I'm not a huge fan of anywhere that makes you pay a cover. My girlfriends wanted to go here, so I followed along. The place is nice, fun and very young (college town). Multiple levels and I did see people ordering food. They had a band playing that was LOUD and not that great. Small dance floor and you are constantly being bumped into just walking through or standing in the back. The drinks are standard bar drinks. I always get beer. The bartender didn't have much of a personality. The bathrooms are large and writing everywhere. Not the cleanest but serves it purpose. Parking can be tricky sometimes too. read more

Preservation Pub - Pubs Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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While the second floor is listed as non smoking it reeks up here. Smoke rises! The food is mediocre at best. I won't come back. IF MY HAIR AND CLOTHES SMELL LIKE AN ASHTRAY IT'S NOT NON-SMOKING read more

Great place, good beer and great staff. This place offers a great atmosphere to hang out and have a drink. Location is great! Will def be going back! read more

We started to leave because it was a smoking bar, but they stopped us and wow, 2nd floor is non-smoking! Pros: Bartender, Erin is great! She is friendly, attentive and swift. 3 floors, 3 bars, smoking, non-smoking, and rooftop. Prices are good especially during happy hour. Good selection of pub grub. Interesting decor. Cons: Parking. My wife and I drove separately and both go a parking ticket. Seems we stayed a little longer than 2 hours. Not their fault but a bummer none the less. We will be back. Erin, it was great meeting you. read more

We were passing through Knoxville and stopped for a drink. Bouncers thought our id was fake and didn't serve us. Would probably suggest that the owners train their employees on what out of state id's look like. Would bet that isn't the first time they've turned away service from being uneducated. read more

Hip 3-story bar in the heart of Market Square which is the heart of Knoxville. Note: every hotel concierge and shop owner will recommend this spot to traveling guests new to the city. Rooftop bar is open during the summer season with some nice local beer options. As far as bar food goes, they make a nice pizza pie 14inch for like $16. Overall 3.5/5 popular rooftop bar with good beer selection and a nice pizza. Sometimes you can hear live music from the center of Market square read more

The crisp autumn weather is perfect for the rooftop bar. Didn't stay long since there were too many people for me to be comfortable during this Covid time, but we sipped our drinks and enjoyed the weather and decor from a corner spot. Will come back on a different day too, when it's hopefully less crowded. read more

Food and drinks are good but this is happened at least twice where they take your card and someone will manually enter your card number a few days later. Credit card company said someone manually entered the card number and charged it a couple days later. This place commits credit card fraud. read more

Smoky and rude staff. Payed the $5 cover charge for only 1 minute. Realized they allowed smoking gun inside and the rooftop bar was closed so we couldn't escape it. Wouldn't refund our cover charge. Bad experience and rid staff. I'd go somewhere else with a better vibe. read more

This place we went twice and it was really nice. Three levels which was awesome because we spent time on all three levels and it was nice. the food also gets a . read more

Preservation Pub - Pubs Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Good drinks. Amazing 'El Camino' quesadilla! Nice staff. Pretty clean, slight smoke smell. Usually has a $3 cover charge

The live music is great and it's slightly cooler than a regular dive bar. The rooftop is awesome and unlike anything I've seen. However, it's a smoking bar so if you have asthma or don't like smelling like an ash tray, this isn't the place for you. I'm not sure the ventilation system is working well or something because the smoke, especially on the first floor, is really bad. If you want a similar scene without the smoking, go next door to Scruffy City. read more

I like to go here, but a woman isn't safe drinking here anymore. I've been groped randomly, harrassed, and witnessed other women (friends and strangers) harrassed too. Shows are packed sometimes, and a random guy groped my butt in the crowd. It was purposeful and he tried to run, but I caught him in the crowd and started punching. People pulled me off, and then witnesses came forward to him groping me. Security refused to kick him out after I reported it with the witnesses in tow. Only after he harrassed several more people, was clearly bombed out of his mind, and tried to sit at people's tables he didn't know, did the bar get the message and get him out. I've thought about posting this review with just that story, but really more serious things then that have happened. This is the only bar in Knoxville that I've had to clearly tell men I am not interesed in them and to leave me alone, becaue yes, I really am here for the show. It's gotten creepy. That has happened at least 3 different times. It's not easy here as a lone female or with friends, and my friends have had men refuse to leave them alone. I've literally had to tell a man "My friend told you to leave, and you're going to. Right now." He tried to say he was going to order a drink around me and moved up on her. She told him to go away again, and our male friends had to step in to our defense. Another woman randomly walked into my circle of friends another night clearly panicked. She started talking about how a guy wouldn't leave her alone. The guy followed her up to us and my male friends had to physically stop him and ringed around the females with her in the center of us. The guy was seriously to drunk to be in public. Security saw a real fight building only becuse we were very close to the door, and got the drunk guy outside. They need to be more responsive to sexual harassment allegations. On the groping issue, I realize now I should have gone out and alerted the police who patrol market square, when security did nothing. Go get the cops if it happens to anyone out here. Pres pub is letting it go unchecked. They're only kicking people out if they're clearly hammered, no matter the behavior. read more

A hipster eclectic vibe. $5 cover. 1st Floor has live band and you can smoke inside. 2nd Floor was a little quieter and had booths and a beer pong table. Small bar and hard to get served a drink. Home to the largest VEGAS bomb I've ever been served. read more

The rooftop is unique and beautiful. They can book some really rocking shows here! Chances are you'll know someone there whenever you go because half of Knoxville seems to live there. I've heard good things about the beer selection and food. However, none of that matters to me because I can't even get to the rooftop without reeking of the intense cigarette concentration of the first floor. It poisons the whole place. I went once this summer for a band I just love and while I enjoyed the music, I had to decontaminate myself immediately upon getting back home because I smelled like a wet ashtray. Ladies, don't take your expensive purses if you care about these things. Gents, don't take that dry-clean-only coat in there and expect to not smell like a bar until you pay $20 to remove the stench. read more

I want to love this place. I really do. It's a classic Knoxville establishment, they have a good beer selection, live music, and the roof top bar is to die for. Unfortunately, I just can't bring myself to go here most nights. The biggest reason is that, despite it being 2015, this place still allows smoking inside it's doors. It's hard to enjoy myself knowing I'm going to stink when I leave. From all the years of alcohol, smoke and sweat, the whole place just has a funk about it. It can also get pretty crowded and I've heard a lot of women complain about sexual harassment in the form of unrelenting advances and groping. Apparently the staff isn't too responsive to complaints about this. I still go from time to time, mostly during the day to enjoy the roof (where at least the smoke dissipates better). I'm all for Keeping Knoxville Scruffy. Can't we do that without cigarette smoke and unruly bar behavior? read more

This will be a one and done for me. I came in today and got my ID checked. 30 years old with Gray in my beard and somehow I was denied because my license just expired. Although I have a license, that was a irrelevant. Keep in mind I had just come from two other locations within the past couple days that checked my ID with no issue. read more

While in Knoxville traveling with a few co-workers, we were enticed to check out Preservation Pub based upon their extensive beer collection. We probably should have gone somewhere else. First, we got there about 6pm on a Wednesday night and were asked to pay cover. No biggie--but we expected to see a live band--where we sat upstairs, we were entertained by one of the bartender's iPods for the evening. Secondly we asked for a food menu and beer list. "It's gone missing, but we have all that," says the server as he signals the taps at the bar. Hmmm. We each gave our beer order and then food--selection included pizza, sandwiches, wraps--typical bar food. He also asked for a credit card to start a tab but would not accept any of our American Express cards. From what I understand, not accepting AE is not a thing anymore. One of us surrendered our personal Visa. Shortly, the server came back to confirm our meals again. Now that i look back on it. I'm pretty sure he was high. So we only drank beers from taps that we could recognize from across the room and munched on sub-par bar food. We had hoped to hear some local flavor as this seemed to be the place to catch a live show. Instead, we heard a ping on the speaker every time the bartender got a text. Unless you have a good, specific reason to go here. Don't wander in. It's a let down. read more

What a cool find! With my first trip to Knoxville I wasn't sure where to begin. I had multiple people mention Preservation Pub so I knew it had to be worth stopping by. With three floors it offers a range for everyone depending on what you are in the mood for. 1st floor is (unfortunately) smoking therefore I am taking away a star. But it gives a casual pub feel. 2nd floor has live music and 3rd floor has the magic tree with a view of Market Square. I also only gave it 4 stars because there was a cover on a Wednesday night..I thought that was interesting. Staff was very friendly and I will def be back! read more

Good place to hangout with good selection of snacks and local beer! Get there before 8pm if you want to avoid the crowd

If you miss the 1990's when smoking was allowed in every bar, this is the place for you! Also, if you expect a band to show up, make sure to check the band's social media to make sure they will show up. The staff seems to have no clue which band will be playing and will simply nod and say "yeah man, they will be on soon" when the truth is, they will not be on soon. read more

If I lived in Knoxville, you would find me here all the time. This is my kind of pub. Live music that's good but isn't too loud or obtrusive, cheap beer, bitchin awesome bartendresses and the crowd is congenial and fun. I met a few strangers who became amusing acquaintances. There isn't a whole lot going on in downtown Knoxville on a Monday night so I was thankful to find such a perfect "me" pub like Preservation Pub. read more

Horrible experience. Smells like smoke and they allow smoking. Rooftop bar was closed and they didn't tell us. Waste of money for the $20 worth of cover charge. read more

Preservation Pub exceeded my expectations the first time I ventured in. I've returned many times since. Even attended a work Christmas social on the rooftop during one of our warmer winters. It was private & we had delivery service. Super eccentric event space. Pres pub offers 3 levels each with 3 different vibes. First floor allows smoking & has a band nearly every night. Second floor is more chill, no smoking allowed, breathe friendly. They host trivia & other things occasionally on the small stage. I, myself, thoroughly enjoy the rooftop. It's open air, overlooking historic Market Square. If you're lucky enough to get a front row seat, take it. Each level has a bar, but the rooftop has a "beer tree". It serves up my favorite, Angry Orchard, & others. Neat fact : same owners of Scruffy City hall next door. Pay 1 cover for both places. Scruffy has an awesome concert venue with a balcony. 2 bars, 1 upstairs, 1 downstairs. Only reason this didn't get 5 stars is bc my bf didn't seem to enjoy it. He's a good old boy so maybe it was too chill for him. ;) read more

Visited this place for the first time tonight. Initially we were hesitant and almost decided against it due to reports of extreme smokiness in previous reviews. I'd like to point out that the upstairs speakeasy is non-smoking which was a pleasant surprise when we arrived. The stage setup upstairs is a little strange for catching an early band in the summer... the windows are right behind the stage and the setting sun creates somewhat of a blinding light. Luckily this didn't last long. I like this place for a number reasons: * The fact that they would host a 20's/30's style big band jazz band. * They had said show for free on a Saturday night. * They have a decent selection of craft beer. * They are in the cooler than average area of Market Square. * They have both a smoking level and a non smoking level, so there is something for everyone. I also heard there is rooftop patio. All in all, this is one of the better places I have visited in Knoxville and wouldn't turn down the opportunity to go back. read more

Great 3 story bar with live music every night and a great drink selection. Bartenders were also incredibly friendly!

I stopped in for an hour or so while passing through Knoxville. Verdict: this place is a winner. Great tap beer selection, happening crowd, nice service, and legit live music. I had a pretty good time. And (don't tell anyone) I was by myself. I would definitely recommend to anyone who is in the area. read more

Preservation Pub is one of my favorite Knoxville bars. And that's saying a lot because I hate places that allow smoking. I appreciate the unique decor for the Pub as well as its location on Market Square. If you can snag an outside seat on the patio, it makes for great people-watching. The draft beer selection is usually pretty good and will occasionally feature some great regional craft beers. Their bottle selection is extensive. I would give the Pub another star if it banned smoking. read more

This was a very nice establishment. Great roof setting with an overlook of the square, nice live music, and comfortable on the inside. However, I was not impressed by the food and wait service. The pizza tasted much like a frozen food section pizza, and the wait staff seemed to lack focus. read more

Preservation Pub - Pizza on napkins since plates were not available. Nachos with the only utensil in the building; a spork! - Pubs Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Pretty sweet spot. If you smoke you Can inside on the first floor and the rooftop. 2nd floor doesn't hurt to breath. Music on a Tuesday.

Id give no stars if possible!! Its a dump! Period! Weak service and a nasty crowd all together. Sad i wasted a friday night here. I gave it several attemps to maybe sway my opinion but same outcome. Save your money and time! If an invester revamped the entire venue, it could be awesome! Plenty of long haired smelly patrions. Sad but true. Doubt me? Come on down to the armpit called preservation pub! Good luck swimming in this dive! I even had a waitress take the change from my drink when clearly i had a few dollars under an ashtray just for her. She walked by and took the change saying thank you when the real tip was clearly under the ass tray! Kinda shady no doubt! Tried to speak up but she paid zero attention to me at all. I paid with a twenty for one drink and she walked off with $14.00!! Way NOT cool. This has been my sixth and probaly last visit/investment I'll make. Also I never recieved any cash reciepts on any of the several visits. Not one. I think owner should look into theft from the establishment. My guess is they are being robbed blindly! With the proper management the owners will see a huge increase in revenue. The doorman insisted payment before 8:00 pm and the band did not even start playing until 9:30 ish. Then took an intermission after only a three song set. The previous night the band covered red hot chilli peppers and played nonstop until 1:30 ish!! They rocked the house! Kudos to them! Honestly if you enjoy rubbish,you will fit right in. Sorry guys but this is a major fail. Invest your time and Money Elsewhere! The picture included was from the night before. I snapped a pic of them because They Rocked! Sincerely Felixx read more

Preservation Pub - Pubs Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

We were sleeping in Knoxville on our way to Nashville and ended up in town on a Sunday night. According to our front desk guy, Preservation Pub was the only thing happening that night. The first floor was pretty full, but not so packed that you couldn't get around. The bartender was funny and quick. Other patrons chatted us up and gave us some recommendations for the rest of our trip. Great beer selection and I hear the bands are good. There wasn't a band when we were there, but the iPod playlist was solid. I would definitely recommend this place on a Sunday night! read more

Stopped in last night to hear some local music . There was a $3 cover and I asked the guy at the front if the open mic was still going , he said " sure is " . We got to the 2nd floor and no one was there . I went right back down and asked him why he told me it was still going . The smart young man said " did you expect me to go up and check ? " . Any chance of getting my cover back , not . The downstairs is smoking so not my choice and we I left . Overall the place is a dump . It's not the $6 , it's the crappy attitude of the guy at the door and the lack of care this place has been given . There are a lot of other choices to eat and drink , don't stop here . read more

Bette M. is a little bitter, no? This is my boyfriend's favorite bar. For the record, he hates Union Jack because IT'S too pretentious, so I doubt he'd go here if he agreed. ANYWAY. This is a nice bar. They have a great beer selection and it's a nice atmosphere. Seating can be somewhat limited and sometimes you can't talk because the bands are so loud. This isn't always the case, though. Bathrooms are a little iffy. Love Market Square in general. Lines for the bathroom can be 40 minutes during Sundown in the City. read more

A-OK because it was open on a Thursday at 12.45am when we needed an after show feed and wind down. Three levels of dimly lit bar, band on ground floor. Limitied menu of sandwiches and nacho type stuff, adequate. Not particularly friendly or good service but it was late so lattitude given. read more

Bouncer was an idiot and told me my ID was fake. Didn't let us in. Train your bouncers on what out of state IDs look like.

Pres Pub is the kind of bar that kind of makes me giggle. It's one of those spots that everyone can agree is "awesome" for one reason or another, so you literally see every type of person there. Some are there for the bands, others the rooftop, others to chain smoke until 3:00 a.m, some the beer. Some people just to kick your "I'm judging you" face into overdrive, but the diversity makes the place fun. And Pres Pub is fun! The food is good too. I'm giving it a 3 and not 4 because, despite the three levels, diverse people, and cool rooftop, this is just not my preferred place downtown. It can get very crowded, it's smokey, there is almost always a cover at night (not standard on Gay St. or Market Square), and sometimes I'm just not in the mood for one or any combo of those things. Pres Pub is very cool, but it's not for everybody or every occasion. read more

Good pub, great view from the roof bar with cool ambiance. Great selection of beer and 3 floors to choose you poison. Good recommendation for a pub in market square. read more

The bartender and staff were the absolute nicest. And the band with the atmosphere was very fun. But at 235am the bouncer was telling us to drink our drinks and get out. Now you may think, that's standard. No. Packed bar and he decides to post up behind my cousin (she's not even drinking) and I and harass us. I acknowledged we would get going he insists now. I say I'm just requesting the uber (you can see the app open on my phone in my hands) he says you can do that outside. Finally, I say there are at least thirty other people in here. He says doesn't matter. They close at 3am, what was the point of harassing us? I've never been treated so rudely by a bouncer. read more

This was my second visit here and I must say I love it! Personally I love the third floor because it's outside, for the most part clear open skies, and a great way to view the market square area. The other floors are great as well and have a fun, energetic, and comfortable atmosphere. read more

Preservation Pub - Had such a great time with some friends. - Pubs Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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