. read more

This place is one of my favorite spots to visit when I'm back in town for a game. They have 20+ drafts and great bar tenders. Half Barrel always brings back great memories from college. read more

Wow! I was impressed. For a bar on the Strip, I didn't feel like I was in "U.T. Land"!! It's a cozy cool bar with a great selection of bourbons and scotches. I was impressed. Looking for a cool late night bar I think this is a good choice. I've only been once....but I would return. Cheers! read more

Great selection of draft beer. At least 20 taps to choose from. Staff is very helpful and enjoys talking about beer taste. I suggest going on slower days to avoid the crowds and long wait times that happen on game day. Go vols! read more

Most badass bar on the strip. Huge draft selection and a great atmosphere. It also has an awesome back room.

Such a fun bar to go to with a really good atmosphere. Bumble matches have been meeting here because it's always such a good time!!

Such a fun and inviting bar. It has such a laid-back vibe but you can always count on meeting new people and connecting-- can't wait to hold our Bumble event here soon! read more

Great bar with nice selection. I spotted the UV Vodka and asked the bartender to make me some creative drinks with them (I'm a girly girl), and he did not disappoint. They were all delicious! They also serve food and stay open very late. read more

Greg, Joel, Dustin, Ashley and the rest of the crew were fantastic! We were in town for a week long event and found ourselves back at the Half Barrel every night (even after trying some other nearby locations) Trivia night was really fun - the drinks were reasonably priced - and the selection was well rounded for beers and alcohol!!! Definitely check this place out! (Just remember, smoking in bars is the norm in TN) read more