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Peter Kern Library

4.5
(626 reviews)

Business Details

407 Union Ave., Knoxville, TN
37902, United States
(865) 521-0050

About

Bar
Hidden inside the historic Kern Building, behind The Oliver Hotel lobby, is Knoxville’s one and only speakeasy, The Peter Kern Library. Once a well-kept secret, the bar is now a beloved institution. The dark wood, fireplace, rows of books, and cocktails named after literary characters create a warm and cozy atmosphere where time seems to stop.

Details

  • Dine-inAvailable
  • DeliveryNot available
  • TakeoutNot available
  • Accepts reservationsNot available

Location

Peter Kern Library
407 Union Ave., Knoxville, TN
37902, United States

Hours

Reviews

4.5
626 reviews
5 stars
486
4 stars
69
3 stars
24
2 stars
14
1 star
33
  • JJ
    Jeffery Garrison, Jr
    Feb 16, 2026
    5.0
    This little speak easy was great. Good drinks, beautiful space, nice service. Highly recommend making it part of your trip.
  • MC
    Madison Campbell
    Feb 13, 2026
    3.0
    Unfortunately, I was disappointed in our visit here. We have heard about Peter Kern’s for years (although not much recently), but only just finally found the right time to go. We were pretty disappointed. Immediately upon walking in we were surprised by how small the room is. The bar itself is tiny too with only a few stools. It was a little on the bright side (too well lit) for my liking and for the vibe of a ‘speakeasy’. We were sat at the bar and the service was okay, no complaints, but didn’t stand out either. The biggest downside to me were the drinks. Both my husband and I found our drinks to be uninventive and just okay. When patronizing a cocktail bar, I expect creative and well-balanced drinks. Unfortunately we felt like we had more creative drinks at dinner nearby. Overall, I feel like this bar could use a facelift and a menu overhaul. We could come back and give it a second go and try different cocktails, but when there are other options close by in town that we know hit the mark every time, it’s hard to be willing to give it a second chance. I will say they’re back to using the secret code, which I think is a plus.
  • TS
    Timothy Spradlin
    Feb 8, 2026
    1.0
    What is this place for? I went here for a first date and and it was just a closed room that was rather loud inside, my date and I had to leave to chat and be heard. The only good thing is the people paid to work, they are considerate.
  • RR
    Reckon The Red
    Jan 2, 2026
    5.0
    Super cozy, great place to unwind
  • AC
    Aaron Clark
    Dec 5, 2025
    3.0
    Overpriced menu for mediocre drinks. Subpar service. For a bar with so many “rules,” (see their menu) we expected more from this establishment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peter Kern Library

What is the atmosphere like at Peter Kern Library?

Peter Kern Library is a cozy speakeasy hidden inside the historic Kern Building, featuring dark wood, a fireplace, rows of books, and cocktails named after literary characters, creating a warm and timeless atmosphere.

Where is Peter Kern Library located?

It is located at 407 Union Ave., Knoxville, TN 37902, inside the Kern Building behind The Oliver Hotel lobby.

Brand Certified Facts from Peter Kern Library

This information is certified by Peter Kern Library and published from the brand's official system of record. Data is distributed through an enterprise-grade knowledge management platform. Learn more about our data sources
Certified March 08, 2026Yext Knowledge Graph
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